Cinco de Mayo celebrations are just around the corner, and Sacramento has its tequila bases covered. Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is a beverage whose journey to the table is not a speedy one. The agave plant must grow in the soil for 10 years, enduring drought, wind and pests, and, once harvested, must mature for an additional five years. But thanks to area restaurants, Sacramento won’t have to wait quite so long for a taste of the sweet spirit. In the coming week, there are plenty of opportunities in Sacramento to grab a margarita, check out a tequila tasting or indulge in the pairing of traditional Mexican cuisine and fine tequila. ZÓCALO For the chance to sample boutiqu

If you did not have green somewhere on you, you stuck out like a sore thumb on Thursday when hundreds came out with green hair, green glasses, green clothing, green hats and even green beards to celebrate St. Patricks Day. At 2 p.m., Heather Garner, 32, was at the Golden Pacific Bank booth at the de Vere’s St. Patrick’s Day Party in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza. “We are passing out free beads, hats and candy,” Garner said. “We brought over 3,000 beads and over 1,000 hats.” The Cesar Chavez Plaza was fenced and inside a St. Patrick’s Day celebration was in full effect. Bar stools, green and white balloons, a huge Guinness beer balloon were among the decorations that surrounded the pla

 Looking for an explosive way to spend your Fourth of July? Well, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Fourth of July events in the Sacramento area. Sacramento Cal Expo will once again host an Independence Day Celebration sponsored by Coca-Cola and Miller Lite at the Miller Lite Grandstand near the East Gate entrance. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a performance from Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. State Fair mascot Poppy will also be there to entertain the crowds. Cal Expo’s media partner, radio station 107.9 The End, will provide music to the spectacular fireworks show, starting at 9:30 p.m. Parking for the event is $10, and general admission to

Sacramento wine connoisseurs will be able to savor the diversity of Paso Robles' wine country April 19-20 as part of the 2010 Grand Tasting Tour. Winemaker dinners at local restaurants are scheduled April 19. Wine tasting will be held April 20. A preview retail testing is scheduled April 16. Paso Robles is one of California's premiere wine-producing regions. Twenty-seven wineries and hospitality representatives will feature more than 150 wines during the two-day event. The tour was organized by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. "I think coming to the capital city is very special," Executive Director Stacie Jacob said in a phone interview. "I think many people come for other business