Sonora, CA…This spring the Columbia College Foundation will host the 41st Annual Columbia Wine Tasting – a benefit event from 1:00 to 4:00pm SUNDAY, April 9 to support the Columbia College Hospitality Management Program.

“The Columbia event provides wine enthusiasts a chance to sample local wineries and foods alongside a number of the state’s favorite producers while visiting unique sites in the State Historic Park,” according to Tom Bender, a wine instructor at Columbia College and longtime organizer of the tasting. “Many are small production wineries pouring new and limited release wines.”

Guests will be able to sample premium wines from more than 70 wineries, and enjoy hors d’ oeuvres prepared by students enrolled in the Columbia College Hospitality Management Program as well as guest food vendors.

This year’s wine tasting will also introduce Columbia College’s new Hospitality Program Coordinator, Don Dickinson. “I am very excited to be part of the 41st year of this historic event. My goal is to increase the interaction between the guests and students. Our program produces hard working professionals and I look forward to showcasing them in action.”

Tickets can be purchased online for $55 per person in advance or $60 per person at the event as available. Attendees receive a complimentary souvenir wine glass and wine tastings from participating wineries and food vendors. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.columbiawinetasting.com or call (209) 588-5089.