Central Coast Edition - March 19,2008

8/14/2019 Central Coast Edition - March 19,2008

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CENTRAL COAST:S E R V I N G S A N L U I S O B I S

& S A N T A B A R B A R A C O U N T I

winecountrythisweek.com EASY-TO-FOLLOW WINERY MMARCH 20, 2

WINE TOURS VIP

PAGE 8

WINEMAKER PROFILE:

TALLEY VINEYARDS

PAGE 10

MAMA'S MEATBALL

PAGE 13

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YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVEN

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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK ATTRACTIO

www.winecountrythisweek.com


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TABLE OF CONTENTS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ON THE COVER

Claiborne & Churchill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

WINE TASTING IN DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PASO ROBLES WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SAN LUIS OBISPO WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SANTA MARIA VALLEY WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SOLVANG, LOS OLIVOS, SANTA YNEZ WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . 3

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

LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-3

PUBL ISH ING EVERY OTHER WEEK!

MARCH 20, 2008 ISSUE 2 VOLUME2

CEN TRA L COA S T:

ADVERSTISING/MARKETING Sarah FlickingerDIRECTOR San Luis Obispo, CA

Phone 805-252-5440

[email protected]

PUBLISHER Dan Zimmerman

Direct 707-938-3734

[email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant

P.O. Box 92, El Verano, CA 95433

Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674

[email protected]

CALENDAR EDITOR Maria Olascoaga

Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax707-938-3674

[email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER Cathy GorePhone 707-938-3494 / Fax 707-938-3674

Email [email protected]

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Leah Kolt, Len Napolitano,

Mark Storer, Janis Switzer

S E R V I N G S A N L U I S O B I S P

& S A N T A B A R B A R A C O U N T I E

4

Going to Northern California Wine Country?Look forWINE COUNTRYTHISWEEK at wineries, hotels, conciergedesks, car rentals, restaurants, high-end grocery stores and more!


FEATU

RE

ST

ORY

8

W

INE

COUNTRY

EVENTS

24

ON

THE

COVER

12

Leslie Mead,Talley Vineyards

Leslie Mead,Talley Vineyards

Wine Tours VIPWine Tours VIP

Claiborne & ChurchillClaiborne & Churchill

Concerts at Castoro CellarsConcerts at Castoro Cellars

W

INE

M

AKER

PROFILE

10

PASO

ROBLES

BACK

ROADS

27


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6/36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

PASO ROBLES

ONGOING

Estrella Warbird Museum

Fascinating collection of military aircrafts10am-4pm, 805-227-0440, Paso Robleswww.ewarbirds.org

## ONGOING

Vina Robles Winery SummerConcert Series 2008

805-369-0140, www.vinarobles.com

Paso Robles

May 23: Violin and Guitar Duo

June 27: Usonia Jazz Band

July 25: D. Voss Jazz Trio

August 22: San Luis Jazz

Sept 26: Sugar Daddy Swing Kings

Oct 24: Sean Wiggins

## ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

Wine Tasting at Vinoteca Wine Bar

Local winemaker featured each week.

5:30-8pm, 805-227-7154, Paso Robles

www.vinotecawinebar.com.

March 26: RN Estate

April 2: Tablas CreekApril 23: B & E Vineyards

April 30: Anglim Winery

ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Gourmet Pairings at Meridian Vineyards

Try gourmet food paired with fine wine12-5pm, $5, 805-226-7133, Paso Robleswww.meridianvineyards.com

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Templeton Farmers Market

Fresh fruit, flowers & vegetables

9am-12:30pm, 805-239-6535, Templeton

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Paso Robles Farmers Market

Country farm arts and crafts market

8am-12:30pm, 805-237-9254, Paso Robles

## ONGOINGArt Exhibits at Castoro Cellars

10am-5pm, 888-DAM-FINE, Templeton

www.castorocellars.com

March: Maeve Croghan

April: Tiles & Paintings by Pomm

## ONGOING THURSDAYS

Vina Robles Ballroom Dance Classes

Learn to dance & show what you have learned

during the social dancehour!

10am-5pm, 805-369-0140, Paso Robles

Vina RoblesHospitality Center, www.vinarobles.com

6-7pm, $10 wine club members/$12 non-members

March: Rumba & Waltz

April: Cha-Cha & Tango

May: Samba & Mambo

June: Swing & Foxtrot

July: Rumba & Waltz

August: Cha-Cha & Tango

Sept: Samba & Mambo

Oct: Swing & Foxtrot

ONGOING

Painting Exhibits at Villicana Winery

Enjoy fine art work along with fine wines


## MARCH 22-23

Midlife Crisis Winery Easter Egg Hunt

Midlife Crisis Winery will be celebrating Easter

with a fun & exciting Easter Egg hunt at its

downtown Paso Robles tasting room.


## MARCH 22

Cinders Blues Band at Vihuela Winery

Great music & fine wines

5-8pm, 805-226-2010, Paso Robles

www.vihuelawinery.com

email: [email protected]

## MARCH 22

Easter Egg Hunt for Grownups at Chumeia

Who said kids should have all the fun for

Easter? Find eggs filled with discounts &surprises. 12-4pm, 888-343-9445, Paso Robles

www.chumeiawinery.com

## MARCH 29

Castoro Cellars Indoor Concert

Pierre Bensusan

7:30pm, $20, Paso Robles, 888-DAM-FINE


APRIL 4

Black Sheep Gourmet Foods at Meridian

Enjoy samples of "Hot Stuff for Cool Folks"

12-5pm, $5, 805-226-7133, Paso Robles

www.meridianvineyards.com

APRIL 4-6

Cental Coast Equine Experience

3 day horse fair with clinics, products & more.805-237-0011, Paso Robles

APRIL 11-13

Cattlemens Western Art Show

Fifty artists from all over the USA & Canada

exhibit & sell their unique Western art

Various schedules, Paso Robles

www.cattlemenswesternartshow.com

APRIL 11

Tax Revolt Weekend at the Wineries of

Highway 46 West

Join the Highway 46 West Wineries while they

celebrate a special weekend of no sales tax!

www.paso46westwineries.com

## APRIL 11

Highway 46 West Friday Night

Wine and Cheese

The Highway 46 West Wineries will gather at

Midnight Cellars Winery and will be tasting the

award winning wines paired with selections of

artisan cheese. $15 pp/ $25 couple

805-239-8904, Paso Robles

## APRIL 12

"Winemaker of the Year"

Blending Session at Castoro

Learn the art of blending from the winemakers

$85, 888-DAM-FINE, Templeton


## APRIL 12

Turkish Night at Falcon Nest Winery

Enjoy a delicious Turkish 4 course dinner with

Turkish music and belly dancers too.7pm, $25, 805-226-0227, Paso Robles

## APRIL 19

Tax Relief Weekend at Midlife Crisis Winery

Midlife Crisis Winery will be celebrating the tax

season with great wine tastings & pairings.


## APRIL 25

Friday Night Sunset Wine Down

Unwind with a glass of wine & a gourmet sand-

wich out on the garden terrace as you listen to

the music of Elise Taylor & watch the sun go down

6-9pm, $20pp, RSVP, 805-239-1616, Paso Robles

www.roberthallwinery.com

CAYUCOS AND MORRO BAY

ONGOING FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves

Art, crafts, childrens activities, music & more

on beautiful bluffs overlooking the ocean

10am-4pm, 805-704-8128, Pismo Beach

www.pismochamber.com

ONGOING

Central Coast Outdoor Day Hikes

Sat/Sun, 888-873-5610, Morro Baywww.centralcoastoutdoors.com

ONGOING

Art Demonstrations by Fine Artists

Non-profit art gallery exhibit of local artists

7pm, 805-772-2504, Morro Bay

www.morrobayartassociation.org

ONGOING

Adventures with Nature

Docent guided walks

Morro Bay State Park Museum

of Natural History, 805-772-2694, www.ccnha.org

Various hikes at various times including; Fast Hike

to Coon Creek, Whites Point Vistas, Black Hill

Trail, Sand Spit Walk and Ocean Lagoon.

ONGOING SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Morro Bay Embarcadero Art WalkArt galleries open house receptions

5-8pm, 805-772-1068, Morro Bay

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Fishermen & Farmers Market in Morro Bay

Fresh seasonal fruit, crafts & musicians

3-6pm, 800-231-0592, Morro Bay

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ONGOING

Christopher Cohan Center

Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

805-756-2787, www.pacslo.org

Mar 20: Noche Flemenca

Mar 21 & 22: High School Musical

ONGOING

The San Luis Obispo Art CenterPermanent collection and constantly rotating

exhibits of works by local artists in all media

paintings, sculpture, photography and more.

11am-5pm, 805-543-8562, San Luis Obispo

Ongoing through March: Caution: Art Zone

www.sloartcenter.org

ONGOING

Kelrick at Unity

San Luis Obispo, 805-543-PLAY

March 21-23: High School Musical

April 26-May 18: Beauty & the Beast

ONGOING SECOND SUNDAY

Dallidet Adobe & Gardens

Oldest house in the city of San Luis ObispoSite of first commercial winery in the area.

10am-1pm, 805-543-0638, San Luis Obispowww.slochs.org/dallidet

ONGOING

Lectures & Art at

California Polytechnic State University

805-756-1511, San Luis Obispowww.calpolynews.calpoly.edu

ONGOING

San Luis Obispo Little Theatre

805-786-2440, www.slolittletheatre.org

ONGOING

Automobilia Museum

Specialty cars, toy cars & airplanes along withmany other antiques relating to transportation10am-5pm, 805-544-1900, San Luis Opispo

ONGOING THROUGH MAY 20

Hearst Castle, Evening Tours

Experience evening reflections from the 1930s$30, 800-444-4445, San Luis Obispowww.hearstcastle.com


Art Gallery Events Art After Dark

Various art galleries stay open late & host

artist receptions with wine & cheese.

5-9pm, 805-544-9251, San Luis Obispo

www.sloartcouncil.org

ONGOING

San Luis Obispo Art Center Show

Constantly rotating exhibits in all media

11am-5pm, 805-481-3991, San Luis Obispo

www.sloartcenter.org

## ONGOING TUESDAYS

2-oz. Tuesdays at Taste

Weekly drink specials

10am-9pm, 805-269-TASTE

San Luis Obispo, www.taste-slo.com

## ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

Wine Down Wednesdays at Taste

Tastings with the winemaker

10am-9pm, 805-269-TASTE

San Luis Obispo, www.taste-slo.com

ONGOING SUNDAYS

Art on the Beach at Avila Beach

Artists paint & present their work

10am, 805-238-4103, Avila Beach Pier

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Wine Tasting at The Loading Dock

Live music, wine and food

7-10pm, $5, 805-934-3471, San Luis Obispo

ONGOING

A Murder Mystery Dinner

Enjoy a parody of The Golden Girls

with a delicious dinner, wine and laughter

5pm, 805-489-3875, Spyglass Restaurant

Shell Beach, www.murderinmind.com

APRIL 4

San Luis Obispo County Agricultural TasForce Annual BBQ 2008

Great BBQ, exciting auction, lots of wine & m5pm, $45, 805-547-1024, San Luis Obispo

APRIL 11-12

Scenes from Strauss

Cal Polys Opera Workshop perform scenes Strauss' "Die Fiedermaus"8pm, $10, 805-756-2787, San Luis Obispowww.calpoly.edu

APRIL 12

Childrens Day in the Plaza

Fun day rides, games, petting farm and mo10am-3pm, 805-782-7280, San Luis Obispo

APRIL 12

Saturday in the Garden

Master gardeners, landscapers & garden w

share their knowledge1-4pm, 805-546-3501, San Luis Obispo

APRIL 18-19

Poly Royal - Cal Polys Open House

Learn about Cal Poly as students show whatheyre learning. Event includes food, floweshows, engineering exhibits, rodeos and mo10am-5pm, 805-756-1111, San Luis Obispohttp://studentlife.calpoly.edu/ohs/98

APRIL 20

Wine & Food Interaction at Edna Valley

Learn how to utilize the characteristics of to balance the components of the wine.2-7pm, $5, 805-544-5855, San Luis Obispowww.ednavalley.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

www.winecountrythisweek.com6


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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK CALENDAR OF EVEN

ARROYO GRANDE

ONGOING

Visit Historic Buildings in Arroyo Grande

Sat 12-3pm, Sun 1-4pm, 805-473-5077

Arroyo Grande

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Arroyo Grande Farmers Market

Farm fresh produce, music, arts & crafts

12-2:30pm, 805-473-2250, Arroyo Grande

www.arroyograndevillage.org

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

Learn How to Make Ice Cream

Enjoy a 30 minute skit about ice cream

where you help create new flavors.

7pm, Arroyo Grande, 805-474-4068

www.docburnsteins.com

ONGOING

Clarke Center for Performing Arts

805-489-9444, Arroyo Grande

www.clarkcenter.org Mar 29: The Wonder Bread Years April 10: Best of Hollywood April 19: Barbershop After Dark

April 20: Dancing in the Moonlight

SANTA MARIA/FOXEN CANYON

ONGOING

Santa Maria Valley Railroad

805-922-7941, Santa Maria, www.smvrr.com

Elegant excursions featuring five star gourmet meals

ONGOING MONDAYS

Wine Tasting at Wine Cottage Bistro

Featuring regional & varietal tastings

5-6pm, $20, 805-934-4546, Santa Maria

ONGOING

Serverson Theatre

805-922-8313, Santa Maria

ongoing through April 12: Art

March 28-April 20: Life x3

MARCH 30

Choo Chew Sunday at the

Bitter Creek Western Live Steam RailroadEnjoy unlimited train rides & BBQ

10am-4pm, $15 adult/ $6 Child, 805-714-4927

Santa Maria, www.smvrhm.org

APRIL 5

Santa Maria Railroad Speed Run

Beautifully restored railroad railbus #9 leads

an excursion out of town. BBQ & discounts too.

805-922-7941, Santa Maria, www.smvrr.com

## APRIL 19-20

Open House at Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Enjoy current, new releases, library wines

hors d'oeuvres, live music and more!

11am-5pm, 805-782-0425, Santa Maria

www.volkwines.com

SANTA MARGARITA

APRIL 19

Earth Day Food & Wine Festival

A celebration featuring earth friendly cuisine,

sustainably produced wines, live entertainment

& exhibits highlighting inovative products

1-5pm, 805-369-2288, Santa Margarita

Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia

www.earthdayfoodandwine.com

LOS OLIVOS


Wildling Art Museum - Free Friday Flicks

Free movie & snacks with discussion afterwards

7pm, 805-688-1082, Los Olivos

www.wildlingmuseum.org

ONGOING FIRST TUESDAY

Wine and Art at Los Olivos caf

5-7pm, 805-688-7265, Los Olivos

www.losolivoscafe.com

ONGOING

Understanding Your Palate at Los Olivos Caf

Wine tasting & hors doeuvres

5pm, $15, 805-688-7265, Los Olivos

www.losolivoscafe.com

Mar 27: Tuscan Tasting Journey

April 16: Carhartt April 23: John Alan Winery

April 24: New Zealand Tasting Journey

April 30: Palmina Winery

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

An Evening with the Winemaker at Los Olivos Caf

Wine tasting & hors doeuvres. 5pm, $15

805-688-7265, www.losolivoscafe.com

Mar 26: Whitcraft Winery

April 2: Blair Fox Cellars

April 9: Ken Brown Wines

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Global Gardens Organic Food Tasting

Enjoy delicious organic tastings

10am-2pm, $3, Los Olivos, 805-693-1600

www.globalgardensgifts.com

ONGOING THURSDAYSFess Parkers Wine Country Sing Along

Sing along with Fess & Marcy, 8:30-10:30pm

805-688-7788, Los Olivos, www.syvva.com

SANTA YNEZ

ONGOING MONDAYS

Maverick Saloon Blind Draw Darts

Santa Barbara Darts Association

Enjoy BBQ and Darts, 7pm, 805-686-4785

Santa Ynez, www.mavericksaloon.org

ONGOING

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum

and Parks - Janeway Carriage House

Exhibits from Chumash period through early

20th century ranch days

12-4pm, 805-688-7889, Santa Ynez

www.santaynezvalleymuseum.org

SECOND THURSDAY

Wine Impressions at Artiste

Join fellow wine lovers for a blind tasting,

sensory evaluation, & discussion by region

7-9pm, 805-686-2626, Santa Ynez

www.artiste.com

ONGOING

Chumash Casino Concerts

800-585-3737, Santa Ynez

www.chumashcasino.com

March 21: ShoXC

March 27: Carole King

April 3: Tanya Tucker

April 10: Julio Iglesias

April 17: Boz Scaggs

April 24: Kenny Rogers

ONGOING

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk

Naturalists lead walk on the Oak Canyon Trail

10-11:30am, $6, 805-688-4515, Santa Ynez Park

www.cachuma.com

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

Jazz on the Deck at Vineyard House

Live music and fine food

6:30pm, $2, 805-688-2886, Santa Ynez

www.thevineyardhouse.com

ONGOING

Art Exhibit at Artiste Winery

11am-5pm, 805-686-2626, www.artiste.com

MARCH 28

"La Buena Vida" Artiste Art & Wine Dinner

at the Ballard Inn

Celebrate "the good life " at this decadent

wine dinner featuring the culinary artistry of

Chef Budi Kazali, Santa Ynez, www.artiste.com

Limited to 40 guests, RSVP at 805-686-2626

MARCH 28-29

Dance Lessons at Maverick Saloon

www.mavericksaloon.org, Santa Ynez

Dance lessons & live country western & rockmusic all night long. 805-686-47856:45: Dance Lessons8:30: Country Western Music11:30: Rock, Hip Hop & more

MARCH 29

Imbibers Club Open House

at Buttonwood Winery

Open to all Imbibers Club members and theirguests and enjoy barrel samples of the new2007 reds & new 2007 whites too.12-3pm, 805-688-3032, Santa Ynez

APRIL 9

Country Joe McDonald

5:30pm, 805-688-0383, Santa Ynezwww.talesfromthetavern.com/calendar

LOMPOCONGOING SATURDAYS

Olde Towne Market in Lompoc

Great food, wine & music, Lompoc

805-736-4567, www.lompocrecord.com

APRIL 19

Santa Barbara Country Vintners Festival

More than 80 wineries & restaurants servingexciting tastes and flavors. Wine lovers fromnear and far come to meet member vintners,taste their wines and enjoy great food andmusic in a festive outdoor environment.1-4pm, 805-688-0881, River Parkwww.sbcountywine.com, Lompoc

SOLVANG

ONGOING

Quicksilver Miniature Horse FarmVisit Solvang horse farm with beautiful vistas

10am3pm, 805-686-4002, Solvang

ONGOING

Solvang Farmers Market

Fresh produce, flowers and foods, 3-7pm

Solvang , 805-962-5354, www.solvangca.com

ONGOING WEEKENDS

Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise

Guided 2 hour cruise with wildlife and geology

$15, 805-686-505, Cachuma Lake

www.cachuma.com

ONGOING

Elverhoj Museum of History & Art

805-686-1211, Solvang, www.elverhoj.orgOngoing through April 6:

Artists Books Made Here at ElverhojAll aspects of the objects of books805-686-1211, Solvang , www.elverhoj.org

APRIL 2

Hans Christian Andersen

203rd Birthday Celebration

View a Hans Christian Anderson museum at theBook Loft. 805-688-2052, Solvangwww.bookloftsolvang.com

SANTA BARBARA

ONGOING

Arlington Theatre

805-963-4408, Santa Barbara Apr 13: Eddie Vedder Apr 15, 16, 17: Cats

ONGOING SUNDAYS

Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show

Featuring all types of art, crafts & jewelry10am6pm, 805-897-1982, East Beach Pierwww.sbaacs.com

ONGOING TUESDAYS

Discussions & Coffee Tastings

Get insider info on up & coming books, music anmovies with coffe tasting too, Santa Barbara805-899-3659, 3pm, Borders, Books & Musi

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Wine Tasting with the Winemakers

4-7pm, 805-691-1020, East Beach WinesSanta Barbara, www.eastbeachwine.com

ONGOING FRIDAYS

Wine & Cheese Pairings at East Beach W

Enjoy delicious pairings & new selections each w4-7pm, $10, 805-899-1535, Santa Barbarawww.eastbeachwines.com

ONGOING

Trout Fishing & Wildlife Walks

at Cachuma Lake

Enjoy fishing (with trout brought in) & excelwildlife viewing from bald eagles to mule de805-686-5055, Santa Barbara, www.sbparks.

ONGOING

Touristorica Historic Downtown Walking Guided stroll - experience Santa Barbaras 10am-12pm, 805-965-6307, Santa Barbara

ONGOING

Lectures & Readings at the

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

805-962-8404, Santa Barbara, www.sbmm

ONGOING SATURDAYS

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk

1 mile walk for all ages on the Oak Canyon 10-11:30am, 805-688-4515, Santa BarbaraCachuma Lake Nature Centerwww.cachuma.com

ONGOING

Art Workshops for Children at Art from S

Fun workshops where kids reuse all sorts o

materials to make fun works of art!Tues-Sat, 10am-2pm, $6, 805-884-0459www.artfromscrap.org

ONGOING FIRST THURSDAYS

First Thursday

Art, cultural events and fine wine tasting!

5-8pm, 805-962-2098, various venues in

downtown Santa Barbara

www.santabarbaradowntown.com

ONGOING

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

805-963-4364, www.sbma.net Ongoing through May 11: From Geisha to GhLeading Ladies of Japanese Woodblock print

ONGOING

Lobero Theatre

805-966-4946, Santa Barbara

www.loberotheatre.com Mar 21: The 3rd Annual "Cash for the Coa Mar 22: Jake Armerding Mar 22: A Spring Concert

ONGOING

Planetarium Shows at

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural Histor

805-682-4711, www.sbnature.com Exploring the Spring Sky Cosmic Safari Secrets of the Cardboard Rocket

ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 20

The Syringa Tree at the Alhecama Theat

A tale of sweeping political upheaval$28-$40, 8pm, 805-965-5400, Santa Barba



8/36

WINE COUNTRY NEWS WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK


by Charles Neave

sk anyone who has ever spent a day

touring and tasting at wineries, or been

to a wedding, and the one luxuryeveryone would agree on when it comes to

what would make the day even more perfect,

and the answer would be: have someone else

do the driving. And the perfect way to end the

day? A sunset cruise on a classic motor yacht

of course. Wine Tours VIP, based in Paso

Robles, is in the unique position to provide it

all, from start to a spectacular finish.

With a fleet of six limousines transporta-

tion, enough for an entire wedding party or

any corporate event, the result is assured.

And with a 72-foot yacht at your disposal,

events on both land and sea can be catered to

in high style. Add to that a staff that is knowl-

edgeable, flexible, concerned, friendly and

professional and you have Wine Tours VIP, a

new company that was two years in the

making.

In addition to the limousines, there is also

a gleaming 22-foot Mercedes Airstream motor

limousine (one of just a hundred made) that

accommodates six people in style and

comfort, with six feet of headroom and all the

amenities you can imagine. A supply of three

types of sparkling wine, bottled waters,

chilled espresso, soda, three different beers,snacks (can you ever have too many

cashews?) and even chocolates are a part of

the provisioning in the Mercedes Airstream

motor limousine. There is also surround

sound and guests are welcome to plug in their

own iPods.

They all say Ill be back and that is a great

compliment. I love what I do and I think that

translates to the experience people have with

us. We treat people like royalty, said Don

Gould, owner of Wine Tours VIP. We aretruly a door-to-door service, which means

that we provide a complete service from the

moment our guests meets us until we drop

them off at their home or hotel.

I introduce them to the people at the

winery, arrange for private tours and tastings,

anything they want. I totally enjoy meeting

new people and making sure that they have

fun while they are with us.

To continue your luxury adventure onto

the seven seas, The Papagallo II is a spaci

and classic Motor Yacht. We will stop at

of our selected wineries first. Then, you w

sit down to an elegant luncheon or sun

dinner which includes five special coumade just for you by our executive chef. Y

will have special wines paired with e

course. Enjoy a scenic tour to the yac

gourmet foods, specialty wines and the u

mate in hospitality. This exclusive Ya

Luncheon or Sunset Dinner cruise wit

professional wine pairing is in the beaut

Morro Bay.

This private classic motor yacht lunch

or sunset dinner cruise with wine pairin

about five to six hours long, from timepick-up to the final drop-off. And they h

also had people married on the yacht,

have used their limousines to make sure

everyone in the wedding party arrives

time. It is all part of making an already spe

day even more memorable.

For more information or to book reser

tions, contact Wine Tours VIP at (805) 2

5920, or go ahead and look them up on

Internet at www.winetoursvip.com.

WINE TOURSVIPA New Level of Luxury along the Central Coast

A


9/36



Paso Robles

Kruse WeekThe City of Paso Robles has

announced plans to launch a

Memorial Day weekend event,

Paso Robles Kruse Week 2008.

Created in coordination with

Estrella Associates, Inc, the

event will feature a live and

internet auction of collector

cars, entertainment, community

events and more.

The five-day automotive-

themed Kruse Week will kickoff on Friday, May 23, with a car

auction to be held at River Oaks

Hot Springs Spa. The auction

launches a lively five days of

entertainment and activities.

Were very pleased about

the way this event is coming

together, said City Manager Jim

App. Were looking forward

to keeping the community

informed as we finalize our

plans for an exciting Kruse

Week schedule.

Kruse International is one of

the worlds leading collector car

auction firms. Among other

major sales, the Kruse family is

noted for conducting the $41

million sellout of the famous

William F. Harrah automotive

collection in the mid-eighties.

Bringing Kruse to Paso

Robles for this major event is anincredibly exciting prospect,

said Estrella CEO, Dick Will-

hoit. We are proud to help the

City create a signature event

setting a new standard for Paso

Robles.

For more information,

contact Paso Robles City Event

Manager Freda Berman at (805)

237-4134.


10/36



by Leah Kolt

The Arroyo Grande winegrowing region

of the California Central Coast has a

climate and soils very similar to those

of its famous French cousin Burgundy.

While Burgundys northern-latitude loca-tion keeps high temperatures at bay, the

Arroyo Grande AVA owes its micro-climate to

an east-west orientation, which allows

cooling fogs from the nearby Pacific Ocean to

drift directly into the vineyards.

As a result, the same great grapes love both

areas.

No wonder Don Talley decided to plant

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the steep hill-

sides above his familys vegetable farmland in

the early 80s.Burgundy has influenced Talleys wine-

making in another way, with its minimalist

approach a strong belief in terroir, with as

little manipulation as possible during the

winemaking process, allowing a sense of

place to infuse their distinctive wines.

It takes a winemaker with a light hand and

a sense of restraint to resist the invasive tech-

niques so many California wineries succumb

to.

We try to capture the individual expres-

sion of each of our vineyards, says Leslie

Mead, appointed Talley winemaker in

January of 2007, after serving as an enologist

there since 2005. Her background also

includes working in a water quality labora-

tory in the forestry industry.Morphing from water quality analyst into

winemaker was a complete happy accident

for her. I just happened to see a newspaper

ad for a lab technician at a winery in Calav-

eras County, she explained. She jumped at

the chance, later picking up production

management experience at another vineyard.

Was it hard for someone with such a tech-

nical and analytical mind to adapt to the

traditional methods of Burgundy? Not at all.

In fact, I have embraced working with OldWorld winemaking techniques, she says.

And there is plenty of proof the techniques

work well at Talley, with numerous ratings in

the 90s for their wines, as well as praise from

the likes of Robert Parker arguably the

countrys best-known wine critic who has

referred to Talley as the superstar producer

of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the Central

Coast and one of the finest Pinot Noir

producers in California.

Other factors help Talley garner th

accolades, such as quality control and con

tency, according to Mead. And she doe

just mean consistent weather. Good busin

practices contribute, as well.

The vineyard workers, who all started f

at Talley farms, are long-term employees

the family business. And the pickers are a

the sorters. So when they see which gra

we discard during sorting, they know w

not to pick the next day, she said.

Compartmentalization is another key

quality and consistency, she added. We k

all lots separated right up until we make

final blending decisions. We even have lot

small as a barrels worth.

And what about a winemakers life, w

shes outside the lab and the barrel roo

Mead heads up a literacy center at the win

to help the field workers learn to speak, re

and write in English. I love the way Ta

gives back to its workers, she said.

Talley Vineyards is located at 3031 Lo

Drive in Arroyo Grande and is open d

from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more in

mation, call (805) 489-0446 or visit

website at www.talleyvineyards.com

Winemaker Profile:Talley Vineyards

LESLIEMEAD


11/36

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK WINE COUNTRY NEW


In the spirit of Earth Day, the Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT)

announced that its Earth Day Food & Wine Festival will be a waste

free event, held on April 19 at Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia

in Santa Margarita.The food provided by more than 40 local farmers and restaurants

will be served on and with recyclable and compostable plates, bowls,

forks and spoons. Guests will be asked to drink water from their glass,

thus avoiding the use of individual plastic bottles. Appropriate

disposal containers, provided by San Luis Obispo Integrated Waste

Management Authority, will be accessible throughout the event. A

team of volunteers will be on site, managing the recycling and

composting project and answering any questions guests may have.

The events program is produced using paper with 100% post-

consumer recycled content and the entertainment stage is solar

powered, compliments of Pacific Energy Company. Ticketholders who

carpool with four or more in a vehicle, will receive premium parkingspaces. In addition, ride share options will be available throughout the

county.

By reducing the disposable materials and carefully selecting the

products that we are using based on their ability to be recycled or

composted, there wont be any trash going into the landfill from this

event. With a bit of planning and effort, and a few changes, were able

to make a big impact on the footprint that we have, and we are v

proud of that, said Kris OConnor, Executive Director of the Cen

Coast Vineyard Team.

The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is an intimate celebratfeaturing earth friendly cuisine, sustainably produced wines,

entertainment and educational exhibits highlighting innovative pr

ucts. The food and wine featured are grown on local Central Co

farms committed to innovative practices that protect both our natu

resources and communities. Proceeds support sustainable agricul

research and farmworker outreach programs conducted by the Cen

Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT), a local 501(c)3 non-profit organizat

For more information visit www.EarthDayFoodandWine.com

call (805) 369-2288.

Earth Day Food & Wine Festival to Leave Minimal Footprin


12/36


12www.winecountrythisweek.com

Its an old clich in the wine industry that

great wines are made in the vineyard.

Like most clichs, this is only half true, but

everyone acknowledges that you cant make agood wine from bad grapes.

What, then, does a winery do that does not

farm its own grapes?

We posed that question to Clay Thompson

who, with his wife Fredericka, owns Clai-

borne & Churchill, a boutique winery in San

Luis Obispos Edna Valley. Claiborne &

Churchill has been making quality wines from

purchased grapes for twenty-five years. They

are especially known for their pioneering

(since 1983) focus on alternative whitessuch as Dry Riesling, Dry Gewurztraminer,

Dry Muscat and Pinot Gris.

Clay stresses the advantages of making

wine from purchased grapes. Because the

winery is not dependent on a single crop, it is

less vulnerable to the whims of mother nature.

A greater flexibility means that production can

be tailored to meet market demands, and

allows a bit of experimentation with new

grapes and new wines.

But what about consistency of style and

quality?

Its all about relationships, says Clay. We

seek out growers who share the same values as

we do, and we develop and maintain a close

and trusting relationship with them. Its a

community effort.Typically these relationships are long-term.

Clay has been buying premium Riesling and

Gewurztraminer from the same vineyard since

1988. We dont tell them how to grow it, he

says, but they know what we like and we

know theyll deliver it.

Perhaps the most telling example of this

philosophy is found in one of Claiborne &

Churchills super-premium Pinot Noirs, the

Twin Creeks. The origin of this wine goes

back to the year 2000, when a group of hom

owners on nearby Twin Creeks Way came

the winery seeking a buyer for their f

harvest of Pinot Noir. Each of thgentleman farmers had planted a few ac

of that grape on their property. They sha

the vineyard management and wanted to f

a winery that would work with them to tu

their fruit into first-class wine.

With an exclusive right to these gra

Claiborne & Churchill produced its f

Twin Creeks Pinot Noir in 2001, a powe

wine with its own unique flavor profile.

turn, the growers became part of the C

borne & Churchill family, says Clay. W

work together to maintain and impro

quality, and they are welcome on the cru

pad, in the wine cellar, and last but not le

at our celebratory harvest dinners!

The Claiborne & Churchill winery a

tasting room is located at 2649 Carpen

Canyon Road (Hwy 227), San Luis Obis

and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. T

telephone number is (805) 544-4066 a

their website is www.claibornechurchill.co

CLAIBORNE & CHURCHILLA Community Effort

ClayThompsonwithTwinCreeksgrower

LarryMeekinfrontofhisvineyardandhome


13/36

HOPPES GARDEN BISTRO & WINE SHOP

The most highly acclaimed restaurant and Wine Shop on theCentral Coast. Recognized for Chef Wilhelm Hoppes seasonally

inspired menu, hand-selected wine list with a beautiful garden

and historical setting. Offering a wide range of menu items -

from wild game to prime meats and vegetarian/vegan items.

78 N. Ocean Avenue Wednesday-Sunday 11am-10pm

www.hoppesbistro.com 805.995.1006

C A Y U C O S

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 RESTAURANTNOVOs international flavors are the leading ingre

dients in an exotic dining experience. Brazilia

Mediterranean and Asian flavors awaken th

senses. In house roasted spices for currie

mixtures and marinades balanced with cris

seasonal vegetables and savory meats. Explore.

726 Higuera Street Open Daily from 11am

805-543-3986 www.novorestaurant.com

ROBIN'S RESTAURANT

Located in the historic east village of Cambria, in a

charming vintage home, Robins has been delighting locals

& visitors with quality fresh eclectic menu of international

foods and gracious service for 24 years. We also have a

beautiful garden for small weddings & special events.

Open daily from 11am. Sunday Brunch specials &

monthly Prix Fixe dinners. Easter & Mothers Day Brunch.

4095 Burton Dr. www.robinsrestaurant.com (805) 927-5007

S A N L U I S O B I S P O

C A M B R I A

WI NE COUNTRY THIS WEE

PREFERRED RESTAURANT

by Charles Neave

One pretty reliable way tofind out just how good the

food at a local restaurant is, isto ask somebody in the

restaurant business. Ask a

bartender, a waiter, anyone infact, what they think of Mamas meatballs in San Luis Obispo

and their lips begin to quiver, their eyes roll towards theheavens, they sigh; that is how good Mamas Meatball is.

Set in a small courtyard off of one of the towns main streets,

in a place called the Old Creamery, Mamas Meatball is actuallydivided in two. On the right is the take-out where people line up

to get their orders of meatballs and more. To the left, fronted bya huge-trunked tree and a water fountain, is the intimate restau-rant with its mural of the Mediterranean across the back.

Meatballs aside, the restaurant, under owner and chef NicolaAllegretta, offers a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, many

of them now available in smaller sizes as well, a bow to the

economy and his customers wishes. Among them are half adozen soups, a long list of salads (including grilled salmon and

a refreshing pear and gorgonzola), some wonderful antipasto

choices, both hot and cold paninis (including, of course, onemade with meatballs), more pasta dishes than there is space here

to share (though the Ravioli di Pollo all Vodka homemade

ravioli filled with chicken and served in a vodka sauce cannotgo unmentioned).

There is also a heady selection ofmeat and fish dishes (even a Rack of

Lamb al Barolo with roasted potatoes

and a rich wine sauce, just as thename suggest) as well as any number

of traditional and specialty pizzas(now available in two sizes) and some

far too-tempting desserts. And every-

thing on their seasonal menus usesthe freshest ingredients. Since all of

this good food is going to build up a thirst, there is also a niceselection of beer and wine available in the restaurant.

Mamas Meatball is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day

except Sunday. They are located in the Old Creamery plaza at570 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. They are also known for

their very popular catering services, which work with groups

(including weddings) of every type and size. Their telephonenumber is (805) 544-0861 and they are on the Internet at

www.MamasMeatball.com. Watch for their new locationopening the first week in April at 325 Pier Avenue, in Oceano,

(805) 473-2383.


MAMAS MEATBALL


14/36



Wineologyby Len NapolitanoINTELLIGENCE FOR THE WINE CONSUMER

Len Napolitano lives in Central Coast wine country and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spiri

Education Trust, and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent contact with California wine-

makers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com . Send your questions about wine to:

[email protected] or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a regis

tered trademark of Len Napolitano.

What is a hot wine?Despite its connotation for things that are trendy, happening and in demand, when app

to wine, the word hot is definitely not one that makes winemakers feel warm and fuzzy.

A hot wine is one whose alcohol content is over the top. Along with other component

of fruitiness, tannin and acidity, alcohol is a necessary part of every great wine, but when it

dominates a wines impact on the palate, it causes a burning sensation on the tongue, or lip

or on the whole palate. When severe, it can be quite jarring to the unsuspecting wine drink

Of all the components that make up a bottle of wine, alcohol is perhaps the one that

makes the biggest impact in the final product. Because, by manipulating the amount of

alcohol in the wine, a winemaker can give a dry wine an impression of sweetness, or make

thin wine feel more full-bodied.

There are ways in which a wines alcohol level can be manipulated one takes place

outside in the vineyard and the other inside the winery.

In the vineyard, grapes that are left longer on the vine before picking, that is, increasing

hang time, will naturally develop more sugar. And its the sugar inside the grapes that get

converted into alcohol during fermentation. So, if you start fermentation with a high

percentage of sugar content in the juice, you end up with more alcohol when the fermenta

tion finishes.

In the past five to ten years, the amount of alcohol in wines has quietly been creeping

upwards. Not long ago, the average Chardonnay contained 11.5%-12.5% alcohol, but toda

its quite normal to see 13.0% or more. And the issue is not limited to just Chardonnay. Fro

Fum Blanc to Zinfandel, the trend is evident in most California wines.

Its hard to determine if the wine producers are simply responding to consumer demand

for more robust wines or acting on a desire to imitate the higher alcohol levels in wines tha

have been consistently getting highest scores from many respected wine critics and publica

tions. Whichever the reason, the trend is something the wine consumer should be concern

with. However, some wine producers are making an effort to control the growth of high-

alcohol wines.

Inside the winery, winemakers who feel that a wine doesnt necessarily get better with

more alcohol take steps to actually reduce the alcohol content in wines that ferment to exce

sive heights. A mechanical process, called spinning cone technology, can be used to remove

pre-determined amount of alcohol from wine in order to make it more balanced, food-

friendly and exhibit more noticeable delicacy and nuance.


15/36


www.winecountrythisweek.com 1

Weekend of Double Decadence:

Chocolate & Wine, April 19-20

Come to Sylvester Winery for A Day of Double Decadence.Enjoy the finest chocolates in the world with Sylvesters finest wines.

Chocolate with wine pairing is $5 per person, or free for wine club

members. For more information, call 1-800-891-6055 or send an

email to [email protected].

While youre there, be sure to take an extra few minutes to explore

the classic railcars on display, including 2 vintage Pullman sleepers

and a dining car. These cars are a tribute to a bygone era of luxury

rail travel.

The spacious tasting room offers hospitality, hand crafted wines

to taste and a gourmet foods shop. Also available are many unique

gift items including crystal, wine accessories and logo apparel. Enjoy

the expansive views of the vineyards and nearby mountain rangewith a picnic basket or with a sampling of our large assortment of

gourmet meats and cheeses.

Sylvester Vineyards is located at 5115 Buena Vista Drive in Paso

Robles and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (805) 227-4000 or visit the website at

sylvesterwinery.com.


16/36



Located in San Miguels beautiful Pleasant

Valley, just minutes away from down-

town Paso Robles, the Silver Horse

Winery facility is unlike any other in the Paso

Robles area.

Situated on a hilltop overlookinghundreds of acres of vineyards, Silver Horse

Winery is one of the most beautiful facilities

around. With elegant hacienda-style appoint-

ments such as 105-year-old clay roof tiles, a

hand-made fountain, three patios and a large

garden /lawn area, enthusiasts will experience

wine bliss while sipping on the French

Bordeaux and Spanish Rioja varietal wines.

Winemaker Stephen Kroener strives to

handcraft food-friendly, well-balanced wines

that reflect his familys love of combining

great food, great wine and great friends; it is

in this spirit that each bottle of Silver Horse

wine carries the inscription Not For Us

Alone! Just a small side note, Silver Horse

wines are only available at the tastingroom.

Up for a little competition? Silver Horse

winery also offers two regulation bocce ball

courts and two regulation horseshoe pits. If

youre lucky you may find yourself sipping on

fine wine and having a friendly match with

the winemaker/owners of Silver Horse

Winery. So come by their wonderful facility

and enjoy breathtaking views of some of the

Central Coasts most beautiful vistas. Your

dreams for the ultimate wine experience will

be found at this family owned and operated

winery! Come See for yourself!

Silver Horse Winery is located at 29

Pleasant Road in San Miguel. Hours

Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. t

p.m. For more information, call (805) 4

WINE or visit www.silverhorsewinery.com

SILVER HORSEA One of a Kind Destination

Perfect Setting for a Wine Country WeddingLooking for a wedding venue with 360 degree

views of the surrounding vineyards in the country

side? Then look no further than Silver Horse Winery.

Sitting atop a hill in the Pleasant Valley, Silver Horse

Winery provides the ideal setting for your wedding.

The Spanish Hacienda tasting room and wedding

facility with wood-burning fireplace, and elegant

hacienda-style appointments such as 105-year-old

ceramic roof tiles, make this estate winery a must see.

The Barrel Room can hold up to 150 of your guests with a dance floor, DJ/band andfood station. The new 7000-square-foot outdoor event facility provides the definitiv

winery wedding setting. A 3000-square-foot indoor/outdoor event facility with

surrounding vineyards can hold up to 400 depending on your layout. A separate caterin

area keeps all the behind the scenes activities, behind the scenes. The 4000-square-foo

Garden Area with its outdoor kitchen, tasting bar and raised seating areas will be ideal fo

your ceremony and reception as well. To keep your guest entertained Silver Horse Winer

has two bocce ball courts as well as two horseshoe pits.

Choosing Silver Horse Winery as your wedding facility will make your wedding da

truly one to remember!


17/36



The Highway 46 West Wineries Group is gearing up for their

annual tax revolt weekend. The group of 13 wineries will be paying

the customers sales tax on Saturday and Sunday. To kick off the

weekend a wine and cheese tasting is being held at Midnight Cellars,

Friday, April 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. The admission for the event is $15per person or $25 per couple, tickets sold at the door. All 13 wineries

will pour award-winning wines along with local olive oils, cheeses and

breads.

About Highway 46 West Wineries Group

In 2004, 13 wineries on Highway 46 West formed the Highway 46

West Wineries Group. This group was formed to promote the tasting

rooms of the beautiful Westside and to make people aware of the

uniqueness of 46 West and the wines produced there. Paso Robles

Wine Country is as unique and inviting as the people who have d

cated themselves to nurturing the vineyards and crafting fine win

Visitors to Highway 46 West find the road less traveled is o

marked by the thrill of discovery in this uncongested region. Its

area where hospitality is first among a long list of qualitieswhbeing friends and neighbors is as important as producing stellar win

Highway 46 West is one thread that weaves among the vineyards

wineries connecting longtime estates with exciting new produc

Rolling hills, majestic oaks and lush vineyards await the wine love

every turn. The tasting rooms of Highway 46 West invite you to en

the neighborhood, relax under the spell of a friendly environment

savor life while sipping the spectacular wines.

For more information, check out the 46 West Wineries websit

www.paso46westwineries.com.

Friday Night Wine and Cheese at Hwy. 46 West Winerie


18/36



Once a year, on Memorial Day weekend,

cyclists of all ages and abilities experience an

affordable mini vacation with other cyclists

in the beautiful and bike-friendly setting of

scenic Paso Robles.

The Great Western Bicycle Rally is a large,

friendly, family oriented bike event extrava-

ganza that is unique to California and dedi-

cated to recreational cycling. The event trans-

forms the Paso Robles Event Center and the

surrounding countryside into a pedalers

paradise. Those attending include families,

couples, singles, friends, church groups, bike

club members, and Boy and Girl Scout troops

literally anyone who can ride a bike.

The Rally prides itself in introducing new

riders of all ages to bicycling. Any group or

individual can schedule their own rides and

activities during the Rally and its a great place

to meet up with friends and family and enjoy

a longer weekend event. Because there is no

specific schedule one must follow partici-

pants can enjoy a stress-free environment

centered on bicycling.

Competitions and social activities are

numerous at the Rally making it easy to meet

other people. One can choose from doing a

competition such as the Hill Climb or Ultra

Distance Competition, participate in the Geo

Cache Ride or take a child to the Training

Wheel Freedom Clinic or Bicycle Rodeo.

Wine taste, attend yoga classes or try the

many fine restaurants and tasting rooms in

Paso Robles and the surrounding area.

Participants can choose from 25 scenic

bike rides of varying distances and difficulty

through farmland, vineyards, native oaks and

even ocean scenery. The Rally is a unique

event (the only Rally in California) with a

year-old tradition of offering a variety of ac

ities and rides for all levels of cyclists. T

Rally includes:

Route Slips for Rides From 5 to 100 Mi

(from easy to very challenging)

Admission to Numerous Social Activitie

and Competitions

The Wine Ride - your purchases are

picked up

Family and Kids Activities and Skill

Clinics

Vendor Market Place, Bike Swap and BB

An Optional Supported One-Day

Century/Metric Century Bike Ride

Le Tour de Femme (Womens Only Ride

Clinics, Yoga, Massage, Fun Run

Goodie Bag and Chance to Win Door

Prizes

GREAT WESTERN BICYCLE RALLY

Introducing New Riders of All Ages to Bicycling


19/36



The Cal Poly Vines to Wines club will

host its sixth annual Cal Poly Wine Festival,

formally known as An Afternoon Amidst

the Oaks on April 25 and 26. The weekend

includes a golf tournament and wine tasting

that features California wineries as well as

local restaurants and caterers.

Vines to Wines is a student-run organi-

zation dedicated to promoting active partic-

ipation in wine education and establishing

industry connections. The Learn By

Tasting philosophy equips leaders in winebusiness, oenology and viticulture to

address the diverse needs of the wine

industry.

The festival began as a Cal Poly senior

project in 2003 and has grown more each

year. Last year the event drew over 1,000

wine enthusiasts, Cal Poly students and

alumni. Nearly 100 wineries attended the

event from the Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Paso

Robles, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara

regions.

The golf tournament, called Golf

Classic will be held at Cypress Ridge Golf

Course on Friday, April 25. Participants

receive a Tee Bag, a Wine Festival Golf

Classic polo shirt, a box lunch and a raffle

ticket for the raffle at the end of the tourna-

ment. There are three ticket packages avail-able to participants ranging from $150 to

$210. The club encourages winemakers and

the general public to attend the tourna-

ment.

The Wine Festival takes place on

Saturday, April 26, at Santa Margarita Ranch

where local restaurants will serve appetiz

while attendees taste fine wines, bid

silent auction items and listen to local ba

The Shival Experience. General admiss

for the festival is $50. Tickets for Cal P

students, staff, and faculty are $30. N

this year, the Gold Pass ticket will offe

premium tasting experience for only $

more. Doors will open one hour earlier

those ticket holders. Only 200 tickets

available so purchase your tickets early!

tickets and packages go on sale March 1the event website.

Proceeds from the Golf Classic and

Wine Festival benefit Vines to Wines

Cal Polys Wine and Viticulture program

For more information, visit the ev

website at www.calpolywinefestival.com

Cal Poly Vines To Wines Will Host Sixth AnnuaWine Festival Put On By Students, April 25-26


20/36


DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

20

Midlife Crisis what a great name why

did you call it that? Kevin and Jill Mittan,

the owners of Midlife Crisis Winery, are used

to this question and many others. Jills flip-quick answer is because she is the same age as

Disneyland. The real answer is a lot more

complex as are all things in life and

involves many reasons too numerous to name

all coming together in a moment of crisis.

The result became an overwhelming desire to

chase an impossible dream, to believe in it

totally and a determination to make it real.

They threw caution to the wind once the

decision was made to start the winery. In less

than four months, they sold their house in

Los Angeles, bought land in Paso Robles,

started the winery and crushed their first

grapes. Both agree that if they took the time

to stop and think, there might not be a winery

today.

Winemaking and all other duties are a

shared responsibility for Jill and Kevin. The

wines reflect their love of food friendly

wines. The wines are started in neutral oak

until the essence of the fruit has a chance to

emerge. Then, oak is used carefully to

enhance, not overpower, the fruit. The

results are well balanced wines that pair well

with food but that can also stand alone.

In September of 2005, the Mittans opened

a cooperative wine tasting room in down-

town Paso Robles called Wines on Pine. In

November of 2006, Midlife Crisis Winery

went solo. The tasting room at 1244 Pine

Street became the tasting room for

Midlife Crisis Winery only. Aided by tas

room manager and wine maven, Alli

Groves, the tasting room is open five dayweek allowing the Mittans to make wines

the weekend. You see, as the dream beco

real and the winery grows, day jobs in

Angeles support it. Five days a week,

Mittans are working in LA in the entert

ment industry and two days a week, they

in Paso making wine and pushing the dr

along.

The next phase of the dream is the de

opment of a winery and vineyard on t

property and of, eventually, making wine

time in Paso Robles. Until then, the Mitt

invite you to share their midlife crisis

their dream at their tasting room at 1244 P

Street in downtown Paso Robles. The tas

room is open Thursday through Mon

from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also

them online at www.midlifecrisiswinery.co

12TH STREET

13TH STREET

14TH STREET

15TH STREET

10TH STREET

SPRIN

G

ST

REE

T

PIN

E

ST

REE

T

RAIL

ROAD

STR

EET

OAK

STR

EET

101

CITY PARK

RIVER

SIDE

AVE

NUE

SILVER STONE

PARK

STRE

ET

OAK

STRE

ET

9TH STREET

8TH STREET

HEARTHSTONE /MIDLIFE CRISIS

WINERY

ANGLIM WINERY

Hice Cellars

ARROYO ROBLES

Wine Attic

ORCHID

HILL

BEAR CAVE CELLARS

VIHUELA

PIANETTA

EDWARDSELLERS

DANBINO CELLARS

7TH STREET

DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES

Midlife Crisis Winery Chasing A DreamMidlife Crisis Winery Easter Egg Hunt

SaturdaySunday March 22-23

Midlife Crisis Winery will be celebrating Easter with anEaster egg hunt at its downtown Paso Robles tasting room

March 22 and 23. Plastic Easter eggs containing special

offers, discounts and other surprises will be hidden around

the tasting room for you to find. Cheese pairings will be

offered with Midlifes current releases. Special treats will

be available for children. Tasting will be complimentary.

E-mail [email protected] or call 805-237-8730


21/36

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK DOWNTOWN PASO ROBL


Family owned and operated,it is our goal to enhance your

wine tasting experience and show youthe true beauty of Paso Robles wines.

Tasting barfeatures gifts,

wine accessoriesand

picnic supplies.

Open Daily 11-7 | 739 12th St, Paso Robles

877-759-WINE | www.arroyorobles.com

Downtown Paso Robles

is home to more than 10

premium tasting rooms,

all within walking

distance of one another.

Each of these boutique

wineries offers a unique

experience with

individual flavor.

Together they make

for an unforgettableWine Country

destination

Arroyo RoblesFine premium

estate wines are

paired with cheeseto complement your

tasting experienceon Friday, Saturday,

Sunday and by appointment.

We also feature art work by world-renownartist Jean-Pierre de Rothschild.

1140 Pine Street, Paso Robles

805-237-7527

Thursday-Monday 11:30-6 or by appointmen

Orchid Hill

Pianetta Winery createslimited releases of

premium red varietalsand blends using our

own Estate Vineyards inIndian Valley. Fromgrowing to winemaking our techniques

focus on balance and intense flavor.Join us at the Historic

Grangers Union Building.

829 13th Street, Paso Robles

805-226-4005 | www.pianettawinery.com

Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 12pm-6pmFriday & Saturday: 11am-7pm

Pianetta Winery

Owned by a familyof professionalmusicians, youwill always be

entertained in ourlively tasting room.

Experience ouraward-winning

wines and musicmemorabilia.

710 Pine Street, Paso Robles805-227-6800

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11-6

DAnbino

Edward Sellers isa boutique winery

specializing in small lots

of handmade AmericanRhne-style winesfrom Paso Robles.

Our awarding winning wines reveal anelegant structure and an intense

fruit concentration distinctive of theirprogressive Central Coast origins.

Come in and enjoy a taste.

1220 Park Street, Paso Roblesin the newly completed Clock Tower Building

805-239-8915 | www.edwardsellers.com

Thursday-Monday, Noon-7

Edward Sellers

Hand-craftedPaso Roblesred wines.

Come on bywhen you see

the Bear Flag fly

or give us a calland we will open.

1227 Park StreetSuite B

Paso Robles

805-238-4329

Bear Cave Cellars

Vihuela (vee-way-la)is a boutique winery

with a passion for

old-world Spanish guitarand a taste for

new world, artisan wine.

Each wine is craftedto express an elegant

balance of art and science thatwed love to share with you!

1307 Park St, Paso Robles (behind Keller William805-835-4304

Sunday & Monday 11-4Thursday through Saturday 11-8

Vihuela

TASTE WHAT DOWNTOWNHAS TO OFFER


22/36


23/36

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK PASO ROBL



24/36

PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK


Pierre Bensusan Concer

at Castoro CellarsInnovative acoustic guitarist, Pierre Bensusan is coming to Cast

Cellars for a evening of music and wine in the intimate conc

setting. Concert will take place at Castoro Cellars Tasting Ro

Saturday, March 29. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the concert beg

at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person.

Enjoy Castoro Cellars Dam Fine Wine while listening to PieBensusans unique style exhibiting remarkable dynamics and t

control, usually to be found only in the playing of high profile c

sical guitarists.

Other upcoming events at Castoro Cellars are:

Saturday, May 17 Did someone say Sangria for Breakfast? Kick

your festival celebration with breakfast at Castoro Cellars. Break

crpes by LeMoine Crperie and Sangria made from our Dam F

Wine. $10/person, $8/Wine Club (includes wine tasting).

May16-18 Select library, barrel and special release wine availa

all weekend. Wright Choice BBQ will fire up the grill and LeMo

Crperie will be creating sweet and savory crpes all weekeEnjoy live music by ZZAH on Sunday between 12 to 4 p.m.

Friday, May 16 You are invited to an unforgettable evening of fo

and wine, as acclaimed Chef Jos Dahan pairs his culinary prow

with Dam Fine Wine current releases and Niels picks from

cellar. Live music by Tim Pacheco. See the website for compl

menu. Tickets are $105, $90 for wine club members.

Join Castoro Cellars at 1315 North Bethel Road in Templeton.

For more information about these events and other upcom

events at Castoro Cellars, check out www.castorocellars.com or

1-888-DAM-FINE.


25/36




26/36


27/36

by Dave Wilcox

W

hen Tom and Carol Hinkle first glimpsed the site where they

would eventually establish Rio Seco Vineyard and Winery,

they both thought the same thing: It was a mess.

They saw more than a dozen or so abandoned cars, remnants of a

charred home, and chicken and pig pens. Then there were the bullet

holes piercing the walls of an old barn where authorities had busted

one of the areas largest marijuana-growing rings.

But as a professional baseball scout with more than 25 years expe-

rience, Tom Hinkle has developed his ability to witness potential that

others might overlook.

He could look past the mess, to the site, and saw the promise and

so many possibilities, Carol Hinkle said of her husband.

That promise has been kept.

Despite a schedule that keeps him on the road much of the year,Hinkle and his wife, a retired schoolteacher, have developed Rio Seco

into a respected winery that produces about 4,000 cases annually.

Thirty of the ranchs 64 acres are planted, with a little more than half

growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc. Hinkle

said after much investigation, he also decided to plant Roussanne and

Viognier as the winerys white varietals. Rio Secos blend of Viognier

and Orange Muscat is playfully named Rio Vio.

The Hinkles, who live a few miles south of Paso Robles in Atas-

cadero, knew they wanted to stay in San Luis Obispo County even

after Tom left his job in 1980 as assistant coach for the Cal Poly base-

ball team to become a scout. Hinkle, an All-American catcher signed

in 1963 by the Detroit Tigers, is responsible for recruiting future Hallof Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith to Cal Poly.

Some sound investments enabled the couple to buy the 64-acre

spread on Paso Robles east side overlooking a dry creek (hence, Rio

Seco) in 1996. The site had been used to make a B-movie called The

Junkman, which Hinkle said is why so many beat-up cars littered the

grounds.

They were bonded in 1998 and their initial vintages were made

under the direction of a consulting winemaker. But in 2000, the

Hinkles purchased winemaking equipment from Pesenti Winery

when it was sold to Turley Cellars. The decision to buy the equip-

ment, instead of paying a consulting winemaker, was empowering,

said Carol Hinkle.

They were now in control of their wine from vineyard to bot

Along with assistant winemaker Eric Bauer (who pitched for Hinkl

Cal Poly during the early 1970s), Hinkle began crafting single-vari

wines along with blends with baseball-themed labels Clubhouse

and the Rio Seco Vineyard Paso Robles MVP Reserve Red Table Wi

Hinkle scouts his grapes the same way he eyes ballplayers, look

for nuances that distinguish great fruit from good fruit. Like m

good winemakers, Hinkle believes quality wines are made in

vineyards.

Once harvest is complete and the grapes are crushed, he isnt o

to tinker.

Start with good fruit (and) keep it simple is the philosophy t

guides his winemaking, said Hinkle.

The hard part of this business is farming, he said while walk

through the vineyard on a recent postcard-perfect morning. We rework to get quality fruit.

Rio Secos red wines spend up to 24 months in the barrel, th

another eight months to a year in the bottle, before their release.

Road trips provide Hinkle with plenty of time to mull ideas for

winery.

Toms an idea guy, said Carol.

For the baseball scout, its all about the fundamentals: Good fo

good wine, good friends, all coming together in a beautiful spot.

Tasting room hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday throu

Monday. You can find Rio Seco Vineyards and Winery at 4295 Un

Road. Exit Highway 101 at Highway 46 East and travel about t

miles to Union Road and turn right. Make an immediate left and

winery is about two miles down the road. Call (805) 237-8884 or v

www.riosecowine.com for more information.



STILL WATERSVINEYARDS

Taste handcrafted estate wines of Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot, Sarah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc andViognier. Bring a picnic and enjoy the spectacularviews from our olive grove overlooking the vineyard.

Thursday-Monday 11-5pm2750 Old Grove Lane, Paso Robles

805-237-9231 | www.stillwatersvineyards.com

CHATEAU MARGENE

A micro winery specializing in the production of small lots ofluxury, handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau Margeneproduces 3,000 cases per year and focuses on viticulture and

winemaking practices that offer maximum expression of thePaso Robles terrior. Come enjoy the wines and picnic on thedeck or under the oaks.

Open Saturday-Sunday Noon-5pmBy advanced appointment on Fridays

4385 La Panza Road, Creston, CA805-238-2321 | www.chateaumargene.com

CASS VINEYARDS

Visit us at our caf style tasting room and sample yourfavorite Rhne wines, paired with samples of select gourmetcheese, pte and specialty food. Our Chefs Pantry offers anarray of choices for an impromptu picnic indoors or out. Wealso offer a lunch menu prepared by our Chef Dusty LehighFriday thru Sunday.

Open Monday-Friday 12-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-6p

7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles805-239-1730 | www.casswines.com

Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery A Diamond in the Rough


28/36


SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

28

To Paso Robles

(26 miles, see page 22)

SANTAROSA

JOHNSONAVE

PRICECANYON

RD

LOPEZ

DR

CORBETTC

ANYONRD

BROADST

TANK FARM

BUCKLEYRDVACHELL

CALLEJO

AQUIN

LOSOSOSVALLEYRD

ORCUTT

RIGHETT

IRD

TIFFANYRA

NCH

OLD

PARK

NOYES

SANLUISBAYRD

SEECANYO

NRD

AVILABEACH

S.HIGU

ERA

EDNAR

D

ORCUTT

BIDDLERANCH

HINDS

AVE

HU

ASN

ARD

HUASNARD

ONTARI

O

RD

OSOSST

MONT

EREY

ST

JOHNSONAVE

MARSH

ST

TANKFARM

CARPENTE

RCANYONRD

BRAN

CHRD

E.GR

ANDA

VE.

TRAFFIC

BRIDGE

BAILEYANA AND TANGENT VINEYARDS

Alapay

LAETITIA VINEYARD

CLAIBORNE

& CHRUCHILL

SALISBURY VINEYARDS

Saucelito Canyon & Ortman Family VineyardKelsey See Canyon

Wolff Vineyards

KynsiVineyards

RanchoArroyoGrande

Edna Valley Winery

Sextant Winery

DomaineAlfred

Cerro Caliente Cellars

Barnwood Vineyard

Per Bacco Cellars

1

101

227

101

101

Piedra CreekBY APPOINTMENT

TALLEY

VINEYARDS

WOOD

WINERY

POZO VALLEY

TOLOSA

WINERY

Morovino

Arroyo Grande

San Luis Obispo

PacificOcean

Pismo Beach

Avila Beach

Go online to

PREMIER WINE CLUB

www.WineCountryThisWeek.c

Find your perfect wine club

according to: varietal

price color preference

winery name special event

discounts tours and mor

Looking for

Something Specia

in a Wine Club?

San Luis Obispo Vintners Association Announces Date

For the Roll Out The Barrel Passport Weekend, May 1-4

San Luis Obispo Vintners Association announcedthe dates of their popular Roll Out The Barrels

Weekend Event. The event this year will be, Barrels

in the Plaza, Thursday evening in downtown SLOs

mission plaza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This portion of

the weekend will focus primarily on grown here,

made here; as SLO Vintners partner up with local

food producers and vendors to celebrate a complete

culinary experience right from the terroir of SLO.

This past year all three events sold out as we limit

the number of tickets so that we can offer a small

town, personal feel to this weekend. We celebrate not

only the wine but an entire culinary experience andpersonalilties behind the scenes of SLO, said Becky

Gray, San Luis Obispo Vintners Executive Director.

Weekend Itinerary includes four days of celebtion:

Thursday, May 1 Barrels In The Plaza (5:30

7:30pm) $25

Friday, May 2nd Winemaker Dinners

Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd & 4th Passpor

to SLO Wine Country, $50

(Designated Drivers, $40)

The annual two day passport portion (Saturd

and Sunday), will allow visitors to San Luis Obis

entry to 16 wineries where they will experience w

and food pairings, reserve barrel tastings, enterta

ment and special discounts.More information will be posted soon, visit th

website at www.slowine.com.


29/36

WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK SAN LUIS OBISPO COUN


The Santa Maria Valley Railroad will host the second annual

Motorcars Operators West Motorcar Excursion on Saturday April 5,

2008. Maintenance of Way cars, or affectionately called speeders, are

railroad motorcars used by railroads for track inspections and tohaul tools and workers to work sites. Speeders have been replaced

by hy-rail vehicles, standard pickup trucks with railroad wheels. In

fact the Santa Maria Valley Railroad is one of the last to use speeders.

This year features the fully restored Santa Maria Valley Railroad

Railbus No. 9 to be leading the excursion. The Pacific Southwest

Rail Museum will be bringing the SMVRR Railbus #9 home for this

special excursion. SMVRR Railbus #9 was built in 1932 by Fair-

mont Railway Motors and served as an inspection car and auxiliary

section car for hauling workers. Railbus #9 was retired by the Santa

Maria Valley Railroad in 1962. It was acquired by the Pacific South-

west Rail Museum in Campo in 1965 and was fully restored in

1991. SMVRR Railbus No. 9 was featured in a Huell Howser C

fornia Gold segment on the California and Arizona Railroad a

years ago.

Although the speeder event is a private event, the publinvited to the freight depot for guided tours of the speeders

SMVRRs maintenance of way equipment will be displayed

schedule will be published so anyone who wishes can see

speeders along the SMVRR right of way. Also there will be a si

auction fund raiser for the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley R

road, a non profit organization dedicated to preserve, improve,

interpret the historical aspects of the Santa Maria Valley Railro

Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad provide its members

the public with railroading experience and educational opportu

ties such as dinner train excursions and open house events.

Santa Maria Valley Railroad hosts programs for the Friends of

Santa Maria Valley Railroad every second Thursdays of the mostarting at 6 p.m. at the historic SMVRR freight depot, 6

S. McClelland Street in Santa Maria.

Motorcars Operators West is a non-profit organization devote

the restoration and safe, legal operation of railroad motorcars (tr

speeders). For more information, visit www.smvrr.com.

ALISOSCANYO

N

FOXENCANYONRD

TELEPH

ONE

DOMINION

CLARK

BETTERAVIA

SANTAMARIAM

ESAR

D TEPU

SQUET

ZACA

STA

BROADW

AY

BLO

SSER

STOWELL

MAIN

SKYWAY

154

101

101

135

135

1

1

KENNETHVOLK

VINEYARDS

McKeon-Philips

CottonwoodCanyon

Cambria

Rancho Sisquoc

Foxen Vineyards

Zaca Mesa

Fess ParkerKoehlerCurtis

Firestone

BedfordThompson

Los Alamos

Orcutt

AddamoVineyards

Santa Maria

FOXENCANYON

RD

Tres Hermanas

Byron

Costa De Oro

To Los Olivos

(11 miles,

see page 30)

To

Lompoc

(18 miles, see page 30)/Solvang (34 miles, see page 30)

To San Luis Obispo(32 miles, see page 28)

To Solvang

(17 miles, see page 30)

Motorcar Excursion on the Santa Maria Railroad, April


30/36

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

ALAMOPINTADO AVE

G

246

Q

Santa Ynez

AROM

ROBLARAVE

ENILESAB

Solvang

KRAP

Los Olivos

SANTA ROSA AVE

Buellton

5

EVA

DNAR

G

AVE

OF

THE

FLAGS

INDUSTRIAL

Kalyra

Sunstone

Rusack

Beckmen

Bridlewood

Brander & DomaineSanta Barbara

OIGUFER

Ballard

246

RoblarWinery

SAN

MARCOSALAMO PINTADO AVE

NOSIDE

ALAMOP

I

NT

ADOR

D

BALLARD

CANYON

RD

OIG

UF

ER

COPENHAGEN

MOLLE

OAK

ALIS

AL2

ND

1ST

ATTERDAG

PARKMISSION

CHALK

HILL

SAGUNTO

ATSEU

S

NOIDE

MEADOWVALE

To Hwy. 101Santa Maria (32 miles, see page 29)Paso Robles (88 miles, see page 22)

To Santa Barbara(29 miles, see page 31)

Not to Scale

To Lompoc(18 miles)

ToHwy. 1

ToSantaBarbara(43 miles, see page 31)

TH

BALLARD

CAN

YON

RD

Epiphany

Andrew Murray

CARINA

CELLARS

WineCountry

Consilience

Arthur Earl

Daniel GehrsLongoria

WILD HEART Alexander & Wayne

Los Olivos Tasting Room

Carhartt Winery

SCOTTCELLARS

Royal OaksLions Peak/Mission Meadow WineryMandolinaAlisal Cellars

Cabana/Wondering Dog Wine Bar

Bellissima

Alma Rosa Mosby

LafondShoestring

Hitching Post

STOLPMAN

Presidio

Blackjack

Lincourt

Buttonwood

Rideau

Casa Cassara Tastes of the ValleysTastes of the Valleys

Santa Ynez Wine Cellar

Gainey

ChumashCasino

FoleyEstates

Winery

Uncorked/Monsoon Cellars

Casa Cassara Honeywood/Olde Mission Wine Co.

TRIO TASTINGS

Artiste

101

154To Santa Maria,Paso Robles

101

154

Sanford

246

Lucas & Lewellen

30

To Santa Maria

ToHwy.101

To Santa Barbara

7TH

E. CHESTNUT

Lompoc

246

Melville

Babcock

Lompoc Wine Ghetto

DVineWine

Tasting

Palmina

Fiddlehead Cellars

1

FoleyEstatesWinery

1


The annual Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival celebrates the

arrival of spring and a new vintage. Excitement is high over the long-

weekend of activities that include the Vintners Visa passport to

tasting rooms, special events at wineries throughout the region and the

festival itself. The festival features fine wines, superb food, live music,

strolling entertainment, demonstrations and a silent auction, all in a

festive outdoor environment.

The annual Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival attracts wine

lovers from near and far for an opportunity to meet member vintners,

taste their wines, and enjoy great food and music in a festive outdoor

environment. The 2008 Vintners Festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.

on April 19 and will once again be celebrated at River Park in Lompoc.

The festival will feature the wines of the 100+ members of the asso-

ciation, live and lively music, a silent auction and Wine Country

cuisine by the areas finest chefs. And why not make a weekend out of

it, celebrating the arrival of spring and the beginning of the 2008vintage? The Vintners Visa is your four-day pass to twelve participating

wineries, each of whom are waiving tasting fees and might even

planning something special just for Visa holders. To fully take adv

tage of the weekend, get a combo ticket to visit tasting rooms

Friday, Sunday or Monday and enjoy the festival on Saturday.

To enjoy your visit to Wine Country and help keep the roads s

bus transportation will be offered to and from the festival from Sa

Barbara, Santa Maria and Solvang as well as a Designated Driver tick

which allows your DD to enjoy the festival ambiance, music

cuisine along with soft drinks and coffee.

The festival has grown in popularity and attendance over the ye

First held on the grounds of Mission Santa Ins in Solvang, the f

festival included 17 Vintners Association members pouring th

wines. With the 2007 Silver Jubilee, more than ninety wineries wil

joined by grower members of the association and more than two do

local restaurants and caterers. Live bands, wine-related exhibitions a

a silent auction to benefit local charities will round out the day.This closely coincides with the growth of the wine industry

Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival, April 1


31/36

Santa Barbara County over the years, states Jim Fiolek, Executive

Director. Back when we held that first festival, there were fewer than

seven thousand acres of vineyards bearing fruit, and we were a rela-

tively unknown wine region. Now, we have recognition for the quality

of our wines worldwide, with over twenty-thousand acres of vineyards

planted within the County. But even as we grow in size and reputation,

there is still a small town, country atmosphere here. Great wines,

superb food and friendly people doesnt get any better than that!

Order tickets early to guarantee your spot, as the Vintners Festival

generally sells out!

Vintners Festival tickets are $75 per person. Vintners Visas - your

four-day pass to twelve tasting rooms are $35 per person. Combo

Ticket Vintners Festival ticket and Visa are $100 per person.

Vinters Festival Designated Driver tickets are $25 per person. Bus

tickets are $25 per person

Bus schedule: Santa Barbara: departs/returns Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort,

633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Board: 11:30 a.m.

Santa Maria: departs/returns Holiday Inn & Suites,

2100 No. Broadway Board 12:15 p.m.

Solvang: departs/returns Royal Scandinavian Inn,

400 Alisal Road Board 12 p.m.

You can purchase tickets online until Thursday, April 17th; tick

purchased before Friday, April 11th will be mailed to you; Fest

tickets purchased after April 11th will be held for you at the Will C

tent at th

Documents

Central Coast Edition - March 19,2008