The Taste of Ripon Wine Stroll can be a warm and romantic way to start the Christmas season in the historic Ripon business district on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 until 9 p.m.

Couples are always seen walking hand in hand from store to store where they enjoy finger foods provided by merchants and samples of wines while greeting old friends – many who they have not seen and chatted with for a year.

And the $35 treat is a special night out for many after coming home from work.  It’s not only Riponites who enjoy the evening with Christmas carols being played throughout the community but also others from Manteca, Lathrop, Salida and Modesto who make a point of coming back year after year. 

The wine glasses and tickets are available at the Main Street door of the Ripon Library as well as the Silverado nursery on Stockton Avenue at Fourth Street.  While drink tickets are $35 anyone who is a designated driver will only pay $15. Tickets are also now on sale at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce Office in the 900 block of West Main Street.

A small commuter bus will be on the street to take couples from one end of town to the other rather than having them walk too much at no additional cost.

The stops will include dress shops, Bank of Stockton, Bank of the West, Burgess Baking Company and several beauty shops along Main Street as well as several more locations such as Magpie Antique Shop.

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.