On Saturday, the Denison Arts and Wine Renaissance will expand its wine list over the previous eight years. This year’s event will include eighteen Texas wineries, two of them newcomers.

 

“This year’s call for wines has produced a well respected crop of the top Texas wines from wineries and vineyards throughout the state,” said Amy Lay, Denison Main Street Program manager. “Texas has had several new wineries open this year. Texas now boasts 84 bonded wineries locations within the state.”  The annual DAWR will offer patrons an array of wines as well as a longer list of “Who’s Who” is the Texas wine industry, she added.

 

Denison’s own Homestead Winery is providing the signature Renaissance wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Lay said. As announced in February, “Black and White and Lemon Peel” by Betty Nash, is the 2005 Renaissance art winner and this year’s label.

 

“It is exciting to see how this event has grown,” said Gabe Parker, Homestead Winery owner. “This event is one of the premier events on the wine event circuit.”

 

According to Lay, there will be a broad array of wines to taste and experience.

 

“The Denison Arts and Wine committee has gone to great lengths,” said Lay. “To offer everything from a light crisp wine, such as a Blanc du Bois, to the deep and complicated flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon.”

 

The event will feature one of Texas’ best Port wines from Messina Hof Winery in Bryan.  The European style wines will include wines from a Sangiovese to a Muscato, which is a red wine to a white sweet wine. Other varieties include Viogner, Dry Reisling, Reisling, the Chardonnay and Merlot.

 

Lay noted that many favorites are returning this year for the Renaissance: Wichita Falls Winery of Iowa Park, Texas is returning with a Blush. Llano Estacado is also coming back for a visit bringing their award-winning Signature Wine.

 

“Messina Hof Winery is joining us again with the owner and winemaker attending the event, Paul Bonarrigo,” said Lay.

 

North Texas wineries are supporting the DAWR with representatives from Delaney Vineyards, of Grapevine, Hidden Springs, of Pilot Point, Homestead Winery, of Denison and Grapevine, and Grapevine’s La Bodega and La Buena Vida. Other returning wineries include Hill Country wineries, Bell Mountain, Chisholm Trail, Spicewood Vineyards, Pleasant Hill, and Fall Creek. New wineries attending for the first time include Lone Star and Wales Manor, both of McKinney.

 

 “If you are looking to try some of the best wines Texas has to offer, join us at Eisenhower Business Center on Saturday,” said Lay.

 

The DAWR is held from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and formal attire is not required. Lay said that “black & white” attire is encouraged to match the theme.

 

“Come and raise a glass to Denison, its art, its foods, and wonderful Texas wines,” said Lay.

 

Advanced tickets are on sale in Denison at Castleberry Florist, City Hall and the Denison Chamber of Commerce; and in Sherman, at O'Fiddlesticks.

 

For more information on the event or to sponsor, contact Lay at (903) 464-4452 or e-mail at alay@ci.denison.tx.us.

 

Photos from last year's event