50th Anniversary Celebration: Local Wine & Cheese Reception at the San Francisco Downtown Hostel
September 18, 2008

Northern California has long been famous for its exceptional wines and cheeses, so what better place to sample the region’s offerings than in the culinary capital of the state?
Join us at the San Francisco Downtown Hostel on October 2 from 5 - 7 p.m. for a free Local Wine and Cheese Reception, held in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Golden Gate Council of Hostelling International.
We’ll be meeting in the second floor guest lounge to pop the corks off a variety of locally produced wines, and pair them with regional cheeses from Northern California dairies such as Marin’s Cowgirl Creamery. Caitlin Gill — an experienced wine pourer and an up-and-coming local comedienne — will be on hand to explain the wines, so don’t be shy about asking questions.
Try your luck in the free raffle, and maybe you’ll go home with a bottle of wine, a nice cheese or two, or a free night’s stay at the San Francisco Downtown Hostel!
If you haven’t stayed at the hostel lately, this is your chance to see all the recent renovations, with hostel tours offered at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Much progress has been made since we last reported on the renovations in April, including complete make-overs for every guest lounge, common area, dorm, and private room on the second and third floors. Peek in at the new kitchen, a current work-in-progress that will be ready for guests on October 17, and check out the theater-style media room on the fourth floor, complete with widescreen TV and surround-sound speakers, where movies are screened daily for hostel guests.
Golden Anniversary of Golden Gate Hostels
This event is part of a series of 50th anniversary celebrations held at Northern California hostels through the fall.
- Check out the full list of anniversary events.
- Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, Hostel Tripper, for updates on upcoming anniversary events.
- Read more about the history of HI-USA Golden Gate Council.