SPOTLIGHT – January 2009


spotlight: events

Grapes and Glitz

Don Your Best For This Special Hollywood-Themed Wine asting Event

The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia (CAC) is hosting its 18th Annual Wine by Design on Friday, Feb. 27. The event features more than 30 California wines and an array of hors d'oeuvres and appetizers from restaurants across Hampton Roads, "so there's no need for dinner reservations before the event!" says Erika Guess, public relations associate at CAC.

Tickets are $55 for CAC members and $60 for non-members. Each ticket includes a free subscription to Virginia Wine Lover magazine. This popular event is known to sell out, so don't delay in buying tickets. 

Honorary chair Mr. Mal Vincent, film critic for The Virginian-Pilot, and event chairman Dr. Roy Williams, renowned local wine expert, will be in attendance and "have devised a fun-filled evening," says Ms. Guess.  This year's theme, "Hollywood & Wine," will incorporate wine tastings, movie trivia games and live music provided by JuJu & After Hours Band and Double Take. Mr. Vincent's private collection of movie memorabilia will also be on display.

Don't forget your checkbook because guests will also be able to participate in a silent auction to bid on donations from several Boardwalk Art Show and Neptune Festival artists. "In addition to art, we're offering winery packages and luxuries like airline tickets, hotel packages, restaurant gift certificates and rare wines from private collectors. All of our silent auction packages will have a 'Hollywood' theme," says Ms. Guess. Proceeds will benefit CAC's exhibitions and educational programs.

"This is the first year Wine by Design has a theme," says Keia Brown, an event committee member. "With Mal's help, we really wanted to capture the excitement of the Oscars that take place the week before our event, as well as the movie Hollywood and Wine that will be released in 2009."

The 18th Annual Wine by Design will be held on Feb. 27 from  7–11 p.m. at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach. For more information, contact the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia at 757-425-0000 or visit www.cacv.org.