Each year, the popular event features 55 wines from around the world, all provided by Bristol Wines & Spirits, and a selection of art and artists from around the Bahamas, all to benefit The Bahamas National Trust in its effort to preserve and protect Bahamian natural and architectural treasures. “Delightful was the only word for it last year,” says Rusty Scates, Bristolﾹs Wine Manager. He adds, “The hint of the Holidays adds to the excitement of the wine and art.” He and Sandy Rolle, fellow Wine Manager, direct the wine side of The Festival .
Last year more than 650 people turned out to taste the 55 wines and view the works of 24 international and local artists. Local hostesses prize the events tasting list and its recommendations for food and wine matches. Among Artists included this year, organized by Chairperson Diane Holowesko Dunkley, are: Sarah Aboni, Vivian Archer, Dana Bain, Othneil Bain, Johnathan Bethel, RJ Cass, John Cox, Lou Cuevas, John Paul, Sandi George, Rome Heyer, Ann Ridge Kemp, Mike Klonaris, Thierry Lamare, Sabrina Lightbourn, Toby Lunn, Jacline Mazard, Chan Pratt, Livingston Pratt, Mary Putman, Mark Redgrave, Nora Smith, Philip Wallace and Rob Wilkinson.
All 13 BNT Wine and Art Festivals are the brain children of George Kelly, MBE. He points out, “It is a gift to charity… to the Bahamas National Trust to defray expenses. I think it should be looked at as a value item. Where else can you try 55 wines and see the work of about 30 artists for $20?” There are no extra charges, except for food or art, of course. The cheese is provided from Sargento Cheeses and their agents Asa H. Pritchard Ltd.” Thierry Lamareﾹs austere masterpieces will again share the garden with unusual and charming entries from Lou Cuevas, “The Glass Lady,” who turns recycled bits and pieces of broken glass and beach debris into impressionistic works of art. Talented young Johnathon Bethel is back this year, a contrast in style to the also very talented John Cox.
“Itﾹs my favourite event. I especially liked it last year because you could stand back and SEE the art and actually talk to the artists. Iﾹve been coming to this about half my life. The wines and the art are all wonderful, every year. This year Iﾹm going right after the Bahamas Real Estate Association Licensing Exam finishes. I hope to talk the whole class into coming along,”says Chandra Parker-Searcy. Ms. Parker-Searcy grew up in Nassau and often flew over from where ever she was for the BNT Wine and Art festival.
The range of artists (from amateurish–watch them develop–to sublime, enjoy!) usually matches the range of wines ( all quite drinkable, some spectacular, ranging in bottle price from under $10 to over $100.)
The wines are served by students of the UWI Center for Hotel and Tourism Management, providing hands on experience and contacts to further their careers in the Hospitality industry. Juan Bacardi , CEO of Bristol Wines & Spirits, says sales of wines are brisk following the tasting each year. Most of the Festival wines go on special ” Buy two, get one free,” for the week after the Festival at Bristol showrooms in Solomonﾹs Building, East -West Highway, Blake Road or Archerﾹs Liquor Store, Paradise Island Shopping Plaza.
By P.S. News/Features
