Article by Steven Sanchez
May 24, 2025 — For the second year, DiCicco’s, in collaboration with Cork & Knife, hosted the Food and Wine Extravaganza at both of their establishments on Thursday, May 22. Around 140 people showed up to sample the 90 wines with five direct wineries from around the world and 17 vendors.
The food spread was delicious. There was a panini station, peacock cheese, pasta, oyster and shrimp, sliced prosciutto, and the charcuterie was provided by Peacock Cheese. CAB Street Band played classic tunes throughout the evening. Both places had their spaces occupied to full capacity with locals coming and going trying the selections of wines ranging from red, white, and more.
The 17 vendors in attendance: Shaun Piele, Angela Jones, Paul Hobbs – Jeremy Vassalo,
Chris Coppola, Frog’s Leap – Wendy Shoemaker, Chris Turner, Azure Curtis, Jeramy Brown,
Joey Galichio, Casy Blunt, Le Vigne – Craig & Zina, Joel Garcia, MCV – Matt Villard, Joyce –Russell Jouce, Allegretto – Rory Longley, Cain – Chris Howell, and The Ranch at Bandy Canyon.
The mixer went from 6-8 p.m. There was an after-party that lasted till 10 p.m. where they
served pizza and chili dogs. The event was created by Sadie Hoeplian-Cooper, general manager of Cork & Knife. “I had traveled to an Italian restaurant outside of Fresno, they did a very similar event, and I thought we have Di Cicco’s next door, we’re owned by Sandy Di Cicco, and why can’t we do a collaboration and make this happen just like they did.” Her wine recommendations: “The Cain Cuvee and Cain Five, it’s California wine, big
Cabernet Bourdeaux, that’s been our ultimate favorite. CHEV, they do a fantastic Pinto Noir and Chardonnay.”
Favorite food: “Definitely the cheese and wine pairing. Because Le Vigne and Peacock
Cheese do a fantastic job of pairing different cheeses with the wine. They have a coconut cheese with a Chardonnay, they do, and it’s a match made in heaven.” Hoeplian-Cooper was pleased by the people’s reception. “They love the smooth flow of everything. It was a lot better than last year, as well as great wine and food.”
Comedian and promoter Danny Minch emceed the event. Councilmember Diane Pearce –
Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Clovis made a special appearance. It was her first time at the
event. Pearce: “This is an incredible event. People are having a great time. It’s packed. The
opportunity to have all kinds of wine vendors from around the state come in. Di Cicco’s is a
staple of Old Town, they’ve been here for so long. So, to have this kind of event here where people can come in and enjoy the charcuterie boards, the panini station, and all these different wines, it’s really fantastic. I’m glad to see so many people turn out for it.”
They’re already making plans for the next one later in the year, in the fall. No details were
disclosed. Their goal is to do two a year. Pearce is excited about the next one.
“I knew I had to be here for this one. I’m glad to support Di Cicco’s. They’re a great staple in this community, and to bring an event like this here is something people need to check out. This was such a success, and I know they’re going to do another one, and I look forward to being a part of that one as well.”
For more information
Di Cicco’s: https://www.diciccospizza.com/
Cork & Knife: https://www.corknknife.com/