Escapes: Wine, drink and song at a notorious reform school
Preston Castle – a former reform school turned historic landmark that The Bee’s Sam McManis featured in June – is opening its doors for tours, wine tasting and live local music. The Preston Castle Foundation, with its goal of maintaining and utilizing the Romanesque Revival-style castle in Ione, will host the event.
Midtown Jazz of Sacramento will play a range of jazz and soft rock, along with a few Latin and country hits. The evening promises relaxation in the castle’s courtyard where attendees can sample appetizers and wine from 15 different Amador County wineries.
Tickets are $40 for pre-sale at Preston Castle or online.
Tours and wine tastings run from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 12 at Preston Castle, just 35 miles southeast of Sacramento off Highway 104.
For more information, visit prestoncastle.com
Harborfest Seafood Festival
What: Seafood, craft beer and wine are on the menu at this annual sea-themed festival on the Point Arena Pier. The event, which also features live music and children’s activities, includes a pirate-costume contest and a smoked salmon competition.
When:Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 6
Where: Point Arena Pier, 790 Port Road, Point Arena
Cost: Free admission and parking; $20 to enter the smoked salmon competition
Information: pointarena.net
McCloud Mountain Bluegrass Festival
What: This two-day, family-friendly festival will host a range of California Bluegrass artists, including Paige Anderson & The Fearless Kin. The event will hold an “open jamming” session starting at noon on Friday.
When: Noon Sept. 11 and noon-7:30 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: Hoo Hoo Park, East Colombero Avenue, McCloud
Cost: $7 for advance, $10 day of general admission; free for children 12 and under; $5-$15 for camping space
Information: mccloudmountainbluegrass.com
Petaluma Craft Beer Festival
What: Nearly two dozen breweries will gather on the historic Petaluma Riverfront to offer beer tasting and small bites. Lagunitas Brewing Co., 101 North Brewing and Headlands Brewing Co. are just a few of the recognizable names at the event. Attendees must be 21 or older.
When: 1-5 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: Downtown Petaluma
Cost: $20 non-drinking admission; $40 advance admission, includes beer and food tasting
Information: petalumarivercraftbeerfest.org
Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival
What: The 39th annual Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival will host more than a dozens jazz artists from across the nation in a picturesque setting. Headliners include Buddy Guy and Sacramento’s own Jackie Greene.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 13
Where: Johnson’s Beach, 16241 First St., Guerneville
Cost: $55 one-day general admission; $90 two-day general admission
Information: 707-869-1595; russianriverfestivals.com
A Night With the Stars
What: Local astronomy enthusiast Jim Jerrell will lead an introductory star-gazing event for nature enthusiasts of all ages. The event is sponsored by the Rush Ranch Educational Council and the Solano Land Trust.
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: Rush Ranch, 3521 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun City
Cost: Free
Information: rushranch.net
Bee staff
This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Escapes: Wine, drink and song at a notorious reform school."