Pairing of arts and wine: a sensory experience

Tucked away in two rooms, on the second floor of a European-style chateau, is an incredible art exhibit. Visit Chateau des Charmes Winery in St. Davids, and climb the stairs to the Paul Bosc Lounge and the St. Davids Bench Room. There you will find the diverse and distinctive styles of local artists belonging to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Arts Collective, which also includes several curators and galleries.

The many and varied mediums are astounding. Examples found in this exhibit include: acrylic, oil, soft pastels, mixed media collages, metallic paper prints and high definition prints, prints on metal and canvas, fused glass, charcoal on canvas and an archival photograph.

The subjects for the individual pieces are just as diverse. Mountains and forests, an assortment of flowers and trees, varying water scenes, examples from the animal kingdom, and people and places can be found.

The winery’s director of hospitality, Martin Lindqvist says, “The winery has always been interested in supporting the arts, with exhibits year-round from out-of-town artists.” When the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre and members of the NOTL Collective approached the winery to display the work of local artists, Chateau des Charmes jumped at the chance to join forces in a partnership representing and supporting local artists.

Paul-Andre Bosc, president and CEO of Chateau des Charmes, comes from a family of winegrowers in France. His father Paul came to Canada with his young family in the 1960s, planted Canada’s first commercial vineyard to make the finest wine from European grape varieties, and founded the winery in 1978. The first building went up in 1994. There is a long tradition of showcasing wine and art in Europe, and Paul-Andre  wants to continue this tradition.

“Through this partnership, we want to contribute to Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s efforts to strengthening the visual arts in the community,” says Bosc. He invites guests to explore his estate winery, sipping a glass of wine, savouring the scenery, and enjoying the works of professional local artists.

The public is invited to the opening reception on Thursday, June 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for an opportunity to meet some of the members of the collective and enjoy a complimentary sparkling wine while viewing stunning pieces. The show is open to the public at no charge and continues through Oct. 26.

Artwork can be purchased by contacting the artists directly.

Come by and enjoy a sensory experience for both the eyes and the taste buds — a pairing of the arts.