Don Your Bonnet for the Saratoga Wine Stroll

The sun will be shining and flowers blossoming for the first annual “Bonnets & Blooms” wine stroll in Saratoga.

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the wine walk from 3-6 p.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011, in downtown Saratoga. Proceeds will benefit the Saratoga Chamber fund.

Laura Ness, a wine columnist and marketing consultant for the Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries and the Summit to Sea Wine Trail, says the event is the perfect opportunity to showcase the charming Village of Saratoga and all it has to offer.

“It's a respite of tranquility amidst the bustle of modern life,” Ness said. “And yet, there's a lot that's new in downtown, like Bell Tower Bistro, Agnes Dress Shop, Saratoga Eyes, Pawsh Pet and Rework Design, just to touch on a few. The Village is more vibrant than ever.”

A total of 18 local wineries, including Aver Family Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, Jazz Cellars, House Family Winery, Generosa, SKOV, Stefania and , will be pouring from a selection of their favorite wines. Sip, stroll and munch on gourmet treats, jams and decadent chocolates while enjoying Saratoga’s distinctive shops and delicious restaurants.

Artists and artisans will be displaying their own treasures of jewelry and paintings.

The occasion calls for a little dress up, including a fun hat. And if you’re in need of a new springtime bonnet, Los Gatos’ own will be selling a variety of their popular styles, as well as men’s hats and, according to Black Cat Hats owner Janet Dashiell, a few “over-the-top” flowery bonnets.

When Dashiell heard the wine stroll was called “Bonnets & Blooms,” she felt she just had to participate.

“I knew we could provide the bonnets and they could provide the blooms!” she said.

“Also,” she continued, “everyone is so sensitive to sun exposure. And people often forget their hats. While they’re strolling and sipping, we can make it easier for them by providing hats. And we’ll be giving some of our proceeds to the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.”

Another Los Gatos resident, famed guitarist Rodrigo Teague, will be playing his blend of Flamenco and Spanish guitar at the Bell Tower.

A guitar player since the age of 14, Teague brings incredible passion and energy to his music. His performance should be one of the highlights of the wine stroll.

You’ll also have the opportunity to bid on wines from Cinnabar, Burrell School, Guglielmo, Poetic Cellars and more. And then, after the lovely afternoon, relax at one of Saratoga’s world-class restaurants, many of which will be offering specials that evening for “Bonnets & Blooms” wine strollers.

Purchase tickets online ($35 in advance, $40 day of, if available) or call 408-867-0753.