By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Community Preps For Fest: Cheese And Wine Looming
R cw preview pix
For the past few years, the wine tasting was held at the Antigua Event Center as shown here from the festival last year but this year the tasting returns to the Community Center. VIRGINIA STILL/THE NEWS

The City of Riverbank in collaboration with Simply Divine Events will host the annual Cheese and Wine Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At a recent update provided by Tamra Spade, there will be a few changes like the wine tasting returning to the Riverbank Community Center.

The City of Riverbank contracted with Spade in 2020 but due to COVID the festival was canceled that year. Simply Divine organized the event for the first time last year.

“The plans are coming along great,” said Spade. “Vendors are still calling to participate. We have been meeting weekly with the city, Fire, and Sheriff’s Department to make sure everything goes smooth the day of. They (plans) are finalized for the most part, but the layout might slightly change depending on the number of vendors.”

They will have a variety of arts, crafts, and food vendors on both days as well as a carnival. Vendor set up, street closures and fencing will begin on Friday, Oct. 7.

One of the biggest changes to the festival this year is the layout. The festival will cover downtown Riverbank from Third Street to Seventh Street. The wine and cheese tasting will be held at the Riverbank Community Center once again. Spade shared that people are excited that the tasting has returned to the center. She noted that there will be five wineries pouring multiple varieties, craft beer and six cheese manufacturers including Hilmar cheese, Don Francisco, Leprino, Fiscalini cheese, and Peluso cheese. Tickets for the tasting will be $30 in advance and $40 at the door for a two-hour tasting session.

New this year there will be a tent with a painting session so guests can paint their own wine glasses.

They will have two stages for live entertainment with one stage hosting Valley Music Institute and on the main stage, bands Haywired, Retro Fitz and the Wet Bandidos will perform.

They have also brought back the Wine and Vibes car show on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 9 they will have Hispanic Culture Day with Folklorico performances, mariachis, and dancing horses.

With hopes for great weather and a great turnout, Spade added, “Come join us for some family fun or grab your friends and visit the Wine and Cheese tasting expo. Celebrating the City of Riverbank 100-year anniversary and 45 years of the festival.”