The 25th Anniversary Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Wine and Art Festival rocked and Rolle-d with irresistible live music, a record breaking 56 wines, 38 artists, culinary demos and spectacular sunny weather at The Retreat Gardens on Village Rd.
Bristol Wines and Spirits Wine Director Rusty Scates says “Over the 25 years I am amazed with the progression of the event from a pure wine and art event to include all these other aspects which combine for a world class event.“
As Wine Director Skates predicted, the star of the show… the about to be released in Nassau “Rock ‘N Rolle Classic,” a new French wine already top of the charts in other locales.
Charismatic owners and wine makers Theo and Leon Kalkdijk of Rock ‘N Rolle Wines captivated the audience at Booth #9, providing rare backstage insights into the intriguing world of wine.
They explained that the Bahamian looking “Rolle” on their trendy label actually refers to the variety of the grape, Rolle, which they feel suits the sunny weather and personality of The Bahamas. The refreshing blend “offers a refreshing acidity with flavours of peach and white flowers.”
The savvy techie will be able to scan a Quick Response (QR) Code on the Rock ‘N Rolle label or go to their website, sptfy.com/rocknrolletunes to download a free play list of rock and roll music including “Spill the Wine.” Tee shirts read, “Don’t spill THIS wine!”
A lively crowd surrounded them all afternoon at the French wine stall where another crowd favourite was Chateau Minuty ‘Or’ 2014, a delicate rose
from Provence, at $36.95 one of the most expensive wines on the list.
Wine tasters and art fans danced their way through the shady paths of “The Retreat,” keeping time to the music of many live performers including the young percussionists from the National School of Dance, lead by John Burrows, grandson of iconic drummer Chippy Chipman.
The exotic tastes of Bristol’s 1er (Premier) Cru Collection, eight wines from five countries, lured guests to their exclusive section, mixed in with the always impressive artist John Paul and upwardly notable Marco Mullings. Dawn Davies, the Dean of Bahamian Art Collectors, pronounced his wall filling lion fish painting “a big thing from an important artist.”
“The art was more interesting this time around,” says IT guru Alan Loane. He bought two wide blue impressionistic seascapes from Papillon. Several artists reported selling multiple works even during Members Night, held on the eve of the event.
Entertainment and food added to the enjoyment with culinary demonstrations coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism, featuring Chef Carvison Pratt. He paired his “Lobster and Sweet Potato Bites” with Oyster Bay Chardonnay (Marlborough, New Zealand.)
Best in show winners were photographer Rashad Penn’s striking series of crumbling docks and Mega Mergers Apprenticeship Program who passionately showcased works by students including recycled tires made into gaming chairs and accessories as well as rowing boats.
Bahamian artists live included the “Salt Artist” Allan P. Wallace, tricks and treats from Emanji Circus Arts, and Air Brush Junkies.
Many of the wines will be available at sale prices at Bristol Wines and Spirits locations on Gladstone Rd, East Bay St. and Blake Rd., now through November 7.
The Wine and Art Festival is a major fundraiser for The Bahamas National Trust.
The next events to mark on your calendar are BNT Jollification Nov. 20- 22 at The Retreat Garden, Nassau; Festival Noel, Grand Bahama, Dec. 4 – 6, 10 p.m.; and Art for the Parks, Abaco, Dec. 11- 13.
By P.S. News /Features
Captions from top to bottom:
TOP: BEST IN SHOW –Photographer Rashad Penn and his striking series of =
crumbling docks, admired by Realtor Chandra Parker. Photo by P. S. News/Features
#1 at Wine and Art’s 25th- Ester Knowles, Customer Service Manager at Bristol Wines and Spirits, welcomed each guest. She has poured at each of the 25 BNT Wine and Arts Festivals. Here she pours the delicious #! at the # 1 Booth, Red Diamond Chardonnay from Washington State,t he perfect match for seared scallops.
Rock ‘N Rolle Classic–A new French wine with a Bahamian accent, already top of the charts in other locales, launched in Nassau this weekend as owners and wine makers Mr. Theo (right) and Leon (left) Kalkdijk of Rock ‘N Rolle Wines captivated the audience at Booth #9, centre stage for the action all day at the 25th Annual BNT Wine and Arts Festival sponsored by Bristol Wines and Spirits. Brand Ambassador for Rock ‘N Rolle Wines, Tessa Hahn (centre) even wears the slogan “Don’t Spill” on her finger tips.
BEST IN SHOW 3 Dimensions–Mega Mergers Apprenticeship Program
passionately showcased works by students including recycled tires made =
into gaming chairs and accessories as well as rowing boats.
“Important Artist”–. Dawn Davies, the Dean of Bahamian Art Collectors, pronounced Marco Mulling’s wall filling lion fish painting “a big thing from an important artist.”
Headliners Live On Air — Popular radio personality Eddie Carter (center) broadcasting live with Bristol Wines and Spirits’ Carlynn Sands (L), Marketing Manager and Rusty Scates (R), Wine Director. Bristol Wines and Spirits is the generous main sponsor of the BNT Wine and Arts Festival for all 25 years of the event’s existence.
Photos by P.S. News/Features
