PALM DESERT, Calif., July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Art of Food & Wine festival to be held November 9 - 12, 2006 in Palm Desert, California. Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa, in conjunction with the City of Palm Desert and Southern Wine and Spirits have teamed up to bring the best art, food, and wine together in a four-day festival. The long weekend is complemented by golf, music, and educational seminars and demonstrations.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060725/LATU093LOGO )

"We are excited to be hosting an event of this caliber in our City, stated Palm Desert Mayor Jim Ferguson. "It's a perfect opportunity to showcase all the unique qualities of our resort destination. We look forward to this becoming a signature event and welcoming food and wine enthusiasts for years to come."

The event kicks off on Thursday evening with the dedication of the 2007/08 El Paseo Invitational Sculpture Exhibition, featuring 18 works of art lining the media of the famed El Paseo shopping district. A champagne and chocolate reception will follow the dedication.

The award-winning Desert Willow Golf Resort will be the playground for the Friday golf tournament, "Wining on the Golf Course", featuring wine, spirits, and culinary delights for sampling throughout the 18-holes. Those not interested in playing golf can partake in two, educational tasting seminars, followed by "The Wine BBQ," where chefs step out of the kitchen and get behind the grill.

Friday evening features music by the popular band, Pink Martini, at "Moonlight Marinade." The Desert Willow Golf Resort driving range will be transformed into an entertainment venue, including a concert, food, and wine under the stars.

On Saturday morning participants will enjoy two wine and cheese seminars, and later, Palm Desert's renowned shopping destination, El Paseo, becomes a lingering path of wine, art, and cocktails of the world at the "Pageant of the Casks." Enjoy guided art tours, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Food and wine aficionados will enjoy the ultimate experience at exclusive winemaker dinners on Saturday night. These intimate, limited seating dinners will be held at select Palm Desert venues.

The Art of Food & Wine weekend culminates at the Grand Tasting event on Sunday at the palatial grounds of Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa. The event showcases all participating wineries and restaurants and includes celebrity chef demonstrations.

Passports to luxury begin with a Wine Lovers Weekend Pass, with the option of adding golf, winery dinners, and other events. Event tickets are not sold a la carte. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.artoffoodandwine.com/. Proceeds from the event benefit culinary and hospitality management higher education in the Coachella Valley. For more information, please call 800-873-2428.

CONTACT: Kristy Kneiding of City of Palm Desert, +1-760-568-5240,
kkneiding@ci.palm-desert.ca.us

Web site: http://www.artoffoodandwine.com/