Festivalgoers sampled more than 150 brews and enjoyed live entertainment at the Central Valley Brewfest, held on May 14, 2016, at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock.â€œOne of the goals in creating the event was to help put Turlock and the Central Valley on the craft beer map,â€ said Camp. â€œCelebrating local homegrown talent is a top priority of ours.â€The fourth annual Brewfest featured brews from hometown favorites including Dust Bowl Brewing, Tioga Sequoia Brewing, Sandude Brewing, and Highwater Brewing, in addition to new local brewers Last Call Brewing from Oakdale and Blaker Brewing from Turlock. The event also included local music and food from vendors including Lockeford Sausage and art pieces by Stockton charity Art Expressions of San Joaquin.VIP ticketholders enjoyed early access to the event, unlimited beer tastings, the opportunity to sample at least 15 unique beers, and a pretzel bread baguette provided by Bella Luna Restaurant from Merced. Nonalcoholic beverage options were available for those who purchased specially priced designated driver tickets.

The second annual Central Valley Vinofest is scheduled for Aug. 12 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock.Vinofest will feature unlimited wine sampling from California wineries with a focus on the talented wine makers of the Central Valley. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and sampling ends at 9 p.m. Food trucks will be available with edible goodies, which must be purchased separately.â€œAttendees will have the opportunity to sample some of the ï¬nest premium wines from the Central Valley,â€ noted Camp. â€œThe purpose of this event is to celebrate the local pioneers who dedicate their lives to creating a great product for Valley residents to enjoy. This is an exciting opportunity for the consumer to have all the area vintners gathered in one venue.â€You must be age 21 or older to attend. Tickets are available online for $35 and at the door for $40 if the event does not sell out in advance. The ticket price includes unlimited sampling, a souvenir tasting glass, admission to the charity art gallery, gourmet cheese samples provided by Hilmar Cheese, parking, and great music.Discounted designated driver tickets are available for $15 online and at the door (if the event does not sell out) and include a complimentary water bottle, samples from the Hilmar Cheese tasting bar, and access to the Vinofestâ€™s non-alcoholic activities.

For Information About The Central Valley Vinofest, visit www.CVVinoFest.com.