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32 | THE COLONY NEWS | AUGUST 2025 | Did you know that August signifies the start of harvest in wine country? What is "harvest?" It is the period when grapes are picked off the vines and brought to the winery to be processed into wine. Grapes for white and sparkling wines are picked first, followed by red wine grapes later. Many wineries host harvest parties, and often guests can even participate in the crushing of the grapes (think "I Love Lucy"!). I've done that, and it's a blast! There is a purpose to wine stomping — by crushing grapes using bare feet, juice is extracted and the fermentation for winemaking begins. It has been said, "No, I'm not interested in being fed grapes, but stomp those babies into wine and you've got my attention!" We are excited to welcome Stone Soul on August 20. It will be an incredible night of Classic Soul and Motown hits! This 8-piece, horn-blowing, energetic band puts on quite a show. Members are encouraged to bring their own wine, beer, adult beverage, and nibbles. There will be NO wine tastings or dinner, just a whole lotta music and dancing! "Trust me, you can dance," says wine! Our Sept. 17 event will be "Muy Bueno" when we welcome our own Carol Strutt and Jeff Hillerich for a presentation on the Wines of Portugal and Spain. These regions offer diverse wines, each with their own characteristics. Bring your glass and let Spain and Portugal bring the f lavor. Dinner and dessert will be served. Tickets will be sold on Monday, Aug. 25 from 10 am to 12 noon, and, if tickets are still available, again from 5 to 7 pm. Any available tickets will be sold to members and their guests on Monday, Sept. 8 (Sept. 1 is Labor Day; no sales). This event is certain to sell out, so be ready! An old Spanish proverb tells us, "With wine and hope, anything is possible." So, we hope you will join us at The Colony Wine Club and see what's possible. Interested in becoming a member? Give Sharon Evans a call at 951-445-3861 for more details. Cheers! Wine Club By Valorie Hillerich This month we will journey to the San Diego Botanical Gardens in Encinitas on Thursday, Aug. 28. Yes, this is not our usual Tuesday trip. The entrance fee is $15, and tickets may be purchased online ahead of the visit. Once again, we will carpool from the back row of the HOA parking lot and leave at 9 am. We will take time for lunch before returning to The Colony. Suggestions for restaurants in the area are greatly appreciated. Please text, call, or email me, Gloria Brosky at 714-292-8507 or goldenmom2finn@gmail. Please remember, you don't need to be a club member to join us, and friends from outside of The Colony are welcome. Petal Pushers Garden Club By Gloria Brosky, 714-292-8507 Our small but fun group who went to Sherman Gardens and Library in June Having fun at Wine Club! Bruce Hartwig told us all about wines from Australia and New Zealand Cheers to good friends!