Cool off at Grape Days of Summer farm-to-table wine tasting event

Fourth Annual Event to Take Place Aug. 3 and 4 at 18 Wineries Along Placer County Wine Trail

Many Sacramento residents aren’t aware that there are nearly 20 award-winning wineries right in their own backyard—along the Placer County Wine Trail. The trail runs from Lincoln to Loomis, Newcastle to Auburn and up into Meadow Vista, which is also convenient for Reno and Tahoe residents.  On August 3rdand 4thfrom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Placer County vintners invite local residents to try the region’s noteworthy wines at Grape Days of Summer, a farm-to-table wine tasting event.

Vintners are partnering with local restaurants and artisans for the annual event in which attendees will enjoy wine and barrel tastings, complementary fare, live music, vineyard tours and educational experiences.  Educational activities will include sessions on winemaking, farming, sustainable practices in the vineyard and more.  Tickets are $30 per person in advance and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/vKYTb3 $40 per person at the door.

Highlights of Grape Days of Summer include:

• Celebrate local agriculture at Le Casque with an Alpaca demonstration, hayrides and a historical farm tour. Food provided by Flower Farm Catering.
• Dono dal Cielo will feature the local sounds of Ghost of the Opera House on Saturday afternoon and Two Barrels Shy on Sunday afternoon. Karen McGillivray, the winery’s owner, will lead educational vineyard tours at 12and 2 p.m. both days and food will be provided by the Chef’s Table.
• Have a “A Zinful Experience!” at Lone Buffalo Vineyards where you’ll experience an interactive sensory tasting, sip the winery’s gold medal-winning 2010 Thunder Beast Zinfandel, and enjoy grass-fed bison and PlacerGROWN beef sliders prepared by Café Zorro’s Gourmet Garage Catering.
• Popie Wines and Ciotti Cellars will provide an interactive bottling session of a special PlacerGROWN blend of wine and the High Hand Café will provide food & wine pairings.
• Wise Villa Winery will offer guests live music and gourmet tastes from its on-site bistro.

For a Grape Days of Summer event map and other information, visit www.placerwine.com