Herlife Magazine Central Valley (2025)

19/08/2025

Liz Bokisch, Bokisch Vineyards

Nestled among the Clements hills, Bokisch Vineyards is one of California’s finest gems. Their tasting room and patio look out over a rolling sea of grape vines, broken only by clusters of majestic California oak trees and the white spires of owl boxes. The patio furniture and gazebos are perfectly placed to catch the spectacular sunset views. Once you step foot onto the property, the frenetic pace of the daily grind is replaced with the slow and seasonal Mediterranean way of life: a love of food, wine and community that’s as beautiful as it is contagious.

Winemaking has been a lifelong love of owners Liz and Markus Bokisch, and their passion is evident in both their care of their vineyards and the masterful wines they create. They purchased the property that would eventually become their family-run winery in 1995, and they celebrate their 25th anniversary of winemaking this year. They lived near Markus’ family in Spain during their first few years of marriage and it was there that they took advantage of the Spanish food and lifestyle, a slow-paced, intentional way of living specifically focused on food and wine as an art form. “Creating interesting recipes that are beautifully presented, taking fresh ingredients and combining flavors together and marrying them with the wines – food and wine is a magical experience,” Liz says. It’s an experience she loves to share with those around her.

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/community-spotlight/vineyards-anchoring-agriculture-are-central-valleys-gems/

16/08/2025

Church Street Coffee: Where Love Brews
By Carrie Sass

Church Street Coffee has teamed up with The Well in downtown Stockton to roast and bag the most flavorful coffee beans.

As one of the micro-businesses created by Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Church Street Coffee’s roasting team consists of three women who have been through the New Life Program at The Mission. The faith-based New Life Program empowers participants to become positive members of society. Working closely with The Well, they have learned the intricate details of the very competitive coffee business. The Well’s Roastery offers a collaborative space designed for coffee enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to learn about coffee roasting and grow their business. The demand for Church Street Coffee is teaching them business and public relations skills as well as building the team’s confidence. Aligning with The Well Stockton has brought the dream to life, with a mission to engage, empower and equip entrepreneurs and creatives.

All coffee roasting and production for Church Street Coffee is fulfilled from start to finish at The Well. “Running Church Street Coffee has given me such purpose. I love learning, I enjoy meeting people in the community, and it keeps me busy,” shared Laurie Holloway, Church Street Coffee team member. “I learned to roast the coffee beans, bag them and prepare for shipping. My team goes out into the community to sell coffee at events and churches.”

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/community-spotlight/church-street-coffee-where-love-brews/

Thewellstockton Church Street Coffee Gospel Center Rescue Mission

14/08/2025

Mezzo Ristorante: Sips & Sounds on the Patio
By Mary Raffetto

Most San Joaquin County chefs are quite aware of how lucky they are to have unique access to some of the finest produce in the country. That access helps them build menus and create specialties that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere. Daniel Cortez, executive chef of Stockton’s Mezzo Ristorante, has a great appreciation for the top-quality foods grown locally. That year-round access, he says, is key to turning out innovative quality dishes.

“I started cooking at age 17 and as soon as I graduated high school, went straight to culinary school,” he said. In his case, culinary school was none other than the Sacramento campus of the renowned Le Cordon Bleu. Daniel then went to Hawaii, where he continued to learn about the culinary arts before spending years cooking at a variety of highly regarded Bay Area restaurants. “I worked in Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco and I enjoyed it a lot!” he enthused. “I worked in a lot of French kitchens where I learned so many techniques that I could apply to all different cuisines as my career continued.”

Now at Mezzo Ristorante, Daniel finds a great deal of creative opportunity to apply his skills and imagination. “I am inspired by all kinds of classic dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, for example, and I will put my own twist on the classics in order to have different ways to present them.” The restaurant makes pasta dough daily using Caputo and semolina flour and extrudes it into a variety of shapes. He says the unique pasta shapes often lead him to select specific sauces for each. Casarecce, for example, is the perfect pasta to highlight seasonal sweet corn. He elaborated, “Whatever we do at Mezzo is led by good technique and the best ingredients available.”

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/community-spotlight/mezzo-ristorante-sips-sounds-on-the-patio/

12/08/2025

Rachele Spaletta, Intercoastal Vineyards

Intercoastal Vineyards sports a casual yet sophisticated ambiance that puts both the experienced sommelier and novice wine taster at ease. The winery’s breezy front lawn, spacious patio and tank room invite you to gather around the table and leave your worries at the door. Rachele Spaletta, the co-proprietor with her husband, Mitch, is a constant presence at Intercoastal, and her tireless passion is one of the reasons for its warm and inviting air. “I want people to feel like they’re coming home…everyone! Visitors, members, family and pets! Making everyone feel valued and important is our philosophy here,” she said.

Intercoastal Vineyard’s motto, Embrace Every Moment, is emblazoned across their main building and intertwined into the very beginnings of the winery. Intercoastal began in 2017 as an online-only storefront, and the Spalettas launched their brick-and-mortar winery in the tumult of 2020. Not to be deterred by the difficulties of that year, they continued to develop their brand and focus on their art of winemaking. The also concentrated on designing their signature modern and witty products such as their Canpanion series, premium canned California wine on-the-go, inspired both by the limitations of travel and their love of our favorite companions, pets. Most recently, they launched their In Love series with puns such as You Make Me Blush and “You Had Me At Merlot” adorning the back label.

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/community-spotlight/vineyards-anchoring-agriculture-are-central-valleys-gems/

08/08/2025

Culinary Arts and Career Pathways: How the one.Program Prepares Students for Real-World Success
By HERLIFE Magazine

At a recent conference hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), lunchtime was not just a break; it was a lesson in action and service. As more than 100 students and educators wrapped up their morning sessions, a group of student chefs rolled in with trays of tri-tip, barbeque chicken, vegetables and homemade cookies. Their service kept the event running smoothly and the guests focused for an afternoon of learning.

These students were not just volunteering. They are part of one.Culinary, a hands-on culinary arts program within the SJCOE’s one.Program. More than just preparing food, the experience gave students a chance to practice key workplace skills such as planning, time management, teamwork, and professionalism that will serve them well beyond the kitchen.

“It’s a real-world business simulation,” said Chef Michael Speer, the program’s instructor and a working culinary professional. “Students get to experience all facets of the food and hospitality industry in a supportive learning environment.”

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/spark-joy/culinary-arts-and-career-pathways-how-the-one-program-prepares-students-for-real-world-success/

06/08/2025

Don’t Miss the 22nd Annual Taste of the Delta!

An unforgettable afternoon of food, wine, beer, music, and fun at the beautiful Delta Diamond Farm in Isleton — not Windmill Cove, as previously listed in the August calendar.

📅 Saturday, August 9th
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 15175 CA-160, Isleton, CA
🎟️ $45 in advance | $50 at the door

05/08/2025

Celebrate the professionals making a difference in your organization in the September 2025 Professionals Issue of Herlife Magazine. Reserve your space today and share their story with the community! ✨

05/08/2025

Heather Panella, Oak Farm Vineyards

Hidden away in northern Lodi, Oak Farm Vineyards is a luxurious oasis for wine lovers to relax and stroll. It’s quiet yet vibrant with life; the air is full of the sound of rustling leaves and running water mingled with the soft conversations of friends sharing a bottle of wine. The artistic vision and tireless labor of Heather Panella and her husband, Daniel, has evolved since the winery’s early beginnings in 2004. Together, they transformed the former cattle ranch and grain farm into the iconic property it is today, a welcoming place for hosting events, dining and, of course, wine tasting.
Oak Farm Vineyards began as a boutique winery, producing only around five thousand cases per year, but Heather and Daniel quickly realized both their growth and their developing vision for the winery would require an expansion. “One of my fondest memories of this building was standing on the pad of dirt with my husband in the middle of February,” Heather laughed. “It was quite chilly as we were counting the loads of dirt coming in to build the pad for the tasting room.” They have been deeply invested in Oak Farm Vineyards’ growth from the ground up.

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/community-spotlight/vineyards-anchoring-agriculture-are-central-valleys-gems/

02/08/2025

Our August issue has arrived! 🇬🇷 Get a taste of authentic homemade Greek recipes—straight from the heart of the Greek Food Festival.

Everyone loves a great festival, and St. Basil’s annual Greek Food Festival is truly one of the greatest. This family-friendly event has drawn crowds for 65 years and will take place again September 5 through 7, 2025, on the St. Basil’s church grounds at 920 W. March Lane in Stockton.

In keeping with tradition, numerous food stations will sell authentic Greek main dishes and desserts, all homemade from original recipes. The festival is enjoyable for all ages and provides plenty of seating, indoors and out, to gather with friends and take it all in, from people-watching to Greek dancing. A variety of shopping booths, entertainment and live music will round out the event as well as church tours for anyone who wishes to see the beautiful facility and learn about Greek Orthodox Christianity.

The Beginning
Long ago, in 1961, much of March Lane was still empty and undeveloped. That year, Saint Basil Orthodox Church purchased its current lot with plans to build a small hall and kitchen before relocating from their Stanislaus Street location in downtown Stockton. In its early years, the Greek food festival took place in several other locations, including the Civic Auditorium, Delta Community College and the Scottish Rite Temple. In 1986, the church was finally able to hold the festival on its own grounds. To this day many people come back year after year, even some who now live out of state, to help with this special event.

https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/inspirations/loukoumades-dolmades-baklava-oh-my/

By Mary Raffetto, Photos by Conrad Borba

31/07/2025

Duke Hellige: Students Love This Gentle Goldendoodle!

Q: What’s your full name.
A: Duke Hellige

Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: I would describe my personality as chill. My calming personality is what makes people want to pet me more. My parents do say I am high maintenance because I want them to pet me constantly!

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
A: Sadly, my parents have never taken me on a vacation; however, I do get to go on regular field trips to my work at Brookside School. I am part of the staff with a badge and I am in the yearbook. I enjoy lying under my mom’s desk during my breaks. When we have free time, I volunteer for Hospice of San Joaquin. My favorite event is Camp Caterpillar, where I give free cuddles to children that are facing grief due to the loss of a loved one.

Q: What’s your favorite place to walk?
A: I enjoy going on walks with my brother, Moose, in our neighborhood. It helps with my zoomies!

Learn more about Duke's guilty pleasures, obsessions, and favorite treats.
https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/wag-tales/duke-hellige-students-love-this-gentle-goldendoodle/

29/07/2025

Genova Bakery: A Cherished Treasure in Stockton
By Zoee Flores Riggio, Intern, SJC Historical Museum

This authentic Italian bakery has been delighting the neighborhood with baked goods since its founding in 1918. With over a century of rich history, the bakery has not only maintained its commitment to quality but also fostered a sense of belonging that has made it a beloved landmark. Founded by Angelo Rolleri, Genova Bakery has become a cornerstone of the community, celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition.

The story of Genova Bakery begins with Angelo Rolleri, an Italian immigrant from Genoa, Italy. Rolleri’s commitment to his customers set the bakery up to last for a lifetime. During tough times, he extended a helping hand to local farmers, allowing them to pay for bread the next year when their crops came in. He created an inviting atmosphere on Saturdays by offering customers gathered at the store fresh French and Italian bread, cheese, salami and red wine. In 1971, after 53 years of operation, Stockton’s City Planning Commission presented Angelo Rolleri with an Award of Excellence for his community service.

Continue reading:
https://www.herlifemagazine.com/centralvalley/looking-back/genova-bakery-a-cherished-treasure-in-stockton/

26/07/2025

Save the Date! Family Day at the Park is happening on September 20th—a celebration of literacy and education packed with fun for the whole family!

Enjoy hands-on kids’ activities, live music, face painting, tasty food, and storytelling with published authors.

Monday	08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:30 - 16:30
Thursday	08:30 - 16:30
Friday	08:30 - 16:30

Herlife Magazine Central Valley

19/08/2025

16/08/2025

14/08/2025

12/08/2025

08/08/2025

06/08/2025

05/08/2025

05/08/2025

02/08/2025

31/07/2025

29/07/2025

26/07/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share