Prince George has an annual chili cook-off, a faceoff between chefs, even an art battle, but never before has there been a mulled wine competition. Northern Lights Estate Winery and the Railway and Forestry Museum are joining forces to hold the first tournament of the warm winter wine. Under the banner of The Northern Lights Winter Wine Festival, the event will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday as part of the city-wide winter festival.
The mulled wine competition pits five local agencies and organizations against one another for public votes on whose recipe is the best. There are two opportunities to vote: one from 12-2 p.m. and a second edition from 2-4 p.m.
It is a ticketed event for $20 each.
It is more than simply a pouring of wine and smacking of lips, however. For this first event, planned to be annual, a number of local artists will be on site as well with some of their creations on display.
The artists include the whimsical wood turnings of Art Betke, the eye-grabbing painting on metal of Melanie Desjardines, the charismatic photography of Philomena Hughes, the fine detail of jewelry artist Kate Roxburgh, the splendid daintiness of Wendy Young's glass creations, and the acclaimed sculpture figures of Elmer Gunderson.
Plus, local entrepreneurs will be on site as well like the unique mail-order wearables of Tocara Jewelry presented by Margaret Watson Brevick, the unbelievable sweetness of Ohh Chocolat and culinary art by White Goose Bistro.
This all isn't just on static display, there is some art action as well, with engines roaring and sawdust flying. Chainsaw carver John Rogers will be creating a wooden sculpture, which will be up for silent auction. The proceeds of the bidding will go to the Railway and Forestry Museum.
The museum will also be selling memberships to their organization. Anyone who buys one at the event will have their name go into a draw for two Via Rail tickets.
Tickets to the Northern Lights Winter Wine Festival are on sale at the winery, at Ohh Chocolat and at the museum.
