by Tina Swithin

What's on your bucket list? If you answered, "Ziplining" then I am about to help you cross that off your  list.

Here at Inside Paso Robles, we try hard to bring you the latest and greatest in Paso Robles and its surrounding areas. A little birdie told me about something BRAND new and fabulous which will take your breath away - literally.

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

The tents are up, the stages are set and you can feel the excitement in the air.  Sunset Savor the Central Coast is finally upon us!  We (the Travel Paso Robles Alliance, of course!) have been anxiously awaiting this weekend all year long - we have BIG plans to make sure you have fun and get entered to win an AMAZING giveaway.

Armed with the finest wine in Paso Robles, we are ready to pour. Our booth will provide an educational experience -- swirl, sniff and sip. By popular demand, we are bringing back our "Guess the Varietal" blind tasting. Whether you are a novice or an expert, we will put your knowledge to the test and reward you with complimentary tasting tickets for area wineries. 

After you've been thoroughly educated on wine, be sure to enter to win a two-night, luxurious stay in Paso Robles at the fabulous, Hotel Cheval (recently voted one of the Top 25 Hotels in the West by Sunset Magazine).  While you are here, you will experience the best that Paso Robles has to offer including:

• Hotel Cheval: Two-night stay.
• il Cortile: Dinner for two.
• Thomas Hill Organics: Dinner for two.
• Enoteca: Lunch for two.
• Dining with Andre: Cooking Class for two.
• Wine Wrangler: Wine tour for two.
• Vivant Fine Cheese: Cheese pairing certificate for up to six people. 
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Chocolate delights and various goodies.   
• Oluv Skin Products: Skincare products using only the finest Paso Robles olive oil.
• Pasolivo: Two bottles of their famous olive oil (regular and citrus). 
• Cass Winery: 2 bottles of Cass Flying Nymph.

Come see us in the Pavilion at Sunset Savor the Central Coast -- enjoy fabulous wine and enter to an amazing Paso Robles travel package!

 

Sunset Savor the Central Coast 
Oct. 1-2, 2011

There are still people out there who are intrigued by Sunset Savor the Central Coast however, they still aren't sure what to expect at the event.  We (Inside Paso Robles, of course!) jumped at the chance to obtain the inside scoop directly from the SLO Visitor's & Conference Bureau. 

The Details: Sunset Savor the Central Coast’s Main Event brings together the best of wine, food and travel opportunities on California’s beautiful Central Coast.

 

 

by Tina Swithin

Come to find out, I’ve been pronouncing the word, “cioppino” incorrectly for years.  (It’s pronounced, chuh-pee-noh. Discovering that  was almost like having a piece of pepper in your teeth and no one tells you.)  Now that I’ve mastered the proper pronunciation, I am even more excited about the upcoming Cioppino and Vino Event which benefits the Paso Robles Children's Museum.

The Cioppino and Vino Event is held on Sunday, October 16th in the Grand Ballroom at the Paso Robles Inn.  The event features cioppino creations from local chefs, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, music and silent auction.  This will be my first year attending; however, it seems to be creating quite the buzz around town and from afar.  I had the pleasure of speaking to Tamara Richardson, Museum Manager who said that her first ticket sales came in from Bakersfield, a town two hours from here! Good news does indeed travel fast.

by Tina Swithin

We have such a wide array of wineries and options while wine tasting here in Paso Robles. There are all manner of shapes and sizes, from the large wineries to the mid-sized producers and then the smaller guys who add to the local ambiance and intrigue of Paso Robles.  I love that we have all three options at our fingertips as each brings forth their own unqiue offering.   

The upcoming Paso Garagiste Festival has me thinking about the small, local winemakers who are such an integral part of Paso Robles.

This past weekend as I was wandering through downtown Paso Robles, I came to discover Meritage Lounge.  The wonderful thing about Paso Robles is that just when you think you know the town like the back of your hand, there is always something right around the corner (or right in the Downtown Square!) that takes you by pleasant surprise.  

I loved everything about the Meritage Lounge -- the intimate feel coupled with the contemporary but inviting setting.  I knew right away that this was the perfect Paso Business Spotlight for September.

The most unique thing about Meritage Wine Tasting Lounge is that it allows you to visit a handful of wineries in one gorgeous location.  This brilliant concept allows smaller winemakers to showcase their wines without the need for their own tasting room.  Each tasting bar is hosted by the vintner which makes for a truly educational and personal experience.  A plush lounge creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate gathering or a conversation with friends.  Food and wine pairings are the final piece that makes Meritage Lounge such a unique and delightful experience.  As their website states, they strive to "bring the wonders of California’s vineyards and the delights of California cuisine to your table". And they do that very well. 

In addition, Meritage happily plays host to wine tasting events, corporate events, private parties, wedding receptions and special gatherings, complete with wine and delicious tapas.

So take a walk on the downtown city park and give them a visit. 

Here are the wineries that you will find tucked inside:

Line Shack Wine
Brochelle Vineyards
Michaud Vineyard
Roxo Port Cellars
JK Wine Company
Cerro Prieto Vineyar

Mertiage Lounge
810 11th St
Paso Robles,CA 93446
Phone:(805) 238-9456

by Danika Reed - Owner, Vivant Fine Cheese

We are delivering the Insider Scoop (or slice!) on a Super Secret Cheese Tasting.  Shhh.....

This is an amazing time of the year for cheese!  Mother Nature is in full effect right now. While she turns her attention to the grape harvest, her preoccupation lends the cheese world a hand by allowing their animals to “dry up” and prepare for their next kid or lamb or calf.  This means they won’t be producing any more milk until spring, and frees cheese producers up for the fun part of their jobs – releasing new cheeses. 

 by Tina Swithin

As we all know, Paso Robles has landed on the map for a variety of things.  Wine, olives, festivals and even a capybara (yes, you read that right, a capybara!)  Paso Robles is also becoming world renowned for its fine dining.  You could stay for a week and still not be able to experience all that Paso has to offer your palate.  If you aren’t fortunate enough to stay for a week then you are really missing out --- unless of course you are fortunate enough to be here for Taste of Downtown Paso Robles! 

 

TAKE A HIKE: Three Local Areas to Hike this Fall

Guest Blogger, Samantha Sales
Promotions Assistant for Tri California Events

Currently, over 300,000 people claim the Central Coast to be home, and for many reasons: great weather, friendly people, a brilliant mix of land and water, and thousands of opportunities to stay active and healthy.  In Paso Robles, any back-country road can serve as a beautiful hike or challenging bike ride, but these following trails are some of the local favorites. 

Long Valley Loop @ Lake San Antonio
Fast Facts
Trail Length: 7.1 miles
Highest Elevation: 1,115 feet
Trail Type: Loop, dirt road
Difficulty: Moderate

Lake San Antonio is home of one of the biggest triathlons in the world – Wildflower: The One and Only. It serves as a magnificent race spot because of the great weather, challenging course, and close amenities. For these reasons, it is also a great place to spend a local weekend getaway. Even if it is just for the day. The drive out to Lake Valley Loop is beautiful and so you’ll want to take a camera if you’ve never been.
 
Just along the south side of the lake alone there is over 26 miles of hiking and dirt bike trails, not to mention the countless areas you can explore on your own. The area is chock full of gentle deer, countless birds, and beautiful sunsets. If you forgot to bring snacks, water, a bathing suit, or anything else, you can always stop by the marina grocery store located next to the boat drop off. 

You can easily make a hiking, or mountain biking, weekend out of this area – a great “stay-cation” for locals! For information on camping, boating, or trails near Lake San Antonio visit http://lakesanantonioresort.com/camping.html

Oak Knoll and Quail’s Roost Trail at Lake Nacimiento
Fast Facts
Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Highest Gain: 100 feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy

This trail, nestled not too far from Lake San Antonio, also provides breathtaking views of Lake Nacimiento and the Nacimiento Dam. This pleasant leisure trail should only take you about 45 minutes, which is great for the beginner hiker. Not far from the trail is a local grocery store, Oak Hill Market, which serves delicious, fresh made deli sandwiches and specialty products that are great for the barbeque.
 
On your way to the trail, grab a sandwich from this local grocery store—my personal favorite is the Teeny Bikini—and fill up the car with gas so that you can go a scenic drive after the hike. The trail is located just past the market on your way in, so grab some snacks and enjoy part of the 165-mile shoreline of the area.

Salinas River Parkway @ Larry Moore Park
Fast Facts
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Highest Gain: 80 feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

If you are looking for a trail that can accommodate the whole family, including your dog, this trail is it! With mixed terrain it provides a good amount of sidewalk, dirt, and oak groves and is located in a safe area just off the101 freeway. It includes a short stint through a residential area, where a cul-de-sac serves as the turn around for the trail.

The trail is used year round and is most popular in the early mornings and evenings. The short trail offers beautiful fall colors, birds, and other wildlife, but is conveniently located just a few miles from the City Park.

For more information on these, and other trails, please visit Paso Parks and Trails and Must-Do Hikes for Everyone By Brian Milne.

Guest Blog by Meagan Callahan, Communications Manager, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

SAVOR PASO WINES DURING THE DISTINCT. DIFFERENT. SEMINAR ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2!

Celebrate the beauty and bounty of this coastal region in an incredible four-day experience during Sunset Savor the Central Coast. Paso Robles Wine Country will be participating in multiple events including Paso Glow (10.01), the Market Place (10.01 - 10.02) and two Paso Robles Winemaker Seminars!
Let’s talk Paso Robles: Distinct. Different. This is a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts to discover the diversity in varietals produced within Paso Robles. Taste everything from Viognier and Blaufrankisch to the classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It is within this seminar on Sunday, October 2 from 1 – 2 p.m. where you will not only learn about the characteristics of the wines showcased, but you will also meet the characters behind the wine!

Rap with eight of Paso’s celebrated winemakers and proprietors as they share stories of their winemaking adventures, philosophies, struggles and successes. Don’t know how to pronounce “Blaufrankisch”? Now’s the time to learn and wow your friends with your newfound knowledge of Paso Robles wines.

Thought it couldn’t get better? Get this… Sunset Wine Editor, Sara Schneider will lead you though this fantastic portfolio. Check out the sneak peek:

1.    Still Waters Vineyards - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc
2.    JK Wine Company - 2009 Viognier
3.    Derby Wine Estates - 2008 Fifteen10
4.    Tablas Creek Vineyard - 2010 Paletin Rouge
5.    Castoro Cellars - 2007 Zinfandel
6.    Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards - 2006 Blaufrankisch
7.    Ancient Peaks Winery - 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
8.    Ortman Family Wines - 2007 Wittstrom Vineyard Petite Sirah

Click here to purchase your tickets and learn why Paso Robles Wine Country can produce this vast array of varietals!

For more information on Savor the Central Coast as well as events where Paso wines are featured, visit www.savorcentralcoast.com!

by Guest Blogger Sasha Irving, Studios on the Park

Greetings Art Lovers! 

"We thought they were just coming for the wine but Paso Robles is now changing the lives of its visitors through Art." Yes, Paso Robles offers a one of a kind destination experience for tourists from around the world. They come for the world-class wines, innovative cuisine, pastoral scenery, and charms of our small town. And now they are also coming to change themselves from the inside out!