Special private wine dinners a huge perk for wine fest benefactors

Imagine yourself sipping a glass of Burgundy from Pignatielo as you gander at the stars from the LeCraw home, or enjoy gloriously prepared food and fine wine as you experience the best of the Fisher estate, the Jones' Frog Pond Farm or the Butler home. These are just some of the very special perks this year that can be enjoyed only by benefactors and corporate sponsors of the Collective Spirits wine festival.

Benefactors will have the opportunity to attend one of four private wine dinners on Thursday, May 20, at 6 p.m., when select Highlanders will open their homes and private wine cellars for a variety of wine dinners. Local and regional chefs will prepare cuisine paired with wines from some of the leading vineyards.

This will be an evening to remember for all lovers of good food and fine wine. The vintners will be there personally to interact with the guests, educating, entertaining and creating a beautiful environment.

Venues are as follows:

The Fisher home: Enjoy this private wine dinner at Cathy and Bob Fisher's mountain manor. Wine by Viader, and cuisine by Chef Hugh Acheson of Five & Ten. Weather-permitting, guests can enjoy the patio with fireplace, or the indoor hunting lodge dining room.

Jones Frog Pond Farm: This beautiful home owned by Paula and Barry Jones, of The Summer House, features a magnificent organic garden that was showcased as the site of the 2009 Mountains in Bloom Patrons Party. Wine by Anderson Conn Valley, and cuisine by Chef Anthony Gray, High Cotton.

The LeCraw home: This mountaintop home in Highlands Country Club includes a telescope and planetarium that guests can enjoy weather-permitting. Burgundy wines from Pignatielo, Asheville, and cuisine by Chef Louis Osteen, Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant.

The Butler home: Guests will love this beautiful Highlands home owned by Harry and Beckie Butler, Georgetown, S.C. Wines by Silver Oak and cuisine by Chef Todd Ginsberg of Bocado.

Benefactors select from the above venues, with priority given to upper-level benefactor and sponsors. Limited seating is available at each venue; first-come, first-served

To become a benefactor and attend the private wine dinners and other signature Collective Spirits events, visit www.collectivespirits.com or call (828) 526-4949. Benefactor tickets start at $1,500/couple. All proceeds benefit exhibition and education programs of The Bascom, nonprofit center for the visual arts.

Wilmington Trust is the presenting sponsor of Collective Spirits. Silver sponsors are AirTran, Bank of New York-Mellon, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies/Lanigan Insurance Group and Hennessy Automotive Companies. Bronze sponsors include Franklin Ford, Harry Norman Realtors-Pat Allen and Bert Mobley, Highlands' Newspaper, The Laurel magazine, Moss Robertson Cadillac, Wines Down South and WNC magazine.