Copperopolis, CA…Oh, what a night as the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance and Copper Valley came together to host the first Wine & Food Walk at the Town Square! Close to 200 ticketholders gathered for this fundraising event to taste the best of Calaveras County wines and small bite pairings. Ten vintners shared 30 wines and five restaurateurs created 10 delicious small bite pairings. Guests got to cast their votes in the Peoples Choice Contest to determine the best white wine and red wine pairing. And to sweeten the evening a bit, a dessert station included cinnamon apple donuts from the Red Apple Murphys as well as mini chocolate eclairs. While the desserts weren’t a part of the contest, we think that these treats tied in terms of popularity.

Jeffery Luhn and Jeff Chadwick performed live music in the gazebo and a local juggling duo entertained guests in the middle of the square. A spirit of celebration and excitement was felt as this inaugural event was captured in these pictures by photographer extraordinaire, Darrell Lavin.

All of this fun was for a good cause as all proceeds benefit the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance nonprofit organization. Bill and the team at the new Gateway Hotel were recognized at the awards ceremony for helping to make this event such a success. SOOOO, who were the winners you ask? Find the complete lineup of Wine & Food Pairings along with the Winners highlighted below. Watch for our next Wine & Food Walk event taking place in the spring of 2022.

WHITE WINE & SMALL BITE PAIRINGS:

Boyle MacDonald 2020 Calaveras County Sangiovese Bianco > paired with Cordon Bleu Bites from Vine18 Restaurant. RUNNER UP.

Indian Rock 2017 Vermentino > paired with Spicy Prawn Brochette from Ironstone Bistro.

Newsome Harlow 2020 Sauvignon Blanc > paired with Vegetable Egg Roll w Sweet & Sour Drizzle from Asian Cafe Murphys. WINNER!

Val du Vino 2019 Viognier > paired with Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with roasted garlic clove & honey drizzle from the Murphys Hotel Restaurant.

RED WINE & SMALL BITE PAIRINGS:

Aloria Vineyards 2018 Estate Syrah > paired with Bacon-Wrapped Scallops from Vine18

Frog’s Tooth 2018 Grenache > paired with Smoked Salmon Mousse on crostini topped with capers & lemon zest from the Murphys Hotel Restaurant. WINNER!

Ironstone 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon > paired with Chilled Grilled Ribeye with chimichurri sauce from Ironstone Bistro. RUNNER UP.

Jazz Cellars 2015 Pinot Noir > paired with Pork Potsticker and Hoisin Sauce drizzle from Asian Cafe Murphys.

Prospect 772 2018 Black Tie Charlie Petite Sirah/Syrah Blend > paired with Steak Taquitos with Sour Cream and Guacamole Drizzle from El Jardin Restaurant Murphys.

Stevenot Winery 2017 Reserva Petite Sirah > paired with Shredded Braised Beef on a crostini with creamed bleu cheese, caramelized onion-bacon jam & fresh arugula from the Murphys Hotel Restaurant.