Coeur d'Alene Food and Wine Festival will shine a light on Art and Literature

Fine wine, fine food and fine art meet April 12 through 14 when three regionally acclaimed artists and a bestselling author join the Coeur d’Alene Food & Wine Festival lineup.

“We have some of the best wineries and chefs in our region sharing their masterpieces for our guests to enjoy at this year’s festival,” said Danielle Beaudine, Director of Marketing at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. “There’s a natural connection between enjoying great food and wine and appreciating incredible art and writing, and we believe adding talented local artists and a nationally-acclaimed writer to the weekend activities will enhance an already memorable festival.”

While sampling several of the state’s finest wines at the Artist Den & Idaho Wine Tasting event, festivalgoers can view stunningly different work by local stars Ben Joyce, Melissa Cole and Jesse Pierpoint. Each artist has a distinct style, reflecting his or her regional roots and their own unique way of viewing the world.

Joyce’s birds-eye-view, chunk-missing paintings have earned him national recognition and an avid local following. His theme, Love of Place, is evident in works that salute his Inland Northwest home as well as locales that have impacted his thinking, his life and his direction.

Cole calls her sculptures “fun, fine art,” and, indeed, her vivid work is whimsical and beautiful. Inspired by travel and nature, many of Cole creates acrylic paintings are fused with glass and stone accents, materials she has collected traveling with her husband, a marine photographer.

Pierpoint’s mixed media, layered compositions recreate iconic Northwest scenes like a sleek wooden boat jetting across a lake or the timeless Dick’s Hamburgers sign. He has created full-sized murals and often paints “live” at local charity events.

Sip and Signing with Debbie Macomber brings the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romance and contemporary fiction to the Resort’s signature Sunday Brunch at Dockside. With six novels made for TV and over 200 million copies of her books sold, Macomber is a favorite with book clubs. She will introduce her newest, Be a Blessing, A Journal for Cultivating Kindness, Joy and Inspiration while attendees enjoy mimosas, fruit and pastries.

Details The Artist Den & Idaho Wine Tasting Event runs from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Public admission is $10 but is complimentary to Food & Wine Festival package holders. Pouring stations are presented by the Idaho Wine Commission.

Sip & Signing with Debbie Macomber begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 14 and ends at 1 p.m. Single tickets are $40 and include admission, one mimosa and one pre-signed book. Couples receive a discount and the package price is $60 per couple, which includes two admission tickets, two mimosas and one pre-signed book.

The Coeur d’Alene Food & Wine Festival starts Friday, April 12 and concludes Sunday, April 14. Those wishing to take in numerous festival events can purchase the Grand Grenache Pass at $409 per person, which includes Friday wine tasting, Sunday brunch, choice of wine classes, a three-course lunch, Saturday dinner and Sunday grand tasting event.

Combine the Grand Grenache Pass with overnight stays on event dates and save 15 percent on accommodations. Other packages offer fewer activities but also include discounts on overnight hotel rooms when booked along with the Food & Wine Festival.

For more information, visit online: cdafoodandwinefest.com