DIXON, CA (MPG) - Downtown Dixon welcomed hundreds of visitors Aug. 23 for the annual Wine and Art Stroll, featuring more than 20 wineries, dozens of artists, live music and participation from local businesses throughout the community.

The event, organized by the Downtown Dixon Business Association (DDBA), marked its third year and saw higher attendance numbers compared to 2024’s edition.

“I am so absolutely pleased with this event,” said Downtown Dixon Business Association President Jill Orr. “We were concerned about the heat but we had some amazing wineries, the businesses are doing well and sales have doubled from last year.”

Attendees picked up their glasses and maps at the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, where a deejay and food truck set the tone for the evening. Both the Chamber of Commerce and Pardi Plaza acted as check-in points. From there, visitors strolled block to block, tasting wines from throughout Northern California and viewing art displays curated by local and regional artists. 

Downtown Dixon welcomed hundreds of visitors on Aug. 23 for the annual Wine and Art Stroll, featuring more than 20 wineries, dozens of artists, live music and participation from local businesses. Downtown Dixon Business Association President Jill Orr gave out maps and commemorative glasses at Pardi Plaza as attendees checked in. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Throughout the stroll, more than 22 local businesses were highlighted, including Cynde’s Place, The Farmer’s Tan, First Northern Bank, Barrett-Leber Realty, Dawson’s Bar & Grill, Avila Flooring, The Pip Wine Bar, Answer Home Loans, Bobtail Apparel, Uptown Collective, and Frosty’s. Additional downtown businesses include Algood Ink, Vida Saloon, Bud’s Pub & Grill, Downtown Classic Tattoo, Dixon History Museum, The Venue, Nino’s Cut & Shave, The Johnson Group/Remax, Almond Tree Mortgage, Farmstead at Dixon and Lewis Homes.

“This is an exciting event,” said Angela Meissenheimer, representing Remark International. “It’s so much fun with everyone walking around, mingling and enjoying what downtown has to offer.”

Said Raquel McMullen of Answer Home Loans, “It’s a good event. We're long-time Dixonites and we just moved to this location. It has been the three of us, Kiffany Hoffman, Cande Torres and myself, for six years now.”

And Madison Lowrie, owner of Bobtail Apparel, said, “It brings something different. We're a farming community and a small town, so it’s nice to see a lot of new faces stop in.” 

From left, Answer Home Loans, run by Raquel McMullen, Cande Torres and Kiffany Hoffman, participated in the event. They recently moved to a new location, 108 N. First St. and have been in business together for the past six years. Photo by Nicolas Brown

A handful of wineries were there, including Tolenas Winery from Suisun, Sally Paddock’s Redbank Winery from Australia, Collina De Bella Winery from Winters and Dwelley Family Wines, which is building a Dixon location.

“We're a winery coming into downtown right off 113 at the end of the year,” Jack Dwelley said.

Participating businesses offered wine tastings, raffles and merchandise. 

“It’s fun. There’s no other way to say it,” said Greg Orr of Dawson’s Bar and Grill. “People are gonna come in here and have a happy day. By the end of the night, they'll be glad they came.”

Said Nino Tomelloso, owner of Nino’s, “It’s an awesome event. We enjoy doing it and partner every year. I love it. I love that everyone comes through and hangs out.”

Ernie Ortiz, an artist representing Rough Ride Tattoo Parlor in Vacaville, had similar sentiments.

“I think it’s cool,” Ortiz said. “They bring the community together and it lets us get some exposure for our shop. I love networking.”

Angela Meisenheimer (left) and Cookie Powell had a booth set up at the Pip Wine Bar, 116 N. First St., where they promoted the upcoming Dixon Family Service Comedy Night event Sept. 27 and poured wine. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Some vendors, such as Peter Moore of Sally’s Paddock Redbank Winery, participated solely to support the community. 

“We do charity and events because we’re not commercial,” Moore said. “We put our time and wine in to support them. Usually, we leave a bottle when we go.”

The event also highlights newer businesses, such as Downtown Classic Tattoos, which, according to owner Jay Powell, moved to Dixon about a year ago. 

“I’d say I’m honored,” Powell said.

For first-time and returning visitors alike, the event offered a blend of small-town charm and regional flavor. 

“I think it’s a great event that helps a lot of the community,” said Ramtown Karate owner Jim Ernest. “The DDBA came up with this, it's a great idea and it gets better every year. It brings people downtown to meet each other and take in our local businesses.”

For more information about future events, visit downtowndixonca.com or call 916-416-2876.