Paso Robles and Fresno State wines feature of Zonta event
Evening of Art and Wine is March 4
Tackitt Family Vineyards of Paso Robles and Fresno State’s award winning wines will be featured at Zonta Club of Porterville’s Evening of Art and Wine on March 4.
Leon Tackitt, owner and winemaker at Tackitt Family Vineyards retired from the Navy in 1998 and began a journey to take the 29 Gewurztraminer vines planted by his grandfather in 1970 to the next level. Their handcrafted premium wines won gold medals for their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Petite Sirah and Dream Tyme dessert wines.
Of special recognition is their selection of EOD wines. When Tackitt retired from the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal community he decided that the EOD wines would benefit veterans and their families through the EOD Warrior Foundation.
Fresno State is the first university in the nation with a license to operate a winery as part of its overall educational program. They have come a long way since 1997 when they produced a white table wine. They since have won over 600 medals at commercial wine competitions including “Best In Class.” These awards, in addition to their 100 percent graduation employment rate, have brought unparalleled acclaim to Fresno State and the San Joaquin Valley. Kevin Smith will be on hand to pour and share — as long as he is next to Stafford’s Chocolates.
Although they will not be at the event to pour, a selection of wines from additional wineries will be available. Pear Valley Vineyards, of Paso Robles, focuses on a low yield to produce intense flavors. They strive to deliver the highest quality wine at an affordable price.
CRU Wine Company, based in Madera, is offering a wine tasting at their tasting room of their portfolio of handcrafted artisanal wines that reflect the diversity of California’s coastal vineyards.
Rutherford Vineyards is just one of several that have donated wines as well.
Town and Country Market is again selecting two cases of quality wines through the generosity of Barbara Sue.
Cass Winery will be featured in Zonta’s live auction. Located in the rolling, oakstudded hills between Paso Robles and Creston, they receive the evening’s cooling breezes that the west side of Paso Robles is noted for. They rest far enough from the coast to generate the heat needed to optimally ripen the Rhone varieties grown in their vineyards. All of the wines crafted at Cass Winery are estate grown, meaning only grapes grown on the property are used in the wine. A wine tasting and tour with vintage limousine promises a wonderful adventure.
Stafford’s Chocolates has graciously agreed to again provide samples of a selection of their decadent creations. From truffles to Ooey-gooey Bars, the only thing better is to add an excellent cup of coffee or chocolate. With their move to downtown Porterville, that’s exactly what they do. Everything is made in house down to the marshmallow, whipped cream and lemonade (from local lemons).
To complete the evening, Zonta members with huge assistance from Gail and Bob Nuckols provide a delicious assortment of horderves and desserts.
In addition to the Cass Winery Tour and Tasting, live auction items will include a party for 50 at Nuckols Ranch, Sunday Supper for eight at the home of Morris Tharp and a “A Behind the Scenes Post Production Homeland” studio experience. Drawings for a 50 inch Smart TV, Michael Kors Purse and original works by featured artists Therese Fowler-bailey and Michael Hansen will be held as well as the opportunity to win one of seven exquisite baskets.
Zonta Club of Porterville is an international service organization focused on empowering women. The success of the event ensures the continuation of supporting the Crisis Center, scholarships, Z-clubs and an award winning bosom buddy project. The Evening of Art and Wine is March 4, from 6-9 p.m. at Nuckols Ranch. Tickets for the event and drawings are available from any Zonta member or by contacting Valerie Simonich at 784-9076.