Spring Wine Walk Returns to Old Town

Cardella Winery served guests at Fifth Street Antiques. (Ron Sundquist/Clovis Roundup)

If it’s spring, it’s time for Wine Walk.

Twice a year, in the spring and fall, Old Town Clovis celebrates the season with this favorite event. On Saturday, May 6, guests filled the streets and shops of Old Town, ready to sample new and favorite wines, taste sumptuous food prepared by local restaurants, visit the photo booth and listen to toe-tappin’ music. Throw in delightful weather and a little shopping – what could make for a better evening?

“It was awesome,” said Wendy of Business Organization of Old Town (B.O.O.T.) “A lot of people pre-paid which made things go smoothly. We had great wines and people seemed to really have a good time.”

It worked like this: Tickets could be purchased in person at Bear Creek Gifts, Fifth Street Antiques, Dave Shivers State Farm Insurance and Heart’s Delight or online at OldTownClovis.org. Tickets were $35 in advance, $45 on the day of the event.

On Saturday, for each ticket, guests received one commemorative wine glass and a punch card. The punch card contained a map showing the location of participating merchants and wineries as well as designated food stops. Wine sampling was conducted inside shops and each tasting marked on the card with 16 tastings as the maximum.

Designated drivers were welcome and attended free of charge. If they wished to participate in food sampling, a wrist band was available for a nominal fee.

A total of four food stops were indicated on the card; there were also outdoor food vendors and decorated tables available for those who wanted to relax, eat and listen or dance to the music of the Morgan Canyon Band.

“The food vendors in the street were great,” said Mandi, a sophomore at Fresno State. “This is a nice way to chill and not think about exams for a while.”
The tented Wine Shop at the corner of 5th and Pollasky sold bottles and cases of wine from the participating wineries. Some of the wineries were award-winning, and some featured art displays and olive oil tasting.

New to this event, was wine from Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars, of Paso Robles. Located inside Gottschalk Music Center, Kramer is known for his influence on the evolution of the electric guitar. One of his most popular wines was the “Bondage” dessert white port.

Also new this year was “Dine out Along the Road” a local television show that showcases various locations in the Central Valley. Hosted by Ray O’Canto, the Wine Walk will be featured June 17.

The Morgan Canyon Band provided live music on Pollasky Avenue. (Ron Sundquist/Clovis Roundup)

Sponsored by the Bank of the Sierra, the Wine Walk donates a percentage of the proceeds to Pink Heals. Recognized for their fire truck and police car, both painted pink, the program supports local communities and celebrates people.

Some of the participating local, Central Valley and coastal wineries:

Toca Madera Winery, Madera
Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars, Paso Robles
Derby Wine Estates, Paso Robles
Agajanian Winery, Madera
Cardella Winery, Mendota
Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles
Vina Vargas Winery, San Miguel
Peachy Canyon Winery, Templeton
Sterling Vineyards, Calistoga
Red Haus Winery, Lodi
3 Oaks Vineyard Winery, Clovis
Cass Winery, Paso Robles
Farmer’s Fury Winery, Lemoore
Morovino Winery, Avila Beach