This Saturday, Dec. 7, the Winter Wine Walk marks its 10th event in downtown Ventura from 4-7pm and at the brand new Colt Street location of Topa Topa Brewery the Ventura Land Trust  holds its first Holiday Hootenanny from noon-4pm.

Should you do one? Or both?

On Sat. Dec. 7, start your day at the Ventura Land Trust Holiday Hootenanny at Topa Topa Brewery 4880 Colt St. Local makers will showcase their wares including getting a tintype portrait by Lifers and festive music will fill the space previously occupied by Patagonia and then Deckers/Ugg. I’m excited to see the new brewery and support one of my favorite local non-profits.

After you’ve had your fill of beer, at 4 pm, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk begins. Participants receive a tasting cup and a map of the participating tasting sites in Downtown Ventura where they can sample wine or beer until 7:00 pm. Tickets are $55 or $99 for VIP.

The Winter Wine Walk concludes a free fun day of shopping downtown’s annual street fair — a event that has been going on as long as I can remember and I grew up in Ventura. It has evolved from being in a park when I was little to talking over several blocks on Main Street where vendors sell wares and musicians perform. For 10 years now, there’s been snow too; this year from 6:45-8pm, starting up after the Winter Wine Walk ends.

This event is usually sold out but the weather this year is wintry too: it started raining this afternoon and they expect it to rain on and off through Sunday so if you go, remember your rain jacket because as far as I know, these events will go on rain or shine — and it’s good for the vines!

Sue and I pouring for Cantara at the Winter Wine Walk.