Central Coast - September 3, 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

winecountrythisweek.com

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

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

SANTA MARIA VALLEY Sensational Wines, Sizzling Barbecue PAGE 24

CLAIBORNE & CHURCHILL PAGE 6

WINEMAKER PROFILE:

VINFUZION PAGE 18

TASTE OF SAN LUIS PAGE 22

PREFERRED TASTING ROOM:

SYLVESTER WINERY PAGE 30

SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTIES

Santa Maria Valley

PUBLISHING EVERY OTHER WEEK! SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 • ISSUE 16 – VOLUME 3

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ON THE COVER

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

ON THE COVER Santa Maria Valley Photo by Kirk Irwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Wine Country Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 PASO ROBLES WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Claiborne & Churchill

SAN LUIS OBISPO/PISMO BEACH WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 SANTA MARIA VALLEY WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25

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FEATURE STORY

WINE COUNTRY NEWS Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

SOLVANG, LOS OLIVOS, SANTA YNEZ WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

VENTURA COUNTY WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31-36

Stolpman Angeli Blanc with Halibut Mango Ceviche

ADVERSTISING/MARKETING DIRECTOR

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PERFECT PAIRS

SANTA BARBARA WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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]

Pamela Pietri, Vinfuzion

PREFERRED TASTING ROOM

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

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Mike Giangreco Direct 707-938-3734 [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

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WINEMAKER PROFILE

PUBLISHER

Sarah Flickinger San Luis Obispo, CA Phone 805-252-5440 [email protected]

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!

Sylvester Winery

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

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San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties MILEAGE:

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

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WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

CLAIBORNE & CHURCHILL Decades of Overnight Success by Michael Cervin Claiborne & Churchill winery was started in 1983, inspired by the wines of Alsace even though these types of wine were not often made in California, let alone San Luis Obispo County. Regardless, Claiborne & Churchill decided to specialize in premium dry wines made from Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris grapes, as well as Pinot Noir from several nearby vineyards. Not to limit their portfolio, they also produce small lots of other wines, including a dry Muscat, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Brut rosé and a Port-style wine. Claiborne & Churchill is still a small family-owned winery founded by Claiborne (Clay) Thompson and his wife, Fredericka Churchill. Former teachers at the University of Michigan (Clay specialized in Old Norse Languages and Literatures, and Fredericka taught German), the couple left the “Groves of Academe,” as Clay put it, for the vineyards of California in 1981 in order to start a new life in the wine industry. “On an academic trip to California in 1981, I visited a few wineries and got bit by the wine bug,” Clay admits. “I talked my way into a job as a cellar rat at Edna Valley Vineyard, then

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went back to Michigan, sold the house and moved to California.” He was Edna Valley’s third employee. “I worked there for five years, and they let me learn every aspect of the business,” Clay says. “Fortunately, we didn’t have any idea how hard it would be to start a winery from scratch, otherwise we would have been afraid to take the plunge,” says Clay. “I guess after 25 years of hard work, you could say we’re an overnight success.” But Clay and Fredericka have always looked at life from a different perspective. Not only were they making wines few people ever heard of, let alone drank much, in 1995 they completed construction on their new and permanent winery building. The winery, a noteworthy example of environmental architecture, is known as a straw bale building, the first of its kind in California. With sixteen-inch thick walls made of bales of rice straw, then covered by a plaster exterior, the winery is so well insulated that it maintains a constant cellar temperature, without the need for mechanical cooling or heating. When visiting, there is a small window that looks into the straw bale construction so wine tasters can educated themselves in architecture as well. By all accounts Claiborne & Churchill has carved out a well respected niche of unusual

wines and they are seeing a resurgence of consumers turning toward these wines. “I don’t know of any one thing that accounts for consumers having a more accepting attitude toward Riesling,” Clay ponders, “but it’s probably a combination of factors. There’s a growing boredom with Chardonnay, a larger wine-drinking demographic, including drinkers who never learned that it wasn’t “cool” to drink Riesling, and better examples of California Rieslings,” he says. They specifically purchase grapes rather than running their own vineyard simply because they are not dependent on a single crop. Winemaking is farming after all, and Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with seasonal changes. Additionally, they can focus more on the winemaking and marketing of their wines, rather than worry about frost damage, excessive heat or intrusive pests. “It’s about relationships,” Clay says of the various vineyards he works with. “We seek out growers who share the same values as we do, and we develop and maintain a close relationship with them. It’s really a community effort,” That is evidenced in the Riesling and Gewürztraminer Clay has been purchasing from the same vineyards since 1988. “We don’t tell them how to grow the grapes, but they

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY FEATURE Continued

know what we like and we know they will deliver it.” That kind of relationship and trust extends into the wines themselves and Claiborne & Churchill is known for the consistent quality of all of their diverse wines. Since Mother Nature ultimately dictates how the fruit will turn out, winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia takes a cautious approach to each vintage. “With most of the wine already in bottle, my mind moves from one important factor of winemaking, bottling, to another important factor of winemaking…harvest,” he says. “Things are looking promising for this upcoming harvest,” he adds. With only about 10,000 cases of wine made each year, it’s best to secure them as soon as possible. Parker-Garcia employs Claiborne & Churchill’s traditional European winemaking techniques which includes extensive use of barrel-fermentation and barrel-aging, minimal manipulation of the wines as they progress, spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts and the limited use of SO2. The philosophy is that the winemaker’s task is to coax out the inherent flavors and characters of that particular grape. The goal has always been to create enjoyable dinner wines which exude a harmonious balance of fruit and oak, structure and texture, and which compliment the meal. Taste the overnight success wines located within the wine cellar of their unique straw bale winery. The Tasting Room is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is a $5 tasting fee. Claiborne & Churchill is located at 2649 Carpenter Canyon Rd. in the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo. For additional information contact them at (805) 544-4406 or visit www.claibornechurchill.com.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PASO ROBLES ONGOING 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 per person Saturdays 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 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. Saturday or Sunday by appointment, 11am or 2pm, Limit 10, Templeton RSVP 805-434-2541 ext. 15, email [email protected] ONGOING Paso Robles Round-up: Summer Fun Happening Now It’s not too late to have a great summer trip, www.travelpaso.com • Fridays through August 28: 5:30-7:30pm Concerts in the park, free! Paso Robles Main Street Association, downtown Paso Robles • Tuesdays: 3-6pm North County Market in the City Park. Fresh produce, crafts, gourmet food & other treats! • Saturdays: 9am-1pm, Farmers’ Market Country farm arts & crafts market • August 22: American Cancer Society Relay for Life Paso Robles 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 Twilight Concerts in the Park Paso Robles City Park Bandstand, Refreshments, appetizers, 5:30-7:30pm 805-238-4103 • August 21: Cinders Blues B& • August 28: Sugar Daddy Swing Kings 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 THROUGH AUGUST Art Exhibit at Ortman Family Vineyards Featuring Nancy Pharis, 12-6 pm, 12-7 pm weekends, 805-237-9009 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 Free Cooking Show at Idler’s Hospitality Catering Food samples, wine & entertainment featuring “Mark The Singing Chef.“ 5:30pm, 805-238-7979 www.hospitalitycatering.net 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 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4 Jada’s XCV 2008 Release & Twilight Tasting Around the World with Jada. 6pm, 805-226-4200, www.jadavineyard.com

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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 THROUGHT SEPTEMBER 25 The Loft Gallery – New at the Firefly Presents a new exhibition of contemporary art, 805-239-8152 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 ONGOING FIRST SATURDAY THROUGH OCTOBER Bocce and BBQ Donati Family Vineyard, 5-8pm, Bring Donati wine and enjoy the BBQ and games on them! 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 • August 22: Rob Hegel • August 29: James Hurley • September 12: Unfiltered Jazz Trio • September 19: James Hurley • October 3: Mike Maguire • October 10: Unfiltered Jazz Trio • October 31: Mike Maguire • November 14: Unfiltered Jazz Trio • December 5: Mike Maguire • December 12: Mike Maguire • December 19: Unfiltered Jazz Trio

AUGUST 22 Get it Before It's Gone at Edward Sellers! Be the first to experience their new 2007 Tempranillo blend and their 100% 2007 Mourvèdre. 6:30-9pm, LEVEL 4, 1216 Park Street, Downtown Paso Robles next to their Tasting Room. RSVP 805-239-8915, [email protected] AUGUST 23 Sunday Fun-day Celebration at Eos Winery A Country Western theme & the featured wine is Eos Petite Sirah! Great discounts on wine, www.eosvintage.com AUGUST 28 Sunset Concert at Robert Hall Winery Featuring Up In The Air. They create a unique musical experience based on the varying backgrounds of their nine musicians. 6-9pm, $25 RSVP 805-239-1616 x24, [email protected] AUGUST 28 Concert at Vina Robles Featured artist Unfinished Business, 7pm, $25, $20/Signature Wine Club members, RSVP, Vina Robles Hospitality Center, 805-227-4812 AUGUST 28 Sculpterra Wine Tasting Join them at the Wine Country RV Resort for music and cheese and sample wines from Sculpterra Winery AUGUST 29 Martin Paris at Castoro Cellars Great music & fine wine celebrating Martin Paris’latest CD, ”Guitarist Off the Vine.” Solo guitar performances by Martin Paris & arrangements with Kirk Mac Lane on bass & Jesse Hesch on drums. RSVP 805-238-0725, www.castorocellars.com AUGUST 29 Summer Esprit Flights & Bites Join Sylvester Winery & the wineries of Highway 46 east to enjoy rare & reserve wines paired with artisan cheeses and delectable gourmet bites including local olives & olive oils. Live Jazz music by The Tipsy Gypsies. 5-8pm, BBQ dinners available for purchase, RSVP 805-227-4000, www.brownpapertickets.com transportation available.www.pasorobleswinerieseast.com

AUGUST 21 Fun Nites at Rio Seco Winery featuring ZZAH BBQ is Texas-style Smoked Brisket, Smoked Pulled Pork & true Texas Cowboy Beans plus! $8 club/$10 non-club. RSVP 805- 237-8884

AUGUST 30 Wine Show Mania at Eos Estate Play along with family, friends & Eos staff in a live game show.Test your general knowledge, wine wits & Eos info. 10-4pm, DJ Del McCulley will host this fun event. www.eosvintage.com, 805-239-2562

AUGUST 19, 26 Ballroom Dance Lessons Tango at Vina Robles Hospitality Center Instructor Laura Nicholson will teach the dance steps from 6-7pm; social dance from 7-8pm. $13, $10/Signature Wine Club members, RSVP 805-227-4812

AUGUST 30 Eos Sunday Fun-day Celebration A “Casino”Theme & featured wine is Lost Angel Mischief. Play your cards right & you might win big! Great discounts RSVP 805-239-2562, www.eosvintage.com

AUGUST 20 Clayhouse Wine Night At the new Paso Robles Swim & Tennis Club, 6-8pm, www.clayhousewines.com

SEPTEMBER 1-30 California Wine Month at Jada Winery Celebrating September with special wine pairings. 805-226-4200 www.jadavineyard.com

AUGUST 20 Celebrations of Life Lecture at Eos Winery: Vineyard Water Management/Irrigation Why are certain areas better for certain types of grapes & wine? Featured Wines: Zin Port & Eos Sauvignon Blanc, 6-7pm www.eosvintage.com AUGUST 21 Fun Nites at Rio Seco Winery featuring ZZAH BBQ is Texas-style Smoked Brisket, Smoked Pulled Pork & true Texas Cowboy Beans plus! $8 club/$10 non-club, RSVP 805- 237-8884 AUGUST 21 Pre-Olive Festival Social Mixer Paso Robles Inn Ballroom, 5:30-7:30pm, For tickets, call 805-238-4103 AUGUST 22 The 6th Annual Paso Robles Olive Festival Downtown City Park, Free tasting, tasting seminars, cooking demonstrations & a head-to-head chef cook-off in an outdoor kitchen stadium. Local wineries & breweries will feature tastings for a fee. 10am-5pm, Cooking Contest entry forms available online or by calling 805-238-4103, www.pasoolivefestival.com AUGUST 22 Outdoor Concert at Castoro Cellars Featuring Peppino D'Agostino with Michael Manring, doors open 6pm; show 7pm, Peppino D’Agostino, a virtuoso acoustic guitarist, composer, singer & allaround entertainer. Joining him will be Michael Manring, hailed by many as the world’s leading solo bassist. $22 (Dinner by Giuseppe’s available, additional charge.) Order tickets online or RSVP 805-467-2002, castorocellars.com

SEPTEMBER 4TH Labor Day Weekend Begins at Jada Winery Take a break from your hectic schedule. Come by & taste some good wine & gourmet cheeses. 805-226-4200, www.jadavineyard.com SEPTEMBER 5 Hwy. 46 West Block Party Dance the night away to a live band while sipping award-winning wines from 15 different westside wineries & dine on fresh local food at Donati Family Vineyard. 6-8pm, for more information, www.paso46westwineries.com Tickets www.eventbrite.com/event/269757853 SEPTEMBER 5 Halter Ranch Guest Chef Series Chef Yvon Goetz from the Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin, California will prepare a beautiful meal paired with Halter Ranch Estate wines, 6pm RSVP 805-226-9455, [email protected] SEPTEMBER 5 Sylvester Winery Summer Sunset Concert World Music Festival featuring Calinambe, Faultline, Zongo All Stars & a special surprise headliner, 5:30-8:30pm. Blankets & chairs are welcome, coolers are not allowed. Proceeds go toward the restoration of the Pullman Train. Tickets $15/adv, $20/at the door, $10 for the Flock, RSVP, www.sylvesterwinery.com SEPTEMBER 13 Outdoor Concert at Castoro Cellars Free lazy locals concert featuring Cuesta Ridge Mountain Boys. 1-4pm, bring a picnic lunch, no outside alcohol, please! 805-238-0725, www.castorocellars.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK 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 our 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. 18th from 1pm- 10pm, 19th from 10-5pm, $150, River Oaks Pavillon, 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 & a live auction. 5:30-10pm, [email protected], 805-239-1616 SEPTEMBER 19 Eberle Winemaker Dinner in the Caves Jay McCarthy, the celebrity chef from Beaver Creek Chophouse, Avon, CO. Excellent preparation, great meal. They’re thrilled to have their long time friend return for a dinner in the caves. $150, RSVP 805-238-9607, www.eberlewinery.com SEPTEMBER 19 8th Annual Arte de Tiza A visual feast of chalk murals created by area artists on the sidewalk of Pine Street between 11th and 12th streets. In progress beginning at 8am. SEPTEMBER 19 “Taste of Downtown” Offers A Saturday of Fine Cuisine, Music & Art Over 30 local restaurants, a brewery, wineries, ice cream & coffee houses. Pass holders will stroll, sampling the cuisine. 11am-4pm, $25, call 805-238-4103 SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 Sunset Concert at Robert Hall Winery Featuring Adam Crowe. He blends delta blues, roots folk, Hawaiiana & Americana styles. 6-9pm, $25, RSVP 805.239.1616 ext. 24, [email protected]

ONGOING SATURDAYS Fishermen & Farmers’ Market in Morro Bay Fresh seasonal fruit, crafts & musicians, 3-6pm 800-231-0592 SEPTEMBER 19 Annual Wine Club Yacht Cruise Cruise the Morro Bay on the Papagallo II, 4-7pm Meet Winemaker Christian Roguenant & enjoy Baileyana & tangent 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 Plan now for this special weekend. Sample wines from more than 30 local wineries with delicious food. 800-366-6043, [email protected] 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/Heritage Club members, [email protected], 805-782-0500 x10 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 ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Reserve Flight Tastings at Tolosa Vineyards In the Heritage Room. Flights will vary from Pinot Noir flights to Rhone style wines or even a vertical tasting of Library wines. $20, $15/Heritage Club Members, 805.782.0500 x10, [email protected] ONGOING SATURDAYS THROUGH AUGUST Concerts in the plaza. www.downtownslo.com ONGOING The San Luis Obispo Art Center Permanent collection & rotating exhibits by local artists. 11am-5pm, 805-543-8562

SEPTEMBER 25 Soulamente in Concert at Vina Robles Featured artist Soulamente. 7pm, $22 $20/Wine Club, ticket/picnic, 805-227-4812

ONGOING WEEKENDS Live Music at Mother’s Tavern Upscale tavern with big band music most Sundays, for schedules 805-541-8733

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

ONGOING SECOND SUNDAY Dallidet Adobe & Gardens Oldest house & site of first commercial winery in the area. 805-543-0638

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 OCTOBER 16-18 Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend Festival The season when wineries showcase those rarely seen vineyard & crush activities. See & learn vineyard practices, take part in a blending seminar or jump feet first into a two ton grape stomp. For details www.pasowine.com/events. CAMBRIA ONGOING FRIDAYS THROUGH AUGUST Twilight Wine & ‘Apps’ at Harmony Cellars Relax and‘unwined’at the most tranquil spot on the Central Coast. Enjoy wines by the glass and free appetizers. 5:30pm, 805-927-1625, www.harmonycellars.com CAYUCOS & MORRO BAY ONGOING Adventures with Nature Various hikes including Fast Hike to Coon Creek, White’s Point Vistas, Black Hill Trail, Sand Spit Walk & Ocean Lagoon. Morro Bay State Park Museum 805-772-2694, www.ccnha.org ONGOING SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Morro Bay Embarcadero Art Walk Art galleries’ open house receptions. 5-8pm, 805-772-1068 ONGOING SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Artists Receptions at Gallery at Marina Square Receptions for featured Central Coast artist, 5-8pm, 805-772-1068, Morro Bay

ONGOING Automobilia Museum Specialty cars, toy cars, airplanes & 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 AUGUST 28 “Sips and Songs” at Claiborne & Churchill Live music by Hilary Langdon of the Tipsy Gypsies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair if you wish. Wine $5 by the glass, bottle retail or wine club member price, light munchies available free! Outside wines not permitted by law. RSVP 805-544-4066 SEPTEMBER 9 Taste of San Luis Obispo Annual event with more than 600 guests enjoying great food, delicious wines & entertainment, 6-10pm, downtown, www.downtownslo.com 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

AUGUST 22 ”Grease” in the Park at the Sunken Gardens A snack bar will be open & Teens at Work will sell baked good, homemade arts & crafts. 8pm, 805-461-5000, www.atascadero.org AUGUST 21 17th Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite A closed, controlled cruise route on El Camino Real from Curbaril to Traffic Way in Atascadero. This event brings out the best old, new & flashy cars. $20 per car/$30 night of the cruise. 6:30-8:30pm, www.atascadero.org, 805-461-5000 PISMO BEACH/SHELL BEACH ONGOING Local Wine Tasting Tuesday, Live Music & Appetizers at Lido Restaurant The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, 5:30-6:30pm, $12 RSVP 805-773-8900, www.thedolphinbay.com • August 18: Sinor La Vallee Winery •August 25: Vina Robles Winery • September 1: Justin Vineyards Cooking School at the Lido Restaurant All classes include an unforgettable meal paired with local wines, 5:30-8:30pm • August 27: Cooking from Farmer’s Market, $75 • September 24: Food with Wine Pairing, $80 • October 22: Lido Basics, Sauces & Dressings, $65 • November 19: Lido Basics, Holiday Favorites, $65 Cinema Under the Stars 007 Style on the Lido Patio Complimentary lawn seating for movie, 7:30pm Dinner & Movie on Lido patio at 7pm. $39, RSVP 805-773-8900, www.thedolphinbay.com • August 19: Tomorrow Never Dies • September 2: Casino Royale ONGOING SUNDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 A Murder Mystery Dinner – SLO Legal Dinner, wine & laughter, Spyglass Restaurant, Shell Beach, 5pm 805-489-3875, www.murderinmind.com ONGOING FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Art, crafts, children’s activities, music & more. Pismo Beach, 10am-4pm 805-704-8128, www.pismochamber.com AVILA BEACH ONGOING SUNDAYS Art on the Beach at Avila Beach Artists paint & present their work, 10am, 805-238-4103, Avila Beach Pier ONGOING FRIDAYS First Friday at Morovino Delicious food & wine pairings, 4-6pm, $12, 805-627-1443, Avila Beach AUGUST 23 Schoolhouse Rock Concert at Salisbury Vineyards Featuring Dave Aguallo, wine & food available for purchase. Hop on the trolley after the music ends for Viticulture 101 in the vineyards with John Salisbury 12-3pm, 805-595-9463, www.salisburyvineyards.com 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 Visit Historic Buildings in Arroyo Grande Sat 12-3pm, Sun 1-4pm, 805-473-5077, www.arroyograndevillage.org ONGOING SATURDAYS Arroyo Grande Farmers’ Market Farm fresh produce, music, arts & crafts. 12-2:30pm, 805-473-2250

ATASCADERO

ONGOING FRIDAYS Wine Down at Wood Winery Reserve wines & gourmet cheese, 4-7pm, 805-489-9663 www.wildwoodwine.com, email [email protected]

ONGOING Saturday in the Park, Summer 2009 Concert Series Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand, 6:30-8:30pm. Free Wine & beer by the glass. Delicious gourmet barbecue available for purchase. 805-461-5000 • August 22: The House Red Band • August 29: The Usual Suspects • September 5: PipeDream

SEPTEMBER 20 Taste of the Central Coast Fine food and wine tasting, live and silent auction benefitting foster and highneeds children and families on the Central Coast. 3-6:30pm, 40 local restaurants, dessert establishments, wineries, live music by Wholly Jazz at Cypress Ridge Pavilion. $75, www.fcni.org, 805-706-0569

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SANTA MARIA/FOXEN CANYON

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Jazz on the Deck at Vineyard House Live music & fine food, 6:30pm, $2, 805-688-2886, www.thevineyardhouse.com

ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum Lots of fun including a train simulator exhibit. 1-4:30pm, 805-714-4927

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

ONGOING Friday Night Wine Down at Costa de Oro Great way to start your weekend! 4:30pm 805-922-1468, www.costadeorowinery.com

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

ONGOING FRIDAYS Wine Tasting at The Loading Dock Live music, wine & food, 7-10pm. $5, Santa Maria, 805-934-3471 SEPTEMBER 5 Riverbench Photo Contest Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, 12-4pm, Submit your own Riverbench photos by September 1. Winner announced the 5th. Win gourmet wine & food tasting for 10 at the winery! Photos not returned. Winner notified by email. 805-937-8340 SEPTEMBER 12 Santa Maria Vineyard Walks James Ontiveros will host the walk at Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard. 10am www.smvwc.com/VineyardWalks.html SEPTEMBER 12 A Cause 4 Paws Pet walk, doggie carnival, BBQ, bake sale, entertainment, adoption dogs and much more! Pioneer Park, 805-260-2386, www.sbcanimalcare.org SEPTEMBER 19 Sustainablity is the Future; How We're Farming for Tomorrow Join Byron Estate Winery for an in-depth look at their farming methods 11-2pm. Lunch & wine included, $50, $45/Wine Club, RSVP 805-938-1537 OCTOBER 9-12 Small Santa Barbara Vintners Celebration of Harvest! Mark your calendars for the Vintners’Visa four-day pass to 12 participating wineries, For details and tickets, sbcountywines.com/events/celebration.html LOS OLIVOS ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Wildling Art Museum - Free Friday Flicks Free movie & snacks with discussion, 7pm, 805-688-1082 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

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

SEPTEMBER 26 Autumn on the Wine Trail A Wine Passport weekend with the 14 Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country wineries. For more details go to www.santaynezwinecountry.com LOMPOC/BUELLTON ONGOING SATURDAYS Olde Towne Market in Lompoc Great food, wine & music, 805-736-4567, www.lompocrecord.com

ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS Dancing at Maverick Saloon Dance lessons, Live country western or rock & roll. 6:45pm, 805-686-4785 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 SECOND THURSDAY Wine Impressions at Artiste A blind tasting, sensory evaluation & discussion by region. 7-9pm, 805-686-2626 ONGOING Saturdays - Cachuma Lake Nature Walk Naturalists lead walk one mile walk f 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, & 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

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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 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 AUGUST 20 Nights at SBMA Unique events offer a mix of art, music, specialty martinis, wine & one-nightonly interactive happenings in the Museum’s galleries. www.sbmuseart.org

ONGOING SATURDAYS Olive Oil Tasting at Foley 10:30am-4pm, Lompoc, 805-737-6222, www.foleywines.com

AUGUST 28 - OCTOBER 25 CURVATURES: Figurative Works By Paul Cumes At Paul Cumes Fine Art, recent figure works in oil from Cumes’ vast portfolio of paintings. 11am-7pm Sun-Thu, 12-9pm Fri-Sat, Opening reception Aug. 27

SOLVANG ONGOING Quicksilver Miniature Horse Farm Visit Solvang horse farm with beautiful views 10am–3pm, 805-686-4002 ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Solvang Farmers Market Fresh produce, flowers & foods, 2:30-6pm805-962-5354, www.sbfarmersmarket.org

SEPTEMBER 12 Sandcastle Building Workshop East Beach, Santa Barbara, 11am-1pm. Free www.sbsandcastlefestival.com/workshop.htm

ONGOING FRIDAYS Wine Tasting on the Patio Live guitar music with fine wines at Royal Scandinavian Inn, 5:30-7pm 800-624-5572, www.royalscandinavianinn.com

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

ONGOING Elverhoj Museum of History & Art Ongoing exhibits of art & photography, 805-686-1211, www.elverhoj.org

SEPTEMBER 26 Flamenco Arts Festival at Lobero Theater Gala Performance presenting Maria Juncal in the U.S. Premiere of Tercera Llamada - Moment of Enchantment. With her nine-member company of dancers, guitarists and singers, 7:30pm. $60, $48, $38, See website for a series of workshops for children and adults. Tickets 805-963-0761, flamencoarts.org

ONGOING Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum All makes & models, Solvang, 805-6869522, www.motosolvang.com SEPTEMBER 18-20 73rd annual Danish Days Weekend A celebration of Solvang's rich Danish heritage, 805-688-6144, www.solvangusa.com SEPTEMBER 25-26 Solvang Jazz Festival Celebrating jazz under the leadership of Stix Hooper, founder of The Crusaders jazz group. 425-481-3274, [email protected], www.solvangjazz.com SANTA BARBARA

ONGOING Museum of Ventura County Photographs, publications, documents & exhibits depicting Ventura County's history. 10am-5pm, 805-653-0323, www.venturamuseum.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 ONGOING Historic Downtown Walking Tour Guided stroll - experience Santa Barbara’s past, 10am-12pm, 805-965-6307 ONGOING Winemaker Dinners at Wine Cask Delicious gourmet dinners paired with local wines, 6:30pm 805-996-9463, www.winecask.com ONGOING Ty Warner Sea Center Explore creatures of the sea at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Stearns Wharf, www.sbnature.org/seacenter ONGOING Lectures & Readings at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 805-962-8404, Santa Barbara, www.sbmm.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

VENTURA COUNTY

SANTA YNEZ ONGOING MONDAYS Maverick Saloon Blind Draw Darts Santa Barbara Darts Association, BBQ & darts, 7pm, 805-686-4785

ONGOING TUESDAYS THROUGH SATURDAYS Art Workshops for Children at Art from Scrap Fun workshops where kids reuse all sorts of materials to make works of art! 10am-2pm, $6, 805-884-0459, www.artfromscrap.org

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 Ventura County Maritime Museum Art, ship models, & maritime exhibits, 11am-5pm, 805-984-6260, Oxnard 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. 10-3pm Mon-Fri by appointment. 805-701-3825, www.ojaioliveoil.com

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

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

‘FLIGHTS AND BITES’ Take Your Senses for a Ride! Come and visit the nine Wineries of Highway 46 East through their exciting complimentary passport program! Pick up your passport at any of the nine participating Highway 46 East wineries. “Travel and taste” and get your passport stamped at each winery. There is no expiration date or time limit to complete your passport. Once you receive stamps from four of the nine wineries, fill out your passport and drop it off at the last winery you visit. Your passport will be entered in a drawing to win extraordinary prizes, including a two-night Paso Robles Wine Country getaway for two. Drawings are held annually at the end of January. You’re also heartily invited to come celebrate the summer with The Wineries of Highway 46 East’s exciting event, Summer Esprit “Flights and Bites” on Saturday, August 29th. Gather for an amazing evening honoring the collective spirit and enthusiasm of the Paso Robles wineries located along Highway 46 East. All nine Wineries of Highway 46 East will gather at Sylvester Winery in Paso Robles for a fun night of wine, cheese, olives

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and gourmet bites. Sip and sample incredible wines expertly paired with artisan cheeses and enjoy the many award-winning wines from this region in one amazing event! BBQ dinners will also be available for purchase. Enjoy live jazz music with the Tipsy Gypsies. The Summer Esprit “Flights and Bites” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sylvester Winery, 5115 Buena Vista in Paso Robles. Tickets are $25 per person if purchased in advance and $30 at the door. Purchase your tickets by calling Sylvester Winery at (805) 227-4000 or order online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/68188. The Wineries of Highway 46 East is a consortium of wineries located along Highway 46 on the east side of Highway 101 in Paso Robles. Member wineries include: Bianchi, Chumeia Vineyards, Eberle Winery, EOS Estate Winery, Firestone Vineyard, Martin & Weyrich Winery, Meridian Vineyards, Sylvester Winery and Tobin James Cellars. For more event information, visit the website at www.pasorobleswinerieseast.com.

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E COUNTRY THIS WEEK’S WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEKW: I NCENTRAL COAST

WINE COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

The SLO Down Pub: Buy Local The Central Coast town of Arroyo Grande is a gem of a city. It’s downtown, often referred to as “the Village” is a unique blend of shops and galleries punctuated by restaurants and even a bakery or two. It’s the perfect place to stop and slow down while you catch up with life. It’s also the perfect place for the SLO Down Pub. Mark London opened the SLO Down Pub in order to highlight the Central Coast bounty of craft beers and local wines and feature local talent as well. “I’ve been asked not to sing,” says London. “So most nights,

you’ll find me manning the bar along with Arla, our pouring expert,” he laughs. With an eclectic décor featuring wood floors, local artwork and what London refers to as an “eco-friendly” atmosphere, the SLO Down Pub is just the place to sit and let the world pass you by for a time. “We offer a few snacks,” says London, but we’re not a restaurant. So, what we do is keep a list of all the local good restaurants that deliver and you can bring your food right in here and sit back, relax with a local glass of wine or a beer and

C AYUCOS

by Mark Storer enjoy the evening.” The Pub does have some snacks on hand including local artisan cheeses made by students at nearby Cal Poly State University’s dairy program. “I love doing it. I love being here,” says London. So do his regular customers who keep coming back to experience a truly local hangout that offers the solace and the bounty of the Central Coast. “Come on in,” says London, “and buy local.” SLO Down Pub is at 1200 E. Grand Avenue. For more information, call (805) 473-0102.

AT A S C A D E R O

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, handselected 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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ARROYO GRANDE

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

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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P erfect P airs

by Len Napolitano

Stolpman Vineyards 2005 Angeli Blanc Perfectly Paired with Halibut Mango Ceviche

Originating in South America, ceviche is a traditional Spanish fish dish marinated in a lemon and lime juice. The acidity in the citrus fruit acts in a way that “cooks” the proteins in the fish, contributing to its other purpose of adding flavor. This Halibut Mango Ceviche from Stolpman Vineyards takes the usual lemon and lime juice as step one in a simple, yet flavorful recipe, then escalates the fun with the addition of tequila, jalapeno chili peppers, green bell pepper and onions. Together, they all combine nicely to give the dish style with a little kick. The marinating time to prepare the recipe comes to a full two hours but the results are well worth the wait. When searching for an appropriate wine to pair with a dish that offers a hot and spicy crispness, wine with ripe fruit flavors and a hint of sugar will compliment the spice in food. The Stolpman 2005 Angeli Blanc is a refreshing off-dry, “Late Harvest” wine made from the Rousanne grape, a grape typically used in Stolpman’s flagship white wine, “L’Avion.” In November of 2005, while picking the Rousanne, the winemaking crew at Stolpman noticed early indications of “noblerot”, also known as Botrytis, on some of the grapes. Botrytis is the mold that makes grapes more concentrated in sugar and, ultimately, flavor – as well as giving them a shriveled appearance. Stolpman’s head winemaker Sashi Moorman allowed the grapes to stay on the vine and develop more flavors before he pressed the grapes and fermented the juice until nearly dry. The resulting wine is something magical, and we named it “Angeli Blanc” after “Angeli”, our most prized Syrah. Left with approximately 1% residual sugar and a hint of effervescence, this wine is the ultimate pairing for spicy food, especially when served well chilled. You can experience Stolpman wines at their tasting room’s new location in Los Olivos. It’s at 2434 Alamo Pintado Avenue, 1/2 block east of the flagpole in the charming little red cottage with the white picket fence. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until 6 p.m. on Friday. For more information, (805) 688-0400 or visit www.stolpmanvineyards.com.

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HALIBUT MANGO CEVICHE • 1-1/2 pounds skinless, boneless halibut, cut into 1/2 inch cubes • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice • 1/4 cup tequila • 3 jalapeno chili peppers, seeded and minced • 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped • 1/2 cup finely chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion • 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced • 1/2 bunch chopped fresh cilantro • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste Combine cubed halibut, lime juice, lemon juice, tequila, minced jalapeno peppers and one diced mango in a non-metallic bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours. After the ceviche has marinated for 1-1/2 hours, add the green pepper, sweet onion and red onion. Mix well, then recover and refrigerate another 30 minutes. Fold in the remaining diced mango, cilantro and parsley; season to taste with salt before serving.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

THACHER WINERY For decades quarter horses, cattle and cowboys roamed the grassy hills of the old Kentucky Ranch. Today, Thacher Winery is full of casual charm, reminiscent of California past and present. We are a new, family-run, boutique winery located at the historic Kentucky Ranch in the Adelaida Hills of Westside, Paso Robles. The ranch was part of a 4,000 acre Spanish land grant until 1869 after which it became a thriving quarter horse breeding operation. Thacher Winery sits next to the 90-year-old barn and the livestock brand “KR” on the barn is a well-known landmark of old time Paso Robles. It now includes our home, winery, tasting room, vineyard, barn, outbuildings and barley fields with spectacular and ever changing vistas of vineyards, hay fields and oak trees. We also enjoy an abundance of wildlife including deer, coyotes, bobcats, turkeys and the occasional mountain lion. The Zinfandel and Petit Syrah vineyard was planted in spring of 2007. Construction of the tasting room and 4600-square-foot winery was completed in 2008, just in time for our fourth harvest of about 33 tons of premium wine grapes. Production in ’08 was about 1800 cases – almost double the production of previous years. Through very small distribution outlets we are able to pour six currently released wines in the tasting room and also by appointment at the ranch.

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We are pouring ’05 and ’06 varietals that include Zinfandel and Viognier from Paso Robles and Syrah from southern Monterey County. Our just bottled 2007 wines include three Zinfandels; one from Paso Robles, one reserve and a vineyard designate. We also have a Paso Robles Syrah for the first time and our first blend of Zinfandel, Mourvedre and Grenache. This one is aptly called “Controlled Chaos.” Very appropriate when you have finished construction of a winery, opened a tasting room, were thrown into your first home crush and had a third baby all in the same few weeks! A Hastings Ranch Viognier is also in the ’08 lineup, and of course our award- winning Coast View Vineyard, Monterey Syrah. This Syrah has received gold medals in ’08 and ’09 at the SF Chronicle. The rapidly growing Thacher Wine Club is intimate at the moment and is definitely something to jump on before the generous discount expires. We offer 20% off of a case of wine per year. Our shipments are divided in half and we also invite club members to barrel taste by appointment with their friends and family. The best part of the Thacher Wine Club family is the annual, member only pick up party; the first Saturday of every May we celebrate the Kentucky Derby at the Kentucky Ranch. Club members with derby hats are welcome.

After graduating from UC Davis, Sherman Thacher, our winemaker, began his professional career as a brewer and became an award-winning brewmaster. Since 1994, Sherman has been making wine professionally in the Santa Cruz Mountains and in Paso Robles. He has worked under the loose tutelage of distinguished winemakers at wineries such as David Bruce, Mariani and SavannahChanelle. We are often asked about our label that sports a grasshopper. Very familiar to Thacher genealogy, it has been on the Thacher crest and coat of arms for five-plus centuries. We like to think they were irreverent compared to the macho, grand heraldic displays of yester years. At any rate the humble grasshopper, with his perpetual smile, now graces our label. We encourage you to plan a visit to the beautiful Paso Robles wine country and visit our new winery and tasting room. We’d love to share our wines with you and show you around. Artisanal cheeses and gourmet nibbles are also available to enjoy with some Thacher wine and make for a great picnic here at the ranch. Take a walk to the vineyard or share some of your lunch with the goats. We love it here and are sure you will, too. Tasting room, located at 8355 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call (805) 2370087 or visit www.thacherwinery.com.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

Winemaker Profile: Vinfuzion’s Pamela Pietri by Dave Wilcox Wines infused with a whisper of Mimosa flowers, or fined over gemstones, are intriguing, to say the least. They also offer a pure expression of the vineyard and fruit, the wine’s spirit, if you will, according to Pamela Pietri, the winemaker and owner of Vinfuzion. The infusion of her wines with botanicals, such as Mimosa flowers and Angelica, is quite subtle. “It’s just a breath, really,” said Pietri. “You’ll never pick it up on the palate.” Pietri’s knowledge of the effects of botanicals and gemstones stems from her education as an acupuncturist, a career she pursued until launching Vinfuzion.

Pietri began making wine in 2000 as a hobby while still working and living in Southern California. A trip to Paso Robles convinced her to pursue winemaking as more than a part-time passion. She read everything she could get her hands on, said Pietri, burned the midnight oil, and received what she says was invaluable guidance from Marc Goldberg of Windward Vineyards and L’Aventure’s Stephen Asseo. “I’m a minimalist winemaker,” said Pietri. “I work in concert with the particular expression of that year, that vintage...I will guide the wine into a form that’s elegant and that’s approachable.” Part of her minimalist approach includes the use of gemstones in the fining process. Fining is often done with such things as egg whites, gelatin or milk, but gemstones, said Pietri, have the same effect of softening tannins. For example, Vinfuzion’s Isla VI, an estategrown Viognier, is fined over Peridot gemstones. A blend of Petite Verdot and Petite Syrah is fined over Obsidian gemstones. “Being an energy healer, I didn’t want to introduce anything into my wine that would leave a residue.” In concert with that philosophy is the maintenance of Vinfuzion’s vineyard. The 18- acre Chequera Vineyard is 20 years old and is farmed Biodynamically. Biodynamics® is an integrated, holistic, agricultural practice based on the teachings of the early 20th Century visionary Rudolf Steiner. Pietri explains the vineyard’s management is dictated by the astronomical calendar and produces fruit that better expresses “terroir.” Biodynamic farming, she said, “respects the ecosystem in its entirety.” Much of the vineyard is devoted to Viognier, which is bottled under the labels Isla and Archangel. Pietri’s 2006 vintage also includes a late-harvest Viognier, bottled under the label Telos VI, that is a truly decadent indulgence. Among the 1,800 cases Vinfuzion produces is also a blend of Paso Robles Syrah with Petite Syrah from Clarksburg that is called Om VI. Pietri also makes a reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, called Amethystos, using organically grown fruit from Adelaida Ridge on Paso Robles’ Westside and fined over polished Amethyst. Vinfuzion’s tasting room is at 2485 Highway 46 West – at Sycamore Farms – three miles west of Highway 101. It’s open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (805) 238-0208 for more information.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

Neighborhood Block Party with Hwy. 46 West Wineries Come join the Highway 46 West Wineries for their Neighborhood Block Party on Saturday, September 5th, at Donati Family Vineyard from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In addition to Sixteen Highway 46 West Wineries pouring their award-winning wines, the evening will also include Santa Maria Style BBQ and great music from Funk 30 (www.funkthirty.com). Your $20 ticket includes wine, food, music and your 46 West logo tasting glass. Tickets can be purchased on the website at www.septemberblockparty.eventbrite.com or at the door of the event. Cash and checks only, at the door. The participating wineries are: AJB Vineyards, Castoro Cellars, Croad Vineyards, Doce Robles, Donati Family Vineyard, Donatoni Winery, Eagle Castle, Fratelli Perata, Grey Wolf, Hunt Cellars, JanKris Winery, Midnight Cellars, Peachy Canyon, Rocky Creek Cellars, Rotta Winery and Windward Vineyard. Transportation to the event provided by the WineLine for $10 per person. For reservations, call 1-888-994-6354.

Paso Robles Wine Country is as unique and inviting as the people who have dedicated themselves to nurturing the vineyards and crafting fine wines. Visitors to Highway 46 West find the road less traveled is often marked by the thrill of discovery in this uncongested region. It’s an area where hospitality is first among a long list of qualities…where being friends and neighbors is as important as producing stellar wines. Highway 46 West is one thread that weaves among the vineyards and wineries connecting longtime estates with exciting new producers. Rolling hills, majestic oaks and lush vineyards await the wine lover at every turn. The tasting rooms of Highway 46 West invite you to explore their neighborhood, relax under the spell of the friendly environment and savor life while sipping spectacular wines. For more information, check out the 46 West Wineries website at www.paso46westwineries.com.

West Coast Cigar Conference Set for Sept. 18-19 in Paso Robles Cig Con West 2009 will be a premiere cigar conference/festival that will take place on the beautiful Central Coast of California. This dayand-a-half event will begin with an optional VIP dinner and auction. This will be followed by a day-long cigar festival/conference where guests will be treated to free cigars and accessories, cigar demonstrations, educational seminars, great food, wines of the Central Coast and more! On Friday, September 18, Cig Con West will kick off with a VIP dinner at the Robert Hall Winery. After a cigar and wine cocktail hour, guests will be treated to a four-course meal, paired with Robert Hall wines, and prepared by executive chef Jeffrey Scott. Following dinner, guests will enjoy after-dinner cigars and wines, and a live auction. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to local service organizations. On Saturday, September 19, the Cig Con West main event will take place at the River Oaks Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will meet cigar manufacturers and enjoy a variety of educational seminars, cigar-rolling demonstrations, wine and food pairings, cigar samples, accessories and entertainment. The Cig Con West team is presenting this first annual cigar event to showcase premium cigars, to promote Central Coast wines and to provide a memorable experience for consumers, retailers and manufacturers. To purchase tickets or become a participating sponsor, contact the Cig Con West office at (805) 474-1133 or visit the Cig Con West website at www.cigcon.com.

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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

17th Annual Taste of San Luis Set for September 9 Come enjoy an evening under the stars at the 17th Annual Taste of San Luis in the beautiful Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo on Wednesday, September 9 at 6 p.m. This is Downtown SLO’s premiere gourmet dining event that serves as a fundraiser to support the beautification and promotion to keep Downtown SLO healthy and viable. Enjoy delicious epicurean fare provided by over 60 local restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries as well as bubbly offered by Laetitia Vineyard & Winery. It is Wednesday Night Fever, so turn the beat around! Disco dance the night away as you eat, drink, mingle with friends and enjoy a beautiful evening in the heart of downtown SLO. Come dressed in elegant attire or your dressiest disco outfit! Tickets are $125 each and are available individually or in reserved tables of eight or ten. This event will sell out, so make sure you get your tickets early! The following will proudly be offering tastings: Apple Farm,

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Atrium Café, Baba Foods, Baileyana & Tangent wineries, Big Sky Café, Buona Tavola Ristorante, Castoro Cellars, Cattaneo Bros., Cayucos Cellars, Chamisal Vineyards, Changala Winery, Chateau Margene Cellars, Chino’s Rock & Tacos, Ciopinot, Claiborne & Churchill Winery, Clubhouse At This Old House, Corner View Restaurant & Bar, Courtyard by Marriott, Cowboy Cookie ’n’ Grub, Creekside Brewing Company, Crystal Springs Water, Di Fronzo Vineyards, Dream Dinners Ferrini Square, Eberle Winery, Edna

Valley Vineyard, Eos Estate Winery, Et Voila!, Far Western Tavern, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Justin Winery, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards & Winery, Kynsi Winery, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, Lido Restaurant, Mama’s Meatball, Martin & Weyrich Winery, Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ, Mother’s Tavern, Native Lounge, Novo Restaurant, Ortman Family Vineyards, Palazzo Giuseppe, Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse, Peachy Canyon Winery, PerBacco Cellars, Pozo Valley Winery, Rocky Mountain Chocolate

Factory, Salisbury Vineyards, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, Shadow Canyon Cellars, Splash Café-Artisan Bakery, Still Waters Vineyards, Tahoe Joes, Talley Vineyards, Thai Palace, Tolosa Winery, Two Cooks Catering, Vina Robles Winery, Vrajas Kitchen, Windward Vineyard, Wolff Vineyards and Wood Winery. For more information contact Brent Vanderhoof at San Luis Obispo Downtown Association at [email protected] or (805) 541-0286. Visit the website www.downtownslo.com.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | SAN LUIS OBISPO

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SANTA MARIA | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

The Santa Maria Valley – Sensational Wines, Sizzling Barbecue Sometimes it’s the unbeaten path that leads to the best discoveries, as is the case in the Santa Maria Valley, where fine wine, world-famous barbecue and open roads make for a uniquely memorable – and flavorful – experience. Here, in northern Santa Barbara County on California’s Central Coast, more than a dozen winery tasting rooms await visitors along the Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail. The perfect conclusion to an afternoon of wine tasting can be enjoyed at a number of local restaurants, several of which specialize in Santa Maria Style Barbecue, a 150-year-old regional culinary tradition founded on native ingredients. And if you get too stuffed, you can walk your calories off along the miles of wide-open beaches and dunes just 15 minutes west of the city of Santa Maria. When visiting the Santa Maria Valley, you can literally feel what makes the area so ideal for growing wine grapes – the reliable coastal breezes. Indeed, the valley boasts a rare “transverse” geography, an east-to-west orientation that channels cool ocean air directly into the valley. The result is one of California’s longest growing seasons, which in turn ensures the development of complex, flavorful and exquisitely balanced grapes. Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay are among the varietals that excel in the region. The Santa Maria Valley’s reputation for producing remarkable wines continues to grow. In fact, Wine Spectator magazine named two local

24

RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY VISITOR CENTER – Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call or visit for complimentary wine tasting map and barbecue booklet. 614 South Broadway in Santa Maria, 1-800-331-3779, [email protected] Santa Maria Valley Visitor Bureau: www.santamaria.com Official Santa Maria Style Barbecue Blog: www.santamariavalleybbq.com Santa Maria Valley Wine Country: www.santamariavalleywinecountry.com UPCOMING EVENTS Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival – October 3, 2009 Celebrate local arts and harvest flavors at this street faire in downtown Santa Maria. The festivities include a fine arts show and sale, crafting demonstrations, chalk art expose, live entertainment, and wine and beer tasting. For information, call (805) 925-0951 ext. 247. Celebration of Harvest – October 10, 2009 Join the member wineries of the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association for an afternoon extravaganza of wine and food at Ranch Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. For information, visit www.sbcountywines.com. Wine Christmas Passport Weekend – December 5-6, 2009 Savor the holiday spirit as the wineries of the Santa Maria Valley serve fine wine and good cheer throughout the weekend. Please visit www.smvwines.com/WineChristmas for tickets and details. DineOut Santa Maria Style – December 5-6, 2009 This restaurant event featuring special menus will be held in conjunction with Wine Christmas Passport Weekend. For details, visit www.santamaria.com or call 1-800-331-3779.

wines to its most recent list of Top 100 wines of the world out of more than 19,500 international wines tasted by the magazine in 2008. The Santa Maria Valley wines that made the list are the 2005 Chardonnay from Byron Vineyard and the 2005 Pinot Noir from Dierberg Vineyard. “Such recognition says a lot about our wine country.” says Gina Keough, manager of the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau. “It demonstrates why wine touring has become such a major visitor attraction in the valley. People are coming here to experience some of the finest wines in the world.” The Santa Maria Valley wine tasting experience also earns rave reviews. On his personal blog, Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Steve Heimoff recently remarked that “The Santa Maria Valley is an insider’s secret, a special place that knowledgeable people go to” while the crowds throng elsewhere. Indeed, despite playing a starring role in the hit wine-centric movie Sideways, the Santa Maria Valley is still a relatively undiscovered wine country. Local wineries and vineyards include Tres Hermanas Vineyard and Winery, Addamo Winery, Costa de Oro Winery, Byron Vineyard & Winery, Cambria Winery & Vineyard, Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery, Foxen Vineyard, Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Riverbench Winery, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards and Bien Nacido Vineyards.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | SANTA MARIA

Rancho Sisquoc

Photo by Kirk Irwin

To help visitors find these local gems, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau offers visitors a complimentary booklet titled Santa Maria Valley Wine Country: A Guide to Local Wineries and Restaurants, which includes profiles and contact information for local wineries and dining establishments. An accompanying map reveals the layout of the Santa Maria Valley wine country. The booklet is available for download at www.SantaMaria.com. The Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association also offers visitors extensive touring information and a downloadable map at www.santamariavalleywines.com. Like wine, the 150-year-old tradition of Santa Maria Style Barbecue never goes out of style, and now more and more “foodies” are flocking to the area to savor this sizzling phenomenon. To serve the growing interest in Santa Maria Style Barbecue, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce recently launched the Official Santa Maria Style Barbecue Blog at www.SantaMariaValleyBBQ.com. Local restaurants offering Santa Maria Style Barbecue dishes include the Far Western Tavern, Hitching Post, Shaw’s Steak House, Historic Santa Maria Inn’s Garden Room Restaurant, F. McLintocks, Vintner’s Bar & Grill at the Radissson Hotel, and Portabella Bar & Grill at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites. The origins of Santa Maria Style Barbecue date back to the mid 1800s, when local rancheros would host Spanish-style barbecues each spring for their vaqueros, or cowboys, as well as family and friends. Over time, the unique qualities of these homegrown cookouts became known as Santa Maria Style Barbecue. The traditional cuts of Santa Maria Style Barbecue are top-block sirloin and tri-tip, a triangular bottom sirloin cut that originated in the Santa Maria Valley. The meat is rolled in a mixture of salt, pepper and garlic salt before being barbecued over coals of red oak, a native local oak species that contributes a smoky, hearty flavor. The classic Santa Maria Style Barbecue menu includes fresh salsa, grilled French bread dipped in sweet melted butter, tossed green salad and slow-cooked pinquito beans. Pinquitos are small pink beans originated in the valley. “The Santa Maria Valley’s reputation for world-class barbecue and fresh produce, along with our growing wine country, is attracting people who appreciate the value of authentic regional cuisine,” Keough says.

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25

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Artwork by Patrick Lyons: ‘Slivers of Time’ at Carina Cellars Carina Cellars is proud to feature the artwork of Santa Barbara photographer and Carina Cellars staff member, Patrick Lyons. Originally from the Bay Area, Lyons came to Santa Barbara to study photography at Brooks Institute in 2005. During the past four years Lyons worked at several wineries in Santa Ynez Valley including Beckman, and now currently Brander and Carina Cellars. Lyons has always enjoyed looking at the world a little differently, and photography has allowed him to share that view with others. Photography provides him the tools for looking at time differently as well, since the lens can be sped up, slowed down, or even stopped altogether. Through the creation of this series, Lyons was able to combine his passion for photography, his love of wine and his fascination with time into one project. “Slivers of Time” will be on display from August 1 until

26

“Carina Cellars Wine Glass”

Digital photograph

September 31 in the Carina Cellars Tasting Room at 2900 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to www.carinacellars.com or call the tasting room at (805) 688-2459.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | SANTA BARBARA COUNTY Flamenco Arts Festival 2009 10th Anniversary Celebration Gala Performance – One night only! María Juncal in the U.S. Premiere of Tercera Llamada – Moment of Enchantment Saturday, September 26 – Lobero Theatre – 7:30 pm – $60, $48, $38 The Flamenco Arts Festival celebrates ten years of presenting world-class flamenco music and dance on stage at the Lobero Theatre during Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s celebration will include a spectacular presentation with award-winning Spanish dancer, María Juncal, who brings her nine-member company of dancers, guitarists, and singers to Santa Barbara to present her latest production, Tercera Llamada, and who will also conduct a series of workshops for children and adults. The ticket to this evening includes the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Juan Talavera. For tickets, call (805) 963-0761 or visit flamencoarts.org.

MARÍA JUNCAL Photo by Peter Buitelaar

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27

VENTURA COUNTY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

A Visit to the 130-Year-Old Olive Grove Ojai Olive Oil, Inc. is a family owned and operated business that came into existence 10 years ago. The Asquith Farm is located Ojai Valley on the southern edge of the Los Padres National Forest. It is surrounded by dramatic natural beauty and share the land with numerous forms of wildlife that roam the hills and mountains. On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, you’ll find the friendly staff at the barn, ready to welcome visitors who come to tour the Asquith Farm’s olive grove and taste their products. This openhouse policy has been in place for more than a year, and it continues to be a success. Clearly, people enjoy a reason to venture into farmland

and explore a working ranch. The tour 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 and more. Visitors ask all kinds of questions, and they enjoy responding and sharing the adventure of producing premium-quality olive oils. Inside the barn, learn about production equipment and the process See Ojai Olive Oil, next page

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau Launches New Website Travelling to Oxnard is easier than ever with the newly designed website, www.visitoxnard.com The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau recently launched the new, improved website, which contains the latest web technology, making it easier to find information and to book a trip at ease. Among the many features, the Oxnard site allows visitors to create an itinerary while visiting the area, map attractions of interest, review special offers and make reservations directly on the site at Oxnard hotel properties. Visitors can even blog about their experiences in Oxnard and send an e-postcard from the expanded photo gallery. Within the new website, visitors can easily find what there is to see and do in Oxnard with the many highlighted sections. From outdoor adventure, such as whale watching, to where to find the best place to enjoy a glass of wine, the website provides a great way

to capture the essence of Oxnard and help create that vacation full of memories. Visitors are also able to review the Calendar of Events in Oxnard and obtain downloadable maps. The new site also provides businesses with an opportunity to advertise on the site and reach potential customers. For more information, call 1-800-269-6273 or visit the new website at www.visitoxnard.com.

Ojai Olive Oil of making olive oil. Next, guests are invited to step into the tasting room. This is where all of the products can be tasted free of charge. If so inclined, visitors can purchase products directly or place an order for mailing. On occasion, visitors enjoy meeting other olive oil enthusiasts and sometimes engage in lively conversations. Picnic tables are set up under the old trees and some visitors stay on after the tour to enjoy a snack or picnic lunch that they have brought with them. Visits can also be arranged Monday through Friday by appointment (for individuals or groups). Sundays are reserved for the Ojai Farmers’ Market. The olive grove is located at 1811 Ladera Road, Ojai. For directions to the olive grove or questions relating to the free tours, call (805) 701-3825 or send an email at [email protected]. Ojai Olive Oil sells some of the freshest extra-virgin olive oils you can find in the United States. “Our olive oils are delivered from our trees to your table!”

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

Preferred Tasting Room:

SYLVESTER WINERY Sylvester Vineyards & Winery is a hidden gem among Paso Robles’ tasting rooms. It’s located just four miles off of Highway 46 East on Buena Vista Drive, making it a short trip through some of the scenic vineyards in the region. Sylvester’s bright, spacious tasting room offers warm hospitality and hand-crafted wines to taste. Sylvester is one of the few tasting rooms left that offers complementary wine tasting. For those looking for a special treat, gourmet cheese and artisan chocolate pairings are offered with their reserve wines for a nominal fee. Sylvester has become known for their cheese pairing and even won the Golden Grape award for “The best cheese pairing at a California winery.” Sylvester’s cheese selection does not stop with the pairing, but continues to the deli case where visitors can purchase and sample one of the Central Coast’s best gourmet cheese selections. The gift shop is any food lover’s paradise. As if the gourmet meats and cheeses were not enough, visitors can buy an array of delectable goodies from all over the world, including a decadent display of artisan chocolates. Sylvester is the perfect place for your wine country picnic. Freshly made panini sand-

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wiches are available daily, but guests may wish to make their own picnic with the extensive assortment of cheeses and a warm freshly baked baguette. Sylvester has wine for any palate and any budget. Whether you are the avid connoisseur or someone who wants to learn more about wine, Sylvester is the perfect stop. Sylvester is

Sylvester Winery Continues Summer Concert Series to Fund Pullman Train Restoration Project September 5th – 3-9pm World Music Festival featuring Calinambe, Zongo All Stars and a special surprise headliner Calinambe – An entrancing mix of “World Fusion” with a tremendous influence from the improvisational aspects of jazz and indigenous music from all over the planet Zongo All Stars – High-energy dance music blend they call “CaliCubano”

known for their reasonably priced everyday wine, sold in the tasting room starting as low as $5.99 per bottle. The true skills of the winemakers are shown in the wineries two reserve labels Kiara Reserve and Le Vigne di Domenico. These two labels are tasted daily in the tasting room. The limited production Le Vigne di Domenico and the wineries blend program, NIKIARA are available almost exclusively through the winery’s tasting room and wine club. The Sylvester experience would not be complete without a visit to the winery’s Pullman train cars, including two 1947 sleeper cars and a 1952 Observation Car. These lovely ladies of the rail have rested amongst the vines since before the building was completed in 1995. They are currently all original interiors from the combination drink holder/ashtrays to the Tiffany stained glass. These rare beauties are open to the public daily and are available for picnics and private groups. They are a perfect nostalgic journey for designated drivers or kids who are along for the ride. Sylvester Vineyards & Winery is located at 5115 Buena Vista Drive in Paso Robles, just four miles off of Highway 46 East.

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

Weekends 12-5

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

Daily 11-7

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

Fr-Su 10-5

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

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

X

Th-Mo 11-6 or by Appt

740 Pine St; 805-227-6813

X

X X By Appt

By Appt

By Appt. & Some Weekends

X X X X

X X

X X

T IN G

Daily 10-5

X

X

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

Th-Mo 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 12-5

X

X

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

Fr-Su 11-4:30

X

X

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

X

X

X

X

849 13th St; 805 727-4720

Daily 11-6

X

X

X

X

Croad Vineyards – Paso Robles Fr-Su 3550 Vinedo Robles Lane; 805-227-6800 11-5

X

X

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

X

X

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

Fri-Sun 12-6 Closed Tu-We

X

X

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

Daily 11-6

X

X

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

Fr-Su 10:30-5

X

X

1315 N Bethal Rd; 805-238-0725

Daily 10-5:30

X

X

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

Fr-Mo 11-5

X

X

We-Su 11-5:30 Closed Tu

X

X

Denner Vineyards & Winery – Paso Robles 5414 Vineyard Dr; 805-239-4287 Sa-Su 12-4

X

X

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

X

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

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5 By Apt X Fr-Su 11-4:30 By Apt

« Clayhouse Wines – Paso Robles

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

Fr-Su 10-5

X

X

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

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

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

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

By Appt

X

X

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

Sa-Su 12-6

X

X

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

X

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

Fr-Su 11-4

X

X

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

Sa-Su 10-5

X

X

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

X

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Daily 10-5:30

Sa-Su 12-5 Or By Appt

LE S

SA

TA S

TO UR S

HO UR S

T IN G

LE S

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

« Castoro Cellars – Templeton X

SA

X

« Carina Cellars – Paso Robles

X

TA S

X

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

X

WINERY - LOCATION

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

3525 Adelaida Rd; 805-309-2046 X

TO UR S

WINERY - LOCATION

PASO ROBLES AREA Daily 10-5 Adelaida Cellars – Paso Robles 5805 Adelaida Rd; 805-239-8980, 800-676-1232 X

HO UR S

T IN G

LE S

SA

TA S

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

HO UR S

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK: CENTRAL COAST

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Fr-Mo 11-6

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

X

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

Kukkula – Templeton 9525 Chimney Rock Rd; 805-434-5475

By Appt

X

L’Aventure Winery – Paso Robles 2815 Live Oak Rd; 805-227-1588

Th-Su 11-4 or By Appt

X

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

By Appt, Wine Club Only

X

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

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

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

Th-Mo 11-6

X

X

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

Fr-Su 11-4

X

X

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

Daily 10:30-5

X

X

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

By Appt

X

X

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

X

X

« Eberle Winery – Paso Robles

Daily 10-6

3810 Hwy 46 E; 805-238-9607

« Edward Sellers – Paso Robles

X

Th-Mo 12-7

1220 Park St; 805-239-8915 Eos Estate – Paso Robles 5625 Hwy 46 East; 805-239-2562

Daily 10-5

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

X X

Daily 10-7:30

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

By Daily 10-5 Appt

2300 Airport Rd; 805-591-8050 Five Rivers Winery – Paso Robles 8998 North River Rd; 805-467-0192

By Appt

Four Vines Winery – Templeton 3750 Hwy 46 West; 805-237-0055

Daily 11-5

X X

Th-Mo 11-6

« Firestone Vineyard – Paso Robles

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

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

Fralich Vineyard & Winery – Templeton By Appt Private tastings at Paso Robles Wine Services; 805-434-1526 Fratelli Perata – Paso Robles 1595 Arbor Rd; 805-238-2809

By Appt

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

By Appt

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

Daily 11-5:30

« Halter Ranch Vnyd– Paso Robles 8910 Adelaida Rd; 805-226-9455

Th-Mo 11-5

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

Daily 10-5:30

Harmony Cellars– Harmony 3255 Harmony Valley Rd; 805-927-1625

« Hearthstone – Paso Robles 5070 Vineyard Dr; 805-238-2544 Hice Cellars – Paso Robles 821 Pine St Unit D; 805-237-8888

Th-Mo 12-5

Hug Cellars – Paso Robles Th-Mo 2323 Tuley Ct Ste. 120 D; 805-226- 8022 11-5 2875 Oakdale Rd; 805-237-1600

X X

Daily 10-5 Opening May 1

« Hunt Cellars – Paso Robles

X

X X

X X X X X

X

X

X

X

X

X

« J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Paso Robles Daily 6169 Airport Rd; 805-239-8900 J. Paul Rosilez – Paso Robles 4889 Dry Creek Rd; 805-226-0550 Jack Creek Cellars – Templeton 5265 Jack Creek Rd; 805-226-8283

« Jada Winery – Paso Robles 5620 Vineyard Dr; 805-226-4200

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10-5

X

Daily 11-5

X

Fr-Su 11-4:30 By Appt Fr-Su 10-5

X X

X

X X X X

X

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

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

By Appt

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

Daily 10-5:30

X

X

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

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

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

Th-Mo 11-5

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

Fr-Su 12-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

Daily 10-5

X

X

X

X

Ortman Family Vnyds – Paso Robles Daily 12-5 1317 Park Street; 805-237-9009 Fr-Sat 12-7

X

X

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

X

X

Peachy Canyon Winery – Paso Robles Daily 1480 N. Bethel Rd; 805-239-1918 11-5

X

X

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

« Opolo Vineyards – Paso Robles

X

X

X

X

Su 11-4

Peachy Canyon Winery Too – Paso Robles 2020 Nacimiento Lake Dr; 805-237-7848 Fr-Su 11-5 Pear Valley – Paso Robles

Daily

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

X

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

Th-Mo 11-5

X

X

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

By Appt

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

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

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

Fr-Su 10-5

X

X

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

We-Su 11-5

X

X

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

Mo-Sa 11-5 Su 12-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

RiverStar Vineyards – Cayucos 36 N Ocean Ave; 805-995-3741

Fr-Su 11-4

X

X

RN Estate Winery – Paso Robles 7986 North River Rd; 805-467-3106

By Appt X

X

« Robert Hall – Paso Robles 3443 Mill Rd; 805-239-1616

Daily 10-6

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 10:30-5

X

X

X

« San Marcos Creek Vineyard – Paso Robles 7750 North Hwy; 805-467-9260

Daily 11-5

X

X

Scott Aaron – Templeton 422 South Main; 888-611-9463

Sa-Su 11-5

X

X

Fr-Su 10-5 or By Appt

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 12-5 1525 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-238-7872 Sa-Su 11-5

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

« Sculpterra – Paso Robles « Silver Horse – San Miguel 2995 Pleasant Rd; 805-467-WINE

X

X X

5015 Linne Road, 888-302-8881

« Orchid Hill Vineyard – Paso Robles Mo-Sa 11-7 1140 Pine St; 805-237-7525

Daily 10:30-5:30

X

11-5

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

« Pianetta – Paso Robles 829 13th St; 805-226-4005

X

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

7110 Vineyard Dr; 805-238-9593 X

SA

2850 Ranchita Canyon; 805-467-2891

« Judd Family Wines – San Miguel

T IN G

X

X

4900 Union Road; 805 237-2861 Penman Springs – Paso Robles 1985 Penman Springs Dr; 805-237-7959

LE S

X

X

Daily 11-5

SA

X

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

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

TA S

X

X

Th-Su 11-5

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

X

X

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

Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

HO UR S

T IN G TA S

X

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T IN G

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X

SA

WINERY - LOCATION

«

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WINERY - LOCATION

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK : CENTRAL COAST

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

« Sylvester Vineyards – Paso Robles

By Appt

5115 Buena Vista Dr; 805-227-4000

Daily 11-5

X

X

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

X

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

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

By Appt

« Thacher Winery – Paso Robles

Opening in June '08

8355 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0087

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

X

X

Daily 10:30-4:30

X

X

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

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

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Windward Vineyard – Paso Robles 138 Live Oak Rd; 805-239-2565

Daily 11-5

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

Fr-Mo 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 9-5

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-5

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

Fr-Su 11-5

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

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

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

Th-Sa 11-8 Su & Mo 11-4

X

X

Th-Su 11-5 Daily 10-5 We-Su 11-5:30 Su 11-5 By Appt

X X X X

X X

« Bishop’s Peak – Arroyo Grande

X

X

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

« Pozo Valley – Santa Margarita 2200 El Camino Real; 805-286-7172

We-Su 10-5 Fr-Su 12-6

3031 Lopez Dr; 805-489-0446 Cerro Caliente – San Luis Obispo 831 A Via Esteban; 805-544-2842

« Claiborne & Churchill – San Luis Obispo

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Chamisal/Domaine Alfred – San Luis Obispo 7525 Orcutt Rd; 805-541-9463 10-5 Edna Valley Vnyd – San Luis Obispo 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd; 805-544-5855

X

X X

453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr; 805-481-1772 Morovino – Avila Beach 550 1st St; 805-627-1443

SAN LUIS OBISPO

X

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

Daily 10:30-6

X

X

X

Aron Hill Vineyards – Morro Bay Th-Su 845 Embarcadero Rd, Suite F; 805-610-5751 12-5

X

X

Daily 10-5 Daily 11-5:30 X

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

« Laetitia Vineyard – Arroyo Grande X

Daily

« Kelsey See Canyon – San Luis Obispo 1947 See Canyon Rd; 805-595-9700

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

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

T IN G

X

X

1307 Park St; 805 835-4304

LE S

Daily 11-5

X

« Vihuela Winery – Paso Robles

SA

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

Daily 10-6

X

TA S

X

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

X

TO UR S

X

« Wild Horse Winery – Templeton

X

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Baileyana Vineyard – San Luis Obispo Daily 5828 Orcutt Rd; 805-269-8200 10-5

X

By Appt

T IN G

X

X

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

LE S

X

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

X

SA

Daily 11-5

X

Fr-Su 10-5

WINERY - LOCATION

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

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

TA S

WINERY - LOCATION

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | WINERY LISTINGS

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

X

X

Daily 11-5

X

X

Th-Mo 12-5

X

X

X

X

Daily 11-5

X

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

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« Pismo Beach Winery – Pismo Beach 271 B Five Cities; 805-773-WINE

Daily 12-5

X

X

X

Daily 11-6

X

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

Sextant Wines – San Luis Obispo 3536 S. Higuera St; 866-833-WINE

Daily 11-5

X

X

Shadow Canyon Cellars – San Luis Obispo 956 Monterey Street; 805-781-0862 Th-Su 12-7

X

X

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars – San Luis Obispo Sa-Su 11-5 By Apt 178 Suburban Rd; 805-594-1318 X X X Tangent Vineyards – San Luis Obispo Daily 5828 Orcutt Rd; 805-269-8200 11-5

« Talley Vineyards – Arroyo Grande

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

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

X

X

X

X

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

X

X

X

X

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

X

X

X

X

Longoria Wines – Los Olivos 2935 Grand Ave; 866-759-4637

X

X

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

X

Qupé Wine – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-968-9699 Daily 11-5

X

X

2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-963-3052 Daily 11-5

X

X

Scott Cellars – Los Olivos Th-Mo 2933 San Marcos Ave, Ste 101; 805-570-0048 12-5

X

X

Star Lane – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Vandale – at The Ballard Inn in Ballard Fr-Su 2436 Baseline Ave; 805-688-7770 12-5:30

X

X

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

X

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 10-4

X

X

X

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

Daily 10-4

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

Daily 10-4

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

By Appt

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

X

X

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

Daily 11-6

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-6

X

X

Th-Mo 11-5 Fri ’til 7

X

X

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

Daily 11-6

X

X

X

Beckmen Vineyards – Los Olivos 2905 Grand Ave; 805-688-8664

Daily 11-5

Bernat – at Los Olivos Café 2879 Grand Ave; 805-688-7265

Daily 11-9

X

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

Daily 11-4

X

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

X

X

S A N TA M A R I A / F O X E N C A N YO N Addamo Estate Vineyards – Orcutt 400 East Clark Ave; 805-937-6400

Tu-Su 11-7

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

Daily 11-5

Byron Vineyard – Santa Maria 5250 Tepusquet Rd; 805-934-4770

By Appt

Cambria Winery – Santa Maria 5475 Chardonnay Lane; 888-339-9463

Daily 10-5

Chimere – Santa Maria 217 North Russell; 805-310-1148

By Appt

« Costa de Oro – Santa Maria 1331 S. Nicholson Ave; 805-922-1468

Daily 11-6

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

Daily 10-5:30

Curtis Winery – Los Olivos 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-686-8999 Fess Parker – Los Olivos 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-1545

« FirestoneVineyards – Los Olivos

X X

X

X

X

X X X

Th-Mo 11-5 (Closed Tu-We)

X X

X

X X X X X

« Stolpman Vineyard – Los Olivos

Daily 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-688-0400 11-4 Three Saints – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 Tre Anelli – Los Olivos 2923 Grand Ave; 805-686-3000

Daily 11-5

2900-A Grand Ave; 805-688-2459

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-4:30

X

X

By Appt

X

X

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

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

Ampelos Cellars – Lompoc 805-736-9957

X

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

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

Daily 10:30-4

X

X

Daily 10-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-5

X

X

Casa Cassara – Buellton 291 Valley St; 805-686-5159

We-Mo 11-5

X

X

Daily 10-5

X

X

Dierberg Estate Vineyard – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 X

X

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

By Appt

X

X

Epiphany Cellars – Los Olivos 2963 Grand Ave; 866-354-9463

X

X

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

X

X

X

X

John Kerr Wines – at Los Olivos Wine Tasting Room 2905 Grand Ave; 805-688-7406 Daily 11-5:30

X

X

Fiddlehead Cellars – at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto 1597 E. Chestnut Ave; 530-756-4550 Th-Sa 11-4

X

X

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

X

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

X

X

Harrison-Clarke – Lompoc 805-686-0850

By Appt

Daily 10-5

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

Daily 11-4

IO Vineyards – Santa Maria 5250 Tepusquet Rd; 805-934-4770

By Appt

X

X

« Kenneth Volk Vineyards – Santa Maria Daily

34

« Carina Cellars – Los Olivos

Daily 11-4:30

X

5000 Zaca Station Rd; 805-688-3940

5230 Tepusquet Rd; 805-938-7896

LOS OLIVOS

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

Daily 10-5

« Silver Wines – at Wine Country in Los Olivos

Mo-Sa 11-9 Su 11-5

Daily 11-5

T IN G LE S

X

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

Wolff Vineyards – San Luis Obispo 6238 Orcutt Rd; 805-781-0448

SA

X

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

X

136 Bridge St; 805-489-9663

TA S

X

X

X

« Wood Winery – Arroyo Grande

TO UR S

X

3031 Lopez Dr; 805-489-0446

4910 Edna Rd; 805-782-0500

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X

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

Daily 10:30-4:30

« Tolosa Winery – San Luis Obispo

WINERY - LOCATION

Flying Goat Cellars – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5

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

X

Especially recommended by Wine Country This Week

X

X

Daily 11-6

SA

TA S

TO UR S

«

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

Rancho Arroyo Grande – Arroyo Grande 591 Hi Mountain Rd; 805-474-0220 1st Saturday of the month 11-5 Salisbury Vineyards – Avila Valley 6985 Ontario Rd; 805-595-WINE

WINERY - LOCATION

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WINERY LISTINGS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

10:30-4:30 X

« Firestone Vineyard – Los Olivos X

X

5000 Zaca Station Rd; 805-688-3940

Th-Mo 11:30- 5:30

Daily 10-5 Daily 10-5

X

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

SA

X

Jaffurs – Santa Barbara 819 East Montectio St; 805-962-7003

Fr-Su 11-5

X

X

X

X

Giessinger – Santa Barbara 212 State St; 805-695-8606

Mo-Fr 12-7:30 Sa 11-8 Su 11-7

X

X

X

X

Kalyra Winery – Santa Barbara 212 State St; 805-695-8606

Mo-Fr 12-7 Sa-Su 12-8

X

X

X

X

Santa Barbara Winery – Santa Barbara Daily 202 Anacapa St; 805-963-3633 10 - 5

X

X

Summerland – Summerland 2330 Lillie Ave; 805-565-WINE

X

X

Oreana Winery – (formally Cellar 205) Santa Barbara 205 Anacapa St; 805-962-5857 Daily 11-5

X

X

Whitcraft Winery – Santa Barbara Fr-Su 36A S. Calle Cesar Chavez; 805-730-1680 12-4

X

X

X

X

Fri-Sun 11-5

X

X

Thu-Sun 12-6

X

X

Herzog Wine Cellars – Oxnard Sun-Thurs 11-9 3201 Camino Del Sol; 805-938-1560 Fri 11-4 Sat Closed X

X

Coastal Winery – Santa Barbara End of State St; 805-962-2100

Daily 11-4

X

X

By Appt

Royal Oaks – Solvang 1651 Copenhagen Dr; 805-693-1740

Daily 10-5:30

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

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

Daily 11-5

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

Daily 11-4

X

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

Fr-Su 11-4

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

Daily 10-4

X

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

Th-Sa 11-4

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

Daily 11-4

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

Daily 10-5:30

X X X

X

S A N TA YN E Z Artiste – Santa Ynez 3569 Sagunto St; 805-686-2626

X X

SOLVANG

Daily 11-5

X

X

Au Bon Climat – at Wine Cellar Tasting Room in Santa Ynez 3631 Sagunto St; 805-688-8688 Daily 11-6 X

X

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

Daily 10-5

X

X

11-7 Weekdays 11-8 Fri-Sun

Tu-Th 11-5 Fr-Su 11-7

VENTURA COUNTY

Badge Wines – at Trio Tastings, Solvang 1557 Mission Dr; 805 688-3494 Th-Su 11-5 or By Appt

X

X

Buttonwood Farm – Santa Ynez 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-688-3032

Daily 11-5

X

X

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

Daily 11-5 Closed Wed

X

Daily 10-5

Fr-Su 12-6

X

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

Bella Victorian Vineyard – Camarillo 2135 E. Ventura Blvd; 805-383-8800

X

X

Opening Soon

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

X

X

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

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

Camarillo Custom Crush – Camarillo 300 S. Lewis Rd, Ste C; 805-484-0597

X

X

X

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

Daily 10-5

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

Daily 10-4

Cabana Cellars/Wandering Dog Wine Bar – Solvang 1539 Mission Dr; 805-686-9126 We-Mo 11-8ish

X

Casa Cassara – at Olive House in Solvang 1661 Mission Dr; 805-686-5159 Daily 11-5

X

X

Curran Wines – at Trio Tastings, Solvang 1557 Mission Dr; 805 688-3494 Th-Su 11-5 or By Appt

X

X

D’Alfonso – Solvang 1557 Mission Dr; 805 688-3494

X

X

DiBruno – at Trio Tastings, Solvang 1557 Mission Dr; 805 688-3494 Th-Su 11-5 or By Appt

X

X

East Valley – at Cabana Tasting Room in Solvang 1661 Mission Dr; 805-686-5159 Daily 11-5

X

X

Honeywood/Olde Mission Wine Co. Tasting room for Honeywood, Michael Grace and Ovene Winery 1539 Mission Dr, #A & B, Solvang Su-Th 9:30-5:30 805-686-9323 Fr-Sa 9:30-6:30 X

X

Th-Su 11-5 or By Appt

Jorian Hill – Solvang 1051 Croft Lane; 805-686-8490

By Appt

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

Daily 10-5

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

Fr-Mo 11-5

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

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

X

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

X

X

Daily 11-5

X

X

« Casa Barranca – Ojai 208 E. Ojai Ave; 805-640-1255

X

X

« Old Creek Ranch Winery – Ojai Valley Daily X

X

10024 Old Creek Rd; 805-649-4132

11-5

X

X

Breed: I adopted Talley Vineyards as my home about 2-1/2 years ago. When I first showed up I went by Scruffy but I cleaned up (and filled out) so nicely that I now go by Rico Suave. I might be a Russian Blue breed, but that’s my secret … I’m a kitty of mystery. Favorite Past times: Bringing gifts for tasting room staff (parts & pieces mostly), sneaking into the tasting room, chasing small dogs, hiding from big dogs, long naps on the front porch

X

RICO SUAVE

www.WineCountryThisWeek.com

« Cantara Cellars– Camarillo 126 Wood Rd, Ste 104; 805-484-9600

S A N TA BA R BA R A Carr Vineyards – Santa Barbara 414 N. Salsipuedes St; 805-965-7985

T IN G LE S

TA S

X

X

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

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

TO UR S

X

X

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

X

HO UR S

T IN G

Coquelicot – at Intermezzo in Santa Barbara 813 Anacapa St; 805-996-9463 Sa-Su 11-3

Daily 11-6

By Appt

X

LE S

X

SA

X

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

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

X

WINERY - LOCATION

TA S

X

WINERY - LOCATION

TO UR S

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

HO UR S

T IN G

SA

LE S

TA S

TO UR S

WINERY - LOCATION

HO UR S

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK | CENTRAL COAST

Quotes: “Time for Breakfast”, “Time for Cheese”, “Work with me, people!” Favorite Things: Cuddly soft sweatshirt display, belly rubs, patrolling the winery grounds and vegetable fields, showing off for visitors, being the official greeter at the tasting room

3031 Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande 805-489-0446 www.talleyvineyards.com Hours: 10:30am – 4:30pm daily

If you see me… I expect you to share your picnic lunch (never mind that I have 4 teeth), don’t be afraid to pet me, I’ll always be ready for my closeup.

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