Bro. FRED MLAKAR will lead your tastebuds around the vineyard during the 11th annual Lodge 786 Wine Tasting Picnic June 7.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — For more than 10 years Slovenians and their friends in Southern California have been enjoying wine tasting picnics in the wine country of Temecula. Sunday, June 7, will mark the 11th such picnic sponsored by Orange Coast Lodge 786. For the third year in a row, we will enjoy the facilities at Keyways Vineyards and Winery, 37338 de Portola Road, Temecula. We reserved the entire gazebo garden area for our use. This beautiful spot in the midst of vineyards and horse country is surrounded by rolling hills with the mountains in the distance.

Plan to arrive at noon. There will be cheese and crackers, as well as fruit and soft beverages as we gather and listen to some preliminary music from our musicians. At 12:30 p.m. we’ll begin with the first wines. A gourmet catered lunch prepared by the German chef at the winery will be served promptly at 1 p.m. Wine tasting will continue through lunch and dessert. Dessert, by the way, will be homemade apple strudel accompanied by a luscious dessert wine.

Fred Mlakar will again lead the tasting of six varieties of wine. A staff of waiters and waitresses will pour for you. Menus will be provided to follow along so you can learn a little about each vintage.

We are pleased to announce that the Fontana Button Accordion Club and some of our own Lodge musicians will provide music during the afternoon. This party has the reputation of being one of the most enjoyable and relaxing times for our members and friends. It is important to make your reservations early. Last year we couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to attend.

The ticket donation is $20 per adult, which includes everything. Children ages 6 to 16 will be admitted for $5; SNPJ youth members will be admitted free of charge. Please let us know how many youth will be attending so we can plan to have enough food and beverages for them. If you don’t drink wine but love to socialize and listen to music, don’t stay away. There will be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages offered at no extra charge.

For information and ticket reservations, contact Jean Koci by phone at (949) 495-0097 or e-mail ajkoci@cox.net. Mail checks, payable to “SNPJ Lodge 786,” to 29476 Vista Plaza Dr., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.