Mix together one batch of good art with several bottles of tasty wine andyou have a recipe to please the discerning palates of both art aficionados and wine connoisseurs. Edwige Denyszyn and Doug Hausler have successfully mixed the two ingredients in their Keels Creek Winery and Art gallery, 3185 East Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR.

The couple moved to Eureka Springs from Bartlesville, OK, to pursue their dream of making fine Arkansas wine. In 2004 and 2005 they planted ten varieties of grape on ten acres three miles outside the city limits. Since it takes years to harvest a crop, the couple used grapes from other Arkansas vineyards to begin their wine production. Almost immediately they started winning awards for their efforts.

Located in a lovely wooded setting in town, their spacious 3000 square foot retail space showcases both wine and art in a comfortable and well-appointed setting. Inside the Spanish style mini mansion, walls and cases are adorned with the works of 27 local and regional artists.

This past Thursday (Nov 8th) Denyszyn and Hausler hosted La Soiree in the gallery. The event was part of the Eureka Springs Wine Weekend festival.

The French born Edwige outdid herself with hors d'oeuvres and musician Rachel Fields provided just the right blend of soothing music. A large number of guests sampled Keels Creek wine including three new wines that premiered that evening.

Designs left to right by Dee Landermann, Janet Goodyear, and Zeek Taylor

Further enhancing the vino/art blend, each new wine had a label designed by three local artists; Dee Landermann, Janet Goodyear, and Zeek Taylor (moi). Each label designer was present at the event to autograph bottles for patrons and also sign posters that are blow-ups of the labels. Edwige, who lost a family member to ALS, donated a portion of all sales during the event to the ALS foundation.

On a personal note, it was a thrill and an honor to have my work on a bottle of Keels Creek wine. AND the wine in the bottle, a semi-sweet blush made with Niagara and Chambourein grapes, is superb!

Treat your senses on many levels and visit Keels Creek Winery and Gallery, Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. On the web: www.keelscreek.com

Sure beer and baseball are good, but gotta tell you, «nothing's better than art and wine».

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