Central Coast - October 1, 2009

SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTIES

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YO U R E S S E N T I A L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A C E N T R A L COA S T W I N E, G E TAWAYS , T H I N G S TO D O & E V E N TS

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HARVEST WINE WEEKEND IN PASO ROBLES PAGE 13 WINEMAKER PROFILE:

FIRESTONE VINEYARD PAGE 15

EPICURE: SB PAGE 27 PREFERRED TASTING ROOM:

PIANETTA WINERY PAGE 31

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E A S Y-TO - F O L LO W W I N E R Y M A P S

OC TOBER 1, 2009

San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties MILEAGE:

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTIES

PUBLISHING EVERY OTHER WEEK! OC TOBER 1, 2009 • ISSUE 19 – VOLUME 3 ON THE COVER Judd Family Wines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 WINE COUNTRY NEWS Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 Wine Country Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PASO ROBLES WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 SAN LUIS OBISPO/PISMO BEACH WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 SANTA MARIA VALLEY WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 SOLVANG, LOS OLIVOS, SANTA YNEZ WINERIES MAP . . . . . . 26 SANTA BARBARA WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 VENTURA COUNTY WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-35

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTIES

ADVERSTISING/MARKETING DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

Sarah Flickinger San Luis Obispo, CA Phone 805-252-5440 [email protected] Mike Giangreco Direct 707-938-3734 [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

Chandra Grant P.O. Box 92, El Verano, CA 95433 Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674 [email protected]

CALENDAR EDITOR

Laurie Flippen Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674 [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Cathy Gore Phone 707-938-3494 / Fax 707-938-3674 Email [email protected]

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Michael Cervin, Len Napolitano, Mark Storer, Dave Wilcox

Going to Northern California Wine Country? Look for WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK at wineries, hotels, concierge desks, car rentals, restaurants, high-end grocery stores and more!

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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

JUDD FAMILY WINES Paso Robles’ Newest Tasting Room Throughout his career in the corporate world, James Thurston Judd always remained a farmer, working the land on properties in Texas, Utah and California. His family has more than 140 years of agricultural history, including citrus, cattle and vineyards. And as he sits in front of Paso Robles Wine Country’s newest tasting room and looks across the vineyards, he simply states, “I feel much more at home here.” Together with his son, he has opened the Judd Family Wines tasting room in the San Miguel area, continuing a tradition of family farming into the fifth generation. Father and son each offer two labels, with a lineup that exemplifies the breadth of varietal character found in the appellation. “We present our wines in a spirit of value and everyday enjoyment, with a wine to match any taste or occasion.” The James Judd & Son Vineyards label represents the family’s finest vineyard blocks from its Von Dollen and Shandon estate vineyards, which Jim purchased more than 35 years ago. The first was planted – primarily with Cabernet – in 1998, with the second following in 2001. Jim did most of the work himself, flying out on the weekends to tend to the land. The resulting wines are evident of the individual attention paid to each vine. “We limit our Cabernet vines to just one bud per cordon. Lower yields generate more intense flavors. We are willing to sacrifice the quantity of our harvest to generate higher quality fruit,”

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FLIGHT OVER THE VINES Join the Vintage Wine Club for a chance to win a flight over the vineyards in the family’s replica 1938 biplane, piloted by winery owner James Thurston Judd. For more information, visit www.juddfamilywines.com.

explains Jim. Each vineyard is managed on a block-byblock basis, with attention to the individual needs of each varietal in matters of irrigation, pruning and harvesting. This hands-on approach allows Judd to get the most out of each block, varietal and vintage. Jim’s son, James Brian Judd, works with winemaker Vic Roberts to craft the James Judd and Son and A Cellar Full of Noise wines. Included are Cabernet, blends featuring Malbec and Verdot, Barbera and Tempranillo, with prices ranging from 18 to 28 dollars. Judd works with winemaker Steve Anglim on the family’s other two labels: Vintage Flight – themed for Judd’s passion for vintage aircraft – and Juliet Fiero, named for his daughter. More Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc round out the tasting room options under these labels. “We wanted to showcase all the best varietals of Paso Robles Wine Country. We’re stewards of the land, and our wines should be stewards of what the appellation has to offer.” All of the wines are available at the family’s new estate winery and tasting room. Located in

the quiet Pleasant Valley / San Miguel area, rolling vineyard views provide a perfect panorama for exploring the flavors of Paso Robles. Tasting is offered Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $3, and event facilities are available. The tasting room is located at 2850 Ranchita Canyon Road at the family’s Von Dollen estate vineyard, and is easily accessible from Highway 46 East at Jardine Road or from Estrella Road in San Miguel. Just around the corner, Tackitt Family Vineyards offers tasting from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and by appointment, (805) 467-9490. The tasting rooms for RiverStar Vineyards and Silver Horse Winery are just a few minutes away along Estrella Road. Golden hills and vineyard vistas along the way make for a perfect wine country setting, ideal for a day of leisurely tasting at intimate family wineries. Here at Judd Family Wines, on the weekends you’ll likely find Judd out in the vineyards or flying over them in his replica 1938 biplane. “Paso Robles is an amazing appellation, and this area in particular is especially intriguing. I’ve worked this land for decades; I’ve watched the landscapes evolve. And there is no place I would rather be than here, with my family, making wine and sharing it with our guests.” For more information about Judd Family Wines, call (805) 467-2891 or visit the website at www.juddfamilywines.com.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

TRADITION QUALITY FLAVOR

Visit our Downtown tasting room and sample our Estate Bottled, Full Bodied Red Wines Bring in this ad and receive complimentary tasting

HARVEST BBQ October 17, 2-6pm

Pianetta Palooza! 829 13TH STREET • PASO ROBLES SUNDAY, MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 12 TO 6 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM TO 7PM CLOSED TUESDAY

805-226-4005 | pianettawinery.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PASO ROBLES ONGOING SATURDAYS Making Sense of Scents at Wild Horse Winery Learn how to properly taste & smell some of your favorite Wild Horse wines & find naturally occurring aromas. $20 by appointment at 12, 2 & 3:30pm. Limit 8 people. Call for reservations or for groups more than 8. Templeton 805-434-2541 ext. 15, email [email protected] ONGOING WEEKENDS Pinot Noir Blending Seminar Sample Pinot Noirs from the Central Coast AVA and learn what terroir truly means. Each participant creates their own blend to take home. $50, $35/wine club. By appointment, 11am or 2pm, Limit 10, Templeton RSVP 805-434-2541 ext. 15, email [email protected] ONGOING EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT Open Mic Songwriters & Comedian Night BBQ, beer, wine & soda available for purchase. Bring your own chair, all ages welcome. 6-9pm, Free, Stacked Stone Cellars, Paso Robles, 805-238-7872 ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Wine Tasting at Vinoteca Wine Bar Local winemaker featured each week, 5:30-8pm, 805-227-7154 ONGOING Art Exhibit at Castoro Cellars Featuring Heidi Franscioni, Templeton,10am-5:30pm 888-DAM-FINE, www.castorocellars.com ONGOING SEPTEMBER Art Exhibit at Ortman Family Vineyards Richard Mortensen’s fused glass art, 12-6 pm, 12-7 pm weekends, 805-237-9009 ONGOING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25 The Loft Gallery new at the Firefly Presents a new exhibition of contemporary art. 805 239-8152 ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Gourmet Pairings at Meridian Vineyards Try gourmet food paired with fine wine, 12-5pm, $5, 805-226-7133 ONGOING SATURDAYS Templeton Farmers’ Market Fresh fruit, flowers & vegetables, 9am-12:30pm 805-239-6535 ONGOING Estrella Warbird Museum Collection of military aircrafts, 10am-4pm, 805-227-0440, www.ewarbirds.org ONGOING FRIDAYS 15 Degrees C Wines Beer Tastings Featured beer every Friday night, $10, 6pm, Templeton, 805-434-1554 ONGOING FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Art, Wine & Song Art, music & wine at downtown wineries, 5-7pm 805-227-6813, www.pasowine.com ONGOING EVERY WEDNESDAY Locavore Wednesdays at Clayhouse Featuring a local product in their downtown Paso Robles tasting room. Free samples & wine tasting! 805-238-7055, www.clayhousewines.com ONGOING EVERY FRIDAY Friday Night Flights at Clayhouse Vineyards Enjoy a flight of three Clayhouse wines paired with three foodie flights! 5-7pm $15, $10/ wine club members, RSVP 805-238-7055, www.clayhousewines.com ONGOING EVERY 1ST SATURDAY Wine & the Arts at Clayhouse Vineyards Downtown Paso Robles Tasting Room presents a celebration of music, art & wine. 4-7pm, www.clayhousewines.com ONGOING FIRST SATURDAY THROUGH OCTOBER Bocce and BBQ Bring or buy Donati wine and enjoy the BBQ and games on them! Donati Family Vineyard, 5-8pm, winespace.donatifamilyvineyard.com ONGOING SATURDAYS Live Music in the Tasting Room at Eos Enjoy great music, fantastic wines & great company. 12-3pm, 805-239-2562, www.eosvintage.com • September 19: James Hurley • September 26: Rob Hegel • October 3: Mike Maguire • October 10: Unfiltered Jazz Trio • October 31: Mike Maguire • November 14: Unfiltered Jazz Trio

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ONGOING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30 “Slivers of Time” at Carina Cellars Featuring the artwork of Santa Barbara photographer and Carina Cellars staff member, Patrick Lyons. www.carinacellars.com, 805-688-2459 SEPTEMBER 17 Celebrations of Life Lecture at Eos Estate: In Depth Winemaker Tour Winery Barrel Room, featuring the Eos Estate Winery winemaking team. Tour with the Eos winemakers & learn about the operations. 2-3pm, Featured wines: Cupa Chardonnay & Lost Angel Mischief, www.eosvintage.com, 805-239-2562 SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 Cigar Conference West First annual Cigar Conference West 2009, (”Cig-Con West”), top-flight cigar conference/festival. Free cigars & accessories, cigar rolling demonstrations, seminars, great food, libations & more. $150, River Oaks Pavillon 18th from 1-10pm, 19th from 10am-5pm, Zina from Sylvester Winery will be hosting a special cheese & cigar pairing seminar, www.cigarconference.com SEPTEMBER 18 Cigar Conference West VIP Dinner At the Robert Hall Winery guests will be treated to a four-course meal prepared by Chef Jeffrey Scott with wine & cigar pairings, after-dinner cigars, wines and a live auction. 5:30-10pm, [email protected], 805-239-1616 SEPTEMBER 19 Eberle Winemaker Dinner in the Caves Jay McCarthy, from Beaver Creek Chophouse, Avon, CO, known as the celebrity cowboy chef. Great food, excellent preparation, great meal. A longtime friend of Eberle Winery, they’re thrilled to have him return for a dinner in the caves. $150, RSVP 805-238-9607, www.eberlewinery.com SEPTEMBER 19 8th Annual Arte de Tiza Chalk murals created by area artists on the sidewalk of Pine Street between 11th and 12th streets beginning at 8 a.m. the morning of the Taste.

SEPTEMBER 19 “Taste of Downtown” Offers A Saturday of Fine Cuisine, Music & Art 30 local restaurants, a brewery, wineries, ice cream and coffee houses. 11am-4pm, $25, for passes call 805-238-4103 SEPTEMBER 25 Sunset Concert at Robert Hall Winery Adam Crowe blends delta blues, roots folk, Hawaiiana & Americana styles. 6-9pm, $25, RSVP 805-239-1616 ext. 24, [email protected] SEPTEMBER 25 Soulamente in Concert at Vina Robles The series continues with featured artist Soulamente. $22, $20/club members. 7pm, to purchase tickets or order a picnic call 805-227-4812 SEPTEMBER 26 Firestone Walker’s Oaktoberfest V River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, commemorative event stein and two beers plus a German food platter, $40 or $45/door. Live polka music by Trio Internationale! 12-5pm, 805-239-0289, www.oaktoberfest.com SEPTEMBER 26 Wine & Cheese Flight on Patio at Eos Taste Eos Reserve Wines paired with local gourmet cheeses. $10 per person, 805-239-2562, www.eosvintage.com SEPTEMBER 26 Outdoor Concert at Castoro Cellars Featuring Wake the Dead, the World's First Celtic All-Star Grateful Dead Jam Band. Doors open 6pm, show 7pm. Dinner extra by Bon Temps Creole Cafe $22, RSVP 805-467-2002, www.castorocellars.com SEPTEMBER 26 Classic Comedy Live Dinner Night, Stacked Stone Cellars Three world-class comedians, and a family winery ranch style dinner! Dick Hardwick, Mrs. Hughes and Ronn Lucas. Bring the kids! $40, $30/club members, $20 for kids 12 and under), 7pm www.stackedstone.com or call the winery at 805-238-7872.

Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend Festival The three-day weekend offers a wealth of activities unique to the season. Throughout Harvest Wine Weekend, wineries host extraordinary and seldom seen crush and harvest activities. Experience vineyard practices in motion and take part in a blending seminar, or jump feet first into a two-ton grape stomp. The weekend is yours for the taking, the most valuable indulgence of all! Over 130 wineries will host more than 150 individual events throughout the weekend. For details visit www.pasowine.com/events. A sampling of individual events: (RSVP required!) OCTOBER 16 Halter Ranch: Join them for a relaxing day at the ranch. WineKenneth Volk Vineyards: Just say“Paso”for an additional maker Bill Sheffer will be at the wood-fired oven and winegrower Mitch Wyss 10% discount on any wine purchase. will be giving tours of the sustainably farmed vineyard. Castoro Cellars: Join them for sausages, homemade mustards Pianetta Winery: Join Pianetta at the winery in San Miguel for and various appetizers. Listen to live music by local favorite David Lynch. the 2nd Annual Pianetta-Palooza. Live music, open pit barbecue, games, Celebrate the harvest with grape sampling, fresh tank and barrel samples wine and the best wine sale of the year. 2-6pm, $45/pp; $35/club members and current releases. 6-8pm, $15/pp; Complimentary/club members Sylvester Vineyards & Winery: Gourmet buffet extravPozo Valley: What you’ve been waiting for – a Zinfandel vertical! aganza featuring lobster, prime rib, roasted salmon in puff pastry, shrimp and Taste Pozo Valley’s 2003 through 2007 Zinfandel vintages side by side. much more. 6:30pm, $60/pp, $50/Flock Appetizers will be provided. 5:30pm, $25/pp, $20/club members Vihuela Winery: Wind down the day with the Vihuela Saturday Carina Cellars: Join owner David Hardee and winemaker Ryan Night Downtown party. Live music accompanying their brand new wine Saccomano for a five-course dinner paired with library wines in Hardee’s release and a gourmet spread is the perfect end to a long day of wine tasting! private residence with beautiful views. 6-9pm, $105/pp, $85/club members Arroyo Robles Winery: Enjoy a surf and turf dinner, grape Eberle Winery: Celebrate 30 years of fine winemaking at Eberle stomping and barn dance at the AR Vineyard. 6-11pm, $60/pp, $50/club Winery! Winemaker dinner in the caves with Chef Maegan Loring from the Park Hunt Cellars: a “memorable” winemaker dinner featuring the ultiRestaurant, San Luis Obispo; $150/pp, $120/club; barrel tastings, library samples mate in fine dining. Five-course dinner by acclaimed chef. Live music after Eos Winery: Join them for a gastronomic adventure as they explore the treasures of the deep, the delicacies of the wild and the flavors of the dinner. Seating is limited due to popularity. $110/pp vine. With their winemakers enjoy an evening of award-winning Eos Estate OCTOBER 18 wines, all set against the beautiful Paso Robles vineyard back-drop. Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards: Enjoy your Sunday J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines: Chef Jeff Jackson from The morning with fresh crêpes, live music and Wild Horse wines, 10am. Or, if Range in Santa Margarita will prepare a fantastic five-course menu of fresh, blending is more your style, join them for a Pinot Noir blending seminar. seasonal offerings. Seating at 6:30pm, $105/pp, $95/club members Clayhouse Wines: Exclusive estate vineyard tour and winemaker Robert Hall Winery: Sunset Harvest Dinner with Chef Nicola lunch at their historic adobe. $50/pp, $40/club members; includes transAllegretta of Mama’s Meatball. Come enjoy their award-winning wine and portation. Lunch and tour limited to 10 people. celebrate the bountiful 2009 Harvest. 6-10pm $60/pp, $50/club members Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden: Meet OCTOBER 17 renowned sculptor John Jagger for tours of the sculpture garden and insights from Arroyo Robles Winery: Start your morning at their tasting the artist. Learn about the 260-acre family estate.Tour times 11am, 1 & 3pm room with a special breakfast. All your favorites along with the family’s maple Edward Sellers Vineyards & Wines: Start your day syrup and Arroyo Robles sparkling wines. 9:30-11am $10/pp, $5/club members downtown, enjoy Rhône wines paired with cheeses from around the world. Firestone Vineyard Paso Robles: Gourmet Chocolate Chat with winemaker Amy Butler and owners Ed and Dani Sellers. and Firestone Wine Pairings! Unique artisan chocolate truffles created by Jada Vineyard & Winery: Celebrate the 2009 harvest the Daily Dose of Decadence of Templeton paired with a flight of five classic Jada Way! “Halloween at Harvest”celebrates the ’60s all weekend long. Firestone Vineyard wines. Three tasting sessions available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Reservations required, space is limited! Wear a ’60s costume and you will be entered in their contest. Prizes

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER 2 Another 3 Day Weekend Begins at Jada! Visit Jada & get a taste of the good life. Fun pairings with our Jada wines all weekend long. www.jadavineyard.com OCTOBER 2 Isoceles Reserve Black Tie Dinner Chateau Baldwin, Justin Vineyards & Winery, join Justin and Deborah Baldwin at their home. Live music, 6:30pm, $300/club members, $375/guests 805-238-6932, www.JUSTINwine.com, [email protected] OCTOBER 3 Ancestor Release Dinner at Halter Ranch Annual harvest moon dinner celebrating the 2005 Ancestor, in Halter Ranch historic barn, 6pm. RSVP 805-226-9455, [email protected] OCTOBER 7, 14, 21 & 28 Ballroom Dance Lessons - Swing Instructor Laura Nicholson will teach dance steps from 6-7pm; social dance from 7-8pm. $13, $10/club, RSVP Vina Robles Hospitality Center at 805-227-4812 OCTOBER 12-18 Erwin Dazelle’s “A la Tienne” Exhibition Featuring his exceptional wine themed acrylic on canvas. Proceeds to Wine for Water. Paso Wine Center, www.wineforwater.org, 805-239-9156 OCTOBER 15 Celebrations of Life Lecture at Eos: Sensory Evaluation featuring Vivian Popke Winery Lab & Conference Room, evaluation of wines using sensory evaluation; Difference & rating tests; descriptive analysis & pairing of wine & food. 6-7pm Featured wines: Eos Pinot Grigio & Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon www.eosvintage.com, 805-239-2562 OCTOBER 16 Wild Horse Winery Bike Bash Party 8th Annual Templeton Wine & Roses Bike Ride pre-ride party at Wild Horse Winery. Enjoy a great pasta dinner, wine & live music. $15 per person RSVP required, sign up for the party when you register for the ride at http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1749878

SEPTEMBER 19 Baileyana & tangent Wine Club Yacht Cruise Cruise the Morro Bay on the Papagallo II, 4-7pm Meet Winemaker Christian Roguenant & enjoy their wines paired with hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Leonard Gentieu. $85 wine club members only, RSVP Lori 805-269-8206, [email protected] OCTOBER 3-4 Morro Bay Harbor Festival At the Wine and California Cuisine Tasting Pavilion sample wines from more than 30 local wineries as well as food samples from local restaurants, caterers and a special albacore BBQ put on by local commercial fishermen. Bands, entertainment, contests, tours, races and live water rescues. 10am-6pm Adults $8, 2 day tickets $10, 12 and under free, 800-366-6043, [email protected] OCTOBER 10 4th Annual Morro Bay Cruise with Tolosa Join Tolosa onboard the Papagallo II cruising Morro Bay, 1-4pm. Chef Leonard Gentieu will be pairing five Tolosa wines with mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres, $80, $70/club members, RSVP early, www.tolosawinery.com OCTOBER 16 Cruise with Arroyo Robles Winery Join them aboard the Papagallo II as they sail around Morro Bay Harbor. Chef Leonard Gentieu’s fabulous creations paired with your favorite AR wines 6-9 pm, $85, $75/club members, RSVP 805-226-5454

SAN LUIS OBISPO ONGOING Hearst Castle Tours Witness the brilliance of the historical manor, 800-444-4445, www.hearstcastle.org ONGOING EVERY FRIDAY Tapas at Tolosa Start the weekend enjoying four tapas from Corner View Restaurant paired with four reserve wines, 5:30-7:30pm. Located in the Heritage Room. $25, $20/club members, [email protected], 805-782-0500 x10

OCTOBER 23 Julie & the BadDogs at Vina Robles The 2009 Vina Robles Concert Series, 7pm, 805-227-4812

ONGOING SATURDAYS Wine & Cheese Pairings at Tolosa Vineyards In the Heritage Room, four estate wines are paired with four artisan cheeses from around the world. 11am-3pm, 805-782-0500, www.tolosawinery.com

OCTOBER 23 CRAVE – A Paso Robles Wine Experience Satisfy your craving at this unique wine tasting experience in San Luis Obispo. Music, food pairings and plenty of Paso Robles wine are sure to gratify you – instantly! $40/presale, 7:30-10pm, Veterans Hall, SLO, www.pasowine.com

ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Reserve Flight Tastings at Tolosa Vineyards In the Heritage Room, flights will vary from Pinot Noir flights to Rhône style wines or even a vertical tasting of library wines. $20, $15/club members 805-782-0500 x10, [email protected]

OCTOBER 24 Wine & Cheese Flight on the Patio at Eos Taste Eos Reserve Wines paired with local gourmet cheeses. $10 per person, www.eosvintage.com, 805-239-2562

ONGOING WEEKENDS Live Music at Mother’s Tavern Upscale tavern with big band music most Sundays, San Luis Obispo Call for schedules, 805-541-8733, www.motherstavern.com

OCTOBER 24 Indoor Concert at Castoro Featuring Preston Reed playing an array of guitars. His vast range of original music will forever change your expectation of a guitarist. Doors open 6:45pm, concert 7:30pm, $20, RSVP 888-DAM-FINE, www.castorocellars.com

ONGOING SECOND SUNDAY Dallidet Adobe & Gardens Oldest house in the city of San Luis Obispo. Site of first commercial winery in the area. 805-543-0638, www.slochs.org/dallidet

OCTOBER 31 Halloween at Jada Fun pairings with Jada wines all weekend long. www.jadavineyard.com NOVEMBER 7 “A Tuscan Trio” Progressive Winemaker Dinner A progressive dinner paired with award winning wines from Eberle, Vina Robles & Robert Hall Winery travels through the neighborhood for appetizers, dinner, dancing & dessert. 6:30pm, $75, RSVP 805 -238-9607, www.eberlewinery.com

CAYUCOS & MORRO BAY ONGOING Adventures with Nature Various hikes. Morro Bay State Park Museum, 805-772-2694, www.ccnha.org ONGOING SATURDAYS Fishermen & Farmers’ Market in Morro Bay Fresh seasonal fruit, crafts & musicians, 3-6pm 800-231-0592 ONGOING Winemaker Dinners at Hoppe’s Join Chef Bill Hoppe with his Winemaker Dinners featuring California's best wine producers and Chef Hoppe's personalized cooking classes featuring beautiful combinations of local and exotic foods. 805 995-1006, www.hoppesbistro.com

ONGOING Automobilia Museum Specialty cars, toy cars & airplanes along with many other antiques relating to transportation. 10am-5pm, 805-544-1900, San Luis Obispo ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Art Gallery Events “Art After Dark” Various art galleries stay open late & host artist receptions with wine & cheese 5-9pm, 805-544-9251, www.sloartcouncil.org SEPTEMBER 20 Claiborne & Churchill “Barely Cooking” Class Learn exciting recipes for your next cocktail party. Chef Jennie Sturgeon will perform a live cooking demo of four unique hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy samples of these appetizers paired with C&C fine wines. RSVP 805-544-4066 SEPTEMBER 25 Meet the Winemaker at Laetitia Taste after hours with their winemakers. 5-7pm, www.laetitiawine.com OCTOBER 24 A Wine Drinker's Guide to the Galaxy at Claiborne & Churchill Enjoy wine & appetizers while viewing the moon, stars, planets & other celestial objects. Cal Poly professor Dr. David Mitchell is the astronomy expert for the evening. RSVP 805-544-4066

NOVEMBER 6 Claiborne & Churchill Winemaker Dinner at Buona Tavola Give them a call to sign up now! 805-544-4066. Seats are limited

PISMO BEACH/SHELL BEACH SUNDAYS OCTOBER 4 - NOVEMBER 1 A Murder Mystery Dinner Addams Family: It's Itts Birthday! Dinner, wine & laughter, Spyglass Restaurant, Shell Beach, 5pm 805-489-3875, www.murderinmind.com ONGOING Local Wine Tasting Tuesday, Live Music & Complimentary Appetizers At Lido Restaurant The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, 5:30-6:30pm, $12 RSVP 805-773-8900, www.thedolphinbay.com • September 15: Riverbench Winery • September 22: Tolosa Winery • September 29: Sextant Winery • October 6: Calcareous Vineyards • October 13: Clautiere Winery • October 20: Vina Calina Winery • October 27: Edna Valley Vineyards Cooking School at the Lido Restaurant All Classes include an unforgettable meal paired with fine local wines 5:30-8:30pm • September 24: Food with Wine Pairing, $80 • October 22: Lido Basics, Sauces & Dressings, $65 • November 19: Lido Basics, Holiday Favorites, $65

AVILA BEACH ONGOING FRIDAYS First Friday at Morovino Delicious food & wine pairings, 4-6pm, $12, 805-627-1443, Avila Beach OCTOBER 23 Sea Fare 2009 Featuring fresh seafood from the finest restaurants on the Central Coast and award-winning wines from local wineries. Silent auction, benefiting the Avila Beach Marine Institute. Tickets are $75, Avila Beach Golf Resort 805 595-7280, [email protected] OCTOBER 22-25 Avila Beach Concours d’Elegance Features unique venues around the SLO county, highlights the best food and wine purveyors, local artists and showcase over 200 of the most beautiful cars in the world. All will be displayed at the Avila Beach Golf Resort on Sunday, October 25,10am-3pm, 805-544-2266, www.avilabeachconcours.com NOVEMBER 6 -8 Harvest Celebration Weekend Join the Vintners of San Luis Obispo in celebrating the 14th annual Harvest Celebration at Avila Beach Golf Resort. 805-541-5868, tickets at www.slowine.com • Friday: Winemaker Dinners, Great local cuisine paired with the best SLO wines at one of the many winemaker dinners planned for Friday night. • Saturday: Grand Tasting & Auction, More than 50 of the Central Coast’s best wineries and restaurants will be in attendance. 1-5pm, $80 First-ever SLO Vintners Futures Tasting and Auction. Add this event to your Grand Tasting ticket for only $20. Starts at noon. • Sunday: SLO Winery Open House Celebrations. Visit the SLO Vintners wineries for more wine, tours, tastings and special discounts. Meet and mingle with the people who make the wine (your Saturday event tickets gets you in free!) http://slowine.com/cm/events/harvest_celebration_weekend.html

ARROYO GRANDE ONGOING Hopping Good Time at the SLO Down Pub Open mic Mondays and everything else from blues to bluegrass. See the whole calendar of events at www.slodownpub.com/event_calendar.shtml ONGOING SATURDAYS Arroyo Grande Farmers’ Market Farm fresh produce, music, arts & crafts. 12-2:30pm 805-473-2250, www.arroyograndevillage.org ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Learn How to Make Ice Cream at Doc Burnsteins 30 minute skit about ice cream where you help create new flavors, 7pm 805-474-4068, www.docburnsteins.com ONGOING FRIDAYS Wine Down at Wood Winery Reserve wines & gourmet cheese, 4-7pm, 805-489-9663 www.wildwoodwine.com, email [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBER Painting with Light-Sacred Light, Sacred Lands A new vision of the Central Coast by Paul J. McCloskey. The Clark Center for Performing Art, Arroyo Grande SEPTEMBER 20 Taste of the Central Coast A fine food and wine tasting event with a live and silent auction benefitting foster and high-needs children and families on the Central Coast. Held at the Cypress Ridge Pavilion in Arroyo Grande, guests will enjoy listening to the live music of Wholly Jazz. 3-6:30pm, $7, www.fcni.org, 805-706-0569

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SANTA MARIA/FOXEN CANYON ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum Fun includes a train simulator exhibit. 1-4:30pm, 805-714-4927 www.smvrhm.org/museum ONGOING Friday Night Wine Down at Costa de Oro Start your weekend! 4:30pm, 805-922-1468, www.costadeorowinery.com ONGOING FRIDAYS Wine Tasting at The Loading Dock Live music, wine & food, 7-10pm. $5, Santa Maria, 805-934-3471 SEPTEMBER 19 Sustainablity is the Future; How We're Farming for Tomorrow Join Byron Estate Winery for an in-depth look at their proprietary sustainable farming methods, 11am-2pm. Lunch & wine included $50, $45/club, RSVP 805-938-1537 [email protected] OCTOBER 10 Santa Maria Vineyard Walks Join Bien Nacido Vineyards host Chris Hammell on a harvest walk. 10am, www.smvwc.com/VineyardWalks.html OCTOBER 9-12 Small Santa Barbara Vintners Celebration of Harvest! The Vintners’ Visa is a four-day pass to 12 participating wineries for $35, each of whom will pull out all the stops just for Vintners’ Visa holders. The Vintners' Visa can be used at wineries from Friday through Monday, so make it a long weekend! In addition to the celebration itself, and the special treats offered through the Vintners’ Visa, many member wineries will host special events – from winemaker dinners to open houses to tours and tastings at wineries not generally open to the public. There'll be a full slate of events during the long weekend. For details and tickets, sbcountywines.com/events/celebration.html. OCTOBER 10 Celebration of Harvest On the beautiful grounds of Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. Local restaurants, caterers & food suppliers will showcase their talents by providing delicious samples. Live music from several bands. Silent auction. 1-4pm $65 ($75 at the door) www.sbcountywines.com/events/celebration.html OCTOBER 11 Harvest Bash at Byron Estate Winery As part of the annual Santa Barbara Vintners' Celebration of Harvest. A feast & tasting of Byron wines while relaxing to live music. 10am-4pm, Tasting/$10 Wine Club/Complimentary. Tasting & Food/$15, Wine Club/$5 805-938-1537, RSVP [email protected] OCTOBER 11 Cambria Winery Open House A part of the annual Vintners' Celebration of Harvest. 10am-4:30pm $7, free/club members, RSVP 805-938-1537, [email protected]

LOS OLIVOS ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Wildling Art Museum - Free Friday Flicks Free movie & snacks with discussion, 7pm 805-688-1082, www.wildlingmuseum.org ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Evening with the Winemaker $15, 805-688-7265, 5-6pm, www.losolivoscafe.com ONGOING THURSDAYS Understanding Your Palate at Los Olivos Café Wine tasting & hors d’oeuvres, 5pm. $15 805-688-7265, www.losolivoscafe.com

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SANTA YNEZ

SANTA BARBARA

ONGOING Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum & Parks - Janeway Carriage House Exhibits from Chumash period through early 20th century ranch day, 12-4pm 805-688-7889, www.santaynezvalleymuseum.org

ONGOING SUNDAYS Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show Featuring all types of art, crafts & jewelry. East Beach Pier, 10am–6pm 805-897-1982,www.sbaacs.com ONGOING FRIDAYS Wine Tasting at East Beach Wine Hosted by a winemaker, winery owner or wine broker. 8-10 wines to taste. 4-7pm, contact for current host listing. 805-691-1020, www.eastbeachwine.com

SECOND THURSDAY Wine Impressions at Artiste Join fellow wine lovers for a blind tasting, sensory evaluation & discussion by region. 7-9pm. 805-686-2626, www.artiste.com ONGOING Saturdays - Cachuma Lake Nature Walk Naturalists lead aone mile walk for all ages on the Oak Canyon Trail, 10-11:30am Weekends -Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise Guided 2-hour cruise with wildlife & geology. $7 for 12 & under, $15 over 12 Junior Ranger Program Kids learn about wildlife, ecosystems & caring for the environment 12:30-1:30pm $2 per child Many other children & adult friendly programs! Cachuma Lake Nature Center Santa Ynez Park 805-693-0691, www.cachuma.com ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Jazz on the Deck at Vineyard House Live music & fine food, 6:30pm, $2 805-688-2886, www.thevineyardhouse.com

SEPTEMBER 26 Autumn on the Wine Trail A Wine Passport weekend with the 14 Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country wineries. Join them for the wonders of harvest in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Take in the Valley's rolling hills covered with rows of golden vines laden with ripe grapes ready for harvest. Bask in the early autumn sunlight as you savor award winning wines, $45. For details www.santaynezwinecountry.com.

LOMPOC/BUELLTON ONGOING SATURDAYS Olive Oil Tasting at Foley 10:30am-4pm, Lompoc, 805-737-6222, www.foleywines.com NOVEMBER 7 Release Celebration for Vino de Sueño Buellton, Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, A small group of local premium winemakers will host a benefit release celebration for Vino de Sueños benefitting 17 programs in the county. Twelve varietal wines from twelve local wineries with twelve artists labels. 3-6pm, $40, 805 686-0295 www.vinodesuenos.com

ONGOING Elverhoj Museum of History & Art Ongoing exhibits of art & photography 805-686-1211, Solvang, www.elverhoj.org ONGOING Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum All makes & models, Solvang, 805-6869522, www.motosolvang.com SEPTEMBER 18-20 73rd Annual Danish Days Weekend A three-day celebration of Solvang's rich Danish heritage. 805-688-6144, www.solvangusa.com SEPTEMBER 25-26 Solvang Jazz Festival 3rd annual event celebrating America's musical art form under the leadership of Stix Hooper, founder of The Crusaders jazz group. Brenda Vanderloop, UGJPM, 425-481-3274, [email protected], www.solvangjazz.com

ONGOING Planetarium Shows at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History 805-682-4711, www.sbnature.com • Exploring the Spring Sky • Cosmic Safari • Secrets of the Cardboard Rocket

SEPTEMBER 19 Sandcastle Festival East Beach, Santa Barbara. 11am-6pm, Free admission & low-cost contest registration. www.SBSandcastleFestival.com

ONGOING Glider Rides at the Airport 805-688-2517, Santa Ynez, www.gliderrides.com

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Solvang Farmers Market Fresh produce, flowers & foods, 2:30-6pm 805-962-5354, www.sbfarmersmarket.org

ONGOING FIRST THURSDAYS At various venues art, cultural events & fine wine tasting! 5-8pm 805-962-2098, www.santabarbaradowntown.com

ONGOING THURSDAYS An Evening of Visual & Performing Arts Santa Barbara downtown galleries keep their doors open late allowing the public to enjoy local art. 5-8pm, 805-962-2098

ONGOING Art Exhibit at Artiste Winery 11am-5pm, 805-686-2626, www.artiste.com

SOLVANG

ONGOING Winemaker Dinners at Wine Cask Delicious gourmet dinners paired with local wines, 6:30pm 805-996-9463, www.winecask.com

SEPTEMBER 26 Flamenco Arts Festival at Lobero Theater Maria Juncal and her nine-member company of dancers, guitarists and singers in the U.S. Premiere of Tercera Llamada - Moment of Enchantment. 7:30pm, $60, $48, $38, 805-963-0761, flamencoarts.org SEPTEMBER 27 Wynton Marsalis at the Arlington Theatre Wynton Marsalis and his 15-piece ensemble, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is composed of an array of jazz music's leading soloists performing the masterworks of Ellington, Mingus, Coltrane and other great composers 1pm, Arlington Theatre, www.ticketmaster.com OCTOBER 1-31 epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara A 31-day, community-wide culinary extravaganza features food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, seasonal menus, book signings, epicurean-insprired art exhibits and many more tasting opportunites. Top restaurants, wineries, gourmet purveyors and galleries offer 90+ cuisine, libations and cultural happenings. Details at www.epicuresb.com.

VENTURA COUNTY ONGOING Tidepool Talk Show & tell about fascinating animals & plants at the exhibit. National Park Visitor Center Ventura Harbor, 805-658-5730, www.nps.gov ONGOING SATURDAYS Tour Ojai Olive Oil at Asquith Farm Begins outside with the history of the grove, an explanation of the olive varieties, their maturing process, the harvesting & a visit to the tree nursery. Share the adventure of producing premium-quality olive oils. 10am-3pm Mon-Fri by appointment. 805-701-3825, www.ojaioliveoil.com OCTOBER “Raise A Glass, Lift A Spirit” Fall Wine Tasting Event An exclusive wine tasting event with proceeds to benefit the Simi Valley Education Foundation! Over 20 wineries, an hors d'oeuvres buffet, raffle and the Tony Maddox Band. Wines at great prices, 6-9pm, $35, $40 at the door Best Western Posada Royale Hotel & Suites, Simi Valley, 805-584-6300

Email your upcoming event information to [email protected] For best results, submit information at least 6 weeks prior to your event.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Hop On The Wine Line in Paso Robles by Mark Storer Jason Westfall was excited by what he saw in Paso Robles. The Long Beach, CA native had been visiting the wine region for some time with friends and was fascinated with the vineyards, the wineries and the people. “It’s really a great place and I’ve come to love it so much,” the 37-year-old said. But what struck Westfall, the entrepreneur, was that there was also a unique business opportunity. “We’d ridden in limos and we weren’t really happy with that experience,” he says. “We wanted flexibility and freedom. When you’re in a limo, even if you’re at the winery, the clock is running the whole time and it’s a lot of money that you could be otherwise spending on the wines.” So, Westfall, unhappy with the direction of his music merchandising business in Southern California, came up with an idea and shared it with his friend and partner Ricky Fernandez. From their conversations, The Wine Line was born. “We officially launched in February but offered complimentary service from September through November as part of my research and business planning last year to make sure we do it right.” They certainly have. Operating two Dodge Sprinter nine passenger vans, The Wine Line will pick you up at your accommodations and then drop you off at any one of 23 wineries in its system. Once you reach the first winery, the driver will take you in to meet the winery’s tasting room crew and give you a brief background on the winery. “The bus will then go out on its route and comes back every 40 minutes,” says Westfall. “You can stay at a winery as long as you want and visit as many as time permits.” The vans are equipped with a cooler and the driver will carry your purchases and store them for you. The price for the service is $39.95 per customer and at that rate, it’s a veritable steal. Professionals do the driving and they know the lay of the land and, most importantly, who have not been wine tasting all day. “We’re working toward growing the loops and eventually, customers will be able to to accommodate east, west and Far Out West wineries with a common stop for each loop at the downtown Paso Robles park,” says Westfall. “It’s all about flexibility,” says Westfall. “We want people to enjoy the wine country and not have to worry about the rest,” he says. Wineries aren’t the only ones who are thinking about sustainable practices these days, either. “We’re eventually going to manufacture our own bio-diesel for the vans,” says Westfall. “That will take some time to get things rolling, so right now we’re purchasing bio-diesel from J.B. Dewar company in San Luis Obispo. Right now, The Wine Line is only booking for Thursdays through

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Saturdays, but are available for possible Wait List or large parties of 8 or more Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, The Wine Line can be found at www.hoponthewineline.com or you can reach Jason and the Wine Line crew at 888-9WINELINE or (805) 610-8267.

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‘Oaktoberfest’ in Paso Robles Firestone Walker Brewing Company will hold its 5th annual Oaktoberfest on Saturday, September 26 at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa in Paso Robles. The event will be sponsored by Firestone Walker Brewery and Estrella & Associates, Inc., and will again benefit Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. “Oaktoberfest has grown to be an amazing community effort,” said Jamie Smith, Firestone’s Marketing Manager. “We are so excited to once again host this event benefitting a great cause,” Smith added. Last year’s Oaktoberfest boasted more than 1000 attendees and raised over $20,000 for Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. This year Firestone Walker Brewing Co. is hoping to raise more than $30,000 for Hospice. Oaktoberfest has proven to be one of the most unique and exciting festivals on the Central Coast. Activities from the The Beer Olympics (keg toss, barrel roll and stein race) to the ceremonial tapping of the Oaktoberfest beer, have all become favorites of festival goers. This year’s event won’t disappoint either with a great line up of imported German beers, Firestone Walker beers, German varietal wines from local wineries, and authentic German cuisine provided by Old Vienna Restaurant of Shell Beach. Polka sensation Trio Internationale is set to play, along with another act yet to be announced. The event will kick off at noon on Saturday, September 26, with the arrival of Firestone’s Oaktoberfest beer brought in via horsedrawn carriage. Tickets are $40 in advance/$45 at the door and include a collectible half liter stein, two beer tickets, a German food platter and admittance to the entire event. Designated drivers can purchase tickets for $15 day of, which include a food platter and non-alcoholic drink. Tickets are available online at www.Oaktoberfest.com, at Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robles and Buellton), Estrella Associates, Inc.River Oaks Hot Springs and Hospice of San Luis Obispo’s office. Sponsorships are still available and more info can be found by visiting www.Oaktoberfest.com or by calling Hospice of SLO County at (805) 544-2266.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

Harvest Wine Weekend in Paso Robles, October 16-18 Harvest in Paso Robles Wine Country is a sensation that can only be experienced among the vines. Warmth throughout wine country flourishes, both in the air and in the earth. Scents of ripened fruit are abundant, providing a taste of the richness enjoyed in every bottle of Paso Robles wine. Echoes of celebration fill the air giving a feeling of excitement and something novel; a fresh start; a new vintage! These are the characteristics classic to Harvest in Paso Robles Wine Country and although you may not be able to enjoy the entire three month season, you can get a taste of what it’s all about. Harvest Wine Weekend, October 16-18, offers a wealth of activities unique to season and is the idyllic wine country getaway, conveniently located on California’s Central Coast. This neatly packaged

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weekend is within reach and the perfect excuse to take a break from your every-day routine. Come indulge in the season. Experience harvest during one long weekend of individual events at the area wineries, maximizing your time in wine country. Throughout Harvest Wine Weekend, wineries host extraordinary and seldom seen crush and harvest activities. Experience vineyard practices in motion and take part in a blending seminar, or jump feet first into a two-ton grape stomp. The weekend is yours for the taking, the most valuable indulgence of all! More than 130 wineries will host more than 150 individual events throughout the weekend. Visit the website at www.pasowine.com to plan your Harvest Wine Weekend experience in Paso Robles Wine Country. You may also request a free Harvest Wine Weekend brochure to be sent to you, simply email [email protected] with your request. Be sure to include your mailing address! Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend is the only time to experience the three month season in just three days. We all want three months in wine country, and Harvest Wine Weekend is the next best thing. So, hop in the car, bring your brochure and enjoy your time during the 2009 Harvest Wine Weekend.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

WINE COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

California Barrel Crafts Offers Unique Pieces Made from Barrel Staves The day Marv Kohlman picked up a handful of barrel staves from a local barrel seller, he wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do with them. A tennis court builder, Marv has spent the last decade building structures for a variety of sports venues. But when he saw the raw beauty of the barrel wood, he knew he needed to explore the possibilities. And so California Barrel Crafts was born. Marv took the staves home, sanding and refinishing them, and carefully exploring the curves and character of the wood. His first creation was a wine cart, framed in antique bronze, with a sturdy butcher block top, glass rack above and sanded and stained staves serving as bottle rack below. Then he began to tinker with the finishes and materials, eventually developing a full suite of handmade wine carts available for $595 and up. But Marv’s creativity continued and one-by-one he began creating other items. Some were based on other products he had seen, while others were born purely of his ingenuity. He now offers a full range of gifts and home goods honed from the barrels of Central Coast wineries. There are balance racks: staves shaped into arcs, with the neck of the bottle going into a small hole placed just so, tilting the arc to form a neck-down bottle holder (available for one, two or three bottles, starting at only $15). There are serving arcs: staves shaped to fit over the bottle neck and hold two wine glasses for an elegant arrangement. And then there are the paintings… Many Central Coast oenophiles know Andre Averseng as a

SAN LUIS OBISPO MAMA'S MEATBALL Fine Italian Restaurant and Catering Mama's Meatball has specialized in creating seasonal menus by using only the finest and freshest ingredients. 570 Higuera St. Suite 130-135 www.mamasmeatball.com 805-544-0861

master chef, catering many high-end winemaker dinners and teaching gourmet cooking classes throughout the region. But few know him as a painter. When Marv showed Andre the things he was building, Andre was immediately taken. The duo have created a collection of single and double-sided art pieces featuring vineyard and wine motifs. The paintings are done on either the convex or concave side of the staves (or both) in a range of sizes. The collection has been selling at wine events around the state to great response. “These are truly one-of-a-kind pieces,” said Marv. “They aren’t mass produced. The canvases are built by hand here in wine country from local barrels, then Andre has added his personal touch to make them works of art.” Another friend informed Marv about the fallen redwoods after the Big Sur fire, offering him wood he could use in his woodworking projects. Marv visited Big Sur, and returned to the Central Coast with dramatic, wide slabs of solid redwood. Marv’s pieces can be viewed at www.CaliforniaBarrelCrafts.com, including custom wine cart options and bare stave canvases. Marv strives to bring his clients unique, expertly constructed products for far less than many mass produced pieces. All products are handmade in Atascadero. To find out more, call 1-800-928-7331.

C AYUCOS HOPPE’S GARDEN BISTRO & WINE SHOP The most highly acclaimed restaurant and Wine Shop on the Central Coast. Recognized for Chef Wilhelm Hoppe’s seasonally inspired menu, hand-selected wine list with a beautiful garden and historical setting. Offering a wide range of menu items - from wild game to prime meats and vegetarian/vegan items. 78 N. Ocean Avenue • Wednesday-Sunday 11am-10pm www.hoppesbistro.com • 805.995.1006

AT A S C A D E R O

NOVO RESTAURANT NOVO’s international flavors are the leading ingredients in an exotic dining experience. Brazilian, Mediterranean and Asian flavors awaken the senses. In house roasted spices for curries, mixtures and marinades balanced with crisp, seasonal vegetables and savory meats. Explore. 726 Higuera Street • Open Daily from 11am 805-543-3986 • www.novorestaurant.com

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

Winemaker Profile: Firestone Vineyard

KEVIN WILLENBORG by Michael Cervin Kevin Willenborg’s winemaking career covers a wide section of geography, from the renowned soils of Bordeaux, to the heart of Napa and Sonoma, all the way to the challenging terrain of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. As the current winemaker at Firestone Vineyard, he expresses his talents in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley, where he has taken Firestone Vineyard wines to new heights since joining the winery just before harvest in 2001. Under his leadership, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc have emerged as strong performers, but he’s equally adept at producing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer, all of which are garnering acclaim in the media and at major wine competitions. Willenborg has helped guide the replanting of 125 estate acres to further maximize the wine quality using the finest clones and cutting-edge viticultural methods. As a graduate of UC Davis, he knows his stuff. Willenborg had previously been successful in the challenging grape growing environment

of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia working at the well respected Cedar Creek Winery just off the shores of Okanagan Lake. The Okanagan, in spite of it being a well known Canadian wine region, has unique growing conditions including a short season and snow that other areas don’t have. This helped give him a strong backbone when dealing with making wine. Comfortably ensconced at Firestone Winery, which boasts the largest estate vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, Willenborg oversees 500 acres of estane and non-estate grapevines which together produce roughly 150,000 cases of wine each year. Though Firestone’s Paso Robles facility off Highway 46 East is open for business, the bulk of the operation is still in run out of the Santa Ynez Valley. “That’s big for Santa Barbara County,” Willenborg says of the scope of Firestone’s production. “But in the greater California scheme we’re still fairly mid-size. We’re neither that big nor that small.” For Willenborg and his team, harvest starts in September and lasts two months on average. The entire winemaking process is

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done onsite, creating the need for multiple teams in multiple areas of the property. Communication and leadership is crucial when dealing with that many people and acres. At harvest time, the atmosphere is the proverbial beehive of activity. Handpicking starts in the morning and machine picking of certain whites is done at night. “By the time we’re hitting October, there’s a lot of adrenaline that keeps you moving,” Willenborg jokes. But he becomes more philosophical as harvest passes. “Each wine has its own life,” Willenborg admits. “That life begins with the planting and development of the vines. It is then transferred as the grapes are harvested, crushed and fermented into wine and bottled. The role of the winemaker is to steward this life with care and attention to detail.” Visit Firestone’s two locations to sample Willenborg’s stewardship in Paso Robles at 2300 Airport Road, or in Los Olivos at 5000 Zaca Station Road. Both tasting rooms are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Check out www.FirestoneWine.com for complete information.

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Chocolates Paired with Firestone Wines in Paso Robles Unique artisan chocolate truffles created by Daily Dose of Decadence of Templeton will be paired with a flight of five classic Firestone Vineyard wines. Come escape the rush of harvest with chocolate decadence and fine wine at the beautiful Paso Robles tasting room. Three tasting sessions are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, space is limited! Firestone Vineyard Paso Robles is located at 2300 Airport Road. Wine and chocolates are available for $20 general, $15 cellar club. For reservations or more information, call (805) 591-8050.

Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, patio and gardens with picnic accommodations. Here, you can sample Paso Robles-grown Bordeaux varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and delicate white wines from Santa Barbara County.

About Firestone Vineyard Paso Robles The Paso Robles winery, which opened in early 2007, occupies an 8.5acre estate at the corner of Highway 46 East and Airport Road in Paso Robles. The winery features a tasting room, barrel cellar, four acres of

Far Out Wineries Celebrate Harvest, October 17 In conjunction with the Harvest Wine Tour Weekend, join the owners and winemakers from the eclectic group of 17 Far Out Wineries for an educational seminar, wine tasting and a whole lot of fun at Opolo Vineyards! Each winery will showcase their “favorite” wine of the year as they impart insight into their winemaking philosophy and vineyard operation. It is sure to be an impressive line up of wines! Attendees will be wowed and amazed by the insight, candor and oftentimes amusing banter between the panel participants as they discuss their wines and experiences in the “far out” hills west of Paso Robles. Cost is $55 per person and includes a gourmet selection of cheeses and breads. Seating is very limited and this event should sell out quickly! For reservations, call Judy at (805) 237-0138. Opolo Vineyards is located at 7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles. The Far Out Wineries include Adelaida Cellars, Calcareous Vineyard, Carmody McKnight Estate Wines, Dunning Vineyards, Halter Ranch, Justin Vineyards & Winery, Le Cuvier, Minassian-Young, Nadeau Family Vintners, Norman Vineyards, Opolo Vineyards, Pipestone Vineyards, Poalillo Vineyards, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Tolo Cellars, Thacher Winery and Villicana Winery.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

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WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Paso Robles Winery

Los Olivos Tasting Room

CARINA CELLARS by Dave Wilcox In the years since owner David Hardee established Carina Cellars in 2002, the winery carved out a reputation for producing premium Rhône-style wines using fruit sourced from exceptional vineyards throughout the Central Coast. Now, Carina is entering a new phase as it harvests the first grapes from its Rancho del Cielo vineyard west of Paso Robles. “We’re all looking forward to our first harvest,” said winemaker Ryan Saccomano, who joined Carina Cellars last December to help spearhead the winery’s Paso Robles efforts. He is teamed with Joey Tensley, who has been the winemaker at Carina since its launch. Tensley, whose own label focuses on Syrah, is one of the reasons Carina Cellars excels at producing some of California’s top Rhône-style wines. Saccomano will continue the Carina philosophy of using the best fruit available and allowing the vineyard’s quality to show through in the bottle. The initial harvest of the steep, 23-acre Rancho del Cielo vineyard won’t be large, but will give Carina Cellars’ fans a taste of what to expect in the future. The vineyard, which

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climbs from 1,475 feet to almost 2,000 feet and is one of the highest along coastal California, was planted in 2007 to a number of Rhône varietals. Among those are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier. “This area enjoys unique soils and climate, and has a larger diurnal swing than any other appellation in California,” said Carolyn Turner, Carina’s national sales manager. That, in turn, results in a wide range of microclimates. What that means for winemakers, she explained, “is a broad palette of wine components from which to blend deep complexity. The calcareous and chalky, rock soils are also unusual for California and are reminiscent of the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape area of France.” Such challenging growing conditions stresses the vines and results in small clusters of fruit with concentrated, intense flavors. “The Rhône grapes grow so perfectly in this region,” said Turner. Hardee, Carina Cellars’ owner, first cast an eye north to the Paso Robles region in 2005 when the Los Olivos-based winery first sourced fruit from the area. Impressed with the results, Hardee and Tensley began searching for the ideal property to grow

Rhône varietals. It took two years before finding the 83-acre Rancho del Cielo (the “ranch in the sky.”) Carina also built a new winery and tasting room in Paso Robles. Construction was completed a year ago and last December Carina moved its inventory and equipment there from the facility in Buellton. A tasting room remains open in Los Olivos and Carina continues to obtain stellar grapes from vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley – such as Stolpman and Colson Canyon – along with Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Robert Craig and Farmhouse vineyards. The Cabernet is blended with Syrah from the Santa Ynez Valley to produce Carina’s flagship wine, Iconoclast. Working with estate-grown fruit, though, will expand Carina Cellars’ offerings and allows Hardee and his winemakers to closely monitor the vineyard throughout the growing season. “We’ll have a little bit more control over how the grapes have been grown,” said Saccomano. Saccomano isn’t new to Carina Cellars. His first job in the wine industry after studying at the California Culinary Academy and realizing he was most interested in wine came at

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATURE Continued

Carina Cellars. He left the Central Coast for Napa Valley and Sonoma, but was excited to return when Hardee and Tensely asked him to fill the opening for a winemaker in Paso Robles. “The climate in Paso is quite a bit different than what we’re used to in Santa Barbara County,” he said of having the chance to make the first batch of wine from Rancho del Cielo. “It will be a little bit challenging, but exciting.” Saccomano also notes that the blends for which Carina Cellars has become widely praised will continue to be produced. Clairvoyant is a blend of which more than half is Syrah, with about a third Grenache and the balance being Mourvedre. Sibylline combines the same three varietals, but in different proportions, with Mourvedre the primary grape. There’s also the popular 7 Percent, a Syrah that includes seven percent Viognier. You can get a first-hand taste of these wines when Carina Cellars celebrates the Paso Robles Harvest Festival on the weekend of October 16-18 with some special events at the winery. Saccomano will host blind tastings and offer his insights into the winemaking process throughout the weekend, while Hardee will guide tours of the Rancho del Cielo vineyard. A Winemaker’s Dinner on October 17th is already sold out, but a “Nite Time Wine Down” on Saturday evening, October 18th will offer visitors a chance to relax on the patio overlooking Paso’s west side while sipping Carina’s wines and enjoying tapas ordered from De La Saison Catering. The event is scheduled

from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rancho del Cielo tasting room is open weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment during the week. It’s located at 3525 Adelaida Road west of Paso Robles. For appoint-

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ments or directions, call (415) 309-2046. The Los Olivos tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 2900 Grand Avenue (next to Paninos.) For more information or directions, call (805) 688-2459.

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PASO ROBLES | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES

■ = Wine Line Shuttle Stops

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | PASO ROBLES

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SAN LUIS OBISPO | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Hospice of San Luis Obispo’s Avila Beach Concours d’Elegance Avila Beach Concours d’Elegance to take place at the Avila Beach Golf Resort Hospice of San Luis Obispo County is proud to announce the third annual Avila Beach Concours d’Elegance on October 22-25. This regional event will be hosted by the Avila Beach Golf Resort and The Rossi Foundation a 501 (c)(3) cooperation with Porsche as the featured marque and showcasing fine Italian Automobiles and pre-1950 classics. All proceeds will benefit Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, which has provided all of its many services free of charge to the community since 1977. This four-day series of events will feature unique venues around the entire county, highlight the best food and wine purveyors, local artists and showcase more than 200 of the most beautiful cars in the world. All of these unique vehicles will be displayed at the Avila Beach Golf Resort on Sunday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 donation to Hospice and children 15

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and under get in free. Connoisseur Tasting tickets are $75 which include unlimited food and wine tasting and live entertainment.

Other events leading up to the Concours on the golf course include a premier event at the Fremont Theater, two road rallies around the Central Coast, a barbecue at the Santa Margarita Ranch, and an elegant gala dinner

with a live and silent auction at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. For more details, check out www.avilabeachconcours.com or call Katie Manley at Hospice of San Luis Obispo County at (805) 544-2266.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | SAN LUIS OBISPO

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SANTA MARIA | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Vintners Plan a Break from ‘Crush’ to Celebrate Harvest “Winemakers will join with Chefs at Rancho Sisquoc to Celebrate the 2009 Grape Harvest” They’re up before dawn, snipping the first clusters of the days pick off the vines by the headlights of the tractors. The hum of de-stemmers and wine presses join with the chatter and laughter in the cellar as the first wines of the 2009 vintage are crushed, stomped, punched down and pressed off. Aromas of fermenting wine and new barrels are ever present as wine hoses snake through the winery, “cellar rats” move barrels here and there, lab analysis is carefully done and the day’s work begins to end. Cleaning and sanitation of equipment is finally completed as the sun is setting on the day. Next day, repeat! As growers and winemakers take part in the 2009 harvest here in Santa Barbara County, their Vintners’ Association is busy planning the annual Celebration of Harvest festival. Winemakers, viticulturists, tasting room hosts and growers plan to take a break for a day and celebrate the joys of the season. They will join with their chef compatriots in wine country cuisine, specialty food purveyors and local bands for an afternoon of

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great wines, superb foods, live and lively music and companionship with friends old and new. The annual Celebration of Harvest festival will once again be held on the beautiful grounds of the Rancho Sisquoc Winery, located on the outskirts of Santa Maria, on October 10th, from 1 to 4 p.m. The 100+ members of the Vintners’ Association will all be there, pouring their most current wines, and they will be joined by over two dozen local chefs, caterers and specialty food purveyors to showcase the bounty of our unique agricultural paradise. Vintners have also donated a plethora of large-format bottle wines, special dinners at their wineries and gift-boxed verticals for a silent auction, which will benefit local charities. And to make the day even more festive, local bands will get guests up off their lawn blankets and kicking up their heels on Rancho Sisquoc’s grassy slopes! Celebration of Harvest, however, is more than just the festival itself! Visitors can purchase a “Vintners’ Visa” – a four-day passport for tastings and special offers at over thirty participating wineries – to take a leisurely stroll through the wine trails of the area, and many wineries are planning special events over the weekend. For complete details and tickets, visit the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association website at www.SBCountyWines.com, or call the Association office at (805) 6880881.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | SANTA MARIA

Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival Celebrate fine arts and harvest flavors at the 26th annual Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival in downtown Santa Maria on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Local artists, vintners and brewers will offer a feast for the senses at this cheerful street fair. The festivities will include a fine arts show and sale, crafting demonstrations, live entertainment and wine and beer tasting. Live arts demonstrations will be staged throughout the day. Additionally there will be youth and teen activities including carnival games, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, craft projects and a chalk art expose. Food vendors will offer Santa Maria Style Barbecue and other fare. Admission to the festival is complimentary. Optional tickets can be purchased for access to the wine and beer tasting tent. For information, call (805) 925-0951 ext. 247 or visit the website at santamariavalleybbq.com

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Celebrate All Things Danish in Solvang, September 18-20 The “Danish Capital of America” celebrates its 73rd annual Danish Days from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20. Danish and US flags line the streets filled with people wearing colorful costumes. There is folk dancing and entertainment throughout town – such as the Ravens of Odin, a professional Viking re-enactment group that create an authentic encampment; large-scale wood-carving demonstrations; and Randel McGee’s Hans Christian Andersen story-telling sessions. Authentic restaurants and bakeries feature tasty cuisine, including aebleskiver

(Danish pastry ball) and medisterpølse (Danish sausage). Over a dozen wine tasting rooms offer award-winning vintages from the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley. Area residents as well as thousands of visitors enjoy the festivities annually. Visit www.solvangusa.com for details.

Los Olivos Day In the Country On Saturday, October 17, enjoy a good, old fashioned celebration in the beautiful artists’ community of Los Olivos. There will be plenty of entertainment, food and crafts, wine tasting, parade, 5K run and much more. Come join the fun! For information, call (805) 688-1222.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

‘Epicure.sb’ Yields a 31-Day Feast for the Senses Inaugural Cuisine, Libations and Culture Fest Features 90+ Opportunities to Sip & Savor the Bounty of The American Riviera in October Santa Barbara bursts with flavor this October during the first annual epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara. The 31-day, community-wide culinary extravaganza features food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, seasonal menus, book signings, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and many more tasty opportunities to sip and savor the bounty of The American Riviera. The region’s top restaurants, wineries, gourmet purveyors and galleries collectively offer 90+ cuisine, libations and cultural happenings throughout the month. Event details and lodging packages are available on www.epicuresb.com. Santa Barbara’s abundant natural resources – harvested from the fields, orchards and the sea – are the essential ingredients of what promises to be a deliciously rich month. Seasonal dishes, tasting events and winemaker dinners are on the menu at 30 participating restaurants. Local culinary stars share tips and showcase their talents during a rotating weekly chefs dinner series (Tuesdays). Interactive tours, workshops and cooking classes presented by Market Forays (Saturdays) and Eat Your Yard (October 10 and 24) offer hands-on sustainable living and Slow Food education for locals and visitors alike. The California Avocado Festival (October 2-4), Harbor &

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Seafood Festival (October 10) and California Lemon Festival (October 17-18) provide lively, family-friendly, food-centric fun. Wine, microbrews, coffee and spirits take center stage at dozens of special tasting and pairing events throughout October. The wine country will be abuzz with activity and festivity during the Celebration of Harvest weekend (October 9-11), and downtown wineries present their first annual Urban Wine Trail Weekend (October 2425). Wine is Santa Barbara’s leading libation, but tequila and coffee will get their time to shine at Blue Agave and The French Press, respectively. And finely crafted regional microbrews are on tap at the Santa Barbara Beer Festival (October 17). Drinking “local” is further encouraged through special discounts on local wines by the bottle and by the glass at area restaurants and lounges. Epicurean-inspired art exhibits, poetry readings and cultural events pepper the month with extra-sensory local flavor. A monthly evening of art and culture, 1st Thursday kicks the festivities off October 1 with a special focus on the culture of food at 30+ downtown venues. Food is enhanced by visual and performance art at venues such as Casa Dolores Center for the Study of Popular Arts of Mexico (October 14), Global Gardens (October 17) and The Santa Barbara Arts Factory (October 1). The Book Den presents a weekly “Santa Barbara Writes About Food Series” (Saturdays) featuring talks and book signings with local food writers and cookbook authors. Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum’s Scorpio Rising pumpkin carving contest and exhibition (October 30) makes produce the medium for cutting-edge art. Café Buenos Aires contributes weekly (Mondays) tango instruction paired with Argentinean BBQ, and Artamo Gallery displays dramatic “Artepicurus” visuals ripe for contemplation. Epicure.sb themed hotel packages are available and include discounts on dining and perks like complimentary wine and chocolates. Hotel Santa Barbara’s Wine Pairing Dinner Package includes two nights of accommodation, two trolley tour tickets and a threecourse wine pairing dinner for two at Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro. Market Forays cooking class packages are offered by the Santa Barbara Hotel Group’s five properties and include two nights of accommodation, a culinary tour and cooking class and gourmet preserves to bring home. Visit www.epicuresb.com for hotel package details, a comprehensive event schedule and a complete list of participating businesses. The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission and the Santa Barbara Downtown Organization joined forces to develop and present epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara. Making its debut October 2009, epicure.sb is designed to celebrate Santa Barbara’s abundant and diverse epicurean offerings. The new annual promotion builds off of established foodie-friendly community events that take place in October, while offering additional programming that showcases regional cuisine, libations and culture.

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VENTURA COUNTY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Casa Barranca Certified Organic Winery If you are a fan of the arts and crafts movement, or more specifically, the understated beauty of Greene Brothers’ homes then a visit to Casa Barranca will be more of a pilgrimage for you than a simple drive out to Ojai for a pleasant day of wine tasting. This stately home is one of the very finest examples of the Greene Brothers’ vision, having been kept in its pristine and unadulterated state. That it is on the grounds of an outstanding winery is just icing on the cake. The Greene Brothers would have, undoubtedly, considered Casa Barranca Certified Organic Winery as the perfect custodian of the house. With their commitment to organic winemaking and living gently on the land, Casa Barranca optimizes the philosophy of the arts and crafts movement. Begun during the Victorian age, the arts and crafts movement called for a return to small, craftsman’s workshops where workers could regain the joy of handcrafting wares that were both useful and beautiful. They sought to widen the definition of Art, declaring that everyday objects could and should be made as uplifting and lovely as a costly painting or sculpture. The movement called for a return to

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the simple life. However, such a life did not require self-denial, but rather a return to physical, mental and spiritual balance, an avoidance of excess and social striving, and an enjoyment of Nature’s bounty. Nature was, in fact, the ultimate source of inspiration. The spirit of the Greene Brothers’ dream is truly recognizable in the carefully handcrafted wines of Casa Barranca. “Our boutique wines are handcrafted in our century-old underground stone winery where we use gravity to rack our wines. We are committed to employing winemaking practices without the use of toxic solvents and cleaners. Our winery is powered by solar electricity and we grow and purchase grapes that are farmed without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. This is in keeping with the most time honored traditions of old world winemaking.” The dedicated keepers of these standards of craftsmanship and purity have turned their passion into truly beautiful wines that reflect the gentle hands that produced them. “At the organic boutique winery of Casa Barranca, we employ the finest Old World traditions with

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: VENTURA COUNTY

appropriate contemporary tools and techniques to handcraft extraordinary wine. We believe in organic, natural, and sustainable practices as we continue to strive for an optimal balance in our approach to wine making. Because we are committed to the health and vitality of our bodies and planet, we make our wines from organic grapes, which have either a low level of sulfites (“made with organic grapes”), or no sulfites added (“organic wine”). In much the same way that freshpicked produce at your local organic farmers’ market makes for the tastiest gourmet delights, we firmly believe in the value of using organically grown grapes to craft the finest boutique wines. We use natural, organic nutrients (like the squeezed grape matter left over after pressing) to fertilize our vines, which helps us to make the ultimate in boutique wines made from organic grapes.” Simply using organically grown grapes wasn’t enough for the creators of Casa Barranca Winery. They also took great lengths to utilize the natural features of the land to help them create great wine. “Our winery facility is the first certified organic winery on the Central Coast. It was converted from a century-old subterranean stone water cistern, which we excavated 15 feet down one side, and cut through two feet of stone wall to gain access.In building the tiered shelving system in the winery for our gravity racking protocol, we used local craftsmen who employed Old World skills like “mortis and tenon,” and “scarf joinery,” and who finished the walls in a “board and batten” style. Our press “hopper” (the funnel we use to dump the fermented grapes into the press) is crafted of oak and is inspired by Greene & Greene design. Both the estate and winery draw their water from an artesian spring and are powered by solar energy.” Even their day to day life reflects the simplicity of the arts and crafts movement. “We sweeten our day with honey from our apiary. We get sustenance from our organic orchards and vegetables gardens which are pollinated by our Italian honeybees. And we end our day with the evening family meal, a sunset over the fertile Ojai Valley, and a glass of our handcrafted boutique wine.” While the home is not open for tours at this time, the folks at Casa Barranca tasting room in Ojai invite you to come and enjoy the bounty

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of their land and the peace and beauty of their winery. Perhaps the ethos of Open Mind, Open Heart and Skilled Hand will follow you along in your life’s journey. The Tasting Room is located in Ojai, California at 208 E. Ojai Ave. Their outstanding wines are available for tasting Thursday through Sunday. The home is available for private events and if you want your next gathering to be in a truly magnificent setting, this is the place. Be sure and call early as the house is booked heavily. They can be reached at (805) 640-1255.

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AJB Vineyards – Paso Robles 3280 Township Rd; 805-239-9432

Weekends 12-5

Alta Colina – Paso Robles 2725 Adelaida Rd; 805 227-4191

Th-Su 11-5

AmByth Estate – Templeton

By

510 Sequoia Lane; 805 305-9497

appt

« Anglim Winery – Paso Robles 740 Pine St; 805-227-6813

« Arroyo Robles– Paso Robles 739 12th St; 877-759-WINE

Th-Mo 11-6 or by Appt Daily 11-7

Asuncion Ridge – Paso Roble 729 13th Street; 805 461-0675

Su-Th 12:30-6 Fr-Sa 12-8

August Ridge – Creston 8790 E. Highway 41; 805 239-2455

Fr 12-5 Sa-Su 11-5

Austin Hope – Paso Robles 1585 Live Oak Road; 805 238-4112

Fr-Sa 10-4 Call

B & E Vineyards – Paso Robles 10,000 Creston Rd; 805-238-4815

Fr-Su 11-5 or By Appt

Baily Vineyard – Temecula 33440 La Serena Way; 951-676-9463

Su-Fr 10-5 Sa 11-5

Barrel 27 – Paso Robles 2323 Tulley Rd #110; 805-237-1245

Fr-Su 11-5 or By Appt

Bassetti Vineyards – Cambria 1191 N. Green Valley Rd; 805-927-1925

By Appt

Bear Cave Cellars – Paso Robles 1227 Park St; 805-238-4329

By Appt

Bella Luna – Templeton 1850 Templeton Rd; 805-434-5477

Fr-Su 10-5

Bianchi Winery – Paso Robles 3380 Branch Rd; 805-226-9922

Daily 10-5

Black Hand – San Miguel 1735 Nygren Rd; 805-712-WINE

By Appt

Booker Vineyard – Paso Robles 2640 Anderson Rd; 805-237-7367

Fr-Su 11-4

Brian Benson Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su 2985 Anderson Rd; 805-296-9463 10:30-5

Cass Vineyards – Paso Robles 7350 Linne Rd; 805-239-1730 X X X

X

X

X X X X X X

X X X

X

X

X X X X X X

X X X X X X X

X

X

X

Cayucos Cellars – Cayucos 131 N Ocean Ave; 805-995-3036

We-Su 11-5:30 Closed Tu

X

X

Sa 11:30-5 By Su 12-4 Appt X

X

Changala Winery – Templeton 422 Main St; 805-238-0421

« Eos Estate – Paso Robles

T IN G

X

X

Th-Mo 12-7

X

X

X

X

Win 10-5 Sum 10-6 X

5625 Hwy 46 East; 805-239-2562

LE S

TO UR S

HO UR S

1220 Park St; 805-239-8915

Fr-Sa By Appt

Falcon Nest Winery – Paso Robles 5185 Union Rd; 805-226-0227

Daily 10-7:30

X

X

« Firestone Vineyard – Paso Robles

By Daily 10-5

X

X

By Appt

X

X

Sum 11-6 Win 11-5

X

X

Fr-Su 12-5

X

X

Christian Lazo – San Miguel 249 10th Street, Suite A; 805-467-2672

Sa-Su 10-5

X

X

Five Rivers Winery – Paso Robles 8998 North River Rd; 805-467-0192

Chronic Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su 12-5 2020 Nacimiento Lake Dr; 805 237-7848 or by apt

X

X

Four Vines Winery – Templeton 3750 Hwy 46 West; 805 227-0865

Cinquain Cellars – San Miguel By apt 6404 Independence Ranch Pl; 805 400-5978

X

X

Fralich Vineyard & Winery – Templeton By Appt Private tastings at Paso Robles Wine Services; 805-434-1526

X

X

Chumeia Vineyards – Paso Robles 8331 Hwy 46 E; 805-226-0102

Daily 10-5

X

X

Fratelli Perata – Paso Robles 1595 Arbor Rd; 805-238-2809

By Appt

X

X

Clautiere Vineyard – Paso Robles 1340 Penman Springs Rd; 805-237-3789

Daily 12-5

X

X

FS Cellars – Paso Robles 1337 Vendels Circle; 805-226-8989

Th-Mo 11-6

X

X

X

X

Gelfand Vineyards – Paso Robles 5530 Dresser Ranch Place; 805-239-5808

By Appt

X

X

Grey Wolf Cellars – Paso Robles 2174 Hwy 46 West; 805-237-0771

Daily 11-5:30

X

X

Daily 11-5

X

X

Clavo Cellars – Paso Robles Mo-Sa 12-5 1101 Riverside Avenue; 805-226-0174 Su 12-4

« Clayhouse Wines – Paso Robles

Daily 11-6

2300 Airport Rd; 805-591-8050

X

X

Croad Vineyards – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 3550 Vinedo Robles Lane; 805-226-9899 Th-Mo 12-5 X

X

X

8910 Adelaida Rd; 805-226-9455

D’Anbino Cellars – Paso Robles 710 Pine St; 805-227-6800

Fri-Sun 12-6 Closed Tu-We

X

X

HammerSky Vineyards– Paso Robles Fr-Su 7725 Vineyard Drive; 949 338-7813 By Appt

X

X

Dark Star Cellars – Paso Robles 2985 Anderson Rd; 805-237-2389

Fr-Su 10:30-5

Hansen Vineyard – Templeton 5575 El Pomar Dr; 805-239-8412

X

X

X

X

« Halter Ranch Vnyd– Paso Robles

Fr-Sun 11-5

X

X

Denner Vineyards & Winery – Paso Robles 5414 Vineyard Dr; 805-239-4287 Daily 11-5

X

X

Derby Wine Estates – Paso Robles 5620 Hwy 46 East; 805-238-6300

Fr-Mo 11-5

X

X

5070 Vineyard Dr; 805 431-0138

Th-Mo 11-5

X

X

Doce Robles – Paso Robles 2023 Twelve Oaks Dr; 805-227-4766

Daily 10-5:30

X

Hice Cellars – Paso Robles 500 Linne Rd.; 805 610-1470

By Appt

X

X

X

Donati Family Vineyard – Templeton Daily 11am-5pm Corner of 46 West & Vineyard Dr; 805-238-0676 X

X

Hug Cellars – Paso Robles 2323 Tuley Rd; 805-226- 8022

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

X

X

X

10-5

X

X

X X X X

X

Caliza Winery – Paso Robles 2570 Anderson Rd; 805-237-1480

Fr-Su 11-4:30

X

X

Dover Canyon Winery – Paso Robles 4520 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0101

Fr-Su 11-5 By Apt X

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5 By Apt

X

X

X

X

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Écluse Wines – Paso Robles 1520 Kiler Canyon Rd; 805 238-4998

« Edward Sellers – Paso Robles

X X

WINERY - LOCATION

Chateau Margene – Creston 4385 La Panza Rd; 805-238-2321

X

Carmody McKnight Estate Wines – Paso Robles 11240 Chimney Rock Rd; 805-238-9392 Daily 10-5

T IN G

Daily 10-5:30

Donatoni Winery – Paso Robles 3225 Township Rd; 805-226-0620

3525 Adelaida Rd; 805-309-2046

LE S

1315 N Bethal Rd; 805-238-0725

« Castoro Cellars – Templeton

Th-Mo 11-5

« Carina Cellars – Paso Robles

SA

X

Calcareous Winery – Paso Robles 3430 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-239-0289

Caparone Winery – Paso Robles 2280 San Marcos Rd; 805-467-3827

TA S

X

849 13th St; 805 238-7055 X

TO UR S

Sa-Su 11-6 Mo-Fr 12-5

Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

SA

Adelaida Cellars – Paso Robles Daily 10-5 5805 Adelaida Rd; 805-239-8980, 805 239-8980 X

WINERY - LOCATION

«

TA S

PASO ROBLES AREA

HO UR S

T IN G

LE S

SA

TA S

TO UR S

WINERY - LOCATION

HO UR S

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

Harmony Cellars– Harmony Sum 10-5:30 3255 Harmony Valley Rd; 805-927-1625 Win 10-5

« Hearthstone – Paso Robles

X

« Hunt Cellars – Paso Robles

Sa-Su 12-5 Or By Appt Th-Su 11-5

2875 Oakdale Rd; 805-237-1600

X

Sum 10-6 Win 10:30-5:30

« J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Paso Robles Daily

X

X

Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery – Paso Robles 1953 Niderer Rd; 805-238-4763 Th-Mo 11-5

X

X

J. Paul Rosilez – Paso Robles 4889 Dry Creek Rd; 805-226-0550

Daily 11-5

X

X

Eagle Castle Winery – Paso Robles Daily 3090 Anderson Rd; 805-227-1428 10:30-5:30 X

X

X

Jack Creek Cellars – Templeton 5265 Jack Creek Rd; 805-226-8283

Fr-Su 11-4:30 By Appt

X

X

X

X

X

X

« Eberle Winery – Paso Robles 3810 Hwy 46 E; 805-238-9607

Daily 10-6

6169 Airport Rd; 805-239-8900

« Jada Winery – Paso Robles X

5620 Vineyard Dr; 805 226-4200

Th 12-5 Fr-Su 10-5 X

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

Preferred Tasting Room:

PIANETTA WINERY by Michael Cervin “We are growers who make wine. We focus on the balance of the grape and the flavor in the wine,” winemaker and owner John Pianetta says. He made his first wine in 2002 which was comprised of just 370 cases of the 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The first vines were first planted in 1996, though the tasting room opened their doors in October of 2006. They farm 65 acres, but the majority of that fruit is sold to other wineries. At nearly 3,000 cases, they are busy enough. Given their marketing arm reaching five other states, they are looking to have a local presence, but with a regional appeal. The goal is to find a place of balance. The tasting room, run by John’s daughter Caitlin, is charming, clean and inviting. The theme is that of a ranch house and there are wooden arbors set against the walls and old family farming photos hang in close proximity. In keeping with the theme, and of honoring tradition, at the front of the tasting

room is the very pump that John’s grandfather used when making his homemade wine. Wood tones dominate the space and the old hardwood floors remind you that this used to be one of the older buildings in Paso Robles, the Grangers Union Building which dates to the late 1880s. It’s fitting that a new generation continues the commitment to the land. A four-sided, granite-countertop bar sits center, and the tasting room employs lowvoltage lighting, the amber and ochre lamps hang above the bar and about the room like delicate jewels. The goal is to make people feel relaxed and comfortable as they arrive, and to that end, all bets are off in terms of a normal experience. Caitlin will routinely write down on a chalkboard, the first words that new tasters use to describe their experience with the wines. Responses like, “skirtflipper,” and “the shiznat” appear as do new reactions form tasters. Located in downtown Paso Robles, just off the main square Pianetta has easy walk-

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ability to additional shops. Their wines include Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and several blends, all aged in tight grained oak barrels and filled with lots of upfront fruit. You won’t find any white wines here. What you will find is a fourth-generation farming family that honors the past and creates a new future. Awards have come in fast and furious from the Finger Lakes Wine competition in New York, to the Monterey County Fair Wine Challenge, to the San Diego International Wine Competition and the Central Coast Wine Challenge. It seems the father and daughter duo have achieved balance in their wines and in their approach to their tasting room. There is a $5 fee to taste their wines. Pianetta is located at 829 13th Street in downtown Paso Robles. They are open everyday except for Tuesday. For more information, phone (805) 226-4005 or visit www.pianettawinery.com.

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JUST OPENED! GREAT VALUES! 2850 Ranchita Canyon, San Miguel Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm 805-467-2891 Come enjoy the friendly atmosphere in our tasting room while sipping on our latest releases.

Kaleidos – Paso Robles 1032 Pine St; 805 226-2976

Th-Sa 12-8 Su-Mo 12-5

Kiamie Wine Cellars – Paso Robles Th-Mo 1111 Riverside Ave, Ste 102; 805 226-8333 11-6 Kukkula – Templeton 9525 Chimney Rock Rd; 805 227-0111 L’Aventure Winery – Paso Robles 2815 Live Oak Rd; 805-227-1588

Th-Su 11-4 or By Appt

Le Cuvier – Paso Robles 9750 Adelaida Rd; 805-238-5706

Fr-Su 12-5

Linne Calodo – Paso Robles 3030 Vineyard Dr; 805-227-0797

Fr-Su 11-5

Lion’s Peak – Cambria 4044 Burton Ave; 805-927-1450

Daily 11-6:30

Locatelli Winery – San Miguel 8585 Cross Canyons Rd; 805-467-0067

Fr-Su 1l-4

Lone Madrone – Paso Robles 2485 Hwy 46 West; 805-238-0845

Daily 10:30-5

Madison Cellars – Paso Robles 4540 Hwy 41; 805-238-9831

By Appt

Maloy O’Neill – Paso Robles 5725 Union Rd; 805-238-7320

Fr-Sa 10-5; Su 12-5 Or By Appt

1140 Pine St; 805-237-7525

Su 11-4

Ortman Family Vnyds – Paso Robles Daily 12-5 1317 Park Street; 805-237-9009 Fr-Sat 12-7 Oso Libre Winery – Paso Robles 7383 Vineyard Dr; 805 238-3378

Thu-Mon 11-5

X

X

Pasoport Wine Co – Paso Robles Fri-Sun 11-5 6996 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805 239-2229 or by appt

X

X

Peachy Canyon Winery – Paso Robles Daily 1480 N. Bethel Rd; 805-239-1918 11-5 Pear Valley – Paso Robles 4900 Union Road; 805 237-2861

X

X

Penman Springs – Paso Robles 1985 Penman Springs Dr; 805-237-7959

« Pianetta – Paso Robles

X X X X X

X X X X X X

Fr-Su 11-5

Fr-Su 11-5

Rabbit Ridge – Paso Robles 1172 San Marcos Rd; 805-467-3331

We-Su 11-5

X X

RiverStar Vineyards – San Miguel 7450 Estrella Rd; 805 467-0086

Fr-Mo 12-5

X

RN Estate Winery – Paso Robles 7986 North River Rd; 805 610-9802

By Appt

Mondo Cellars – Paso Robles Sum 11-6 3260 Nacimiento Lake Dr; 805 226-2925 Win 11-5 X

X X

X X X X X

X X X X X X

X

Daily Sum Win 11-5

X

X

Rocky Creek Cellars – Templeton 8687 Apple Rd; 805-238-1919

Daily 10:30-5

X

X

X

X

NadeauFamilyVintners – Paso Robles 3860 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-239-3574

Fr-Su 12-5

X

X

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X

X

Rotta Winery – Paso Robles 3750 Hwy 46 West; 805-237-0510

Th-Mo 11-5

Daily 11-5

X

X

3443 Mill Rd; 805-239-1616

Fr-Su 10-5 or By Appt

X

X

X

X

Fr-Mo 11-5

X

X

Mo-Th 12-7 Fr-Sa 12-8 Su 11-4

X

X

Stacked Stone Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Sa 11-5 1525 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-238-7872 Su 12-5

X

X

Stanger Vineyards – Paso Robles 5225 Hwy 41; 805 238-4777

Fr-Su 11-5 & By Appt

X

X

Stephen’s Cellar – Templeton 7575 York Mountain Rd; 805-238-2412

By Appt

X

X

Still Waters Vineyards – Paso Robles 2750 Old Grove Ln; 805-237-9231

Th-Mo 11-5

X

X

Summerwood – Paso Robles 2175 Arbor Rd; 805-227-1365

Daily 10-5:30

X

X

Sum 11-6 Win 11-5 X

X

X

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5 & By Appt

X

X

Thunderbolt Junction – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 2740 Hidden Mountain Rd; 805-226-9907 & By Appt

X

X

Tobin James Cellars – Paso Robles 8950 Union Rd; 805-239-2204

Daily 10-6

X

X

Tolo Cellars – Paso Robles 9750 Adelaida Rd; 805-226-2282

Fr-Mo 11-5

X

X

Treana Winery – Paso Robles 1585 Live Oak Rd; 805 238-4112

Fr-Sa 10-4

X

X

Turley Wine Cellars – Templeton 2900 Vineyard Dr; 805-434-1030

Daily 9-5

X

X

Venteux Vineyards – Templeton 1795 Las Tablas Rd; 805-369-0127

Fr-Su 10-5

X

X

Victor Hugo Winery – Templeton 2850 El Pomar Dr; 805-434-1128

By Appt

X

X

1307 Park St Alley; 805 226-2010

We-Sa 11-7 Su & Mo 11-4

X

X

Villicana Winery – Paso Robles 2725 Adelaida Rd; 805-239-9456

Th-Su 11-5

X

X

« Sculpterra – Paso Robles

Sextant Wines – Templeton By Appt Crnr of Almond & S. El Pomar; 866-833-WINE

2995 Pleasant Rd; 805-467-WINE Silver Stone – Paso Robles 827 13th St; 805-226-2788 Skyhawk Lane – San Miguel 1605 Commerce Way; 213-200-4661

5115 Buena Vista Dr; 805-227-4000

X

X

« Robert Hall – Paso Robles

X

« Sylvester Vineyards – Paso Robles

Daily Win 10-5 Sum 10-6 X

Moonstone Cellars – Cambria 801 Main St, Suite C; 805-927-9466

Norman Vineyards – Paso Robles 7450 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0138

X

Pretty-Smith – San Miguel 13350 River Rd; 805-467-3104

Daily 11-5

Mitchella Vineyard – Paso Robles Fr-Su 12-5 2525 Mitchella Ranch Way; 805 239-8555 or by appt

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5

Rio Seco – Paso Robles 4295 Union Rd; 805-237-8884

X

X

X

Pomar Junction – Templeton 5036 S. El Pomar Dr; 805-238-9940

Daily 10-5

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

By Appt

Meridian Vineyards – Paso Robles 7000 Hwy 46 E; 805-226-7133

Minassian-Young – Paso Robles 4045 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-238-7571

X

X

Poalillo Vineyards – Paso Robles 18888 Willow Creek Rd; 805-238-0600

Mo-Sa 11-5 Su 12-5

X

X

X

X

Red Soles – Paso Robles 3230 Oakdale Rd; 805-226-9898

Daily 10-5:30

X

X

Ranchita Canyon – San Miguel Fr-Mo 11-5 3439 Ranchita Canyon Road; 805 467-9448

X

« Silver Horse – San Miguel

Th-Mo 11-5

By Appt

Midnight Cellars – Paso Robles 2925 Anderson Rd; 805-239-8904

X

Pipestone – Paso Robles 2040 Niderer Rd; 805-227-6385

McClean Vineyards – Templeton 4491 S. El Pomar Dr; 805-237-2441

X

X

X

Su-Th 10-5 Fr-Sa 10-6

X

X

X

Martin & Weyrich – Paso Robles 2610 Buena Vista Dr; 805-238-2520

X

X

Su-Mo-Th: 12-6pm Fr-Sa 11-7 X

829 13th St; 805-226-4005 X

Daily 11-5

or By Appt

5015 Linne Road, 888-302-8881

« Orchid Hill Vineyard – Paso Robles Mo-Sa 11-7

Parkfield Vineyards – San Miguel By 70502 Vineyard Canyon Rd; 805-463-2316 Appt

By Appt

X

X

X

7750 North Hwy; 805-467-9260

Daily 11-5

Sarzotti Winery – Templeton

Sa-Sun 11-5

X

X

By Appt

Tablas Creek – Paso Robles 9339 Adelaida Rd; 805-237-1231

Daily 10-5

Tackitt Family – San Miguel 6640 Von Dollen Rd; 805 467-9490

We-Su 11-5

Terry Hoage – Paso Robles 870 Arbor Rd; 805-238-2083

By Appt

Thacher Winery – Paso Robles 8355 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0087

« Vihuela Winery – Paso Robles « San Marcos Creek Vineyard – Paso Robles

T IN G LE S

X

X

SA

X

180 Bella Rancy Rd; 805 226-2022

TA S

X

7110 Vineyard Dr; 805-238-9593

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

Daily 10-6

Daily 10-5

HO UR S

Justin Winery – Paso Robles 11680 Chimney Rock Rd; 805 238-6932

« Opolo Vineyards – Paso Robles

T IN G LE S

X

SA

X

TA S

X

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

TA S

Daily 11-5

HO UR S

TO UR S

JanKris Winery – Templeton 1266 Bethel Rd; 805-434-0319

WINERY - LOCATION

SA

HO UR S

T IN G LE S

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

X

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Villa Creek Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su 12-4 5995 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805 238-7145 & By Appt

X

X

Villa San-Juliette – San Miguel 6385 Cross Canyon Rd; 805 550-0522

By Appt

X

Vina Robles – Paso Robles 3700 Mill Rd; 805-227-4812

Daily 10-5

2485 Hwy 46 West; 805-238-0208 Vista Del Rey – Paso Robles 7340 Drake Rd; 805-467-2138

Wild Coyote Winery – Paso Robles 3775 Adelaida Rd; 805-610-1311

X

X

Edna Valley Vnyd – San Luis Obispo 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd; 805-544-5855

X

X

Core Wine – Orcutt We-Su 145 S. Gray Street, Ste 103; 805 937-1600 11-6

X

X

X

X

« Kelsey See Canyon – San Luis Obispo

X

X

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

Su 11-5 By Appt

X

X

Daily 11-5

X

X

X

X

Daily 11-5:30 X

Kynsi Winery – Arroyo Grande Th-Mo 2212 Corbett Canyon Rd; 805-544-8461 11-5

X X

Sum 11-6 453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr; 805-481-1772 Win 11-5

X X

« Laetitia Vineyard – Arroyo Grande Morovino – Avila Beach 550 1st St; 805-627-1443

« Per Bacco Cellars – San Luis Obispo 1850 Calle Joaquin Rd; 805-787-0485

Daily 1484 Wild Horse Winery Ct; 805-434-2541 11-5

Daily 10-5

X X

X

X

X

X

Piedra Creek Winery – San Luis Obispo 6425 Mira Cielo Dr; 805-541-1281 By Appt

Curtis Winery – Los Olivos 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-686-8999

Daily 10-5

X

X

Fess Parker – Los Olivos 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-1545

Daily 10-5

X

X

X

X

X

5000 Zaca Station Rd; 805-688-3940

Daily 10-5

Foxen Vineyard – Santa Maria 7200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-937-4251

Daily 11-4

X

X

IO Vineyards – The Bench in Los Olivos Th-Mo 2367 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805 938-7365 11-5

X

X

X

X

X

X

Labyrinth – at Old Mission Wine Company in Solvang 2717 Aviation Way; 805-268-4155 Daily 10-5

X

X

McKeon-Philips – Santa Maria 2115 S Blosser Rd; 805-928-3025

X

X

Ovene Winery – Santa Maria (Tasting Room: See Solvang) 2717 Aviation Way; 714-420-2525 By Appt X

X

Rancho Sisquoc Winery – Santa Maria 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-934-4332

Daily 10-4

X

X

Riverbench Vineyards – Santa Maria 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-937-8340

Daily 10-4

X

X

X

« Kenneth Volk Vineyards – Santa Maria Daily « Pismo Beach Winery – Pismo Beach 271 B Five Cities; 805-773-WINE

Daily 12-5

5230 Tepusquet Rd; 805-938-7896 X

X

X

Windward Vineyard – Paso Robles 1380 Live Oak Rd; 805-239-2565

Daily 10:30-5

X

X

Rancho Arroyo Grande – Arroyo Grande 591 Hi Mountain Rd; 805-474-0220 1st Saturday of the month 11-5

York Mountain – Templeton 7505 York Mountain Rd; 805-238-3925

Daily 11-4

X

X

Salisbury Vineyards – Avila Valley 6985 Ontario Rd; 805-595-WINE

Daily 11-6

X

X

Zenaida Cellars – Paso Robles 1550 Hwy 46 West; 805-227-0382

Daily 11-5

X

Saucelito Canyon – San Luis Obispo 3080 Biddle Ranch Rd; 805-543-2111

Daily 10-5

X

X

ZinAlley – Templeton 3730 Hwy 46 West; 805-238-0959

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars – San Luis Obispo Sa-Su 11-5 By Apt 178 Suburban Rd; 805-594-1318 X X X

Mo-Th 12-8 Fr-Sa 12-5

X

X

Tangent Vineyards – San Luis Obispo Daily 5828 Orcutt Rd; 805-269-8200 10-5

X

X

X

X

S A N TA M A R G A R I TA

« Talley Vineyards – Arroyo Grande

Th-Mo 11-5:30

X

Fr-Su 12-6

X

X

Aron Hill Vineyards – Morro Bay Daily 11-6 845 Embarcadero Rd, Suite F; 805-610-5751 Win Th-Mo

X

Taste – San Luis Obispo 1003 Osos St; 805-269-TASTE

Mo-Sa 11-9 Su 11-5

Tantara Vineyard – Santa Maria 4747 Ontiveros Lane; 805-938-5051

By Appt

X

X

Tres Hermanas Winery – Santa Maria 9660 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-937-8451

Daily 10-5

X

X

Zaca Mesa – Los Olivos 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-9339

Daily 10-4

X

X

Alexander & Wayne – Los Olivos 2922 Grand Ave; 805-688-9665

Daily 11-6

X

X

Andrew Murray – Los Olivos 2901 Grand Ave; 805-693-9644

Daily 11-6

X

X

« Wood Winery – Arroyo Grande Wolff Vineyards – San Luis Obispo 6238 Orcutt Rd; 805-781-0448

X

X

X

136 Bridge St; 805-489-9663 X

Daily 11-6

X

4910 Edna Rd; 805-782-0500 X

Daily 10-5

3031 Lopez Dr; 805-489-0446

« Tolosa Winery – San Luis Obispo Daily 10:30-6

Koehler – Los Olivos 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-693-8384

10:30-4:30 X

Daily 10:30-4:30

X

SAN LUIS OBISPO Alapay Cellars – Avila Beach 415 First St; 805-595-2632

Daily 10-5:30

« FirestoneVineyards – Los Olivos

Th-Mo 12-5 Daily 11-5

Cottonwood Canyon – Santa Maria 3940 Dominion Rd; 805-937-VINE

X

« Wild Horse Winery – Templeton

2200 El Camino Real; 805-286-7172

T IN G LE S

X

X

« Pozo Valley – Santa Margarita

SA

Daily 11-6

X

Ancient Peaks – Santa Margarita 22720 El Camino Real; 805-365-7045

TA S

1331 S. Nicholson Ave; 805-922-1468

Daily 11-5

Zoller Wine Styling – Paso Robles 525A Pine St; 805 226-9707

TO UR S

X

1947 See Canyon Rd; 805-595-9700

« Costa de Oro – Santa Maria

HO UR S

T IN G

LE S

SA

TA S

X

Whalebone Vineyard – Paso Robles 8325 Vineyard Dr; 805-239-9020

« Claiborne & Churchill – San Luis Obispo

WINERY - LOCATION

Daily 2649 Carpenter Canyon Rd; 805-544-4066 11-5

Vines on the Marycrest – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 5050 Mustard Creek Rd; 805 237-0378 & By Appt

« VinFuzion – Paso Robles

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

T IN G

LE S

SA

TA S

TO UR S

WINERY - LOCATION

HO UR S

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY LISTINGS

Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

HO UR S

«

Daily 11-5

X

X

Th-Mo 11-5 Fri ’til 7

X

X

X

X

Daily 11-5

LOS OLIVOS

X

Baileyana Estate– San Luis Obispo 5828 Orcutt Rd; 805-269-8200

Daily 10-5

X

X

Barnwood Winery – Arroyo Grande 453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr; 888-809-VINE

Daily 11-5

X

X

Addamo Estate Vineyards – Old Orcutt Tu-Su 400 East Clark Ave. Suite A; 805-937-6400 11-7

X

X

Arthur Earl – Los Olivos 2922 Grand Ave; 805-693-1771

Daily 11-6

X

X

Bishop’s Peak Wines – Arroyo Grande Daily 3031 Lopez Dr; 805-489-0446 10-4:30

X

X

Bedford Thompson – Los Alamos 448 Bell St; 805-344-2107

Daily 11-5

X

X

Beckmen Vineyards – Los Olivos 2670 Ontiveros ; 805-688-8664

Daily 11-5

X

X

Cerro Caliente – San Luis Obispo 831 A Via Esteban; 805-544-2842

X

X

Byron Vineyard – Santa Maria 5250 Tepusquet Rd; 805 938-7365

By Appt

Sum 10-5 Win 11-4

X

X

X

X

Cambria Winery – Santa Maria 5475 Chardonnay Lane; 805 938-7318

Daily 10-5

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5

Chamisal/Domaine Alfred – San Luis Obispo 7525 Orcutt Rd; 805-541-9463 10-5

S A N TA M A R I A / F OX E N C A N YO N

Daily

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Brander Vineyard – Los Olivos 2401 Refugio Rd; 805- 688-2455 X

X

Brophy Clark Cellars – at Los Olivos Wine Tasting Room 2905 Grand Ave; 805-929-4830 Daily 11-6

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CENTRAL COAST | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Santa Ynez Valley Vintners Support Event to Help Farm Workers Solvang’s The 2nd Annual Vino de Sueños (Wine of Dreams) benefit wine-release celebration will be held November 7th at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton from 3 to 6 p.m.. The public is invited to attend. This unique fundraiser, begun last November, is the first of its kind – an event planned and supported by a small group of local premium winemakers to benefit farm and vineyard workers. Founding wineries include Alma Rosa, Buttonwood, Clos Pepé, Feliz Noché, Foxen, Longoria and Presidio. Vino de Sueños is the brand name for the wine series released each year at the annual event. This year, twelve wineries have already committed to donating ten cases of wine each to be tasted and sold exclusively under the Vino de Sueños label at the release celebration. Wines to be released under the Vino de Sueños labels include Alma Rosa 2008 Pinot Gris, Au Bon Climat 2005 Petit Verdot, Buttonwood 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Cold Heaven 2005 Syrah, D’Alfonso-Curran 2006 Rancho Santa Rosa Chardonnay, Fiddlehead 2005 Seven Twenty Eight Pinot Noir, Foxen 2007 Grenache/Syrah Blend, Hitching Post 2007 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Kalyra 2005 Late Harvest Riesling, Longoria 2007 Syrah Santa Barbara County Cuvee, Makor 2007 Bien Nacido Merlot and Vogelzang 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. There are individual wines for every taste and pocketbook. Wines

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will sell from $13 to $38 depending upon varietal and vintage and are discounted for this fund raising event. White wine and red wine sixpack samplers and a case sampler will be also available for further discounted prices. The Vino de Sueños event and sales of the Vino de Sueños wines are a fundraiser to benefit vineyard and farm workers through the auspices of People Helping People (PHP). PHP is a non-profit organization which helps disadvantaged families and individuals in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys. According to Becky Barieau, event committee chair and representative of Foxen Vineyards, a founding winemaker, another unique aspect of the Vino de Sueños wines is that each label includes a reproduction of an original art piece from a local artist. Barieau said that, “(W)e are extremely pleased that well regarded local artist, Karina Puente, has returned to recruit artists to create special works of art to represent each wine.” Ms. Puente’s art will adorn one winery’s entry and her “Dreamer” piece created last year will continue to be the “icon” on each label that identifies it as part of the Vino de Sueños brand. Kros Andrade, owner of UVA Design Studios, will once again translate the art created for the labels into “…eye catching presentations that create ‘brand’ identity.” What has resulted from the marriage of the winemakers and artist’s talents Barieau says, “…is a series of wonderful wines with extraordinary labels that just jump off the bottle.” These labels and the original works they represent are truly collectors’ items. “We are so very grateful for the works donated by Karina Puente and her friends Ariane Aumont, Darby Holden, Christina Locascio, Zoe Nathan, Alyssa Massey, Luis Ramirez, Joel Serrato, Suzi Trubitz, Jose Villa, Nancy Yaki, and Seyburn Zorthian.” The original label art will be available for purchase through a silent auction conducted during the wine release celebration. Many of the artists will be on hand to discuss their contributions. In addition to the wine tasting, wine sale and art auction, the November 7th release event will feature live music by international award-winning guitarist Derroy. Derroy’s technique has simultaneously been termed “masterful” and “gravity defying.” Appetizers will once again be created by the Santa Ynez Valley’s premier caterer, New West Catering. The charity benefiting from the sale of Vino de Sueños wines, PHP, provides seventeen programs and services to assist primarily very low and low income residents in mid Santa Barbara County. Specifically, funds derived from this benefit event will be used for basic needs and family support services for vineyard and farm workers and their families. These services include food, emergency rent and utility assistance, medical and dental care, counseling, after school programs, college scholarships and more. Tickets are $40 each and include a logo glass. For tickets or more information, go to www.vinodesuenos.com or call (805) 686-0295.

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Consilience – Los Olivos 2933 Grand Ave; 805-691-1020

Daily 11-5

X

X

Coquelicot – Los Olivos 2884 Grand Ave; 805-688-1500

Su-Th 11-5 Fr 11-6, Sa 10-6

X

X

Curtis Winery – Los Olivos 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-686-8999

Daily 10-5

Daniel Gehrs Winery – Los Olivos 2939 Grand Ave; 800-275-8138

Daily 11-6

Epiphany Cellars – Los Olivos 2963 Grand Ave; 866-354-9463 Fess Parker – Los Olivos 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-1545

« Firestone Vineyard – Los Olivos 5000 Zaca Station Rd; 805-688-3940

X

T IN G

D’Alfonso Curran – Solvang Win Su-Th 11-5, Fr-Sa 11-6 1557 Mission Dr; 805 688-3494 Sum Su-Th 11-6, Fr-Sa 11-7 X

X

Daily 10-4

X

X

East Valley - at The Olive House in Solvang 1661 Mission Dr; 805 686-5159 Daily 10-5

X

X

X

Daily 11-4:30

X

X

Honeywood/Olde Mission Wine Co. Tasting room for Honeywood, Michael Grace and Ovene Winery 1539 Mission Dr, #Unit B, Solvang Daily 805-686-9323 9:30-5:30 X

Ampelos Cellars – Lompoc Sat 11-4 1633 West Central Avenue, 805-736-9957 By Appt

X

X

Lincourt Vineyards – Solvang 1711 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-688-8554

Daily 10-5

X

X

Babcock Winery – Lompoc 5175 E. Hwy 246; 805-736-1455

X

X

Lions Peak Vineyards – Solvang 1659 Copenhagen Dr; 805-693-5466

Daily 11-6:30

X

X

X

X

Lucas & Lewellen – Solvang 1645 Copenhagen Dr; 805-686-9336

Daily 11-5:30

X

X

Mandolina Wines – Solvang 1665 Copenhagen Dr; 805-686-5506

Daily 11-5:30

X

X

Su-Th 12-8 Fr-Sa 12-10

Alma Rosa – Buellton 7250 Santa Rosa; 805-688-9090

X X

Daily 10:30-4

Casa Cassara – Buellton Mo,We,Th 12-6:30 291 Valley Station Dr; 805-688-8691 Fr-Su 11-6:30

X

X

Daily 10-5

Clos Pepe – Lompoc 4777 East Hwy 246; 805-735-2196

X

X

Dierberg Estate/Star Lane/Three Saints – Lompoc 1280 Drum Canyon Rd; 866-652-8430 Daily 11-5

X

X

Margerum – at Taste of the Valleys 1672 Mission Drive; 805 688-7111

X

X

Fiddlehead Cellars – Lompoc 1597 E. Chestnut Ave; 805 742-0204

Fr-Sa 11-4

X

X

Michael Grace – at Old Mission Wine Company in Solvang 1539 Mission; 805-686-9323 Daily 9:30-5:30 X

X

Flying Goat Cellars – Lompoc Th-Sa 1520A East Chestnut Court; 805 736-9032 11-4

X

X

Ovene Winery – at Old Mission Tasting Company in Solvang 1539 Mission; 714-420-2525 Daily 9:30-5:30 X

X

Foley Estates – Lompoc 6121 East Hwy 246; 805-737-6222

Daily 10-5

X

X

Presidio Vineyard – Solvang 1603 Copenhagen Dr, 805-693-8585

Daily 11-6

X

X

Harrison-Clarke – Lompoc 805-686-0850

By Appt

X

X

Rideau Vineyard – Solvang 1562 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-688-0717

Daily 11-4

X

X

Hitching Post Wines – at Hitching Post Restaurant in Buellton 406 East Hwy 246; 805-688-0676 Daily from 4pm X

X

Royal Oaks – Solvang Tu-Sa 11-7 1651 Copenhagen Dr; 805-693-1740 Su-Mo By Appt

X

X

Huber Vineyards – Lompoc 4892 Hapgood Rd; 805-736-3854

Sa-Sun 11-4 & By Appt

X

Rusack Vineyard – Solvang 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd; 805-688-1278

Daily 11-5

X

X

Shoestring Winery – Solvang 800 East Hwy 246; 800-693-8612

Fr-Su 11-4

X

X

Daily 10-5

X

J Wilkes Wine – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 John Kerr Wines – at Los Olivos Wine Tasting Room 2905 Grand Ave; 805-688-7406 Daily 11-6 Daily 10-5

Lane Tanner Wines – at Los Olivos Tasting Room 2905 Grand Ave; 805-688-7406 Daily 11-6 Longoria Wines – Los Olivos 2935 Grand Ave; 866-759-4637

X

Daily 11:30- 5:30

Great Oaks Ranch – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5

Koehler – Los Olivos 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-693-8384

X

L O M P O C / B U E L LT O N

X

T IN G LE S

Zaca Mesa – Los Olivos 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-9339

Th-Mo 12-6 Sa 11-7

SA

X

TA S

X

TO UR S

Daily 10-5

HO UR S

2900 Grand Ave; 805-688-2459

« Carina Cellars – Los Olivos

LE S

Wild Heart Winery – Los Olivos 2933-C Grand Ave; 805-688-7386

SA

X

WINERY - LOCATION

TA S

X

TO UR S

Sum We-Mo 11-5 Win Th-Mo 11-5

Carhartt Vineyard – Los Olivos 2990A Grand Ave; 805-688-0685

HO UR S

T IN G

LE S

SA

WINERY - LOCATION

TA S

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CENTRAL COAST

Daily 11-4:30

X X X X X X

X X X X X X

By Appt

X

X

X

Oak Savanna – at Andrew Murray Tasting Room in Los Olivos 2901 Grand Ave; 805-693-9644 Daily 11-6 X

Ken Brown Wines – Buellton 70 Industrial Way; 805-448-3791

By Appt

X

Lafond Vineyard – Buellton 6855 Santa Rosa Rd; 805-688-7921

Daily 10-5

X

X

Uncorked/Monsoon Cellars Fr-Sa 12-9pm 467 Alisal Rd Ste 2; 805-693-8000; Solvang Su 12-6

X

X

Melville Vineyard – Lompoc 5185 East Hwy 246; 805-735-7030

Daily 11-4

X

X

Wandering Dog Wine Bar – Solvang Daily 1539 Mission Dr; 805-686-9126 11-8ish

X

X

Mosby Winery – Buellton 9496 Santa Rosa Rd; 805-688-2415

Daily 10-4

X

X

Palmina – Lompoc 1520 East Chestnut Ct; 805-735-2030

Th-Su 11-4

X

X

Sanford Winery – Lompoc 5010 Santa Rosa Rd; 805-735-5900

Daily 11-4

X

X

Sort This Out Cellars – Buellton 593 Avenue of the Flags; 805-688-1717

Daily 10-5:30

X

X

Qupé Wine – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-968-9699 Daily 11-5 Saarloos & Sons – Los Olivos 2971 Grand Ave; 805 688-1200

Daily 11-5

Silver Wines – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-963-3052 Daily 11-5 Scott Cellars – Los Olivos Th-Mo 2933 San Marcos Ave, Ste 101; 805-570-0048 12-5 Star Lane – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5

« Stolpman Vineyard – Los Olivos 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-688-0400

Daily 11-4

X X X X X

X X X X X

S A N TA YN E Z

SOLVANG

Artiste – Santa Ynez 3569 Sagunto St; 805-686-2626

Daily 11-5

X

X

Bridlewood Estate – Santa Ynez 3555 Roblar Ave; 805-688-9000

Daily 10-5

X

X

Buttonwood Farm – Santa Ynez 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd; 800-715-1404

Daily 11-5

X

X

Gainey Vineyard – Santa Ynez 3950 East Hwy 246; 805-688-0558

Daily 10-5

X

X

X

X

X

Three Saints – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5

X

X

Au Bon Climat – at Taste of the Valleys Su-Th 12-8 1672 Mission Drive; 805 688-7111 Fr-Sa 12-10

X

X

Kalyra Winery – Santa Ynez 343 North Refugio Rd; 805-693-8864

Mo-Fr 11-5 Sa-Su 10-5

X

X

Tre Anelli – Los Olivos 2923 Grand Ave; 805-686-3000

X

X

Blackjack Ranch – Solvang 2205 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-455-1412

X

X

Roblar Winery – Santa Ynez 3010 Roblar Ave; 805-686-2603

Sa-Su 10-5 Mo-Fr 11-5

X

X

X

X

Blair Fox Cellars – at Cabana Tasting Room in Solvang 1539 Mission Dr; 805-686-9126 Daily 11-8

X

X

Sunstone – Santa Ynez 125 Refugio Rd; 800-313-9463

Daily 10-4

X

X

Daily 11-5

Verdad Wines – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

Th-Mo 11-5

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