A longtime tradition in the City of Action, this year’s edition of the Cheese and Wine will be hosted by the City of Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department.
This year marks the 48th Annual Cheese and Wine Festival and it is being planned as a one-day event again this year, set for Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Keeping with tradition there will be a variety of wines to taste, an assortment of local cheeses, entertainment, food, vendors, and a whole lot of fun,” organizers said. “The main stage will have live music, dancing horses, and more. The festival is free to attend.”
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.
This year’s ‘Tasting Experience’ will feature a wide array of locally produced cheeses and wines that showcase the Central Valley’s most outstanding varietals – all individually chosen to highlight the most delicious tastes of the region.
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.
Tickets include: Admission to the tasting area, a wine glass collectible, variety of local cheeses and wines to taste, beer tasting, live entertainment and a raffle entry.
And while the wine and cheese tastings remain a focal point for the festival, many attendees spend just as much time visiting the wide variety of vendors that come in for the day, as well as enjoying entertainment, taking in the classic car show and activities for kids. The festivities are set up downtown, primarily in the Plaza del Rio Park and surrounding area.
The Main Stage Music Line Up is as follows:
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Grupo HM
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ballet Folklorico
11 a.m. to 12 p.m., ODJ
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Dancing Horses
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Valley Fire
4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Riverbank Martial Arts Academy
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Texas Funk
Also being offered is Kids Corner, a special space just for children to explore, create, and enjoy. Kids will engage in fun activities, crafts, story time, and playtime. The Kids Corner will be located at the Community Park, 3600 Santa Fe and is a free event while supplies last, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Schedule of Activities:
10 a.m., Bracelets with Riverbank Tuesday Market
11:30 a.m., Tye Dye with Black Mamba Tie Dye
1 p.m., Storytime with Riverbank Library
2:30 p.m., Brushes and Bubbles with Parks and Recreation
4 p.m., Boogie with grapes with The Riverbank Night Market
5 p.m., Brie-lliant Sidewalk Chalk Art
There will also be an opportunity for attendees to enjoy the festival kid-free. Childcare will be offered for families attending the Cheese and Wine Festival who want to participate in wine tasting or explore the event independently. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, movies, and more; they will be supervised in a safe and engaging environment.
The Little Grapes Play-Zone will be hosted at the Teen Center, next to the Community Center, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for kids ages three (must be potty trained) up to age 12. Cost is $15 and more information is available by calling 209-863-7150.
New this year, said organizers, they are partnering with Ten Twelve Bar & Lounge to throw an after party.
Being called “Encore for the Last Pour Session 4” the event will be hosted in the outdoor area in back of the Community Center and run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., after the close of the Cheese and Wine Festival; tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
