Day 125 - Taste Wine!!

This is a follow up to my posting on Friday.  On Friday, I told you about my wonderful experience at Villa Fiorente Tasting room at 10555 Harris Rd. in Auburn.  I promised to share a bit our afternoon there with you.
First we visited the tasting bar of Ciotti Cellars.  Joe was our host and wine maker. I think my favorite wine here was the 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel.  In asking where there were "old vines" in Placer County, he said, to my surprise, Roseville!  These come from vines that are 40 years old! This wine is a silver metal winner.

Next we moved on to Popie Wines.  The wine maker was pouring at another event that day, but our host was delightful, non the less.  My favorite here was the 2010 Bianca Di Barbera.  A nice light Blush wine.  This would be a great summer wine. And this info just in:  Michael just informed me that his 2007

Barbera Reserve and my soon to be released (this coming weekend) 2008
Barbera both won Silver Medals at the 2011 California State Fair Wine
Competition! Congratulations, Michael!

Next was Cristaldi Vineyards.  The wine maker, David Brockman, was on hand as host.  Many of his wines are unfiltered.  I don't know if it has anything to do with being unfiltered, but his wines SMELLED heavenly!  Tasted great, too. David is a cardiologist by trade. And since we know that wine is good for the heart, it's a perfect combination.  David told us to be sure and come back for Italian Days July 9th and 10th. That there would be food, music and Ferraris!  When asked if he owned a Ferrari, he proudly told us about his red Ferrari tractor that he uses in his vineyard.

Lastly we stopped to chat with Lisa Mann at Fortezza Winery.  Her vineyard covers the hills behind the tasting room.  Lisa is originally from Florida, and does not miss the humidity and hurricanes!  She and her wine making skills are more than welcomed in California!  She had a nice variety of tasty wines.  She saved a "surprise" wine for us until the end.  It is not on the tasting list, so you may have to ask for it.  It is a Syrah.  One of the most delicious wines I've had.  We took some to a dinner party later that night, and it was enjoyed by all, with rave reviews!

So go check this place out. You'll have a great time, with nice folks and get to taste some yummy wines.  Take your visiting guests, or gather up some friends. You won't be disappointed.  

Day 123 - Wine Tasting in Auburn - Awesome!

Two weekends ago we happened into Villa Fiorente.  A wine tasting room located at 10555 Harris Rd in Auburn. That is at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Harris. It is a small tasting room housing four separate wineries.
Ciotti Cellers, Fortezza Winery, Cristaldi Vineyards and Popie Wines.  Each has a small tasting bar which is hosted by the wine makers themselves.

I have been to many wineries in California and have to say that this was the most pleasurable tasting experience that I have ever had.  In Napa Valley, I usually feel that the host is in a rush and a bit condescending to questions.  Quite the contrary at Villa Fiorente!  Each of the hosts/winemakers were delightful!  They were of course enthusiastic about their wines and just bubbling to tell you all about them.

If you go, be sure to get on their email list, so you are notified of any special upcoming events!

Check back on Sunday for our experience with each of the wineries.
By the way, they do charge for their tastings.  The day we were there it was raining, so we got the impromptu "rainy day discount".  But after knowing what fun I will have, I would not hesitate to pay the tasting fee!
This would be a wonderful place to take your visiting guests! They are open on Sat. & Sun. 12pm to 5pm

Day 122 - Movie under the Stars

This week kicks off the Auburn Movie Night series.  This Wednesday evening, you can see the movie "Secretariat".  It will be playing in Central Square following "Wednesday Night Live". 
Wednesday Night Live is an event in the streets with Food, Music, and Fun for the whole family.

 Come for Wednesday Night Live and stay for the movie.

Day 122 - Inspired Drawing Class

Inspired art comes from within...

This class will take you through a series of exercises designed to strengthen your ability to see creatively, while learning to think like an artist! Beginners and continuing students welcome. A make up class may be available for missed classes.

Artists' Studio in the Foothills (ASiF) Visual Arts Center of Nevada County

940 Idaho Maryland Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945

Phone: 530.409.2330

Day 120 - Foreign Car & Wine Stroll - Nevada City

We are proud to announce the inaugural Nevada City Foreign Car & Motorcycle Show, taking place on June 4, 2011 from 10am – 3pm in the beautiful town of Nevada City, CA! Accompanying our event will be the Nevada City Wine Stroll taking place from 12pm – 3pm, and advance tickets to this event can be purchased with your registration at a discounted pre-registration price of $15 per person. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event for $20 per person. Local wine vendors and shops will be helping host the wine stroll for the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. At the event there will also be live music, a raffle drawing and award ceremony for the People’s Choice winners of top car and top motorcycle. There will also be a raffle going on with some really excellent prizes that will be up for grabs.

Sierra Sports Car Group is hosting this car show to benefit two local non-profit groups, United Way of Nevada County and the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. This classic gold rush town is the perfect setting for our event, and we are looking forward to all of the visitors we hope to see at the show.

Day 119 - Front Street Fridays in Rocklin

Event Date(s): Fridays, 5/27/2011 - 10/28/2011 Venue / Location Information: Name: Front Street/Heritage Park Address: 5250 Front Street City: Rocklin State: CA Event Time / Additional Information: May - October / 5pm - 9pm Contact Info: Bob Habian, 916-541-8659 / bob@bomb-ent.com Web site: www.placerlifestyle.com  COME OUT AND JOIN THE PARTY! Every Friday night from 5-9pm in downtown Rocklin, (Rocklin Rd @ the RR Tracks). LIVE MUSIC, beer, wine, great food and fun for adults and children of all ages.  Every week will be a different theme and a different mix of food and product vendors. Enjoy exceptional music, beer & wine garden, kid's zone and street party.  We're building community in Placer County, one Friday at a time, and everyone's welcome! Bring a friend or ten, and kickoff every weekend with us.

Day 118 - See The Full Monty-Musical!

Event Date(s): Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays, and, Saturdays, 6/2/2011 - 6/26/2011 Venue / Location Information: Name: Nevada Theatre Address: 401 Broad St. City: Nevada City State: CA Event Time / Additional Information: 7:00 Thurs., 8:00 Fri., 2 and 8 Sat., 2 on Sundays Contact Info: Lois Ewing, 530-430-SHOW Web site: EwingVenturesNC.com  The Full Monty comes to the historic Nevada Theatre. This hit Broadway musical was nominated for 7 Tony awards and this will be the first time it will be performed in Nevada County. With the best talent the area has to offer, great music and a beautiful story you will be glad you went. This show tells the tale of a man who, like many of us, was laid off and he faces the unthinkable possability of losing his some because he can't pay child support. He is desparate but he comes up with a "can't lose" plan to rake in a lot of money FAST! This show will have you laughing and snifflling and begging for more. It is the "must see" show of the summer.  Groups discounts for 10 or more are available. On preview night any one who can prove they are unemployed and have showered will be admitted for $5 (reservations strongly suggested).  This show is running for 4 weekends in the month of June. Make your reservations NOW as we anticipate the final weekends will be sold out and you will miss the show everyone will be talking about.  RESERVATION LINE: 530-430-SHOW

Day 115 - Sierra Festival of the Arts

Grass Valley, California "Sierra Festival of the Arts"Sunday

May 29, 2011 from 10:00am - 5:00pm

Enjoy the ambience of beautiful historic downtown Grass Valley California at this annual street faire featuring fine art and crafts by California artists whose diverse talents make this occasion a cultural destination.

Come join us for the 27th annual event Memorial Weekend, Sunday May 29, 2011 and enjoy the artistic wealth of Nevada County, along with great food and entertainment by local musicians. 10am - 5pm on Mill Street.

Free admission! Exhibitor info available at 530-272-8315.

..

Day 114 - Chicago Tribute Authoruty

Saturday, May 28, 2011 - DAVID GIRARD VINEYARDS

Placerville, CA - A Great Affair at one of the most beautiful vineyards in Northern California - Great Music, Fine Wine and Fabulous Food in the perfect outdoor setting - How can you lose? Get your tickets early - SPECIAL PRICING FOR WINE CLUB MEMBERS - this event always sells out! For more information and to purchase tickets visit Girard Vineyards

2011 Sounds of Summer Concerts


Presented on the hilltop stage at David Girard Vineyards ~ set against the natural beauty of the Sierra Foothills

$20.00 for DGV Wine Club Members $30.00 General Admission *

$35.00 At the Door

* $1 processing fee per ticket for online orders

Gates open at 5:30pm, opening act begins at approximately 6:00pm and featured band begins at 7:00pm. Food and wine is available for cash purchase. No outside food, beverage or pets allowed. Open style seating. Chairs are provided.

Day 111 - Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby

Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby

Hosted by Stroller Strides of Auburn, CA

Date: 5/25/2011

Time: 6-9pm

Partner organization(s): Powered by Stroller Strides

Location:

Regional Park, Lakeside Room

3770 Richardson Drive

Auburn, CA 95602

Description: Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby is a community event focusing on prenatal and postnatal health and awareness. Join us Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 6 - 9pm for an evening of fitness, educational workshops, raffle prizes, give aways, friendship, and fun! This is a FREE event and all are welcome.

This is a public event and is open to the general public.

Fee: This is a free event

Event activities/topics:

•Educational session, workshop, or conference

•General wellness

•Heart health

•Mental and emotional health

•Nutrition

•Physical activity and fitness

•Reproductive health

•Weight management

•Woman Challenge (physical activity program)

For more information about this event:   Contact name: Shannon Smith  E-mail: shannonsmith@strollerstrides.net

Phone: 530-863-3298

Website: http://www.strollerstrides.com/

For more information about Stroller Strides of Auburn, CA:

Address: 3770 Richardson Drive

Auburn, CA 95602

Phone: 530-863-3298

Day 110 - Eat at Tsuda's!

Est. 2008 to restore the spirit of the historic Old Town Tsuda grocery (est. 1891)

Our goal was to provide a community gathering spot to appreciate the culinary and fine arts (including live music), and to bring a taste of local and alternative,option created with your health in mind.
At Tsudas we focus on mouth-watering, chef-inspired pastries and side dishes, unique panini grilled sandwiches, delightful and fresh salads, an organic inspired kids menu, and breakfast made to order from local eggs.
 
1 530 823 2233


Facebook: tsudasauburn
 
103 Sacramento Street  Auburn, CA

Day - 108 Check out the Auburn Home Show

This weekend is one of the most attended events that Auburn hosts. The Auburn Home Show.  It is held at the Gold Country Fair Grounds. Today the hours will be 10am till 6pm. 

Fill your eyes and brains with loads of ideas for your home and garden.  

Day - 107 Cheer on the Tri-Athletes!!

Auburn is known as the Endurance Capital of the World.  This Sunday brings another great endurance event to our city.  The Auburn Triathlon. Some of the toughest athletes will be here competing.   They will Run, Bike, Swim.  The website has a great event map at Event Map and Tips for spectators at Spectator Tips.  Find your spot and cheer them on!!

Day 105 - AMGEN Tour of California is HERE!

What a great day for the city of Auburn.  Start city for Stage 3 of the AMGEN.  Join the festivities at the lifestyle festival in Central Square.  There will fun things to do from 8am till 4pm. 
The festival will feature a health & fitness expo, cancer awareness education, cycling gear, family activities, bike safety, food, entertainment and more! Custom prints and oil paintings by artists from around the Auburn area will be on display. We'll feature a food court with many different food options. The Auburn Rotary Club will host a pancake breakfast to help raise money for the Auburn Cancer Endowment Fund.

There will be plenty to see and do for everyone in your family! 

http://bikeauburn.com/festival.html

Day 103 - Amgen Street Dance - RocknRoll

The Sugar Plump Fairies will be hosting the Amgen Street Dance Monday, May 16th from 7 to 10pm in our Central open area in Old Town. Michael Gregory’s 7 piece band, “MAD DASH” will be playing a big selection of Rock n Roll songs, good for dancin'.

And . . . It's FREE !!!

Since 1997, The Sugar Plump Fairies have been delighting the Greater Auburn, California Area with their philanthropic antics. Drawing attention to themselves for worthy causes is our calling. Whether ringing bells during the holidays, selling raffle tickets for fund raisers or soliciting donations for disaster relief, they always elicit a smile.

530-888-1585

Day 102 - VINO VELO

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA GALA

A wine, food and festive gala benefitting Bike Auburn. Celebrating the evolution of the bicycle and the Stage 3 Start of the Amgen Tour of California..

VIP Tasting: 12 -1 p.m. $85 per person

Grand Gala: 1-5 p.m. $65 per person

Local Wineries & Restaurants
Tour of California Cuisine
Vintage and Ultra-Modern Bicycle Exhibit
Celebrity Cyclists & Guest Speakers
Live Jazz Band
Silent Auction
Video Broadcast of Stage 1 Start in Lake Tahoe

LOCATION: Just 6 miles from downtown Auburn


Winchester Country Club
3030 Legends Drive
Meadow Vista, CA
PARTICIPATING WINERIES: Casque Wines, Dono dal Cielo, Fawnridge, Green Family Winery, Lone Buffalo Vineyards, Mt. Vernon Winery, Vina Castellano and Wise Villa Winery.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS: Carpe Vino, Monkey Cat, Latitudes, Bootleggers, Max's Desserts, Maria's, Tsuda's, Auburn Thai Garden, The Flour Garden and more!

Purchase Tickets:
Purchase a VIP Ticket and get exclusive access to the food & wine and mix and mingle with the celebrity cyclists and other Bike Auburn VIPs pre-event!








Day 101 - Plan to attend the 44th annual Auburn Spring Street Fair!

Old Town Auburn presents the 44th SPRING STREET FAIR

Jewels to Junk

Unusual Bargains
Over 200 Vendors
Come early and bring a flashlight.   Rain or Shine!
Dawn to late afternoon

Old Town Auburn
Sacramento Street Area
Auburn, CA 95603
530 823-3836










Day 100 - FAST FRIDAYS SPEEDWAY MOTORCYCLE RACING

Every Friday night during the summer thousands flock to watch speedway action. This is no armchair sport. You have to be there to capture the noise and the thrill of seeing it live! It's good clean fun! Lots of activities for the kids. Great Food! Fun half time shows. And then there's the riders! The greatest bunch of good sports you'll see anywhere! So come on out to the Raceway!

Gates open at 6:30 pm, racing blasts off at 8:00 pm.  Fast Friday's is located in the beautiful Sierra Foothills at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, CA.

Day 97 - Amgen Chamber Mixer Party May10th

Amgen Chamber Mixer Party May10th

Chamber Mixer Party at Bicycle Emporium. Join local business owners and the Bike Auburn committee members to kick off "RACE WEEK" at Bicycle Emporium Tuesday May 10th. from 5:30 to 7:30.  Meet and greet with Team riders from Team Type 1 , and talk cycling with Rabobank Amgen sponsors. Food by Cafe Zorro, Tsuda Cafe, beer, wine, and soda's served by the Auburn Chamber. Listen to Auburn's own Evan Zee trio at 7 p.m. Don't miss the party! 

Contact Info:

Bicycle Emporium 483 Grass Valley hwy. Auburn, CA 95603  530-823-2900 May 10th 5:30 to 7:30 p.m

Day 96 - Wild Flowers, Adventures in Nature

Bring your family to the nature center for a very special wildflower walk! Afterwards, try your hand at watercolor painting with professional local watercolor artists. Artists, Marlene Knott, Juan Pena and Marilyn Broderson will be on hand to instruct you on painting. Bring your own paints, brushes and paper or purchase supplies for only $2 (additional charge). Bring home your very special painting. Takes place rain or shine! Make a day out of it and bring a picnic lunch.
Great for all ages; Nature Shop open.
Free to members, General Admission is $3/person.

More Information