By Lisa Green We’re accustomed to sipping wine while perusing art at a reception. But when the gallery is in the wine store — and there are simultaneously more than 70 fine wines being poured — well, that’s a different type of wine and art happening. On Saturday, June 25, Nejaime’s Wine Cellars in both Lenox and Stockbridge, Mass. will be hosting their free, annual Grand Tasting afternoon, this year enhanced by the presence of renowned local artists and their works. The new twist comes from Jamie Trie, Nejaime’s marketing director, who had come across a quote from winemaker Robert Mondavi. He said that incorporating “wine, food, and the arts enhances the quality of life." Trie’s background is in arts promotion, so she was inspired to add another dimension to the grand tasting. This is her first curated show. Vendors will be pouring wines, spirits and craft beers; Z.Z. and Company Barbecue will be contributing its ‘cue to the selection of cheeses and gourmet foods Nejaime’s will put out. On the visual side, participating artists include Andrew DeVries, Marilyn Kalish, Marguerite Bride, Edward Acker, Kris Galli, Ken Bastard and Alex Kamaroff. Local bestselling author Gina Hyams (The Tanglewood Picnic) will be there, signing her books. Speaking of Tanglewood, the event falls on the day of Garrison Keillor’s last local broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion," and Nejaime’s is mindful of that. “Our grand tasting is always the kickoff to the summer season," says Trie, “but we’ve scheduled it to start and end an hour earlier so people can get to Tanglewood in time." Wine bottles packed, of course. Nejaime’s Grand Tasting & Art ShowSaturday, June 25, 12-4 p.m. 60 Main Street, Lenox, MA 3 Elm Street, Stockbridge, MA
