Local winery’s first music event ‘a hit’

By BRUCE CAMPBELL
Special to the Tribune

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Viano Winery is a true Martinez institution, making fine wines since its inception in 1920. On Sunday, Aug. 14, they held their first ever “Music on the Vineyard” event, and by all accounts it was a success. It seems likely they’ll be hosting more events like this in the future, and from the demand for this one, that’s a very good thing. The event sold out about three weeks after being announced.

This inaugural event featured local Martinez artists Garageland Rodeo, and they provided a lively rockin’ show that seemed to go perfectly with the bucolic setting. The weather was vintage Contra Costa summer – warm, but not too warm, with a bit of a breeze. The patio next to the Viano tasting room had plenty of tables, shade and a grassy area for picnicking and dancing.
The entry ticket to the event entitled the bearer to a glass of wine in a souvenir glass and three hours of music. The setting was perfect for family picnics, and quite a few families took advantage of it. There was pizza available too, prepared fresh on site by Forno Si Barra’s wood fired traveling pizza oven.

Viano has an excellent selection of wines and everyone seemed to find the perfect wine to go with their choice of food. The grounds provided ample parking for the sellout crowd, and one couple was there all the way from Indiana – they were on their honeymoon and just happened to drive by, hear the music and stop in. Now dozens of people are a part of their treasured honeymoon memories!

Visit Viano Wineries at 150 Morello Ave., Martinez. Like them on Facebook to be alerted of future events at the winery.