At a glance: Plenty of stuff to celebrate

On this date in 1933 Prohibition ended with the ratification of the 21st Amendment. To celebrate the repeal of the 18th Amendment four wineries — Boeger, David Girard, Gold Hill and Wofford Acres — are filling wine glasses at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc,, 399 Placerville Drive in Placerville, on Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. The party will have wine tasting and soup, bread and appetizers in a ’30s theme. MORE will be decked out like a speakeasy with vintage cars and music. Tickets are $20 per person or $10 for the designated driver and are available at MORE and each of the participating wineries or at morerehab.org. Call 530-622-4848 to have a fun time.

 

Barn shopping

Holiday shoppers are invited to the Friends of the Bayley House Winter Craft Faire on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bayley Barn, 4300 Highway 49 in Pilot Hill. There will be locally made crafts, warm food and drink and seasonal music to make shopping extra fun. For more information visit bayleyhouse.org, or call Kim at 530-823-2787.

 

Gold Hill pampering

After shopping at the Bayley House head to Gold Hill Vineyard, 5660 Vineyard Lane in Placerville, for its “Holidays in the Hall Craft and Gift Fair” on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Sunday 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This a great way to shop with hand-crafted items by local crafters and artisans and a pampering station, plus Gold Hill wines. For more information call 530-621-7073.

 

Oakstone celebrates

There will be more shopping opportunities at Oakstone Winery, 6470 Irish Acres Road in Fair Play, on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the 12th annual Port and Chocolate Festival featuring six Obscurity ports paired with a range of exotic chocolates, as well as a port-friendly cheeses. For more details go to info@oakstone-winery.com.

 

Release party

Sierra Oaks Estates, 8171 Mt. Aukum Road in Mount Aukum, is releasing its 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will nice hot soup and yummy appetizers to warm shoppers. For more information go to jim@sierraoaksestates.com or call 530-620-7079.

 

More Cellar-bration

The South Fair Play wineries — Mount Aukum Winery, Bechard Vineyard and Winery, Chateau Routon, Mellowood Vineyard and Sierra Oaks Estate — and participating tree farms — Fanchers Christmas Tree Farm, Silver Forest Christmas Tree Farm, Davis Christmas Tree Farm and Omo Ranch Tree Farm — are participating in Cellar-bration on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. Buy a Christmas tree and then enjoy some wine and appetizers at the five South Fair Play wineries. Mellowood is also having music by Rachel Cargil Saturday, Dec. 8. Visit mountaukum.com or call 800-591-9463 for more information.

 

Open house

David Girard Vineyards, 741 Cold Springs Road in Placerville, is having a Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Drop by and enjoy wines specials, savory treats from Sierra Rizing Bakery and Christmas music by the opera chorus. The tasting room is filled with holiday gift ideas and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 1:30 p.m. For more details call 530-295-1833.

 

Fun in the cellar

Fenton Herriot Vineyards, 120 Jacquier Court in Placerville, invites everyone to the “Holiday Cellar-bration” from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. There will be appetizers, soup, breads, cheeses, music, tree decorating, barrel tasting and of course, wine. There is no charge, just bring an ornament to place on the tree. There will be prizes awarded for the best ornaments. Please RSVP to winery@fentonherriott.com with the number in your party so that enough food can be prepared.

 

Happy 10th

Gold Vine Grill, 6028 Grizzly Flat Road in the Somerset area, will be celebrating its 10th year in business during the Downtown Somerset Holiday Open House. Stop by between 2 and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9 to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, local great wine and live holiday music. For more information call 530-626-4042.

 

Christmas concert

The Auburn Concert Band is presenting a concert for the Christmas season featuring holiday favorites and a special new arrangement of “Silent Night” on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Cool Community Church, 863 Cave Valley Road in Cool. Admission is free with donations being accepted. For further information contact Gary Truesdail, director, at 530-620-0916 or gir@directcon.net.

 

Tree tips

Mountain Democrat readers are invited to call Mimi Escabar at 530-344-5070 with tips about Christmas light displays.