Vinofest uncorked at a lavender farm

A jug of wine, a loaf of bread … toss in some cheese – and thou, of course – and it could be poetry in motion on Friday at a first-time festival in Turlock.

Central Valley Vinofest will be held Aug. 21 at Pageo Lavender Farm with more than 50 selections from regional vintners as well as samplings from Hilmar Cheese Company and a baguette from a Merced restaurant.

Event founder Veronica Camp said the event, like the annual Central Valley Brewfest that she also presents, is “about community.”

“The Central Valley is one of the most premier wine regions with a deep history and heritage in artisan wine making with extraordinary quality,” Camp said in an email interview. “To highlight and focus local businesses, charities and wineries is a job we gladly accept.”

The charity in this case is Art Expressions of San Joaquin, a “gallery on the move,” according to its website, that promotes pop-up art exhibits in the valley.

A portion of the Vinofest profits will be donated to Art Expressions to “help promote and showcase talented artists who do not have a dedicated storefront in the Central Valley,” Camp said.

Art from the organization will be on display and for sale at the festival.

Camp’s Central Valley Brewfest celebrated its third year in Turlock in May. The success of that event prompted her to organize Vinofest, she said. “The Central Valley Brewfest has been so widely embraced by the valley community. We wanted to build on the success of the craft beer festival but this time turn the focus on local wineries in the area.”

Participating vintners include Michael-David Winery, Silkwood Wines, Irish Family Vineyards, Van Ruiten Family Vineyards, Renner Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, Tsymbal Winery, Harney Lane Winery, Classic Wines of California, Acquiesce Winery and Mettler Family Vineyards.

In addition to wine and cheese, ticket-holders will receive a fresh baguette from Merced’s Bella Luna Bistro & Bar to nosh while making their way through the wine samplings. A Bella Luna food truck also will offer goodies for sale.

Pageo Lavender Farm provides an outdoor landscape and “rustic” atmosphere for the fest, Camp said. The farm grows more than 10 varieties of lavender for cooking and ornamental use and rents out space for weddings and other events. The venue’s gift shop and nursery will be open during the wine festival.

The venue along with the art on display provide a backdrop for the event – particularly for people who attend on a discounted designated driver ticket, Camp said. In addition, she’s partnering with Uber for the festival.

“Uber was utilized by 25 percent of the Central Valley Brewfest attendees. In order to do our due diligence we have once again partnered with Uber to give attendees a free first ride up to $20,” she said. “We encourage responsible drinking, so please plan ahead.”

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 11:52 AM with the headline "Vinofest uncorked at a lavender farm."