() May 27, 2009 — The 2009 Toast of Taos Wine Festival, now in its fourth year, offers wine, art and epicurean experiences for
every palate and every pocketbook. From incredible art showcased in a 19-gallery tour and four charity auctions, to mouth-watering cuisine featured at the festival's winemaker dinners, to the thrill of an excursion to a glamorous resort, the Toast of Taos Wine Festival has it all. The event will be held July 2-11, 2009 in the scenic town of Taos, New Mexico in The Land of Enchantment's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Tickets for Toast of Taos events range in price from $25-$200 and can be purchased online or by calling (575)751-5811. Toast of Taos Wine Festival Logo Foodies can savor the mouth-watering delights of a gourmet dinner at Sabroso or Graham's Grille accompanied by featured wines of Argentina and New Mexico's Casa Ronde&ntildea winery. Those seeking more casual dining will want to explore the Summer of Love Wine Tasting held at the KTAO Solar Center or have dinner and a glass of wine at the Old Blinking Light Restaurant. All wine and feature award-winning southwest wines ranging from light and lovely, to big, fruit forward reds, and mouthwatering white wines. "The Toast of Taos Wine Festival brings all kinds of people together to have a great time while supporting this special community. This great event is a manifestation created by the people of this incredible town,” says Michael Wagener, General Manager of The Old Blinking Light. Beginning this year the Toast of Taos Wine Festival is opening its doors to wine makers from around the world. Traditionally most Toast of Taos wine maker dinners have featured outstanding from New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma, but this year many of the wine festival's events will also feature wines from around the world. The 2009 Toast of Taos Wine Festival will balance its wine offerings by including Southwest wines as well as wines from California, South America and other recognized world wine appellations. Outstanding New Mexico wines will highlight the Patron's Wine Dinner on July 3rd at Lambert's Restaurant, an elegant, award-winning, local favorite. Chef Ty Quintanilla's menu includes melon soup and Lambert's signature dish, pepper crusted loin of lamb with red wine demi-glace. This gourmet meal will be partnered with superb New Mexico red and white wines such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Vivac Winery, a magnificent Animante Port, and a luscious Viognier from Casa Rondena Winery. As Chef Quintanilla says, "I love creating glorious food for Lambert's, and the opportunity to partner with these outstanding winemakers makes the experience one I savor. I know those who come to the dinner will have an outstanding dining experience.” Headlining the art offerings is the Art D'Vine Gallery Tour on July 10th. From 5-9 PM, 19 will invite visitors to experience their featured artists, great wines and food in each gallery. A different winery and local restaurant will offer unique tastings in each of the 19 galleries. Rob Nightingale, owner of Wilder Nightingale Fine Art, states, "Gallery owners love the Toast of Taos Wine Festival atmosphere as visitors stroll from gallery to gallery with wine glasses in hand. Every gallery presents a treasure to the senses.” Famous charity auctioneer will preside over the four live and silent auctions benefiting the Holy Cross Hospital Foundation. These fundraisers will be held at wine maker dinners featuring Lambert's Restaurant, Sabroso's Restaurant, and the Stakeout Grill and Bar. On July 11th the fourth and final Summer of Love Celebration and Gala Charity Auction will be held at the El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa. Auction items feature art created by well-known Taos artists, fine and rare wines, and exotic travel and dining experiences.
This year's Toast of Taos will be going on during the scheduled 2009 Summer of Love events. The Summer of Love celebrates the 40-year anniversary of the filming and subsequent release of Easy Rider, the movie shot and edited by then Taos resident Dennis Hopper.