NEW CASTLE Hoyt gives nod to New Orleans in its Taste of Wines Festival

Included in this year's offerings are wines from a Volant winemaker.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- In keeping with its extended celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, the Hoyt Institute's fifth annual Taste of Wines Festival will take a spin toward New Orleans.
Several Hoyt events this year have focused on the contribution black Americans have made to the visual arts, and now guests who attend this elegant fundraiser may enjoy the unique foods and music of New Orleans, along with fine wines from all over the world.
"Some of the wines we will serve at the event are really top shelf, but we will also serve many fine wines in the moderate price range," said Kimberly Koller-Jones, Hoyt Institute director.
"Some people have already developed a sophisticated palate, and this event will give others an opportunity to develop their palate by tasting different wines."
There are some additions to the festival.
"This year, we have invited a local winemaker from Volant to participate," said Koller-Jones.
"Volant Wines grow their own grapes and sell their wines in a store downtown. We always like to showcase local culture."
The Hoyt also offers wine appreciation and winemaking courses, and the instructors will be present at the festival to offer information.
Supplying the wines
Brian Hartman of Majestic Wines, a local distributor, teaches the wine appreciation course, and has also supplied the wines for the evening.
They include Sauvion Vouvray of the Loire Valley, Pierre Sparr Gew & uuml;rztraminer from Alsace, The Crossings "Unoaked" Chardonnay of New Zealand, Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, and many more.
Koller-Jones said the wine list carries a hint of flavor from the famed French Quarter.
Richard Bryant teaches the winemaking course, and has recently won two gold medals at a competition in Pittsburgh. He will be offering some of his award-winning wines for the silent auction, and also certificates for his class.
The Hoyt is actually two mansions connected by a walkway, and the entire first floor will be open for guests.
"As people enter, they will be greeted by the jazz sounds of the Richard Morelli quartet of instrumentalists," said Koller-Jones. "Nina Sainato, a local jazz pianist, will also perform during the evening.
"People may go to either the east or west mansion, to sample the wines or enjoy the art exhibits, and, weather permitting, we will be expanding out onto the terrace," she said.
Food offerings
"There will be chef-manned pasta and jambalaya stations in both wings, preparing foods before the guests -- very elegant and unique. We will also offer spicy chicken, and other meats and seafood, and a variety of breads, cheese, fruits and vegetables.
"We will have a coffee bar and lots of sweets, including chocolate fountains and mousse, pastries and cookies. There will be dessert wines to sample, including Pama Liqueur, Red Raspberry Alba, and Pommery Champagne from France."
Other highlights of the event include the 33rd annual Hoyt Regional Juried Art Show, already on exhibit, and local artist of national renown Thomas G. McNickle has offered an original framed rural landscape watercolor as part of the silent auction. A photographer will also be present for any guests who wish to have their picture taken as a memento of the elegant evening.
Koller-Jones said this is the Hoyt's only annual fundraiser, and they expect about 300 to attend. Tickets are $75, $65 for Hoyt members. Business-casual to semi-formal dress is suggested.