e idea was a simple one, develop a “drive” to get us out on the road and identify a pleasant destination that we’ve not been to before. Enter our (sadly soon to be outgoing) Membership Chair, Anthony Vierra!  Anthony family runs deep in the Portuguese community in the valley.  So he reached out to a relative who owns the St. Jorge Winery, which specializes in Portuguese varietals.  A little this and a little that, Yosemite region gets 20 cars to show up for the event!

 

The event started by assembling at Lagorio’s Grill and Bar in Farmington, a favorite gathering place of some reputation.  Turns out that another group, Harley Motocycle folks were also gathering there to start a “ride” — still waiting for a photo of THAT mix of motive vehicles! 

 

Then off to Angels Camp to pick up some added YOS members.   Cathy Kuhn was there in her 2006 Cayman S.   She said that this was her first “Porsche Event” since husband Jack died earlier in the year.   Talk about being honored with her attendance!!   With the Angels Camp folks in toe, Anthony pulled out on Hwy 49, now with 19 Porsches in the conga line!

 

 
The route was a familiar one heading north on 49, thought San Andreas toward Mokelumne Hill, down the twisty drop to cross the North Fork of the Mokelumne River… a short but great drive but best done in the earlier morning, without traffic!

 We pulled into a parking lot in Jackson for a (mandatory) rest stop mid way.   It was a good time to mingle and stretch our legs.  

After the stop, back on the road to St. Jorge Winery.  The Winery is a lovely venue with a large, outdoor seating area.  Everyone broke out their “picnic” lunches and gathered in an appropriately “distant” manner.   The winery staff provided a 6 sample tasting flight of their offerings, both red and white wines.   Honestly, there were some varietals that were not familiar, but each one was a delight.   Anthony circulated amongst the crowd pouring some of the winery’s Port Reserve.  WOW.   For me, just had to bring some of that home!    And speaking of having some to take home, each couple/single brought home a bottle of Verdelho and Trincaderia, representing essence of wines of Portugal!

 So, our Drive and Taste event is in the books, with a great turnout of both long time members and folks new to the region.