2nd Annual Akdar Wine Festival

Find out everything you always wanted to know about wine – in one day.

Find out everything you always wanted to know about wine – in one day. The 2nd annual Akdar Wine Festival takes place October 16, 2010. This year’s celebration features 12 Oklahoma wineries with more than 100 wines to sample. Selections include sweet wines, dry wines, dessert wines, hot mulled wine, icy wine and wine smoothies.

There’s something about wine that makes it different from any other beverage. A glass of wine can feel elegant and classy at a sophisticated black-tie event; yet the same wine can feel cozy and comfortable in front of the TV in jeans and a sweatshirt.

Owners from each of the participating wineries will be on hand to unlock some of the mysteries of wine. According to Morgan Bear, this year’s event chairman, “Talking with the owners and getting answers to all sorts of questions is what people enjoyed most from last year’s premier event.” At what temperature should each wine be served? What shape of glass should you use? Do certain dishes call for a light wine or full-bodied selection?

Wines can be very pleasing on their own, but they taste their best when carefully matched with food. Different foods can affect the taste of wine significantly. Guests will have the opportunity to learn what to choose and what to avoid for best results. Morgan recalls that even the greenest novices felt like experts when they left last year’s event. “They took home knowledge along with their bottles of wine, which are sold tax-free on festival day.”

Participating wineries for the 2010 festival are Blue Coyote Winery, Oak Hills Winery & Vineyards, Stable Ridge Vineyards, Summerside Vineyards & Winery, Territory Cellars, The Grape Junction, Whispering Vines Vineyard & Winery, Sparks Winery & Vineyard, Sailing Horse Vineyard & Winery, Nuyaka Creek Winery, Whispering Meadows Vineyard & Winery, and Tidal School Vineyards & Winery. Each will present their specialties to sample and to purchase, along with lots of accessories and gift items to purchase for the holidays that are just around the corner.

In addition to wine samples, guests can enjoy a variety of cheeses provided by Reasor’s Deli. And what would a celebration of wine be without great food? This year’s kitchen sponsor is Ludger’s Catering. Executive Chef Scott Sherrill and owner Ludger Schulz will offer a ­special menu that features a salad, choice of chicken fettuccini, cheese manicotti or lasagna, and dessert – including Ludger’s legendary cheesecake – for just $10 per person. “This, in itself, is an incredible bargain,” says Morgan. “We are pleased to offer some of the finest food in Tulsa for such a low price.”

The Akdar Wine Festival is an all-around Oklahoma event. The 12 wineries are Oklahoma businesses, as well as the participating sponsors, Reasor’s and Ludger’s. Proceeds from the festival support the local fraternal side of the all-volunteer Akdar Shrine organization. This includes upkeep of the Shrine Center building and day-to-day activities that help Shriners do what they do best.

The festival is Saturday, October 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the lower level of the Akdar Shrine building, 2808 S. Sheridan. Admission is $10 at the door, or tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (918) 836-2500. Large groups and buses are welcome. The Ludger’s meal is also $10 per person. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. 

For more information, contact

Akdar Wine Festival

(918) 836-2500

www.akdarwinefestival.com