DID YOU KNOW?
Little Feet Merlot
For the past few years, Balistreri Vineyards has sponsored children’s grape stomps for its Little Feet Merlot wine. Portions of the proceeds from the merlot, which is often presold (sometimes to parents who buy it in advance at the stomps), go to The Children’s Hospital Foundation.
And no need to worry. All those little-feet germs burn off after fermentation.
In September 2005, 3,000 bottles of the 2004 Little Feet Merlot were released and were sold by January.
This year’s grape stomps were Sept. 23-24 at the Festival Italiano in Lakewood, where between 800 and 900 children participated. Another was held Sunday at the Balistreri Harvest Party at the vineyards, 1946 E. 66th Ave.
Although most of the grapes come from the Western Slope, Balistreri Vineyards grows some of the grapes at its winery nestled away in unincorporated Adams County, a part of the metro area still zoned for agriculture.
The 2004 Little Feet Merlot won the silver award in the 2006 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging and the bronze award in the 2006 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
Sources: Julie Balistreri, Balistreri Vineyards; Denver Post archives
REGIONAL NOTES
JEFFERSON COUNTY
“Beautiful Junk Sale” a benefit
The 60th “Beautiful Junk Sale” is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W. Sixth Ave., to benefit Jeffco Action Center programs.
The center, which annually serves more than 50,000 county residents, will sell items that were donated but not given to clients, including collectibles, jewelry, household items and odds and ends.
In a twist, early-bird shopping from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 20 will give shoppers who pay $15 the first chance at the items. Admission during regular sale hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20 and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 is $1.
For more information, call the Jeffco Action Center, 303-237-7704.
FORT COLLINS
City needs volunteer trail hosts
The city of Fort Collins Natural Areas Volunteer Trail Host program is accepting applications through Oct. 23.
Volunteer trail hosts promote outdoor safety and awareness, respond to visitor questions, monitor areas for safety and assist with recreation assessments.
The program was created to integrate the community in promoting visitor safety and enhancing the enjoyment of the outdoors.
Volunteer trail hosts will receive training. Those sessions will be 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 4.
Topics include the values of natural areas, managing visitor uses, outdoor safety, conflict management and responding to emergency situations.
For more information, call 970-416-2815.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
