“Side by Side”, Charles Pachter acrylic on canvas, 2001 

An Evening of Arts and Wines

at The Charles Pachter, ‘Moose Factory Gallery’

on Tuesday May 1st, 2007 at 6:30p.m

The Society for American Wines celebrated Spring at Charles Pachter’s ‘Moose Factory’, a unique gallery in the heart of Toronto. Charles is a leading contemporary painter, printmaker, sculptor, designer, historian and lecturer. He designed and built The Moose Factory Gallery in 1997. It is a dynamic, innovative space that displays the Pachter artwork to perfection while offering up glimpses of surrounding Toronto architecture through the windows and walls. The artwork is eclectic, bold, and at times amusing, truly a feast for the eyes.

We enjoyed a fabulous selection of wines and delicious finger foods as well as some delightful stories about the gallery and its history. What better way to enjoy the art than the elegance, sophistication and fun of a sparkling wine, Domaine Chandon Brut Cuvee. What could be better than strolling among the paintings with bubbles filling your glass. In whites we sampled a gold medal winner, Renwood Select Series Viognier 2004; 89% Viognier, 10% Semillon, 1% Marsanne, this Rhone style wine is brimming with honeysuckle and summer fruit. Two fun whites accompanied this, White Truck 2004 from Cline Cellars and Vinum Cellars Chard-No-Way Chenin Blanc 2005. If you have tried the very popular Red Truck, you will want to try this blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Viognier and Chardonnay, the perfect, hint of Summer, drink. The Chard-No-Way from Napa, is Chenin Blanc made in an unoaked Chardonnay style, crisp and delicious. In reds, we again will try a gold medal winner, the Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. A great value at $16.95, this wine flew off the shelves in the LCBO when it was released in March. We haven’t seen this kind of value from California in over a decade. We also enjoyed two art themed wines, the J. Garcia Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 from Clos du Bois, and the Two Tone Farm Merlot 2003. Jerry Garcia was, as many of you will remember, a member of The Grateful Dead. Although he is no longer with us Jerry, who loved wine and art, left a substantial number of his paintings, one of which is featured each year on this special release from Clos du Bois. The name Two Tone was borrowed from a painting by Sante Fe Artist, Patrick McFarlin, which is featured on the label of this mouth watering wine.

A selection of cheeses and fabulous finger foods were provided by Nadine Denis. Charles was a charming and fascinating host.

For more information about Charles Pachter and his art, visit the web site at www.cpachter.com.