Red Mountain wineries bring artwork, artists into tasting rooms

BENTON CITY, Wash. — Red Mountain wineries will turn their tasting rooms into temporary art galleries April 6-14 for a new, nine-day event called Estates of the Art on Red Mountain.

More than a dozen artists from the Tri-Cities are pairing up with Red Mountain wineries, displaying their works during the nine-day, self-guided exhibit. Participating wineries are Col Solare, Cooper, Fidelitas, Hightower, Kiona, Portrait Cellars, Monte Scarlatto, Tapteil and Terra Blanca.

The group of artists include Linda Ellis Andrews, John Clement, Rob Di Piazza, Laura Gable, Ron Gerton, Kasia Gorski, Susan Kimmel, Connie Murphy, Ted Neth, Jan Nilsson, April Ottey, Eve Shaw,  DS Watkins and David Wyatt. Artists are scheduled to appear at the wineries April 6-7 and 13-14.

Estates of the Art marks the first time Red Mountain wineries have created a themed event throughout the American Viticultural Area.

“Spring is the time when people are looking for inspiration and opportunities, and this event is a great reason to make a point of visiting Red Mountain wineries,” Wendi Warner, Red Mountain AVA Alliance board member and manager of Col Solare, said in a news release.

Jane Pearson of Tapteil Estate, event committee member and award-winning painter, said, “We live in a stunningly beautiful place… for inspiration, all I have to do is open my eyes each morning. Things to delight all the senses are most greatly appreciated by the people that realize the great care, time and vision that goes into the creation of a beautiful thing.”

 The Red Mountain AVA Alliance was founded in 2008 by vineyard owners, winemakers, wineries, residents and local industry leaders.