Saturday, Sept. 10 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Gabilan Wine and Food Tasting, the oldest multi-winery tasting event in the United States.
Organized by the Gabilan Chapter Kinship Center, proceeds will benefit foster and adoption services in San Benito County.
Once again, lovers of good wine and local foods will gather from 4 to 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Paicines Ranch south of Hollister to enjoy more than 25 featured regional wineries and 25 local restaurants; surrounded by the vistas and unparalleled beauty of the area.
Sixty years ago, 13 San Benito County women came up with the idea of raising funds for their local nonprofit adoption agency by hosting a wine tasting, decades before wine tastings reached their current popularity. The brainchild of charter member Margi Gabriele, the first year featured wine from Almaden Vineyards, accompanied by a modest array of breads and cheeses. Approximately 200 guests attended the garden party at what was then the Bob Law Ranch.
Over the decades, the event has grown from one winery and homemade hors d’oeuvres to San Benito County’s largest cultural event of its kind, and the oldest multi-winery tasting event in the United States.
Paicines Ranch is located 15 miles south of Hollister, at 13388 Airline Highway in Paicines.
Major sponsors include: Paicines Ranch, Schipper Design, Union Bank, Teknova, and George Chiala Farms. See the complete list of sponsors, participating wineries and restaurants along with some of the auction items on the Gabilan Chapter website.
Tickets are $60 each, and are available for purchase online at www.gabilankinship.org.