The California wine industry may have had its roots in a
Hungarian wanna-be Count. But the tradition of wine making comes primarily from
guys whose names end in a vowel. How else can you explain the "Most Happy
Fellow" in-a the whole Napa Valley? If you are a Guido (per Jersey Shore) or just someone who, like everyone as Mario
Battali suggests, are a little bit Italian, I have a wine site for you.
Not just wine either. You can
be a member too and enjoy updates on Italian focused food stars, restaurants
and lifestyle with the Consorzia Cal-Italia at www.cal-italia.org. While not only about the Central Coast, there
are 28 San Luis Obispo, 13 Santa Barbara and 1 Monterey County wineries
involved in the group.
A total of 17 counties in
California grow Italian varietals; there are 12 red and 9 white grape types
made into wine in the state. Some of these are familiar. Sangiovese, Nebbiolo,
Moscato, Pinot Grigio and the like. But many winemakers are experimenting with
less well known types as well and, making some delightful and exciting wines.
If you are a fan of all
things Italian, this site can be a good source of travel planning information.
There is no lack of examples here on the Central Coast. There are excellent
restaurants such as Buona Tavola and Il Cortile Ristorante in Paso Robles.
There are a growing number of olive oil producers in the region as well.
Italian centric wineries include; August Ridge, Bella Luna, Berardo and
Caparone. Even lodging is available in the Tuscan mode at La Bellasera at Hwy.
101 & 46W in Paso Robles. More info
is available on the www.pasowine.com site where there is a search link
by grape type. Another good source is available from the Paso Chamber of
Commerce at www.visitpaso.com.
