Soroptimist International of Rio Vista is now selling tickets for their “stay-at-home,” “SIP w/ Soroptimist” Wine/Beer/Cider tasting fundraiser. “SIP w/ Soroptimist” is a play on the “Shelter In Place” order that all of the community has been under for so many months. The box provided includes everything you will need for a tasting for four people. The Soroptimist members decided to make wine out of sour grapes since having to cancel fundraisers they depend upon like our LUNAFEST Film Festival.”We wanted to bring a little fun to the community when it feels like all the “fun” has been canceled. It is also important for us to adhere to social distancing guidelines and hold the fundraiser in a safe way. All our perishable food will be prepared and packaged in a commercial kitchen that adheres to strict COVID compliance regulations. We enlisted the help of caterers Arvel & Mini Howell (Veterans Memorial Kitchen) to assist us with food preparations.
Additionally, pick up will be outside in a drive-through loading environment with little to no contact. We don’t want to let COVID get us down! “This year we were able to provide $12,000 in scholarships to 2020 Rio Vista High School Seniors and want to make sure we continue this tradition in 2021. Our mission is to help women and girls in our community through education no matter what.” said committee Chairman, Stacia Olson.
Two ticket prices are available; $200 for four people and $100 for two people. The $200 tasting for four people includes: bottles of “Summer” Wines, including Pressley wines, Pinot Noir, Lodi Vinterners: Rippey Family Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Hampton Water Rosé. Plus two bottles of Premium Samuel Adams Beer, two Hemly Hard Ciders plus a charcuterie box for four, place setting for four (bamboo plates, bamboo knives and forks, red check cloth napkins) plus four 9oz. wine glasses and two beer glasses.
The tasting for two includes one bottle of either Pressley Wine’s Pinot Noir or Lodi vintner’s Chenin Blanc and a Rosé, one bottle of Samuel Adams beer and one bottle of Hemly Cider, a charcuterie box for two plus place settings for two (bamboo plates, bamboo knives and forks, red check cloth napkins) plus two 9oz. wine glasses and one beer glass.
Soroptimist International of Rio Vista partnered with local wine and cider makers to provide products for the event.With the ticket, the tasting will include local Rio Vista vintner’s Pressley Wine (Delta) Pinot Noir, Lodi Vinterners Chenin Blanc and Hampton Water, a European Rose` from the South of France. The beer was sponsored by Samuel Adams Brewing Company, who is providing two premium specialty beers, two beer glasses, Samuel Adams hat & beer bottle opener. Hemly Cider from Clarksburg will feature two flavors of their hard cider, a perfect combination for a hot summer day. Each package will include a tasting guide and a link to a YouTube video prepared for the tasting featuring the beverages, wine/beer/cider makers, what foods to pair with the wines and commentary by a Sommelier.
The charcuterie box will be filled with tasty bites for perfect pairing with the beverages included for the tasting. The boxes will be assembled in a commercial kitchen that is COVID compliant. Each box will be filled with crackers, peppered salami, three cheeses, tortilla chips, fresh white and red grapes, sonoran corn chip dip, watermelon salad w/ basil and balsamic drizzle, assorted dried fruit and nuts, assorted veggies, spicy “Bitch’n Sauce” dip, pepperoni bits and for dessert, dark chocolate bark with nuts and sea salt.
Tickets are $200 for four people or $100 for two people. They can be purchased online with a credit card at https://soroptimistrv.simpletix.com/e/55274 or by contacting Stacia Olson (916) 716-4997, Monica Awender (707) 580-1302, or President Kay Kelley (909) 234-6913. This event is for participants who are 21 years and older; anyone who purchases a ticket or picks up must be over the age of 21. A limited number of tickets are available and all orders must be purchased in advance. Tickets may be redeemed on July 11th from 12 pm-4 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 610 St. Francis Way, Rio Vista. Pick up is set up as a drive-through outside the front of the Veterans Memorial Building. Ticket holders will need to show their ticket and pop their trunk, and the items will be loaded in by masked and gloved staff who will be adhering to social distancing guidelines. Delivery will be available for a limited number of those who are unable to get out and pick up the tasting boxes (this arrangement must be made in advance)..
This event could not be made possible without the support of businesses such as Pressley Wines, Lodi Vinterners, Hemly Cider, Lira’s Supermarket, Caterers Arvel and Mini Howell, The American Legion Post #178, Samuel Adams Beer, Frito Lay and the members of Soroptimist International of Rio Vista.
To purchase tickets directly, go to https://soroptimistrv.simpletix.com/e/55274 , www.siriovista.org or the Soroptimist International Rio Vista Facebook page.