Friday, Aug. 13, 2010

Strolling and sampling proves popular again

Wine event attracts repeat visitors and people who missed out last year

Dozens of people could be seen strolling up and down Sixth Street, wine glasses in hand, last Friday evening.

The second Wine Stroll sold out of its 250 available tickets for the night of wine, hors d'oeuvres, coffee and dessert tasting.

Donna Mendes, owner of Donna Mendes' Positive Changes, was one of the event's organizers.

Though still early in the evening, Mendes said she was pleased with how the event was shaping up.

"It's going really, really well," Mendes said. "Everyone seems to be very impressed."

Of the dozen downtown businesses that participated in the Wine Stroll, eleven offered wine, each from a different winery, and hors d'oeuvres, while one offered coffee and dessert.

Jarrett Sagouspe and Sarah Post, both of Los Banos, attended last year's Wine Stroll.

"It was so much fun last year," Post said.

For someone who works during the week, Post said, the stroll was an opportunity to browse and buy merchandise that is difficult to access during regular business hours.

"It's nice to come in at night when they're all open," Post said.

A few of the businesses played music or hosted live music, while one presented art and a dance performance.

Marlene Salha and Gloria Carlucci, both of Los Banos, attended this year's event, because they heard last year's event was a good time.

Both women said they were enjoying themselves during the Wine Stroll.

"It's a nice way to spend an evening downtown in Los Banos," Salha said.

Enterprise staff writer Thaddeus Miller can be reached at 388-6562 or by e-mail at tmiller@

losbanosenterprise.com.