August 26, 2005
For Immediate Release

Connoisseur's Evening to Open Blackstone Valley Art & Wine Festival
Friday, September 9th

Blackstone Valley. The Blackstone Valley Art & Wine Festival will begin with a Connoisseur's Evening starting at 6:30 pm Friday, September 9 at the beautifully preserved Asa Waters Mansion at 123 Elm Street in Millbury.

Guest vintner Robert Wetzel, owner / winemaker at Alexander Valley Vineyards of Sonoma, California, will join guests at the historic mansion. He will guide discriminating wine connoisseurs through the evening's six gourmet courses prepared by Loaves & Fishes Catering of Grafton for a truly delightful evening in the valley.

A string ensemble from Claflin Hill of Milford will provide the appropriate ambiance that starts with a reception and pre-view of the art on display and sale in the Blackstone Fine Art Gallery. Tickets for the evening are $100 per person and seating is limited, so please call 508-234-9090 for reservations.

The Festival will host artists and artisans when it opens on the historic mansion's lovely grounds at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday and will continue through each day until 4 pm. A fine selection of gourmet foods from local establishments and caterers, music by Claflin Hill and special items commemorating the festival will be given to those attending. Wine tastings and a silent auction of wines (from noon to 4 pm) conducted by Friendly Discount Liquors will be offered throughout Saturday and Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with creative and talented artists especially chosen to participate in this Festival.

Admission to the grounds only is $10 and admission to the grounds and wine tastings is $50. For further information visit www.blackstonevalley.org or contact Martha Wetzel at the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce at 508-234-9090.

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The Asa Waters Mansion at 123 Elm Street, Millbury is conveniently located just minutes from Route 146 in the heart of the scenic Blackstone River Valley.

The AVV winery produces 100,000 cases of wine annually and red wine constitutes seventy-five percent of its production. To learn more about his special vineyard and their signature Sin Vin visit www.avvwine.com.