New Mexico Symphony Orchestra Fundraiser

A small fundraiser for the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra has now become an amazing organization raising funds for art education programs for New Mexico’s children. The 4 day event includes the famous food and wine tasting that you won’t want to miss out on. For more information, head to ABQ Journal.

What began as a small fundraiser to benefit the now defunct New Mexico Symphony Orchestra has blossomed into a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting art education programs for New Mexico children.

Now in its 24th year, Vintage Albuquerque is hosting its premier food and wine event that spans four days from Wednesday, June 24, through June 27.

Proceeds benefit the ABQ Youth Symphony, National Dance Institute of New Mexico, Art in the School, New Mexico Jazz Workshop children’s programs and Lynx Inc., which has a local chapter that works with underprivileged children.

“The community comes together for great wine and great food,” said Steve Wedeen, who is on the Vintage Albuquerque board of directors. “Everyone who participates in it is really into it. We want to make it great and have fun and enjoy it.”

He said the organizers know how important art and creativity programs are for children. “One little art class or dance concert or music lesson could change a kid’s life.”

The Opening Night Gala will be held Wednesday at Zinc in Nob Hill for $150 per person. A number of wine dinners will be held at various locations in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Santa Ana Pueblo on Thursday, June 25. Each dinner is $95 per person. The wrap-up live auction and dinner will be held on June 27 at Los Poblanos for $220 per person.

Those looking for all Vintage Albuquerque 2015 has to offer in one location are encouraged to attend the Grand Tasting at 6 p.m. June 26 at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. The event is open to the general public.

There will be about 35 local restaurants and about 35 wine booths, which will be pouring about 100 wines during the tasting event, according to Wedeen. A small beer garden will feature three to four microbreweries. BounceChat, a New Mexico startup social media company, also will be on-hand. Its downloadable app allows event-goers to engage in interactive conversation within the event grounds.

Vintage Albuquerque 2015 events include wine offerings from around the world, as well as wines from around the United States including California, Oregon and Washington, according to Wedeen. New Mexico wines will be represented by Gruet, Casa Rondeña and Milagro.



The event is a tasting only event, but all the wines at the event are available for purchase or can be ordered through local retailers including Jubilation, Wedeen said. For a full schedule, list of participants and other information, visitvintagealbuquerque.org.