Saratoga Sister City is accepting applications for the 2003 Gomersall Scholarship. The scholarship is open to all age groups who are interested in learning more about Japanese culture. For more information or an application, contact Reiko Iwanaga at 408.867.4525 or write to Saratoga Sister City, Gomersall Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 796, Saratoga, 95071.


Wine tour never tasted so good

Back by popular demand, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards is once again hosting its Five Dollar Friday Tour and Tastings. At 3 p.m. every Friday between May 1 and July 31, visitors will be able to taste house wines, walk through vineyards and tour the gravity feed cellar, where wines are created. The cost is $5 per person; reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 408.741.2934.


Saratoga travelers off to San Simeon

Residents can get out of town to see lavish luxury at Hearst Castle with the Saratoga Recreation Department. Reservations are required by May 23 for this two-day getaway on July 16 and 17 that begins with a tour, tasting and lunch at Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. After an evening in Cambria, the group will rest at the Sea Coast Lodge in San Simeon. A guided tour of Hearst Castle is planned for the next day, with a stop to see northern elephant seals before heading home. The cost is $209 per person for double occupancy, $270 for single occupancy. Call 408.868.1248 or 408.868.1249 for more information.


Chili chefs take part in cook-off

Chili chefs get ready to make your mark—REI is hosting a camp stove cook-off for the best chili in town. Recipes can be dropped off at REI Saratoga or emailed to cookbayarea@rei.com. The top five finalists will have a showdown at the Saratoga store on June 14 at 1 p.m. The winner will score a GSI Camp Gourmet Kitchen and $1,000 in their name to a local environmental or outdoor recreation nonprofit of their choice. For more information, call 408.871.8765. REI is located at 400 El Paseo De Saratoga in San Jose.