Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club will host local wineries, eateries to raise funds for Old Days

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Vendors serving the finest local wine, beer, and fresh food will fill the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC) on June 21.

Seeking to raise funds for this year’s Old Days celebration, Los Alamos’ 79th annual three-day community festival starting Sept. 26, the LAVMC will host Vine2Wine, Brews & Bites at 429 Leslie St., starting at 6 p.m. About two dozen local wineries will pour their finest reds and whites to compliment fresh food from five local eateries.

“Spring Fling is usually our biggest fundraiser,” LAVMC director Larry Barbro said. “We’re hoping this comes close.”

Barbro said LAVMC is expecting about 250 people for Vine2Wine. Santa Barbara County wineries set to pour range from college to boutique, including the Allan Hancock College Winery, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Amada Cellars, Demetria Estate, Lumen Wines, Presqu’ile Wines, Story of Soil, Zaca Mesa Winery, and several more.

For those in search of food to pair with their wine, Donna’s Rustic Scones, Full of Life Flatbread, Pico Los Alamos, Plenty on Bell, The Station by Whiskey & Rye, and Whiskey Bent BBQ will serve delectable bites. Guests will also be treated to a beer garden and Olive Hill Farm olive oil tasting station as local guitarist Manny Mestas adds a touch of elegance to the affair with some soft strums.

“Everybody involved is local,” Barbro said. “It’s all about keeping everything local and enjoying the flavors of the Central Coast with some great wine, brew, food, and music.”

Started in 1946, the LAVMC emphasizes community-based fundraising events to generate charitable contributions.

“You don’t have to be a member to come to our events,” President Ray Williams said. “It’s just something for the community.”

Along with big events and trivia nights, the LAVMC also hosts “cook your own,” Williams said.

“For about $25, you get a steak and all the sides you want,” Williams, who also owns Whiskey Bent BBQ, said. “We get the barbecue pits going and you cook your own steak, hang out, and enjoy a couple cocktails.”

The LAVMC may be called a men’s club, but Williams said he started participating as soon as he could walk.

“My parents have been involved with the men’s club and different groups in Los Alamos since the late ’70s, early ’80s,” Williams said. “The men’s club is where I learned how to barbecue.”

These days, Williams said his kids hang out at the men’s club and pitch in a helping hand, just like he used to do. He said it’s rewarding to see the cycle come full circle.

“As a kid, it was so much fun,” Williams said. “I always wanted to be [at the men’s club] hanging out.”

Williams said the knowledge he gained from his men’s club mentors as a youth was invaluable. He welcomed interested kids to consider joining.

“We’re always looking for new members,” Williams said. “You can be involved as little or as much as you want.”

Citing himself as an example, Williams told those hesitant about joining the LAVMC because of its name not to worry.

“Women have been involved in the men’s club since it opened,” he said. “The majority of our board is [made up of] women. Over half of our club is wives and spouses.”

The LAVMC meets at the club on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Williams said dinner is usually provided. The nonprofit organization has sign-up sheets at the club for people who want to join. He said anyone interested can also sign up at lavmc.org. The annual membership fee is $40.

“We’re pretty much an open door,” Williams said. “We try to be as inclusive as possible.”

Share your favorite drink or bite to eat with Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@santamariasun.com.

This article appears in Jun 19-29, 2025.