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BY TIFFANY R. LEONARD
The Dispatch
The 23rd Annual Barbecue Festival Media Luncheon kicked off Monday with the debut of the second edition of Fine Swine Wine, the official wine of the festival, along with many thanks.
City officials, sponsors and various media representatives gathered at Childress Vineyards to get a preview of what to expect at this year's festival Oct. 21 along with a taste of the second edition of Fine Swine Wine, the official wine of The Barbecue Festival, and some barbecue.
"We were overwhelmed with the interest in our Fine Swine Wine last year," said Richard Childress, owner of Childress Vineyards and RCR Racing, in a statement. "We've made more wine to accommodate the demand this year, and now it looks like we will have an annual tradition partnering with the Barbecue Festival and our friend Bob Timberlake."
Childress Vineyards winemaker Mark Friszolowski made about 400 cases of Fine Swine Wine this year, but Kathleen Watson, director of marketing and public relations for Childress Vineyards, said the quantity is still limited.
The red wine is 40 percent syrah grapes blended with cabernet franc with a residual sugar.
"It's like sweet tea with a kick," Friszolowski said.
Fine Swine Wine will be available only on Oct. 21 at the festival beginning at 8 a.m. and until supplies last. Bottles are $12 each and can be purchased at the vineyards' tent on the Square or at the winery. Phone orders will also be accepted at the winery Oct. 21 by calling 236-9463.
Fast Track Wine Club members can prepurchase the wine at the winery from Oct. 18-20 for the price of $10 a bottle.
Invited guests also previewed the label of the newest release of Fine Swine Wine, which is based on a sign from one of the town's old barbecue restaurants, the Red Pig Café, painted by artist Bob Timberlake especially for the label of the 2006 vintage.
"I was brave enough to ask him (to do the label) and happy he said yes," Stephanie Saintsing-Gryder, the festival director, said before introducing Timberlake.
Timberlake, a collector of pigs, joked that he had no personal experiences in The Red Café due to his parents prohibiting him from going there, but he still found it intriguing.
"We have had some great places to eat," Timberlake said. "I was fascinated by it and hope that you do enjoy it."
Thanks were also given to everyone who has provided services or assisted with the festival in some way. And Saintsing-Gryder gave a special honor to her mother, the late Kay K. Saintsing, who directed the festival until her death in 2002.
Saintsing-Gryder acknowledged the many things her mother did to make the festival what it is and asked that her mother be remembered as people celebrate the annual festival.
"I enjoy honoring my mother every day of the year, but especially during the festival," Saintsing-Gryder said.
Along with these thanks and honors, Lexington Mayor Richard Thomas reminded guests not to forget the pig, for which the festival would not be possible.
"Several events are scheduled to honor the pig and its full support of the festival," Thomas said.
He said the festival is vital to the local economy.
The afternoon also included the introduction of the first "Childress Idol" winner, 21-year-old Lexington native Ross Coppley. Coppley will perform at this year's festival. He won the "Childress Idol" competition this weekend.
Erik Salzwedel, director of Arts United of Davidson County, discussed the events that will be held at Arts United for the festival. Arts United will host the Davidson County Woodcarvers Association's annual competition beginning at 10 a.m. The facility will also have plenty of "art" activities, including artists providing demonstrations.
Saintsing-Gryder said the festival "will be a great day in Lexington."
Luncheon guests ended the afternoon with a toast to the new wine, great food and the 2006 Barbecue Festival.
Tiffany R. Leonard can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 235 or at tiffany.leonard@the-dispatch.com.
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