Boise's Basque Winefest

This article comes to us via The Idaho Statesman:

AUG. 15: BASQUE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER'S WINEFEST

One of the oldest and most popular wine festivals in the Treasure Valley is the Basque Museum and Cultural Center's Winefest. Now in its 11th year, the outdoor event will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Downtown Boise's Basque Block (Grove Street between Capitol Boulevard and 6th Street).

Selected Idaho wineries and distributors will be on hand offering tasting samples of their wines. Each ticket-holding adult will be given a commemorative glass to use for the tastings and to enjoy a full glass of wine if they wish to purchase one.

There'll also be plenty of food on hand from the Basque Block's restaurants, including Gernika Basque Pub & Eatery, Leku Ona Basque Restaurant, The Basque Market and Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery.

The event is so popular that more than 500 people attended last year. "This is the Basque Museum's largest fundraising event of the year," said festival chairwoman Diana Echeverria.

"The money raised supports the Basque Museum's mission of educational programs and community outreach," said Patty Miller, executive director of the museum.

Miller also points out that one of the highlights of this year's Winefest will be a performance by the Oinkari Basque Dancers. The group was organized nearly 50 years ago and has been pleasing crowds ever since with colorful, ethnic costumes and authentic Basque instruments. The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m.

There will be a silent auction, as well, for a wide variety of items donated by local businesses and wine distributors.

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