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Community Corner

Athens Wine Weekend

Tickets now on sale for the fifth annual Athens Wine Weekend at The Classic Center

 ATHENS, Ga. – Tickets are now on sale for the fifth annual Athens Wine Weekend, scheduled for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, at The Classic Center in downtown Athens.

The event is a benefit for The Classic Center Cultural Foundation, which provides resources to entertain and educate the community by supporting diverse performing and visual arts programs, while also offering scholarships to upcoming students of the arts.

In addition to the three performing arts scholarships that are given annually, the Foundation added a new scholarship this year for students interested in pursuing an education in culinary arts. The audition process for this scholarship will take place in conjunction with Athens Wine Weekend. Applicants will prepare a dish that will be judged by a panel of three local chefs.

The weekend kicks off with a special reception Friday evening. Featured chefs will conduct an in-house presentation ofAmuse-Bouche, a sampling of each chef’s cooking artistry, all paired with the perfect wine to arouse the pallet. This year’s lineup of local chefs includes Chris McCook of Athens Country Club, Kyle Jacovino of 5&10, BJ Bracewell of East West Bistro, Peter Dale of The National and Steve Vining of Foundry Park Inn and Spa.

The Saturday afternoon Grand Tasting showcases hundreds of wines from around the world and includes seminars by national and international wine experts. Last year, more than 800 people sipped and reviewed wines from various distributors.

Topping off the day is the six-course Gourmet Dinner featuring dazzling presentations, expertly complemented by a wine selected specifically for each course. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation’s culinary arts scholarship winner will be announced during the Dinner.

A silent auction is slated for Saturday, which in addition to the event proceeds, benefits The Classic Center Cultural Foundation.

Closing out the weekend is the Sunday Brunch with Habersham Winery. Featuring complimentary beverages and a feast of breads, sweets and meats, the Brunch is the perfect way to close an extraordinary weekend of new discoveries.

There are several ticketing options available, including discounted packages with deluxe hotel accommodations at Hilton Garden Inn.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit AthensWineWeekend.com or call 706.357.4444.

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