There are several events this weekend that I want to mention before you booked out your entire weekend.  I will still post a “Things To Do” blog closer to the weekend but didn’t want you to miss out on these because you found out about them too late.

Weller St Dock

Start your Dad’s Day Weekend with in a truly unique way with a guided Petaluma River tour.  The Friends of the Petaluma River have launched their summer season of eco-tours.  Their Friday night “Cruisin’ on the River” tours, with wine and cheese, leave the Weller Street dock (Petaluma turning basin) at 5:30 p.m. and return at 7:30 p.m.  Even if you have toured the river on your own, this is a rare opportunity to spend time on the river with experts who know the flora and fauna of the river, as well as its interesting history.  If you make the tour, take special note of heron chicks perched precariously, high up in the trees, across the river from McNear Landing.  For more information on this tour as well as the rest of the summer schedule, visit their website at www.friendsofthepetalumariver.org   It is highly recommended that you make reservations; most of last year’s tours sold out in advance and as the weather gets better, so will the tours. 

FPR also offers chartered tours, customized to your specific interest, whether that be bird watching, river history, celebrating a special event or entertaining a visiting guest.  If you have business clients in town, these tours are impressive, and exhibit your knowledge and connection to the community.  It is wonderful that organizations like Friends of the Petaluma River can help facilitate greater understanding and enjoyment of this incredible area that we call home. 

 

4th Annual Italian Wine Tasting

On Saturday, June 19, at 3 p.m., Vine and Barrel will be holding its Fourth Annual Spanish and Portuguese Wine Tasting.  (For more information on V&B’s new location, check out my previous blog Vine & Barrel re-opens in a new location!)     If you haven’t been to one of Jason’s wine tasting events, you are in for a real treat.  Honestly, it doesn’t matter which country Jason is highlighting because you will always taste the best of the best.  But, as I have recently discovered both ports and Spanish wines, I am particularly excited about this weekend’s event.  As an after dinner wine, ports usually last for quite a while and since they usually don’t come cheap, I am often disappointed when I pick something I don’t like.  This event guarantees no disappointments since I will be able to taste before I buy. 

Jason Jenkins Wine-oisseur

Jason turned me on to a particularly great port a couple months back, and I look forward to tasting a few more and seeing what else strikes my fancy.  Spain and Portugal are two of the oldest wine producing regions in the world and V&B will be serving their best.  V&B will be pairing tapas with its offerings.,  With 26 producers, representing the likes of Bladys and Leacocks (two of the best Madeira producers in the world), DOW Port (pouring their 10 and 20 year old tawnys), and La Nevera (and organic Grenache from Navarra) there will be no shortage of good wine and food.  And don’t be surprised if you get a chance to taste some vintage specialties; the producers that pour at Jason’s events pull out all the stops. 

The New V&B - 113 Pet Blvd N

At $30 per ticket, it is well worth the wine you will taste, the knowledge you will gain, and the time you will get to spend visiting with old friends as well as making new friends.  V&B’s events fill quickly so contact them early (Facebook Spanish/Portuguese Wine Tasting Events Page).  To stay current with all their upcoming events join their regular Facebook page.

Make sure you bring a designated driver or else make alternate arrangements to get you and yours home safely.  (It never hurts to have one of the local cab company’s number preprogrammed into your phone.)

 

Tolay Lake Regional Park

Sunday is Father’s Day so take your dad out and treat him right with a moderate two hour hike.  If yours is like my late father, he enjoys spending time with you, especially while enjoying the great outdoors.  One of the area’s most beautiful, yet least known parks, is Tolay Lake Regional Park.  Not yet open to the general public, this weekend offers a rare glimpse of our newest regional park.  With the wildflowers still blooming, the 10 a.m. two-hour tour is sure to book quickly so make your reservations early.  (Reservations are required and space is limited. Call 565-2730)

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