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Via Vega Vineyard and Winery honors Dia de los Muertos tradition 

via vega winery dia de los muertos

Bring mementos to celebrate the memories of loved ones

– October is always festive at Via Vega Winery In Paso Robles. There is the beauty and magnificence of harvest and the October Series wines, but there is much more. The winery also celebrates Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, featuring the traditional altar in the tasting room.

“Guests coming to the tasting room all of October and through the first week of November are encouraged to bring a photo of a lost loved one to place on the Ofrenda,” said April Gomez, who owns the winery with her husband and winemaker Larry Gomez. “This is a time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed, share the stories and memories that keep their spirits alive in our hearts as we toast in their honor with a glass of wine.”

To participate, guests can call to schedule a visit and tasting, bring a photo for the offrenda, share a story, and toast to lost loved ones. The altar will be on display through Nov. 5.

An annual Blessing of the Altar will be held with limited seating by reservation on Oct. 28. Call (805) 423-2190 to make reservations.

“All visits to Via Vega Winery are by reservation. We can accommodate folks most days of the week,” said April.

Ornately decorated altars filled with candles, photos, and mementos of loved ones who have passed on is a tradition associated with Dia de los Muertos, (Day of the Dead) that has roots in ancient Aztec, Mayan, and Toltec cultures. Via Vega has been honoring the tradition since 2007, when the Vega family set up their first 8-foot community altar in the winery’s tasting room.

Although Dia de los Muertos has ancient Mesoamerican roots the arrival of the Spaniards brought the influence of the Catholic Church. Eventually, the celebrations merged with Catholic practices and began taking place on the Catholic calendar All Souls Day.

Celebrating memories of the dead is not exclusive to Dia de los Muertos. Most cultures around the world celebrate a time of year when the people believe the veil between the worlds thins or lifts, allowing the living and dead to communicate. Some believe spirits of the dearly departed return to this realm with advice to loved ones.

Dia de los Muertos is not about mourning or fear. It’s about joy and remembrance and celebrating memories. The ceremonies and family traditions for creating the altar, the colorful decorations and costumes, and planning food and festivities appeal to many who are connected in spiritual ways and are pleased by the wide array of colorful décor and festivities that the holiday encompasses.

The winery is located at 2378 Adobe Rd., Paso Robles. Their tasting room is open by reservation, call (805) 423-2190.

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About the author: Reporter Jackie Iddings

Jackie Iddings is a contributing reporter and photographer for the Paso Robles Daily News.