By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Cheese And Wine Fest Returns To Downtown
CW riv pix
As is typical at this time of year, the City of Riverbank has mounted banners downtown in preparation for the upcoming Cheese & Wine Festival. These banners are set up at the corner of Third and Santa Fe streets, where traditionally the event has been held in the past. This year, the main wine, cheese and beer tasting event will be held at the Community Center with the vendors and stages on Santa Fe, from Fourth to Seventh streets. Ric McGinnis/The News

All the plans are in place and the weather is shaping up favorably, as Riverbank plays host to the annual Cheese and Wine fest this weekend.

Events are planned for both Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15 in the City of Action, which will welcome visitors from near and far for this two-day showcase.

Along with the signature cheese and wine tastings, there are countless vendor booths with merchandise, crafts, food and beverages; music on stage; carnival rides and games and activities for kids; a car show and more.

Hours are Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For this year’s Cheese and Wine, Riverbank City Council members authorized a new contract with SMA Entertainment to coordinate the event. Stephen Alexander of SMA met several months ago with the council to outline the plans for the celebration. Council members, generally disappointed by a smaller than anticipated event last year, said their hope is that Alexander can help bring a turnaround, getting the numbers back up and bringing the crowd to the downtown area.

Alexander and his organization have experience with past festivals, concerts and other community events in the area, officials noted.

Tickets for the VIP wine and beer tasting sessions can be purchased online, at http://www.riverbankcheeseandwine.com. Alexander said early bird discount tasting tickets are available there for $30, but they will be $40 at the event.

Highlighting the VIP Tasting Experience this year will be a wide array of locally produced cheeses, and wines that showcase the Central Valley’s outstanding grapes, along with pouring of some newly imported varietals. All are being individually chosen to highlight the best and most delicious tastes of the region, Alexander said.

The tasting session ticket includes admission to the VIP Tasting Area at the Riverbank Community Center, a collectible wine glass, live entertainment plus a raffle entry. Tasting times are noon and 3 p.m., for three-hour sessions, both on Saturday and on Sunday.

The Cheese and Wine will be situated along Santa Fe, covering a several block stretch in the downtown area.