The Riverbank tradition will continue this year with the annual Cheese and Wine Festival on Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10 presented by the City of Riverbank and Simply Divine Events, LLC. Although they are still in the planning stages for the event, there are some things that are already set in stone like wine tasting and a dinner on Friday, Oct. 8.
The new coordinator for the event Tamara Spade with Simply Divine Events, LLC stated that they have some exciting plans for the festival this year and they are adding vendors to the lineup daily. The event will take place in downtown Riverbank and there will be three entrances this year.
“We missed last year so this year we are hoping to do some different things,” said Spade. “We are trying to add some fun things. We are still planning and moving forward. We have been talking to quite a few cheese manufacturers. It is around the corner. I just want to make sure people have fun and want to come.”
There are some things that will be similar to years past like a carnival for the kids, live music on three stages and of course the wine tasting. Tickets are available now for the tasting event at $25 in advance and $30 at the door which will be held once again at the Antigua Event Center. The list of wineries has not been specified. There will be three tasting sessions and Spade noted that tickets are being sold daily.
The plan is to have three beer and wine booths in addition to the private cheese and wine tasting.
New this year will be a Wine & Vibes car show staged on Fourth and Fifth streets with a $25 entrance fee. All models are welcome and there will be prizes. The entry deadline is Oct. 1. They will not be taking entries on the day of as they will reserve a certain amount of space for the participants. For those interested they can email carshow@Riverbankcheeseandwine.com or www.riverbankcheeseandwine.com.
Kicking off the festivities and new this year is a Cheese and Wine Dinner in the Plaza Del Rio on Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets are $75 per person. The five-course pairing will feature wines from the Next Wine Company and there will be live entertainment by Fish n Chicks Band.
Simply Divine is the sister company to SS Consulting which was the company selected by the City to coordinate the festival. Together the two businesses have been in the event planning and business consulting for over 30 years.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.riverbankcheeseandwine.com.
