Route 66 IECA benefits station restoration

GINO L. FILIPPI

OFF THE VINE

Easter Greetings from the Vine!

On Saturday April 22, Route 66 Inland Empire California (IECA) will hold a wine tasting event at the historic Sycamore Inn restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga to raise funds for the award-winning Cucamonga Service Station restoration project.

“These wine tastings have proved to be one of our more popular fundraising events throughout the year, drawing folks from all over the region in support of the station,” said Anthony Gonzalez, President of Route 66 IECA.

Guests will enjoy an entertaining evening of great music, premium selections from various producers, including Cucamonga Zinfandel and Port wines from Galleano Winery, appetizers provided by Sycamore Inn, as well as raffle prizes.

Tasting will be under the shade of the sycamore trees in front of the iconic Sycamore Inn from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and may be purchased in advance at the station or online at www.route66ieca.org as well as at the door on the day of the event.

“The Cucamonga Service Station recently won a Design Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation and all proceeds from the tasting go toward the operation and continued restoration of the 101-year-old station and landmark now serving as a Route 66 Museum,” said David Dunlap, Board Member Route 66 IECA.

The station, located on Foothill Boulevard, just west of Archibald Avenue, is the last of its kind, recalling Pre-War roadside architecture, some of which still exists today in Rancho Cucamonga. The station is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information please visit www.route66ieca.org or call David Dunlap at (909) 912-9473. See you on April 22!

Gino L. Filippi is Foothills Reader wine writer.

He can be reached at ginoffvine@aol.com