Heart-healthy appetizers from area restaurants, along with tastings of  600 wines, will be part of the American Heart Association's Festival of Wines Thursday. 

The American Heart Association's Festival of Wines, presented by the Jack Stephens Heart Institute at St. Vincent, is happening from 6-9 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 6) at Dickey-Stephens Park, 400 W. Broadway, North Little Rock.

The annual festival, featuring 600 wines, is the largest wine tasting event in Arkansas.

Along with wines, patrons can sample heart-healthy hors d’oeuvres from 15 local restaurants including Capriccio Grill Italian Steakhouse, Cheers in the Heights/Maumelle, Copeland’s, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Whole Hog Cafe in North Little Rock.

There will also be a silent art auction. Local artist Tracee Gentry will return for the eighth year to present and auction a signature painting for the festival.

Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door and can be purchased at any central Arkansas Arvest Bank, Eagle Bank or National Bank of Arkansas locations, by calling the American Heart Association at (501) 375-9148 or by visiting heart.org/lrwinefestival.

Proceeds are used to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers.