Foodies and wine enthusiasts united Saturday at Cesar Chavez Park for Raley's and Seventh Annual Grape Escape, presented by Raley's and Bel Air for an evening of drinking and munching.

For $40 in advance and $50 at the door, ticket-holders took part in a three-hour taste marathon, sampling cabs, chards and merlots from more than 50 top wineries from six counties in Northern California and gourmet appetizers from Sacramento’s favorite eateries.

Award-winning wineries like San Joaquin’s Van Ruiten winery (voted Wall Street Journal’s Best Zin) and Calaveras County’s Twisted Oak winery (Gold Medal winner from the Riverside International Wine Competition) set up shop along with brewery favorites Hoppy Brewing Company and Pyramid Alehouse.

“Wonderful wines, coupled with great bites, made for a fun social outing. The weather was perfect, the vendors all very fun and upbeat, and the crowd was amazingly large. I look forward to next year's event,” said Lori Moody, who attended the Grape Escape.

Tried and true eateries served up menu samplings like Zocalo’s shredded pork and salsa, Mikuni’s popular Fair Oaks Roll and Ruth’s Chris new cold crab and asparagus summer menu offering.

Up-and-coming businesses like Pearl on the River and recently opened de Vere's Irish Pub and Mix Downtown used the event as an opportunity to plant their name in the brains of potential customers.

“We’re thrilled with the attendance and even more thrilled with the weather,” said Sheri Graciano, volunteer coordinator for the event, in reference to the clear skies and cool temperatures that made for perfect weather for the outdoor event.

While somewhat long lines formed at popular booths like Chipotle, P.F. Changs and Barefoot Wine Cellars, the park wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded and the well-organized event kept glasses filled and plates full in an orderly fashion.

Graciano explained that one of the reasons for the smooth flow of foot traffic was Raley’s V.I.P. entrance offered to its wine club members this year, which allowed a large portion of the crowd to enter an hour early.

Despite the numerous food and wine offerings, the majority of the excitement took place during the Chef’s Challenge, presented by the Institute of Technology and emceed by Mark S Allen.

Each chef was given a basket of fresh ingredients and a half hour to whip up a gourmet dish. The first round was a face-off between Grange’s Michael Tuohy and L Wine Lounge’s Ame Harrington. The second round featured Mason’s John Gurnee and Mikuni & Taro’s Taro himself.

The action culminated in a final championship round, where Harrington took first place and second place went to Taro.

Next to the stage, the Institute set up a buffet line with creations by their own skilled students with concoctions like bacon-wrapped almond rolls, pork bruschetta and blue cheese wraps.

A full range of culture was featured at the event with art for sale and on display from Patris, owner of Patris Art Center, and artists from the Capitol Art Center at S12. Makeshift music stages were set up as well featuring up-and-coming local music artists like jazz singers Jackie Bryant and Marcelle.

As 7 o' clock rolled around, the food was devoured and the wineries' bottles were emptied within the three-hour span. However, no one was left empty-handed.

Not only did each ticket-holder receive a complimentary Raley’s wine glass and many coupons for discounts on wine, but many also took home cans of garlic-seasoned olives from Lindsay Snackers, pineapples and watermelons from Raley’s disassembled display, wine openers and back issues of Sacramento Magazine, which also sponsored the event.

A great time was had by all, judging from the smiles underneath their wine mustaches.

For a complete list of wineries, restaurants and artists that participated in the Grape Escape, visit raleysgrapescape.com.

All images taken by Jonathan Mendick