Calaveras Winegrape Alliance Wine Sierra Foothills California

Stompin' Auction a Winner for Community

What does Feeney Park, Grad Night Foundation, Angels-Murphys Rotary, Calaveras Community Foundation, HRC Food Bank and Women's Crisis Center, Sherrif's Volunteers, Murphys Community Club, Calaveras Grown, Boy Scout Troop #343, Volunteer Center, Renewal & Releaf, Calaveras County Arts Council and Bret Harte High School Football Team all have in common? They have all benefited from the silent and live auctions at the Calaveras Grape Stomp.

Don't miss the festivities Saturday, Oct. 3 in Murphys Community Park, where some fabulous items will be on the block for bidding. Here's a sneak peek at some of the wine adventure pickins:

Hatcher Winery and the Cottages at La Honda Park - a three-night stay in Ripplewood Cottage with lunches, dinners and delicious Hatcher wines while working (or standing) side-by-side with winemaker Matt Hatcher during crush.

Newsome Harlow Wines - a unique wine experience with an interactive food and wine pairing class follwed by a private dinner for ten by Chef Melanie!

Chatom Vineyards and Diamondback Grill - One lucky bidder and three guests will enjoy an evening of wine and culinary pleasures paired with Chatom's finest.

Muir's Legacy and Hotel Charlotte - Enjoy a tempting Italian dinner for eight prepared by Chef Vic at the Hotel Charlotte in Groveland, paired, of course, with Muir's Legacy wines.

Camps at Greenhorn Creek- Ring in the Holiday season with an unforgettable "Christmas" dinner paired with wines from the Tanner family.

Bear Valley Winter Experience - Two unlimited adult season passes to Bear Valley Mountain Resort, a one-night stay at Bear Valley Lodge and much more!

Frog's Tooth Winery - Enjoy a private dinner for four at the tasting room, paired with Frog's Tooth wines.

May the bidding wars begin! Cheers, Jan Hovey

Jan can be reached at jhovey@goldrush.com

Time for some serious fun

Foreclosres. Health Care. Challenging Economy. Politics. Laundry.

Eeeegads, seriously, it's time to get un-serious, and the perverbial door of opportunity is right in front of us, ready to be opened. That would be the upcoming Calaveras Grape Stomp, taking place in idyllic Murphys Community Park October 3.

This is an event that is directed specifically to the light of heart, celebrating the 2009 harvest with verve. And, the stomp also makes it possible for CWA to give scholarships and contribute back to the community. Perfect timing when non-profits and students need it the most.

Last year alone, the silent auction brought in over $10,000 to good causes. This year there are some truly exciting new auction items - more on that later.

To open the door, all that's required is attendance and just a tad bit of insanity. Where else can you dress up like Lucille Ball (or covered with purple balloons), grab a partner and squish the bejeebers out of 25 pounds of grapes to a roaring crowd? If you've been a stomper or mucker, you know what I mean. It's an experience to tell the grandkids about.

Gee, gramma, you really did that? Suddently you're interesting in your grandids' eyes. Priceless.

But, don't hesitate to register your team now, as spaces fill up fast. There's a downloadable registration form on this Web site. Easy schmeezy.

So, grab your main squeeze and register. Talk to ya'll soon,

Jan Hovey, CWA blogger and mucker

E-mail Jan at jhovey@goldrush.com

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