Thomas Arvid “Artful Living©” Event Expected to Draw Crowds

Wine and Dine on the Mountain will kick off the 2009 season in Highlands, NC, by pulling together a sizzling line-up of fine wines, superb food and fine art May 1 through 3.

The “Wine and Dine on the Mountain” weekend is a sensory extravaganza that begins with a Champagne Reception followed by a 5-course Shafer Wine Dinner at Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro Friday night at 7 pm. An Hors D’oeuvre Reception will begin Saturday evening at Madison’s Restaurant, followed by a Caymus Dinner. Guests of both events will have the opportunity to watch the wines come to life, as Arvid paints live for the occasions. On Sunday at noon, a New Orleans Jazz brunch at Wolfgang’s will take center stage.

Named one of the top "25 Artists You Should Know" by US Art magazine, Thomas Arvid receives critical acclaim for his monumental compositions of wine and his mastery of light, depth and reflection. Inspired by the grace and hospitality of the southern culture in which he lives, Arvid’s compositions are an invitation to take the time to appreciate sharing a great bottle and good conversation with friends.

“I can’t think of a better place to spend an evening with great friends,” says Arvid. “Highlands and events like this – with wonderful food, wine and culture – truly foster camaraderie, similar to what I try to evoke in each of my paintings. I’ll have my easel with me; it’s going to be an inspiring weekend.”

Throughout the weekend, guests will enjoy art and culinary events—including:

• Shafer Wine Dinner Friday at Wolfgang’s with Thomas Arvid painting live
• Caymus Wine Dinner Saturday at Madison’s with Thomas Arvid painting live
• New Orleans Jazz Brunch at Wolfgang’s Sunday
• 30% off rejuvenating spa treatments at the Spa at Old Edwards all weekend
• Sunday’s at the Spa: Complimentary Chocolates and Champagne with Salon Treatments
• Shopping discounts at Acorn’s Boutique and Acorn’s Annex at Old Edwards Inn
• Late checkout on Monday

“We are working together to foster an ambiance of arts and culture in Highlands—including the art of wine and food,” says Richard Delany, President of the Old Edwards Inn and Spa. “We have such quality resources in all of these areas. And we can create compelling, memorable experiences for locals and visitors by forming creative partnerships that result in events like this.”

Wolfgang Green, owner of Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro, says, “We’ve always had great success with our wine weekends, and last year’s Thomas Arvid event was no exception. By partnering with other businesses like the Wolfgang’s and Thomas Arvid, we can pull together offerings celebrate spring by bringing them to Highlands for some art, music, literature, superb wine and fine dining—an unbeatable combination!”

Space is limited. To reserve today, call 866-526-8008. For more information, visit www.oldedwardsinn.com.

- Photos Available -

About Old Edwards Hospitality Group: (www.oldedwardsinn.com) The Old Edwards Hospitality Group includes The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC, as well as The Old Edwards Club—a private club that features a professionally designed golf course, heated mineral pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse and pro shop. Old Edwards Inn and Spa is Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Inn in the USA and Canada for 2008. The Mobil Four-Star resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC. Also included in the Old Edwards Experience are a world-class Spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm at Old Edwards special events and wedding facility, Acorn’s and Acorn’s Annex upscale retail shops, The Rib Shack and Sports Corner. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has been a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” winner every year since 2005 and won the “Best Of” award for 2008.

About Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro: (www.wolfgangs.net) Located at 474 Main Street in Highlands, NC, Wolfgang’s is celebrating its 16th Season. The Wine Spectator awarded restaurant offers a broad range of items, from Bavarian to New Orleans specialties. Wolfgang’s has been a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” restaurant since 1998 and “Best of Award” since 2004. The restaurant has been featured in Southern Living, Southern Accents, WNC Magazine, Our State, Outside Magazine and Talk Greenville. Owner and Chef Wolfgang was the executive chef of Commanders Palace for the Brennan Family. The Bistro offers small plates from 4pm and the Restaurant serves a broad range of items from steaks to fresh seafood with touches from New Orleans to Bavaria.

About Thomas Arvid: (www.thomasarvid.com) At the intersection of fine art, fine food and fine living, Arvid has become synonymous with the wine lifestyle. Today, Arvid and his wife, Vanessa, head Thomas Arvid Fine Art, Inc. one of the most successful boutique art publishing companies in the country, and he has been recognized by USA Today, NY Times, LA Times, and Wine Spectator and featured on TV programs from San Francisco to Boston. With his iconic portrayals of the wine experience in over 50 exclusive galleries in North America and a five year wait for his original works, Arvid has revived the everyday appreciation of wine by capturing the beauty and essence of easy living.