Wine tasting is more fun — and safer — if you don’t have to drive from one winery to the next. Idyllwild has you covered.
On Oct. 8. you can hop on a free shuttle to visit 18 Southern California winemakers during the the 19th annual Idyllwild Art Walk and Wine Tasting. Some events pair food with wine; Idyllwild goes with art: Fourteen art galleries and more than 30 artists’ booths are included in the tour.
The merrymaking adventure among the pines is the most popular annual fundraiser for the Art Alliance of Idyllwild. Proceeds go toward art scholarships and events by the alliance and its associates.
Wineries taking part for the first time this year include Callaway from Temecula, Roadrunner Ridge of Fallbrook, and Volcan Mountain of Julian. Among the returning vintners are Escondido’s Cordiano and Orfila, Temecula’s Hart and Wiens, and Idyllwild’s Middle Ridge Winery.
Expect to meet the whole Hart family when you stop at the Volcan Mountain booth. They will pour a 2015 sauvignon blanc; a 2014 syrah; and a 2013 cabernet Franc, all of which are estate grown.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLCAN MOUNTAIN WINES
At Volcan Mountain, winemaking is a family affair. From left: Mike Hart, Denise Villemure, Jim Hart, Nancy Hart, Joe Hart, and Christine Hart.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery will offer a 2014 Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc, a 2013 Winemaker’s Reserve Roussanne, a 2012 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, and a 2013 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah by winemaker Craig Larson.
Jim and Judi Brady, owners and winemakers at Roadrunner Ridge, say they probably will pour their grenache blanc and a few other wines.
To get started on event day, follow signs to a booth on North Circle, in the middle of town, and collect a wristband, wine glass, and free map. Ticket prices for the general public are $35 each until 5 p.m. Sept. 24; $40 each after that; and $50 on the day of the event, if any are available.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CALLAWAY VINEYARD & WINERY
Craig Larson, winemaker at Callaway Vineyard & Winery.
19th Annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 8, 877-439-5278; http://artinidyllwild.org/event-2284287