Twenty-one students and staff members from The Western Blind
Rehabilitation Center at the Palo Alto VA toured three wineries and
had a catered lunch along a sunny and scenic tour of the Hecker
Pass Area.
Twenty-one students and staff members from The Western Blind Rehabilitation Center at the Palo Alto VA toured three wineries and had a catered lunch along a sunny and scenic tour of the Hecker Pass Area. Ray Trevino, previous owner of Trevino Jewelers in Gilroy and a blind veteran and student at WBRC, gathered many of his lifetime associates and friends to tailor a tour for his fellow students with great success.
At Hecker Pass Winery, Carlo provided the first tasting at his three-generation family-owned winery. He offered the students wonderful gifts not only from his prestigious products, but a synopsis of growing and wine making history that was gratefully received.
At Fortino Winery, Ernesto gave the students a delightful tasting experience, but most of all, he gave from his family’s legacy (complete with the old Italy accents) from their immigration to the area from Italy to his start to his present day success as a vintner.
The San Martin Lions Club hosted the group for a steak barbecue lunch with all the extras. Joseph Peralta, a 40-year friend and catering associate of Trevino, presented a truly delicious and well-received feast. Dirk, the local host from the Lions Club, treated the blind veterans with hospitality and gave them a history of the close association of the Lions with visually impaired persons worldwide.
The day ended on a high note with the group’s visit to Kirigin Cellars, where its downunder friend Gracie pulled out all the stops to make the tour complete and memorable. The Recreation Therapist and Blind Rehab instructors appreciated the hospitality afforded to all, and are most grateful.
Photos Special to South Valley Newspapers.
