Fine Art & Wine Festival

What started out as a wet, chilly weekend turned into something absolutely beautiful! The 2009 "Fine Art & Wine Festival," put on by the Red River Chamber of Commerce, was another huge success thanks to the artists, wineries, volunteers, and attendees. Friday night's welcome reception at Mountain Treasures was delicious... and not just because all of the vintners brought bottles of their favorite wines. Alli Connor, Red River's resident wine expert, did a great job talking to everyone about the different types of wine at the reception, and Steve Garrett, Mountain Treasures own little treasure, prepared scrumptious hors d' oeuvres that were enjoyed by all (pulled pork sandwiches with apple butter on puffed pastries... YUM!).

Saturday turned out to be typical spring weather in the mountains, but we were surprised at how many people braved the rain and wind to come out to the festival (we think the seven wineries may have contributed to the bravery of attendees). Gabrielle Louise was as cute as a button with a dynamite voice and songwriting skills, and Phillip, Mandy, and Ben were crowd pleasers as usual. We are so blessed to have such amazing talent right here in our little valley! The art was beyond compare - sculptors, painters, photographers, potters... you name it, we had it. Magnificent artist, Ed Sandoval, was here again from Taos to judge our juried show, and multiple Red River businesses contributed awards for the winners.

As things started to wind down at the park Saturday afternoon, thirty people hopped on board the Red River Trolley for our first ever progressive wine dinner. From Sundance, to Capo's, to Timbers (stuffed filet mignon), and Onota Bakery, guests were treated to a dinner beyond compare with wines to match. Considering the smiles of contentment we observed, we gather the progressive dinner was a huge success. The Chamber is considering putting together the progressive wine dinner on a regular basis, so stop by their office in Town Hall if you'd like more information.

Sunday was a day for the books in Red River. The sunshine finally came out and warmed up the town to about 70 degrees. A new crowd of people ventured out to Brandenburg Park to enjoy the music, art, wine, and food (we couldn't help but notice how many people also took advantage of Red River being one of the most dog-friendly communities in New Mexico). Fold out chairs and blankets were all over the park while people soaked up some sun and enjoyed the ambiance. As children enjoyed the grass on their bare feet and adults enjoyed the wine on their palates, you could see smile after smile until the last note was played Sunday afternoon.

Festivals like "Fine Art & Wine" are one of the best reasons to live in Red River... or at least visit a lot more often.