One of the great things about the onset of spring is all of the new scents, colors and sounds the season brings, it’s really an awakening of the senses. And to get us in the spirit of spring, Ironstone Vineyards offers a true sensory immersion you won’t want to miss – the Spring Obsession Art Show and Food and Wine Pairing. Now in its 23rd year, the art show began as a celebration of the winery’s popular Obsession wine, and now attracts artist entrants from around the country. Doors open at 10 am Saturday and Sunday at Ironstone.
This year’s art show breaks down into two categories, the first of which is open themed – meaning any subject matter the artists choose – where you can expect to see a wide array of watercolors, oils, illustration and even metal relief sculpture. The second category sticks to the spring theme of the Obsession wine – this year it’s “An Obsession with Daffodils and Tulips” – and its from this bunch that the owners of Ironstone choose the winning image that will become next year’s poster for the event. All art is for sale, and most of the artist participants attend the show, as well as the afternoon food and wine pairing, so the day is a great opportunity to get to know the people behind the work – as well as some of the professional judges.
Distinguished guest curators on hand this year will be Scott Shields, curator at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, and Charles Pyle, director of the illustration department at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. They’ll both be mingling with the artists and visitors throughout the afternoon. Another of the day’s highlights for visitors is the chance to see art in action, artists will have their easels set up throughout the Ironstone facilities and weather permitting, outside in the gardens and vineyard. If you can’t make it this weekend, all the artwork remains on display through Mother’s Day weekend.
Wine and Food Pairing from Around the World
Head into Saturday evening with a global tour for the tastebuds, as chef Rob Christie and the Ironstone staff present a series of delicious appetizers from around the world paired with their respective wine varietals. How about a trip to Spain featuring a Tempranillo paired with pork and chipotle empanada? Or a visit to Italy with Pinot Grigio and prosciutto wrapped melon and Reserve Syrah with Tuscan meatballs. In all there will be four tasting stations with a total of eight wines – a red and white for each, with corresponding dishes. Food and Wine Pairing runs from 4 to 6:30 pm, tickets are $25 per person or $20 for wine club members. For reservations call 209-728-1251.
Also at Ironstone This Weekend – Free Appraisal Clinic for Americana Artifacts
Are you hanging onto a collection of old treasures and wondering what they might be worth? Then bring your Americana artifacts down to Ironstone this weekend for a free appraisal by renowned collector Fred Holabird, who will be offering appraisals Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Fred’s especially interested in American coins and currency, as well as mining, railroad and saloon artifacts from 1800 through the 1930s. No appointment necessary, and even if you don’t have anything to appraise it’s an entertaining experience to come see what others have brought in.
Details on the Spring Obsession Art Show
Ironstone Vineyards is famous for its huge displays of daffodils. Check out this slideshow of daffodil displays at Ironstone from the Sacramento Bee in 2013.Other Places for Art, Food and Wine this Weekend
What: Mardi Gras Winemaker’s Dinner and Party
Where: Hotel Leger, Mokelumne Hill
When: Saturday March 1, 5 – 8pm
In the Whitewater Saloon at the historic Hotel Leger. Wines by Renegade Winery to go with some great Cajun/Creole food. Musical Entertainment by Annie Marie & Fiddle Around, an infectious blend of Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans Blues and Swamp Boogie. Tickets $30 per person ($35 at door), $50 per couple ($60 at door).
What: Twisted Oak Winery Dinner at Bear Valley Lodge
Where: Bear Valley Lodge, Bear Valley
When: Saturday March 1, Wine social starts at 5 pm
Delicious 3 course meal perfectly paired by their chef and winemaker, featuring clam chowder paired with Twisted Oak Ruebens Blend, medallion of stuffed pork loin topped with sundried cherry sauce, roasted butternut squash and fingerling potatoes paired with Twisted Oaks Tempranillo, and to top it all off chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries and drizzled with a chocolate sauce paired with Twisted Oaks Petite Sirah. Tickets $35 each plus tax & gratuity. Reservations required: 209-753-2327.
What: Top Chef Challenge
Where: Arnold Black Bear Inn, Arnold
When: Saturday March 1, 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Two local chefs will go head-to-head in a 5-course Italian-themed challenge, in the Black Bear Inn kitchen. Guests will taste two plates from each chef (per course), and decide the winning chef. That winning chef will win a cash prize and a Black Bear Inn Top Chef Challenge trophy! Stay at the Inn or reserve your space for dinner only. Tickets $120 each. Reservations required: 209-795-8999.
What: Artist’s Reception
Where: Hovey Wines Tasting Room, Murphys
When: Sunday March 2, 4 – 6pm
Hovey Wines presents the watercolor paintings of Bambi Papais. Complimentary appetizers and wines for $5 per glass.
Be sure to check out our calendar of events for more information on what’s happening in Calaveras County this weekend and throughout the year.