October
brings another vintage to a close and this year much of the harvest will
actually be in (or already out of) fermenters by the time the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend takes place. It
is one of my favorite local events and the finale of the big three run by the
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA at pasowine.com). Wineries who are in
the group have details in both a paper and online brochure. Likely many who are
not affiliated, or are with the multiple smaller promotional sub-sets, will
also take advantage of the traffic. I spend a lot of time looking at web sites
dealing with wine and find the PRWCA to be a great source for locals and those
coming to the area. It is easier to navigate, has more features and offers
monthly updates of interest not seen in many others. Not just wine but food,
lodging, interviews and input on "a perfect day" winery itinerary by
people who have actually done them. If you aren't on their mailing list, you
should be.
I know the grapes are coming off the vine in a hurry - one
reason being why I'm having a hard time writing this. I live near a main artery
for east side grapes being moved to crush pads. While trying out the new bike
path (and new bike) on the smooth repaving of an intersecting road a few days
ago, I tried to evade large grape haulers in a rush. No shoulder, except for
the one I landed on. Nice road rash on a calf, my left hand doesn't like the
keyboard. But, I did come to love the smell of scorching spandex in the
morning! Ya' all ride safe out there.
I digress, but the reason I like this fest, taking place the
weekend of Oct. 17-19, is there is not grand event. Participating wineries set their own events
and hours, special tastings abound, winery dinners, wine club events and music
are common and you can set your own agenda. For all the details, go to the Paso
Wine site above and click on events.
While not taking
place until March 6-7 of next year, the World of Pinot Noir now has tickets available on line. Most
importantly for fans of the event, the VIP passes, with many special features,
are only available through the 12th of October. Individual event tickets will
go on sale after that but full day passes are currently available. Details and
the various ticket offerings are available at info@worldofpinotnoir.com. The
event is at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara. The web site includes
a link to room bookings at the resort.
In cooperation
with Vons's grocery stores and local providers of direct to table products, a multiple
winemakers style dinner will be held, the second of this series, at Thomas
Hill Organics in Paso Robles on October 23. A 6:30 PM reception will
offer wines from J Dusi, Hope Family Wines, Justin & Wild Horse and a four
course dinner (quail, venison, striped bass and dessert) will feature a paired
wine from one of those wineries. Tickets ($90 inclusive) are available on line
at http://thomashillorganics.brownpapertickets.com. The August version offered
some great wines from Rhone style vendors and another quality menu, as did the
Wine Fest dinner this year. It is a nice social gathering as the hosts from the
wineries join in a family style service, providing lots of opportunity to meet
and discuss among yourselves. The wine choices and menu details are available
on the ticket site.
