2017 FOV Spring Event: Wente Cave Tour & Sycamore Grove Hike

On Sunday May 21st, Friends of the Vineyards hosted a hike, cave tour, and lunch for our members. 

The event began with a “gentle” hike through parts of Sycamore Grove Park guided by LARPD Ranger Dawn Soles. Much of the focus of the hike as discussed with the group centered on the water damage caused by the heavy rains and flooding in the Park earlier this year.  Dawn’s comments were very informative and tied together much of the visible and tangible evidence that still remains in the Park. 

​Following the hike, the group moved across the street for a tour of the caves at Wente Vineyards accompanied by some wine tasting at our stops along the way in the caves.  Once again we had a very amicable, knowledgeable, and informative guide who related the history of the Wente family, the caves, and the winery.  One interesting aspect was how the winery managed to stay afloat during Prohibition (making sacramental wine).  The tour ended with a stop in their home herb and vegetable garden that services the restaurant.  Afterwards, the group enjoyed an alfresco box lunch on a little patio between the caves and the tasting room.  Of course, wine was included.  All our attendees really enjoyed the day.