San Mateo ready for Wine Walk

About 2,500 people are expected to enjoy tastings at 30 downtown businesses. New this year is the opportunity for patrons to gather in a smaller, more intimate environment through the VIP tastings. Regardless of which option chosen, there will be plenty of wine, food and entertainment options for all.

"The Wine Walk not only celebrates the individual businesses and restaurants in our district, but it also highlights the arts and culture that are so important to the vitality of the downtown area,” said Rob Edwards, executive director of the Downtown San Mateo Association.

Edwards only took the position two months ago and enlisted the help of volunteers to ensure the annual event is a success.

This year’s more intimate option came from the desire of people who have been attending the Wine Walk for years and recalled when it was smaller.

Tickets for the Wine Walk are $30. For $60, patrons can participate in the VIP tastings which offers unique boutique wines poured by the vintners, special guests, gift bags for the first 100 people, catered hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by jazz performer Pamela Rose.

Jamie Turri, owner of J’me Boutique who also serves on the Downtown San Mateo Association board, is particularly excited by the new addition. Her store is relocating from Baldwin Avenue to Third Avenue. Wine Walk will offer an opportunity to celebrate the new location, she said.

Her show will feature a fashion show as part of the VIP event and is offering a 15 percent discount off of the first purchase.

Changes were also added to those planning to walk from business to business. Local food vendors such as RedBrick Pizza, Pizza My Heart, Rave Burger and a barbecue benefiting the fire department will be available near the stage.

Taking the stage at Third Avenue and San Mateo Drive are Picture Atlantic, who play a mixture of indie-pop, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., and West Bay Rhythm, who play a horn-based mix of R&B and funk, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. At Third and Ellsworth avenues, Top 40 band Rock Candy will perform from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Choosing which ticket to purchase can be done on the spot. Edwards noted a person could purchase the $30 admission then decide to pay the difference during Wine Walk if they wanted to see Pamela Rose perform.  For more information visit www.winewalk.org.

Downtown San Mateo Association’s 15th Annual Wine Walk will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 25. Check in will be in front of Walgreens, located at 191 E. Third Ave. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on Friday or $60 for the VIP tastings.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.