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The rain began on May 5, just before the Hollister Downtown Association’s annual Wine & Beer Stroll started, and it lasted just until the event was over and the participants were packing up and leaving. But the storm did not deter the 425 people who did their best to make their way through the 18—mostly dry—stops.
The one exception was BenitoLink’s staff, who doled out De Rose wines in front of their new offices at 615 San Benito Street, standing their ground inside San Benito Bene’s parklet.
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You had to be tough to be part of the BenitoLink- De Rose parklet. Photo byAdam Bell“It is a rainy opportunity to let people know about our new downtown location and meet our staff,” said BenitoLink executive director Leslie David. “And there are so many people out having a good time in spite of the weather. I think it’s fantastic.”
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BenitoLink Marketing Coordinator Mo Ismail checked badges- no repeat customers allowed! Photo by Adam Bell The line of people waiting to get into Kai’s Ohana Shaved Ice to sample Nat Wong’s Blade and Talon wines was evidence enough of the enthusiasm and commitment shown for this year’s walk.
Wong made the stroll even more exciting by pouring, along with his other wines, a not-for-sale Crackling Orange Muscat Pet-Nat that he only uncorks for special occasions.
“This is only for events like this, and I never charge for it,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun meeting some of the business owners today, and I’m having a great time pouring San Benito County wines for these thirsty people.”
Hollister resident Amy Ortiz, who has attended five of the strolls, was particularly taken by the muscat.
“I think it is super delicious,” she said, “light and bubbly. It’s a nice surprise and worth coming out for, even in the rain.”
Ozeki Sake also had a stroll-only release, an apricot sake that was an instant hit with Margot Tankersley, owner of Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor in San Juan Bautista.
“It is awesome,” she said. “It is sweet and smooth and very different. It would be great over ice cream!”
Crave Wine Co. hosted Eden Rift along with a special guest, Ryan Kobza of Kobza Wines. Crave co-owner Maura Cooper, said she was very pleased with the turnout.
“The event continues to grow and gain in popularity,” she said. “It is great for downtown and we always look forward to participating.
Next door, Mad Pursuit Brewing Co. was pouring two of their beers, including a Kolsch collaboration with club member and San Benito County Sheriff’s deputy Ed Nino, called Probable Cause, in honor of his work in law enforcement.
Originally scheduled to be in the Hollister City parklet in front of the Veteran’s Hall, Code 3 Brewing was pouring at Mad Pursuit as well. Beer maker Ralph Chavez announced that his Pinnacle Beer would be available at the Damm Vineyards Tasting Room starting this month.
Working his way through the stops on the stroll, former sheriff’s deputy Mike Kirschmann spent a little extra time at the brewery, where in 2023 he collaborated on a beer called GRZILA, in honor of firefighter Jesse Garza, Jr.
“This is my favorite place,” he said. “The Kolsch is delicious and the Code 3 beers are nice and refreshing, particularly on a beautiful day like today.”
Gabby Perez, pouring for Guerra Cellars at Tuxedo Styles & Ella Boutique, was touting a brand-new companion to their Three Sisters Rhone blend: Three Brothers, a Bordeaux blend of cabernet, malbec, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot.
Just a few doors down at Shelton Insurance, Josh Hixon, director of hospitality for the Duckhorn portfolio of wineries, was pouring hometown favorite Calera.
“The event is fantastic,” he said. “We’re a little bummed out by the rain but we are happy with the turnout. The people are coming in waves, shaking off the water, and we are doing our best to make them smile.”
In a side room next to the tasting area, Shelton also offered water, hydration supplements and candy for those needing a little something to take the edge off the day’s alcohol consumption.
“Not only do we have the best winery,” Andrew Shelton said, “but we also have a sober-up station for anybody taking part in the stroll. Because part of the deal and our concern is making sure you get home safe.”
The following is a list of businesses and organizations and the wineries and breweries that participated in the event:
- BenitoLink – De Rose Winery
- CGR Farmhouse – Lagunitas Brewing Company
- Char’s Boutique – Idyll Time Winery
- Crave Wine Bar & Shop – Eden Rift and Kobza Wines
- Gabilan Chapter Seneca Center – Damm Vineyards
- Hollister Downtown Association – Nuthouse Brew and Grocery Outlet
- Kai’s Ohana Shave Ice – Blade & Talon
- La Catrina Mexican Grill – La Cantina Brewing
- Las Micheladas Bar & Grill – Buena Vista Brewing
- Mad Pursuit Brewing Co. – Mad Pursuit and Code 3 Brewing
- Paine’s Restaurant – La Vie Dansante
- Richard W. Shelton Insurance – Calera Winery
- Running Rooster – Grillin & Chillin Alehouse
- San Benito County Chamber of Commerce – Ozeki Sake
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – Casa de Fruta
- The GardenShoppe ‘n Bar – The GardenShoppe ‘n Bar
- Tuxedo Styles & Ella Boutique – Guerra Family Cellars and Guglielmo Winery
- United for San Benito – Fortino Winery
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