TWO MORE SITES OF INTEREST WITH UPCOMING PARTIES!

            Central Coast Garagistes (garagistefestival.com) - This is not quite the same model as the groups dedicated to marketing tasting rooms, direct to consumer and wine club sales. The Festival is really the only "organized" part of the concept. This is the second year of the event, which takes its name from the Bordeaux term (somewhat like garage bands) in the U.S.) for those making small lots of wine in their sheds or cellars. The event, in its second year is held in Paso Robles and proceeds support the Cal Poly SLO wine program.

The founders estimate there are upwards of 200 garagiste style makers on the central coast. This is defined as less than 1,200 case production but many are much smaller. They point out that about sixty percent of the labels in the area have no tasting room and what sales there are come from mailing lists and word of mouth.

Many of the winemakers are actively working at larger wineries and others are growers who want a little wine of their own. They often have access to space and equipment at local wineries rather than slaving away in a cold shack ala France and produce flavorful, well made small lots of artisanal wine that reflects a personal style, lesser known varietals or special terroir.

The Festival is the only public opportunity to try many of these wines, as well as a chance to meet some talented and interesting folks dedicated to their craft. It will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 10th & 11th with a Grand Tasting ($60 with VIP option) at Windfall Farms. Forty eight garagiste labels will be involved. Go to the web site above for details.     

 Monterey Vintners & Growers Association (montereywines.org) – Includes 40 members of the approximately 85 wineries in the county. This is a great source of information on the unique aspects of the AVA (and the various subsets) as well as for travel tips for this very popular area. One feature is "Three Perfect Days" a long weekend type of getaway that is pre-planned to maximize all the area has to offer, including great food, a world class aquarium and lots of delicious wines, spas and a wide selection of lodging options.

On Saturday, November 10 from 1-4 PM, the champions of Monterey Wine Country will host a “Party in the Hangar” at the Del Monte Aviation Center’s private hangar (at the Monterey Airport) to pour local wines for gourmands and wine lovers who want to experience the essence of this burgeoning California wine region alongside fun, delectable dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.

A VIP ticket will include early entry, a Riedel tasting glass, and access to an exclusive Bubble Lounge, where Monterey sparkling wines and caviar will be offered. A Sparkling Winemaker Discussion Panel will be hosted by Steve Heimoff, West Coast Editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Party in the Hangar is touted as an opportunity to witness the exceptional quality and flavors from Monterey Wine Country. The MCVGA, whose members represent nine distinct American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and forty-two winegrape varietals grown throughout the county. For tickets and details see montereywines.org