Monday, October 15, 2012

SOME ADDITIONS TO THE PART ONE LIST


46 East Wineries (pasorobleswinerieseast.com)  - Not a large group of wineries (13) but some large and well known producers are mixed in with some smaller gems that begin just east of Hwy 101 and are easily found right along Hwy 46E or just off it on parallel roads. This was where many of the original vintners and growers began the Paso wine boom. Either planting ranch land to acres of grapes destined for the big brands or starting new wine labels such as Estrella, Eberle and Martin Brothers. Eberle continues successfully, Estrella became Meridian and recently changed to 360, Martin Brothers picked up a partner, failed and its tasting room is now operated by LA based San Antonio, the winery itself is now a Chinese owned operation, focused on exports for distribution in China.

46 West Wineries (46west.com) - Starting about a five minute drive west of Hwy 101 and extending just a few miles to Vineyard Dr., there is a concentration of wineries that easily rival parts of Napa Valley for density. On the main road, Hwy 46, and on side roads to both the north and south, more than four dozen wineries are cheek by jowl.

Back Roads Wineries (backroadswineries.com) - This group includes 25wineries on the east side of Paso Robles, most of which are off the well beaten path of highway 46 and smaller producers than the 46E group. There are some excellent member wineries and on fun and scenic roads to travel. The main group is located north and south of Hwy 46 on side roads, see map on the web site.

Event Notes for these organizations - Friday October 19 is set for the first Taste of the Back Roads event. Fifteen wineries will be pouring, olive oils from the area are also available for tasting and a panel of winemakers will hold a seminar & tasting from 5 to 6PM. Music and food is included and ticket details are available on the above web site.

The 46 East group is sponsoring a motorcycle Poker Run on Oct 27/28 to benefit Zoo To You, an animal education foundation. They will have animal ambassadors in each of the 13 wineries. A game board can be purchased at any winery for a $20 donation. Best Costume awards with additional discounts are part of the fun, so dress in your scary best. More info is on their web site.

PRWCA (details at pasowine.com) will hold its final local event of the year, Harvest Wine Weekend, on Oct 19/20th. There are over 120 events planned with most wineries doing their own food-wine=music parties and wine sales and special tastings are common. An online brochure is available at the web address above.

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