Staff Report

The first Art and Wine Tour sponsored in part by the Foothills Arts Council, the Yadkin Arts Council, the Yadkin Valley Crafters Guild and several area wineries, was deemed a grand success as the streets of Yadkinville drew a crowd on Saturday afternoon.

Local sponsors were very pleased.

“We have a steady stream of people back and forth across the street,” said Susan Lyons of the Yadkin Arts Council.

On hand inside the arts council, aspiring artists painted on the wall; portrait artist Sharon Grubbs worked on a current painting; photographer extraordinaire Tom Wise charmed guests with his photos and his knowledge; and Helen Crews, watercolorist, demonstrated her talents as well.

Wine tastings were also held inside the arts council by Laurel Gray Vineyards and Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge Vineyard.

The Renegar family of Allison Oaks Tasting Room — across the street from the arts council — estimated around 150 people in attendance by mid-afternoon.

Artists working in the tasting room included glass blower, Jeff Wilson who always wows audiences with his amazing talent; artist Debbie Westbrook of Mount Airy; whose work is featured in the tasting room regularly and artist Ed Camin.

The tour trek ran from the quaint shops and artists nooks of Alleghany County through Surry County and into Yadkin. A surprise awaited at every stop, with unique art and handcrafted trinkets in variety enough to please every one.

The wines

Wine connoisseurs no doubt found immense pleasure in the variety and quality of the wines available for tasting. The vineyards and wineries went beyond by educating the public on the process of winemaking and offering pleasant accompaniments to the fruit of the vine.

Susan Fulcher, President of Foothills Art Council, said she had several people come through from as far away as Charlotte and Wilmington. She was the working artist for the day.

“It was a very pleasant experience for me,” said Fulcher.

She gave a large portion of credit for the event to Bill Colvard who, she said was instrumental in developing the idea.