MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center is pleased to feature the Shannon Ridge Family of Wines for Palette to Palate, an intimate pairing of wine and art, on Friday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The guest is Joy Merrilees, director of winemaking and production for Shannon Ridge.

The featured exhibit at MAC is “All That Is Now: The Fourth Fire Anniversary Show.” This is also a closing reception for the exhibit, which concludes Nov. 17.

The evening celebrates the art of wine making through Shannon Ridge’s lush fruit forward wines and the work of local artists created in response to the experience of fire – from red and white wines, to charred wood, bronzes, ceramics, paintings, photography, or benches and tables crafted from trees felled by fire.

“The creative impulse in any medium is essential to life, to resilience, and to thriving”, said Artist and MAC Director Lisa Kaplan. “The ‘All That Is Now’ exhibit is poignant and powerful, and the addition of Herb Lingl’s aerial photos provide a much needed perspective, especially after the Kincade fire.”

Merrilees is a Lake County native who brings a wealth of experience to her position at Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery.

She has a bachelor of science degree in plant science and landscape design from Humboldt State University and continued her winemaking education at Lincoln University in Canterbury, New Zealand, and the extension program at the University of California, Davis.

Her winemaking experience includes both domestic and international winemaking and production including Steele Wines, where she was assistant winemaker, and J. Christopher Wines in Oregon.

Overseas, she has worked at Margaret River Vintners in Western Australia and Isabel Vineyard Wines, Valli Vineyards, VinPro Limited and Morworth Estate Winery, all of which are in New Zealand.

Merrilees is passionate about the wine industry in Lake County. Learn more about Shannon Ridge Family of Wines at: https://www.shannonridge.com.

Admission is $10 for the tastings with additional glasses of wine available for purchase. Light refreshments will be available as well non-alcoholic alternative beverages. The tasting is complementary for MAC Members.
.
Palette to Palate helps support the Middletown Art Center’s breadth of programming. The MAC is a vibrant cultural hub and non-profit dedicated to weaving the arts into the fabric of Lake County communities. Consider becoming an annual member with special VIP discounts while helping to sustain local arts and culture and art education. Donations to the MAC are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

MAC is located at 21456 Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29 in the heart of Middletown. Gallery hours are Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or by appointment by calling 707-809-8118.

Visit www.middletownartcenter.org to learn more about exhibitions, classes, events, volunteer opportunities and membership.