The
highly anticipated return of Hospice du Rhone to Paso Robles is now in the
process of lining up seminar speakers and a few other small details. The event
will be held at the Paso Events Center (fair grounds), April 14-16 with the
Thursday offerings yet to be set. I'm guessing that there will be some local
eateries holding wine & dine events.
Details on the weekend agenda, as well as tickets are now
available (www.hospicedurhone.org). The all access pass must be purchased no
later than April 7, unavailable at the door. But this is a likely sell out.
The full pass is $995 and includes two seminars daily,
breakfast, lunch and tastings on Friday & Saturday, plus a BBQ dinner on
Saturday, keeping you busy from 8 AM until after dark. Lots of fun, education
and opportunities to taste some great wines from both the Rhone and local
sources of the same varietals. Various other ticket options for individual
parts of the event are also offered.
Hospice brings back the triumvirate of major single focus tastings on the Central
Coast, along with World of Pinot Noir (info on next year's WOPN event are now
on line) and the Chardonnay Symposium. All are wonderful experiences that encompass both local and world wide producers.
You might also want to check you plans for March 31-April 3,
when the fanciest wine event in this region (Napa Valley Auction may be even
more "pinky up"), the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival. There's
no lack of fun times in our part of the world.
Lastly, I note that there are some new lodging options
available when planning to come to Hospice du Rhone. Several hotels have
blocked rooms and rates shown under the "home" tab on the website,
click on accommodations for more info. One of the major new locations has not
yet done so and there are many B&B style operations in the area if that
better fits your style.
