Quick, what are the ingredients in a Mimosa? Who wrote the music for the 1986 Broadway smash hit, “The Phantom of the Opera?” What’s the difference between a Cabernet and a Merlot?

The answers to these questions, and many more, can be found on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Trivia and Wine 101, an educational and fun program hosted by the ArtsNatchez gallery in downtown Natchez. Participants will compete in a trivia competition with questions focusing on movies, food, drink, music, theatre, art, architecture and history, while also tasting five different wines. In between the trivia rounds, we’ll be looking at two reds, two whites and a sparkling wine, and learning about the differences between the varietals, the types of grapes they are made from, the process of tasting and describing wine and even some common food pairings to enhance your wine-drinking experience.  You do not need to know anything about wine before attending this program, just come prepared to learn!

Guiding us through the wine tasting will be Jason Freeze, a sommelier from Gallo Wines. He will be introducing us to Gallo’s new Prophecy line of wines from around the world. Selections will include a California Pinot Noir; a Red Blend, which uses grapes from both California and Washington; a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand; an Italian Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio; and to finish up, LaMarca Sparkling wine. It’s okay if none of that means anything to you right now — that’s why you come to Wine 101 in the first place! Also on the menu will be several cheeses, chocolate, fruit and suggestions about other foods that these wines work well with and the reasons why.

Trivia and Wine 101 will be begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 each, and must be purchased in advance, to ensure that we have the correct supply of wine. For more information, or to buy your tickets, please contact Robin Person at 662-515-0490 or rsperson@bellsouth.net. Credit cards are accepted, as well as checks made out to “ArtsNatchez,” or just plain old cash.

The ArtsNatchez gallery is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating the public about art, providing educational programs to children and adults and enabling community artists a spot to exhibit and sell their work. Over 30 artists participate at the gallery, with each person taking the responsibility of minding the gallery one day a month, and being active in various maintenance, public relations and educational duties. ArtsNatchez is located at 425 Main St., across the street from Darby’s.
Robin Person is a member of ArtsNatchez.