Paso Robles Wineries’ Neighborhood

California Wine Festival

The 6th Annual California Wine Festival, a mid-summer tradition in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA, is July 16 - 18. Ticket prices are rolled back 30% this year for the three distinctively different tasting in three days. Wine lovers enjoy “Old Spanish Nights” ‘fiesta style’ tasting on the 16th,  “Sunset Rare & Reserve” tasting the 17th and the huge “Beachside Wine Fest” on Saturday the 18th, featuring unlimited wine, food and live music at each venue.

The Paso Robles Wine Festival was a hit this year with a great crowd, and some of the best wine offerings in memory. There was plenty of shade, plenty of wine and a fair amount of skin on display at this annual event.

The Friday afternoon reserve event was a treat in that you were able to actually taste some older vintages--some of it spectacular hooch. Wines three, four and even seven years old were being poured by winemakers and principle's not just the friendly tasting room folks.

On Saturday was the grand tasting and that is when things warmed up. But the good folks and our hosts, at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance were prepared with plenty of water stations and excellent organization. The venue is really suburb and the crowd wine loving and fun loving.

Ken Volk had some of his amazing wines from his new brand located in the Santa Maria Valley. He made 23 wines in 2008 and will create some masterpieces to enjoy in the coming years.

Joe and Bonnie

The Paso Robles Wine Festival was a hit this year with a great crowd, and some of the best wine offerings in memory. There was plenty of shade, plenty of wine and a fair amount of skin on display at this annual event.

The Friday afternoon reserve event was a treat in that you were able to actually taste some older vintages--some of it spectacular hooch. Wines three, four and even seven years old were being poured by winemakers and principle's not just the friendly tasting room folks.

On Saturday was the grand tasting and that is when things warmed up. But the good folks and our hosts, at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance were prepared with plenty of water stations and excellent organization. The venue is really suburb and the crowd wine loving and fun loving.

Each year, HdR produces an exceptional three-day event that is globally regarded as the single most essential and enjoyable gathering of international Rhône wine producers and enthusiasts. Attendees expand their knowledge of the 22 Rhône varieties, while rubbing elbows with the winemakers whose passion spurs the inspiration and energy that sets the tone for every seminar, meal, and tasting.

The event begins on Thursday April 30th with the Rhône-n-Bowl event and continues through to Saturday evening at the Farewell BBQ. In between there are seminars, auctions, dinners, tastings and events. For more information check out Hospice du Rhône.

The annual Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival attracts wine lovers from near and far for an opportunity to meet member vintners, taste their wines, and enjoy great food and music in a festive outdoor environment. The 2009 Vintners’ Festival will be celebrated from 1 to 4pm on Saturday April 18th at River Park in Lompoc.

The festival features the wines of our 100+ members of the Association, live and lively music, a silent auction and wine country cuisine by the area’s finest chefs.

And we'll make a weekend out of it, celebrating the arrival of Spring with the Vintners’ Visa - a four-day pass to twelve participating wineries, each of whom will waive tasting fees and offer something special just for Visa holders.

Call for more information (805) 688-0881 or information@sbcountywines.com

Event Website

On Saturday March 7 is the 5th annual Taste for Justice at the Santa Maria Discovery Museum form 2 to 6 pm.

Introducing the 'Gourmet Gavel Awards' a chefs' competition
featuring the Taste Makers, students of Allan Hancock College Culinary Arts Program You be the Judge!
Tickets: $45 in advance, $50 at the door,
Sponsored by the Legal Aiod Foundation of Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
705 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria

More Info and tickets Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County

Wine and Food Providers:
Au Bon Climat
Bella Forno
Bridlewood Estate Winery
Byron Winery
Cambria Winery
Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill
Clendenen-Lindquist Vintners
eWoodart.com
Fess Parker Winery
Jovi’s Delights
Lucas & Lewellen Winery
McKeon-Phillips Winery
Mint Properties, Tni LeBlanc
Morning Star Café
Northern Santa Barbara County Bar
Association
Rancho Alamos Camp 1 Vineyard
Santa Maria Inn
Santa Barbara Downtown
Brewing Company
Telegraph Brewery
Third Coast Café
Tolosa Winery
Trattoria Uliveto
William James Cellars

Salisbury Vineyards has some kick-ass wine and some great events at their tasting room near Avila Beach, California. Just north of Pismo Beach and south of San Luis Obispo is their 100 year old schoolhouse property that has been restored and updated to be a popular tasting room and event center.

They operate a trolley service and offer tours of their nearby vineyard where they grow Pinot Noir. The vineyard is only a couple of miles from the ocean and has a unique micro-climate that is just warm enough to ripen the fruit. The long growing season allows extra "hang time" and adds to the complexity of flavors. To learn more check out www.salisburyvineyards.com.

The speciality at the tasting room is Pinot Noir, but they also produce excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  Try their very popular Devil Dog Red if you are looking for something well priced and of good quality.

Salisbury Events:

"Girls' Night Out" at Salisbury:  Thursday evenings:  Stroll through the Schoolhouse and patio with hors d'oeuvres and wine in hand. Each evening will have a different theme with new guest vendors, chefs, and live music.  $25 per guest, $20 for Club Avila Members, for dates see www.salisburyvineyards.com

"Schoolhouse Rock Concert Series" 2009 dates
Bands will be posted at their website.

Film Noir at Salisbury Vineyards - Summer 2009, Includes private tasting, plated dinner and dessert. Check website for details.

The best place to taste wine in SLO has got to be Salisbury Vineyards. Its on the way to Avila and the do some work with grapes they grow just up the street (see video) plus their Paso Robles vineyard.

Try their Devil Dog Red at one of their concerts or other events.