More than 120 guests sampled wines while strolling through Compton Gardens in Bentonville on May 11 during Gardens Uncorked.

The event netted more than $10,000, which will go into the Peel Compton Foundation’s general operating budget, according to Connie Hendrix-Kral, foundation executive director. The purpose of the Peel Compton Foundation is to provide an enduring legacy for future generations through education and the preservation of the history, heritage and natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas, according to the foundation website.

Partygoers received their glasses at the first tasting station, and 11 wines were available for sampling.

The first station featured three white wines. Guests could try the Joel Gott 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, supplied by Trinchero Family Estates; Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, supplied by Treasury Wine Estates; or Josh Cellars Chardonnay, supplied by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. These were paired with pear goat cheese with strawberries and balsamic reduction and cucumber cups with sundried tomato and basil.

Three red wines were at the next station. The options were Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir, supplied by Treasury Wine Estates; Little Black Dress Merlot, supplied by Banfi; and Joel Gott 2010815 Cabernet Sauvignon, supplied by Trinchero Family Estates. Hors d’oeuvres at this station were Dutch blue cheese with maceratedberries, tomato and basil picks and caprese skewers with grape tomato and basil marinated.

The third station also featured three red wines.

The selections were Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, supplied by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits;

CYT Casillero del Diablo Cabernet, supplied by Banfi; and Gabbiano Chianti, supplied by Treasury Wine Estates. The hors d’oeuvres available with these wines were shaved beef with chimichurri and horseradish sauce and small antipastoskewers.

Banfi Rosa Regale, supplied by Banfi, was the sparkling red wine at the fourth station. It was paired with fresh fruit skewers.

After completing the walk through the gardens, guests entered the conference center and dined on heavier hors d’oeuvres, such as herbed pork loin with red onion marmalade and a gourmet cheese platter. The wine available was Greg Norman Malbec. Desserts offered inside the conference center were strawberry lavender creme bruleespoons, dessert shooters trio and mini cupcakes.

Hendrix-Kral said her favorite part of the event was “just seeing people congregate on the trails and enjoy

ing each other’s company.” Glazers donated wines

for the event. Hors d’oeu

vres were provided by The

Main Event Gourmet Ca

tering.

AT A GLANCE Gardens Uncorked When: May 11 Where: Compton Gardens in Bentonville Amount netted: More than $10,000 Why: Proceeds go to Peel Compton Foundation Information: peelcompton.org

Northwest Profile, Pages 40 on 05/19/2013