By Myra Richman

For the 11th year, the Men's Arts Coucil has presented the annual VinArte, the Art of Wine, Dinner & Auction Gala, held on May 6th. Phoenix Art Museum, even though in the midst of a major renovation, was the perfect place to hold the event.

Fine wines were paired with a gourmet multi-course dinner by award-winning chef Michael DeMaria of Michael's at the Citadel.

Highlighting the evening were the silent and live auctions that included library selections, rare vintages, verticals and large formats of wine, as well as original works of art, wine country vacations and private wine dinners. Patti and Paul Hoffman and Lydia and Rob Mondavi served as Honorary Chairs of the event. The pre-dinner tasting of their new wine, Spellbound, started the festivities in the beautiful surroundings.

Following the dinner and live auction, guests danced to the Michael and Margo Reed Band. Presented by Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, the Wine Dinner & Auction is always something to anticipate.

Distributor Partners were: Alliance Beverage, Frank-Lin Beverage, Quail Distributing and Southern Wine & Spirits. Vineyard Partners were: Amici (Jeff Hansen), Clos du Val (John Clews), Luxus (Tomaso Maggiore) and Simi (Steve Reeder).

The very active Men's Arts Council also organizes the Cowboy Artists of America Show & Sale and the Copperstate 1000 Vintage Car Road Rallye. Each event is very successful and allows MAC to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars of support to Phoenix Art Museum.

The VinArte event benefits the Artworks Gallery at Phoenix Art Museum. This gallery is interactive, engaging, educational, thought-provoking and an inspirational way for children and families to learn and explore through art.

Visit www.vinarte-mac.com for information on upcoming events.