A Community Supporting a Community, Small Town Americana
The 37th annual “First Taste of the Year” event was held on Saturday January 13th, 2024 at the Armory on Main Street, in Copperopolis, California. It was sponsored by the Copperopolis Community Center a volunteer staffed organization that restores and preserves the two publicly owned historical buildings in town. 2024 marks the 37th Annual wine tasting event and coincides with the 164th anniversary of Copperopolis. The two buildings are the historical brick Congregational Church and the Armory. Both buildings were constructed during the copper rush in the mid 1800’s, the Armory in 1863 and the church in 1865. Copperopolis was the center of the “Copper Rush” (after the gold rush). These are two of the four buildings in town on the National Register of Historic Places: Copperopolis Armory and the Congregational Church. From 1860’s to the time the mines closed in 1945, 72,598,883 pounds of copper were mined in Copperopolis and the copper used in the Civil War, WWI and WWII for ammunition casings.
With advance purchase the cost of $25/pp ($30 at the door) which included a commemorative wine glass, hors d’ Oeuvres, a raffle and of course many wines to enjoy. Wineries present were: Hurst Ranch Wines (Jamestown), New World Wine Co. (Jamestown), Stevenot Winery (Vallecito), Ironstone Vineyards (Murphys), Twisted Oak (Murphys), Indian Rock Vineyards (Murphys) and Jessie’s Grove Winery (Lodi). They also had Indigeny Cider present pouring, which provided a refreshing alternative to wine.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Many volunteers contributed setting up & decorating the event, preparing and serving appetizers, greeting guests and making sure wineries each had their “station assigned”. A big thank you to the Board, Volunteers and participating wineries for preserving the local history. And of course the supporters who braved the rain storm to enjoy the event. Many folks were having the opportunity to try many different wines.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Also a special shout out to the local community who supported the event with donations for the raffle. The committee worked hard to improve the food appetizers for this year’s event and it was noticeable.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
This year the participants voted for Best White Wine and Best Red Wine tasted during the evening. For the Best White Wine, the 2019 Indian Rock Chardonnay won. Separated by just one vote was Obsession from Ironstone Vineyards and Twisted Oak %@#$! (a Blend).
For the Best Red Wine it went to new winery, New World Wines. Cody LaPertche has been making wines for Hurst and Vallecito and this is his first year with his own brand. His winning wine was 2019 Dionyc a blend of Italian varietal wines including 49% Montepulciano, 15.5% Aglianico, 15.5% Barbera, 11% Primitivo, 3% Grenache and 3% Zinfandel. Coming in just a few votes behind were 2015 Indian Rock Petite Sirah, Stevenot Syrah and Stevenot Reserva Danza Rosa.
Here are a few of the links to previous stories on specific wineries that participated this year:
1. Jessie’s Grove Winery
2. Stevenot
3. Ironstone Vineyards
4. Twisted Oak
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/10/08/twisted-oak-winery-2016-the-spaniard/
In conclusion, the Community Center is always looking for volunteers. Additionally the Armory is available for rental by contacting Linda Beck at 209-985-1849 or lindabeck@caltel.com.
Sláinte,
Michael