Hispanic Heritage celebrated in Murphys (Calaveras County)

The marketing-oriented wineries of Calaveras County are at it again! Spearheaded by Evelyn Reyes-Umana of Bodega del Sur winery in Murphys, more and more events are celebrating the Latin American heritage of California's wine industry.

Did you know that the first Cinco de Mayo was celebrated in wine country? There's an historical document in the museum in Columbia, CA, not far from Murphys, that proves this fact.

Look for more and more celebrations that appeal to the Hispanic consumer and celebrate Latin American Arts and Culture! The next interesting event is on Saturday, May 21, 2011, from noon to 5 p.m. The event organizers have told us this:

Art, books, cigars, spices and olive oils, music, food and wine representing Argentina, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua will be featured throughout downtown Murphys.

The following businesses have joined forces to bring together the diverse cultures of Latin America in the first Latin American Arts and Cultural Festival in Murphys. A self-guided tour map will be available at each location leading visitors through the attractions of the day.

Bodega del Sur Winery is hosting Connections, a group exhibition of Latin American artists and artists reception at 466 Main Street (former location of Main Street Art Gallery and Beaux Chevaux Tasting Room), and serving a special selection of tasty Salvadorian morsels and wines in their tasting room at 457 S. Algiers. For more information call (209) 728-9030 or visit
http://www.bodegadelsur.com/

Frog’s Tooth Vineyard is offering Latin American music from their courtyard where there’s plenty of room to salsa, rumba, bosa nova to your hearts content and wine tasting in their tasting room located at 380 Main Street or follow the sounds of music. For more information call (209) 728-2700 or visit http://www.frogstooth.com/.

Tanner Vineyards is featuring hand rolled cigars by Marvin Ruiz, born in Esteli, Nicaragua represented by Art of Cigars from Fair Oaks, CA. From their lovely tasting room, a cigar and one of their hearty reds, “What more can a person ask for?” All here at 202 Main Street. For more information call (209) 728-8229 or visit http://www.tannervineyards.com/. For more informaton about Art of Cigars visit http://www.artofcigars.com/.

Marisolio is serving olive oils from around the world. For this special occasion, they will feature the Arbosana Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Chile and Chilean appetizers, along with Chiptole Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Enjoy their beautifully decorated tasting room at 488 Main Street. For more information call (209) 728-8853 or visit http://www.marisolio.com/.

The Peppermint Stick is celebrating the occasion with a special “Chipotle BBQ Burger” and raspberry or lemon marguarita ice cream (the perfect palette cleanser) located in Murphys Old Ice House, 454 Main Street or call (209) 728-3570.

The Spice Tin is filling your senses with spices from Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and El Salvador. Bring home the fabulous flavors of Latin American cuisine. Their aromatic shop is located at 457 N. Algiers. For more information call (209) 728-8225 or visit http://www.thespicetin.com/

SPECIAL EVENT!

Bodega del Sur Winery proudly presents a book talk and signing, “Santa Maria” Historical Novel of California,” by Fausto Avendano on Saturday, May 21 at 3:00, 466 Main Street (former location of Main Street Art Gallery and Beaux Chevaux Tasting Room). Open to the public. Books will be available for sale before and after the author’s presentation. For more information call (209) 728-9030 or visit http://www.bodegadelsur.com/.

My observation: it's a great combination of events! I'm sure there will be photos to share afterwards, but... why not go and see for yourself? The grassy knolls and hospitality of wine country in Calaveras are not to be missed!

(photos courtesy Bodega del Sur)