Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery taking part in the event.     Photo by Jason Cleghorn

Fundraiser features 20 Southern California wineries

The Art Alliance of Idyllwild (AAI), on Oct. 12, welcomes 20 of Southern California’s premier wineries and hundreds of wine lovers from near and far. 

The 22nd-annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting features galleries and artist booths throughout the entire length of the village. Organizers hope this event brings a much-needed financial boost to Idyllwild.

Art lovers can start their treasure hunt by visiting the many art galleries, art hot-spots and artist booths throughout town. 

The art walk starts at 11 a.m. and is free to the public. Come by the Courtyard Gallery, 54240 Ridgeview Dr., to collect a free map and take advantage of the free shuttle service that starts there. 

The wine tasting takes place from 2-5 p.m. Enjoy a selection of award-winning wines for a ticket price of $45 per person. The price increases to $50 the day of the event. AAI members receive a discounted ticket price of $40 per person. There is a special discounted price of $40 per person for groups of 15 or more. 

Tickets are available online, but can also be purchased at the Town Crier office (weekdays only) and the Courtyard Gallery (weekends only).

Included in the ticket price are the wine tastings, a keepsake wine glass, live music, nibbles of grapes, cheese and crackers, a free shuttle and a gift bag.

Monies raised during this event go toward local art scholarships, art education programs, art exhibitions, events that support the visual arts, drama, dance and music, as well as public art projects in the mountain communities.

Volunteers are needed for a few hours in the afternoon.

AAI still has sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, such as placing business marketing material into 1,000 gift bags. 

Sponsorship packages available at [email protected].

For further information about the Art Walk and Wine Tasting, the patron wineries, inns, and to purchase tickets, visit www.artinidyllwild.org or call 951-692-6135.