If you've never been to one of Wente Vineyards' summer concerts, you're missing one of the area's true gems. Each year there is an exciting list of top talents, and this year is no different. Combine that with a delicious dinner and award-winning wine, and it's an evening that you won't soon forget.
The concerts are held in an open-air amphitheater (rain or shine), and the small number of concert-goers gives the concert an intimate feel, so different than the large venues with thousands of screaming fans.
Ted Kaye, CEO of Last Positas College Foundation said, "The Wente concert series is the perfect combination of wonderful entertainment, outstanding food and wine and a spectacular vineyard park setting."
A variety of seating options are available. For instance, there are only 40 front row seats about 10 feet from the stage — truly up close and personal. With the great seats comes a delicious four-course dinner at the award-winning Wente Vineyards Restaurant and reserved parking.
Lawn seating includes a gourmet wine-country inspired buffet dinner from 6 to 8 p.m., and a fantastic view of the concert, which starts at 8:15 p.m.
Concert tickets without the dining options still afford a fantastic, intimate experience.
2011 Wente Vineyards Concert Lineup
This year, has a combination of contemporary artists and "more seasoned" groups to suit any appetite. My wife and I already have tickets to see America this month, which should be a fun, mellow concert.
The concert lineup includes:
JUNE
- June 22: America
- June 28: Beach Boys
JULY
- July 7: Colbie Caillat
- July 10: "Jazz in the Vineyards" with Jazz Attack and Soul of Summer
- July 21: Chris Isaak
AUGUST
- August 3: Doobie Brothers
- August 9: Peter Frampton — "Frampton Comes Alive 35th"
- August 31: Michael Bolton and Kenny G
SEPTEMBER
- September 8: Tears for Fears
- September 13: Kenny Loggins
- September 14: Diana Ross
Mark Triska from Colliers International said, "I wouldn't even consider driving out of the Tri-Valley to see other concerts, when top-line entertainment in an intimate setting is available here. It is kind of like being at home with your best friends, with celebrity entertainment in your own back yard. With Wente's fabulous food and wine, the incredible vineyard setting and the top entertainment, it is a special way to celebrate summer in the Tri-Valley."
Club Wente Entertainment members receive 15 percent off all tickets this summer in celebration of the concerts' 25th anniversary.
For more information, go to www.wentevineyards.com or call 925-456-2424.
