by Erica Renkert

Planning a wedding or special event? Know somebody who is considering it? Then you should come and experience all the fun and excitement of the 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo in Paso Robles.

The Paso Robles Main Street Association will be holding their 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo, on March 4th at 11:00 am at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom, and it is free to attend. There will be over thirty vendors featured, all there to help you bring your dreams to life and ensure every detail is not forgotten on your big day. You will be able to browse through vendor booths, speak one-on-one with consultants, hear potential bands and even sample food and wine.

Looking to share something special with your loved one?  Complementary vow renewals by Ceremonies Your Way, will be taking place in the colorful gardens at the Paso Robles Inn.  Photo Booths, DJ's, Formal Wear, Venues, Decor, Lighting Experts, Photographers, Flowers, Hair, even Insurance consultants will be on hand to answer all your questions and give you a multitude of ideas for any event you're planning.

Each of our vendors has generously donated a raffle item; every 15 minutes we will have a winner. That's over 30 prizes to be won just for coming to the 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo. Every person who attends and registers will be given a raffle ticket along with their own bag filled with information and coupons from the vendors.   

The Paso Robles Main Street Association would like to thank the following business for helping to make the 12th Annual Wedding & Special Events Expo possible. Paso Robles Inn, N2 Events, Paso Robles Press, Flowers by Kim, Howard Signery, Central Coast Bride, KPRL 1230AM and Jerry Craig DJ/Karaoke & Décor Lighting.

I hope to see many of you there on March 4th at 11:00 am; remember it's free to the public so bring yourself and all your friends!

Come, enjoy and remember - you can schedule appointments and even book your dream day or event with one of our expert vendors that day!

 

(Photo at left is the Paso Robles Inn ballroom)

 

Erica Renkert is the chairperson of the 2012 Wedding and Special Event Expo and the General Manager of the Paso Robles Inn.

By Matt Browne

One of my favorite things to do is go exploring in Paso Robles with my wife in search of great scenes
and views. The question is, “what makes a great scene”? I would define that as a place that you can become absorbed in, lose track of time, and not want to leave.

We have found several places that we end up visiting time and again because of the unique view, vibe, and scene. So here’s a short list along with the reason why we enjoy the place, but keep in mind, these are just a few of the places to enjoy here in paradise. 

Calcareous Winery- An amazing hilltop view with a great patio to sit on and enjoy a picnic and a glass of wine.

DAOU Vineyards- This tasting room boasts the highest elevation in Paso Robles for a tasting room and phenomenal views over Paso Robles.

Highway 46 West Vista Point- An amazing turnout on 46 West overlooking beautiful hills and Morro Rock in the distance.

Chapel Hill- Out Highway 46 East on the left hand side (Shandon area) there is this great private chapel surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. We have parked at the bottom numerous times and hiked up the hill to the top to enjoy the scene. The building is beautiful and the views are fantastic, especially if it is wildflower season!

Farmstand 46- This awesome deli style restaurant on 46 West is a great spot to sit and hangout with a glass of wine and one of their incredible sandwiches while watching the world drive by on Highway 46 West.

Downtown Brew- This spot is located in downtown Paso Robles across from the park and it’s upstairs. We try to get a spot by the window so we can enjoy the great view of the park while enjoying a beer and lunch. There are several other places downtown with cool patios to hang out at: Paso Robles Inn upstairs deck off the bar, Pappy McGregor’s, Berry Hill Bistro, and Villa Creek.

Paso Robles Downtown Park- This really is the core of this amazing city. The downtown square is a great place to enjoy a picnic, read a book, or simply watch the happenings of the city.

Edward Sellers wine tasting room- This is one of those wineries that is right in the thick of it, as are so many in Paso Robles. Rather than the hilltop view you are right down in the vineyard and the surrounding hills and oak trees just make it a great place to get lost in.

Now it’s your turn, go exploring to find your favorite scenes in Paso Robles!

Matt is a 10-year Paso Robles area resident. He  and his wife Annie love exploring the Central Coast looking for food, drinks, and adventure.  You can follow their adventures on their blog at HootnAnnie.

by Shonna Howenstine, Tourism Coordinator

Paso Robles plays host to two large cutting horse events each year. The annual Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association Derby/Challenge happens at the Paso Robles Event Center March 13-18, 2012. I recently had the opportunity to interview the Director of the PCCHA, Phil Benadum about the show. Along with throwing down some horse lingo, he also provided some helpful information about their next event.

SH: Hey Phil, long time no see. What have you been up to since the Futurity? 

PB: We just finished our 2011 PCCHA Convention and Year End Awards Banquet at the Harris Ranch Hotel in Coalinga, Ca.  This is where we highlight the grass roots "Weekend Cutter"(aka the beginning cutting horse competitor).  We had a nice turnout and a lot of great ideas came out of our Convention. We will be putting some of them to good use during the Derby in March.

 

By Cindy Steinbeck

If rustic Paso Robles could speak for itself it would say: Step inside for a look at an authentic community. The beautiful wines created here will enhance your experience, but they are not the whole story.

Like many other historic families here in Paso Robles, the rustic tin siding of our tasting room speaks to the heart and soul of my family, the Steinbeck family. We’ve farmed in Paso Robles, CA for seven-generations. Four generations of Steinbeck’s live on this historic property and three of those generations work our family farm and vineyard, the next generation on the farm is only two months old, a little too young to farm. The soil and the land are our life and our history tells a story. The wines we create help us tell our story from our eclectic tasting room, but they are not the whole story.   

Visitors at Steinbeck Vineyards soak in a rich visible history as they drive up to the little building that once served as Grandpa Frank’s blacksmith shop.  Hearty Paso Robles pioneers created their own steel products needed for farming using Grandpa’s old forge to heat the steel and pure muscle to pound the shape on the heavy anvil at that shop. That historic forge is now a rustic, glass top table located in the tasting room, still telling its own story time and again.  

Grandpa Frank’s parents William and Barbara Amelia Ernst (my Great, great Grandparents) settled in the Geneseo District, just 6 miles south and east of Paso Robles. The community consisted of 3 Ernst families and various other friends that migrated west from Geneseo, IL in the early 1800s to seek out the good farmland and a new life for their families.  The families built the one room Geneseo school house which is now on display at the Pioneer Museum. They farmed barley and raised cattle and they also grew grapes and made wine!

The San Luis Obispo Tribune articles from 1900 and 1901 speak volumes about the family saying that their grapes and wine “supply a portion of the trade of Paso Robles” and “they do not make cheap wine.” We believe the Ernst family got grape wood cuttings for their initial plantings from the UC Davis experimental vineyard that was located on Experimental Station Road near Cuesta College from 1860 – 1920. The majestic wine press is on display in the tasting room. It was manufactured in 1874 and used for 60 years to process fine wines, as much wine then as we make today with modern practices. Oh if that wine press could talk. . .

Our family’s 1958 Willy’s Jeep is now used for touring guests around our vast vineyards and it’s perfectly weathered and rusty, just like the siding of the tasting room. Once a 7-year-old guest arrived with her parents to tour the vineyards and she declared, “You should paint this thing!” Her parents were quick to say, “Honey, the rust is part of the story, part of their history. This rusty Jeep is perfect the way it is.”

If the rusty siding of our family’s tasting room could speak it would say: Step inside for a look at an authentic pioneer family. You will be richer because you chose to visit historic Steinbeck Vineyards in Paso Robles, CA.

Indeed. I might be biased, but I feel that way about many places in Paso Robles. Stay tuned as I return monthly to bring Paso Robles history back to life through the eyes of a Paso Robles pioneer. 

Cindy Steinbeck is owner of Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery and serves as director of marketing and public relations.  Cindy serves on the Board of Regents for Concordia University Irvine and travels extensively as an inspirational public speaker.  Please visit www.steinbeckwines.com to see more of the Steinbeck story.

 

 

by Tina Swithin

With the Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival right around the corner and the spirit of Zin in the air, I went straight to the Queen of Paso Robles Zinfandel, Janell Dusi for this month’s Pairings in Paso. 

The Dusi family history is a large part of the Paso Robles story, following the local zinfandel vines back over 80 years. 

Janell sums up her passion, “One thing I know for sure, winemaking is part science, part art and 100% passion”.  That statement is apparent if you’ve ever tasted a Dusi Zin.  

Janell Dusi offered up an old family recipe which is on high demand this time of year - minestrone soup straight from the Dusi’s kitchen.  This isn’t just any minestrone soup; there is passion, love, history and lots of yummy veggies packed into this soup. Let's get cooking!   

Dusi Minestrone Soup
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large yellow onion (cut into thin rings and separated)
4 large carrots (thick sliced)
1 fennel bulb (chopped)
3 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
3 green zucchini and 3 yellow squash (sliced thick)
1 1/2 cup green beans (cut in one inch pieces)
1 head of green cabbage (shredded thin)
8 cups of chicken stock and 4 cups of water
A few splashes of Pernod (a liqueur that tastes like anise)
1 cup of Dusi Zinfandel
3 tablespoons of Creme Fraiche
1 large can (35 oz.) plum tomatoes (chopped fine)
Oregano, Basil, fennel seed, and a dash of nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper
2 cans of cannellini beans (drained)
1 large can of red kidney beans (drained)
1 pound cheese tortellini
1 ½ pounds sweet Italian sausage (pan fried and drained)
Hard parmesan cheese (cut in one inch chunks)
Freshly grated Fontina cheese for the top of each bowl of soup
 
Heat oil over medium flame; add onion rings and sauté for 15 minutes.  Stir in carrots and sauté for 3 minutes, tossing occasionally.  Add fennel, potatoes, green pepper, zucchini and green beans, Sautéing each vegetable 2-3 minutes before adding the next.

After all veggies have been added, stir in the cabbage and cook five minutes more. Add the stock, water, tomatoes with their juices, oregano, basil, wine, and Pernod.

Add salt and pepper.  Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer covered on low heat for 2 ½ hours.

If your soup is too thick, add more water.  About 15 minutes before you want to serve the soup, add the kidney beans, tortellini, the cooked sausage, and parmesan chunks. The bubbling broth will cook the tortellini in minutes.

Serve the soup in individual bowls and sprinkle grated fontina cheese on top of each individual bowl of soup.

Recommended Pairing and Winemaker’s Notes:

2009 Zinfandel from Dante Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles

The 2009 Zinfandel opens with distinct Dusi Vineyard fruit flavors of zesty berries.  The mid-palate is heightened with spicy anise and a lasting finish.  The balance of texture and acidity produces a round silky sensation on your palate.  A multiplicity of oak barrels has lead to an old world styled Zinfandel rendering structure but holding onto great finesse.

Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

by Curtis Reinhardt

Have you ever taken the train from Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo? It is an absolutely gorgeous ride. Did you know that there is a company doing monthly Wine Rail Excursions between SLO and Paso? And that there is fantastic Paso Robles wine included?

These excursions are sponsored by the Central Coast Railroad Festival and are selling out every month.

By Sasha Irving, Studios on the Park

Ready to get in touch with your artsy side?  Here is a list of new exhibitions in Paso Robles:

Clayhouse Wines

Paso Robles resident artist and photographer Donald Walker displays his landscape photographs in color and black & white and much more at Clayhouse Wines during February. His interest in photography began in high school with the Kodak, an early Agfa and Brownie 35mm and 120 mm cameras. Enjoy his images at 849 13th Street.

EarthTones Gifts & Gallery

“Unbridled Love” is a powerful retrospective of Judy C Thomas’ views on life. Her acrylic, oil, and mixed media pieces celebrate a love of the natural world. To view her intoxicating landscapes and animals, visit EarthTones Gifts & Gallery at 1319 Park Street.

Orchid Hill Vineyard

This month the award-winning wines of Orchid Hill Vineyard are complemented by the works of Daniel, a mixed media artist of paintings and prints displays his interpretations of “the unseen.” Born in Miami and raised in Los Angeles, Daniel, a Cuban-American, is an architectural designer by education and an abstract artist by nature. His works will be on display at 1140 Pine Street.

Studios on the Park

“Love Songs: Musically Inspired Art,” a collaborative exhibition with ARTS Obispo, includes works in acrylic, oil, watercolor, metal, printmaking, silk and wood by artists from throughout San Luis Obispo County. Find the perfect Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart at 1130 Pine Street.

Paso Wine Centre

Take your choice of tasting 48 Paso Robles wines while viewing the works of two Cambria artists. Discover the colorful spiritual new world art of Sandy Dent and portraits by James Kelly at 1240 Park Street.

Pianetta Winery

Visit Pianetta Winery and experience the original works by local artist Joan Scott. Enjoy their premium red wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, while viewing Scott’s mixed media and original canvases. Pianetta is located at 829 13th Street.

Vale Fine Art

For her first annual Winter Group Show, Vale Fine Art proprietor Madeline Vale presents works by local artists working on an international level of excellence. Don’t miss exquisite art by Neal Breton, Todd Carpenter, Hope Kroll, Aleah Koury, Wendy Marvel and Mark Arnon Rosen, Peter Holmes, Eric Segurd, and Edward Walton Wilcox at 619 12^th Street.

The Gallery at Vina Robles

The Gallery at Vina Robles is currently hosting the first ever all-Chinese Brush painting show on the Central Coast. “The Dancing Brush” features both paintings and calligraphy done by regional artists on rice papers in the traditional Chinese manner.

The art of traditional Chinese brush painting has been evolving for over 2000 years. It developed from and with the art of calligraphy, but is linked to 3000 years of culture based on poetry, religion, and music. It is a unique and fascinating art form.

Experience the heart and mind of this ancient tradition through April 2nd at The Gallery at Vina Robles, 3700 Mill Road.

 

Sasha Irving is the Programs Director of Studios on the Park and the Coordinator of the annual Paso Robles Festival of the Arts. Proud to be a native Paso Roblan, she is also a member of Balet Folklorico Cachanilla and an usher at Old Mission San Miguel Arcangel.  For more information please visit www.studiosonthepark.org or call 805.238.9800. 

 

by Tina Swithin

The mere mention of Valentine’s Day and I think CHOCOLATE!  The two go hand in hand.  I spent the afternoon tasting some exquisite chocolate and wine at Le Vigne Winery in Paso Robles.  On my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting with Zina Miakinkova who is the "queen of pairing".  Whether you are indulging in one of their famous Panini’s, cheese or chocolate, she is your go-to person!

The History of Chocolate with Zina Miakinkova:
The most important component of chocolate is the cocoa bean.  Amazingly enough both cocoa and Vanilla both come from the Oaxaca valley of Mexico.  The first people clearly known to have discovered the secret of cacao were the Mayans  in 250-900 C.E.. The Maya and their ancestors in Mesoamerica took the tree from the rainforest and grew it in their own backyards, where they harvested, fermented, roasted, and ground the seeds into a paste. When mixed with water, chile peppers, cornmeal, and other ingredients, this paste made a frothy, spicy chocolate drink.

It was adopted by the Aztecs by 1400s and used during ceremonies and was considered sacred.  It was always made into a beverage and only the royalty and priests were allowed to drink it.  Cocoa beans are naturally very bitter.  The Aztecs used to add chilies and spices to make it palatable.  This can still be tasted in traditional Mexican hot chocolate. 

It was not until the Spanish Conquistadors conquered Mexico in the 1521 that sugar was added to it to make it taste more like the chocolate we all know and love.  The Spaniards carefully guarded the secret of the delicious cocoa bean for almost 100 years.  Until the 1600s Spain was the exclusive import of cocoa.  Chocolate’s evolution was not over yet.  It was not until the industrial revolution in the mid-1700s that chocolate finally took on a solid form. 

Valentine's Day Double Decadence

Le Vigne Winery’s Valentine’s Day Double Decadence is an experience that will be on my Valentine's Day calendar year after year.  I indulged in a fabulous line-up of Le Vigne wine paired with some of the most interesting chocolates such as a Lindt White Coconut (white chocolate with delicate coconut flakes) paired with the 2009 Kiara Reserve Chardonnay and the Veritas Nib True Flat (South America and Ivory Coast Cacao nibs with deep rich dark chocolate) paired with the 2006 Le Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon.  Sounds amazing, doesn't it?  It gets better.  There were also two chocolate fountains: white chocolate walnut and dark chocolate hazelnut complete with a huge assortment of items to "dip" such as mangos, marshmellows, cherries and pistachios.  It was heaven.    

If you don’t have the chance to stop by this Valentine’s Day weekend, stop by on another weekend for their regular cheese pairings or other fabulous events. 

Le Vigne Winery is located at 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles (805) 227-4000.

Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

 

by Maryann Stansfield, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

I can’t remember the last time it felt like spring in Paso Robles during the month of February, but here we happily are. It’s going to be 73 degrees today, so don’t miss out! Plan a fun filled food and wine getaway to Paso Robles Wine Country with friends, family or your special valentine now and let your winter blues melt away. Amazing weather aside, February Hotel Month helps make it even more affordable to getaway:  stay two nights at a range of participating resorts, flagship hotels and inns in Paso Robles wine country and receive a third night complimentary. In addition, guests will enjoy a complimentary bottle of Paso Robles wine sponsored by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, plus special amenities unique to each property.  

Participating Hotels

Adelaide Inn - enjoy all the comforts of home at this family-owned, budget friendly inn including complimentary muffins, fruit and cookies each day, comfy pillow-top mattress plus a heated outdoor pool and spa, sauna and a miniature golf course. During "Paso Robles Hotel Month" guests will also receive a $5 per person coupon to locals' favorite Margie's Diner for breakfast each morning, complimentary afternoon cookies and wine tasting tickets to more than a dozen Paso Robles wineries. Call (800) 549-7276 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

Best Western Black Oak Lodge - recently renovated, nicely appointed rooms and outdoor heated pool, hot tub and a dry sauna provide a relaxing wine country escape. During "Paso Robles Hotel Month" guests will also receive a $10 per person breakfast voucher at favorite locals' spot Margie's Diner.  Call (805) 238-4740 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

Courtyard by Marriott - enjoy well-appointed contemporary guestrooms, room service, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and in-room spa services. During "Paso Robles Hotel Month," guests will also receive 10% off spa services and restaurant purchases. Book directly through Kimberly Foo by calling (805) 239-5501.

Hampton Inn & Suites - this charming Mediterranean style property recently completed a $2 million renovation. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast bar each morning, complimentary wine reception (Mon,-Thurs.), heated pool, spa and fitness center. During "Paso Robles Hotel Month" guests will receive two complimentary signature wine glasses with their bottle of wine. Call (805)226-9988 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

Holiday Inn Express Suites - Come experience our newly remodeled, well appointed guestrooms. Your stay will include a full hot breakfast each morning as well as complimentary wi-fi. During your stay we invite you to enjoy the use of our 24 hour fitness center, business center, indoor heated pool and spa. We are dog friendly and located within minutes of downtown and several wineries. Offer valid Sunday through Thursday through 2/29/12. Please contact our Guest Services staff at (805) 238-6500.

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites - this luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel offers amenities including acclaimed Enoteca Restaurant & Bar, an onsite spa, a choice of specialty suites, a swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool and fireside cabana. Please call the hotel directly to book and ask for February Hotel special. (805) 238-2834.

La Quinta Inns & Suites - enjoy special amenities such as complimentary breakfast buffet, a nightly wine and gourmet cheese reception, a fitness center and an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. New two-room suites feature spacious bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, a living room and large bedroom.  During Paso Robles Hotel Month," guests will also enjoy a complimentary Artisan Series tasting at adjacent San Antonio Winery. Call (805) 239-3004 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

Paso Robles Inn - renowned for their therapeutic mineral spa tubs, this serene getaway is surrounded by lush gardens, streams, koi ponds and majestic oak trees. Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool and spa and the popular Paso Robles Steakhouse. Rooms with fireplaces and private hot springs mineral spa tubs are available. During "Paso Robles Hotel Month" guests will also enjoy 10% off at the Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse. Call (800) 676-1713 to book and ask for the Feb Hotel Special.

*Disclaimer: This offer is based on availability and is valid February 1 - 29, 2012, individual blackout dates and restrictions apply. Nights must be booked consecutively. Complimentary Night is not valid for a Saturday night stay. See listings for additional individual property amenities offered, reservations and booking information.

 

by Meagan Callahan

Crazy for Paso Robles Zin? Us too, we are all looking forward to the 20^th Annual Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival, March 16 – 18, 2012. Tickets to the Zin Tasting & Wine Country Auction on Saturday, March 17 are now available on www.pasowine.com. Experience Zinfandel and Zinfandel blends from more than 40 Paso Robles wineries, complemented by Zin-friendly bites from local restaurants.

Feeling lucky? “Like” Paso Robles Wine on Facebook by February 29 to be entered to win the “Ultimate Zinfandel Festival Getaway.” The getaway includes: Two (2) ZIP tickets to the Zin Tasting & Wine Country Auction; hotel accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Paso Robles, sponsored by the Travel Paso Robles Alliance; 2 – 4 VIP winery tours and tastings; and a winemaker dinner. This excursion is the perfect way to experience Paso Robles’ world-class wine during one of the most exciting weekends of the year.

For more information on how to win the “Ultimate Getaway,” check out Paso Robles Wine on Facebook. Visit www.pasowine.com for details on the Zinfandel Festival. See you in March!

Meagan Cross (Callahan), Communications Manager for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance www.pasowine.com