The 11th annual Taste of the Valley event, a celebration of local wineries and food vendors, took place at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 3.
Over the years, the event has grown tremendously. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Fair Foundation and help to create new opportunities for the Agricultural Studies students at California State University, Stanislaus.
Upon entering the event, guests found an open and inviting environment filled with a variety of local wines and cheeses. Sponsors, donors and supporters showed up, socializing and serving wine when guests arrived. Meanwhile, visitors enjoyed the auctions, beer and hors d’oeuvres.
As I walked in I was greeted by live jazz music and the aroma of a delicious wine. The wine, NV Red Duet, was served by Silkwood Wines, one of the vendors at the event.
More than 25 of the wineries in the area, as well as the food vendors, restaurants, breweries and product donors, all participated to make this occasion happen. E & J Gallo, Hilmar Cheese and Rabo Bank were a few of the sponsors present.
“I really enjoy seeing people talking, sharing stories, tasting wines, doing auctions and overall having a great time,” Adam Porter, a student at Modesto Junior College, said.
The auction was organized by Golden State Auction and Announcing Co., a business based out of Oakdale, CA. The event had a variety of different items that were auctioned about every 15 minutes, with a variety of prizes from gift baskets, auto parts, and children’s play houses to an Italian dinner with wine and many more items. All proceeds of the silent auction benefited the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies department.
“I came to the event with my boyfriend to enjoy some wine and hopefully win some goodies that are being auctioned,” Tiffany Machado (junior, Psychology) said.
Many students like Machado attended the event to have a good time, but some also had altruistic intentions.
“I’m a student at CSU Stanislaus and [I like to attend] any event that benefits students,” Machado said.
The event was a success, with a turnout of over one hundred people. Overall it was a perfect opportunity to socialize and enjoy the best-tasting wines from the valley. For more information on the event and upcoming events contact CSU Agricultural Studies at 209-664-6648.
