An evening tasting gathering will help the annual Cheese & Wine event get a jump start this year, with the ‘Taste of Riverbank’ being offered.

Mayor Rachel Hernandez has issued an invitation for residents to join her for an outside tasting event at sunset at the Riverbank Community Center on Friday, Oct. 10 “for an evening filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and great company.”

Visitors are invited to indulge in a variety of dishes from local Riverbank restaurants, with the session “showcasing the best flavors of the community.”

It’ll be held at the Community Center Park from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This year, Taste of Riverbank proceeds will support Soroptimist International of Riverbank, a non-profit organization that supports women and girls in the community and the Riverbank Chamber of Commerce.

The regular Cheese & Wine event takes place the next day in downtown Riverbank, Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This year marks the 48th Annual Cheese and Wine Festival and it is being planned as a one-day event again this year. There will be a variety of wines to taste, an assortment of local cheeses, entertainment, food, vendors, live music, dancing horses, and more. There is no admission fee to the festival, which is being put on by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The wine tasting sessions will be held at the Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St., and tickets can be purchased at the door for $40 or in advance for $30. There will be three wine tasting sessions on Oct. 11, noon to 1:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

There will also be a classic car show and activities for kids. The festivities are set up downtown, primarily in the Plaza del Rio Park and surrounding area.

News Editor Marg Jackson contributed to this report.