The HerShe group hosted a wine tasting fundraising event at the tranquil and beautiful Rideau Vineyard (http://rideauvineyard.com) in Solvang, California.
HerShe supporters had a chance to sit back and enjoy the ride up the coast in a comfortable private bus with DVD players showing classic Soul Train episodes and of course, presentations of events featuring the HerShe girls.
The day started out cool and overcast but by the time we arrived to the Santa Ynez Valley vineyard, it was sunny with a slight breeze. We were greeted by the hospitable Iris Rideau, who graciously advised two of our HerShe girls on how to achieve greatness, mainly by believing in themselves. She also shared the fascinating story of how she started with an old dilapidated farm but with a dream and determination, turned that blank canvas into an award winning winery owned by the first African American in the United States. What a fine realization to a dream.
We were all enjoying the beauty of the rose gardens, the fabulous home Ms. Rideau built and the remodeled barn that she transformed into a wine tasting room that is now a historical landmark.
The wine tasting was fun, the food was delicious and the peaceful tranquility was difficult to leave but as we boarded the bus to depart, our bus driver surprised us with the news that the fun wasn’t over yet. We had time to make one last stop in downtown Solvang to see its shops, Dutch appeal and pick up additional souvenirs besides the wine that accompanied us from the Rideau vineyard. Aaaahhhh the wine.
On the ride home, some of us slept, some read, some chatted and then there were the ones who couldn’t wait to open their sweet Rieslings and it took the game of Taboo to a whole ‘nother level of fun.
HerShe would like to thank all the supporters of this event. The feedback was so positive that the decision was made to make this an annual event. So get ready for next year where drinking will be for a good cause.
by Michele Clark
