Oktoberfest photo by Tony Finnerty

Since I began working in BriarPatch’s marketing department, one task has been more monumental than the rest — organizing the annual owners’ meeting.

Though this task requires a lot of creativity, time, and attention to detail, I love it. It’s so satisfying to look around a room that’s filled with people who are as dedicated to the Patch as I am, enjoying each other’s company, raising the decibel level with their conversations and laughter.

The general theme for each meeting, besides the thank you to owners for being so awesome (because you are), is that of the harvest. From there, I like to play with the focus of the specific theme for the year. Two years ago, it was a celebration of All Hallows Eve. Last year, we cut loose with an Oktoberfest theme. This year, I wanted to celebrate one of the harvests that this area is beginning to be nationally known for – wine grapes.

A Wine Crush will be held on October 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Miners Foundry. Nevada City Winery will be pouring a choice of Zinfandel or Chardonnay for those 21 and older with drink tickets. Beer will also be available, as most of us wine-loving folks enjoy a good brew, too. For the younger crowd, as well as those who would like something different, Italian Sodas will be available. We’ll be serving your choice of either meat or vegetarian lasagna for your meal ticket as well as salad and garlic bread, and in case that wasn’t enough, Carol, our head baker, has created an amazing (I know – I tried it!) gluten-free tiramisu for dessert.

Admission to the owner meeting is free. We want everyone there. Plus, there’s going to be a vote on the addition of share classes. If you’re planning on breaking bread with us, advance meal and drink tickets are $3 at the customer service window. Tickets at the door will be $5. Want wine or beer? Make sure to have your I.D. ready the night of the event in order to get your wristband. Not a BriarPatch owner yet? Well, get on that. We want you at the party too!