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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 Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese 
Hello Cheese Lovers!
The ladies at Vivant enjoy a good love story, but even more than that, we looove a good treat - especially when cheese is involved. Valentine's Day is coming up, and we have a recipe that is sure to charm that special someone (trust us, we've all used it!). Danika's Signature Cheesecake doesn't require any time in the oven, so you will impress with just a little work. We love the Central Coast as much as we love desserts, so we incorporated a local Creme Fraiche into the mix and topped our cake with a Roxo Port Reduction Sauce. We hope you find our cheesecake irresistible - have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Vivant Signature Cheesecake
Filling
1 2-pound container Sierra Nevada All Natural Cream Cheese
1 Quart Kendall Farms Crème Fraiche
1 Vanilla Bean
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup granulated sugar
Crust
2 packages Graham Crackers
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar Packed
1/2 cup Butter
Topping
1 Bottle Roxo Port
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
In large metal bowl combine cream cheese, lemon juice and ½ cup of sugar. Scrape inside of vanilla bean and add to other ingredients. Mix on high speed until well combined and fluffy. In separate bowl add crème fraiche and ½ cup sugar. Beat on high speed until very stiff peaks form. Fold the two mixtures together until combined being careful not to mix too much.
In food processor combine graham crackers, cinnamon and brown sugar. Process on high speed until well combined. Melt butter and while processor is running slowly drizzle into mixture. Scrape sides and bottom of processor and mix one more time to fully combine. Spread onto cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Let cool before serving.
In a heavy saucepan combine port and sugar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium. Keep at a rolling boil for approximately 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully to determine desired thickness. Pour into glass measuring cup to let cool.
On individual plates break up crust add a scoop of filling and top with a drizzle of Roxo Port wine reduction. Enjoy!
Danika Reed is the Cheese Monger at Vivant Fine Cheese, located in historic downtown Paso  Robles. The Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room features premium, local and imported handcrafted artisan cheeses paired with the finest Central Coast wine and beer. Danika is our monthly guest blogger for Cheese'n it Up!
 by Tina Swithin
I refuse to brag about the fact that it was 68 degrees today in Paso Robles (it's January!). Maybe I am bragging just a bit but honestly, can you blame me? What is one to do when faced with spectacular weather in the dead of winter? I know what I do: wine tasting, of course! I took a jaunt down the road to Templeton because I've been wanting to try out a few wineries that are new to me.
Continue reading "Pairings in Paso: Venteux Vineyards and Spicy Chipotle Syrah Jam" »
by Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese
Hello Cheese Lovers!
The holidays are all about getting together with family and friends to reflect on the past year and spend some quality time celebrating all that we are so fortunate to have. Of course, getting together usually involves food, and in our case, definitely involves cheese! One of the most enjoyable eating experiences is gathering a  group of friends around a big pot of fondue. It feels so festive and cozy, especially this time of year!
In our holiday shipment of our Vivant Fine Cheese Club, we included a classic fondue cheese: Comtè. We also included Danika's "famous" fondue recipe.
Danika's Famous Classic Swiss Fondue
Ingredients:
1/2 pound Comte, grated
1/2 pound Central Coast Creamery Holey Cow Baby Swiss
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons Kirsch (optional)
1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
Crusty French bread, cubed, for dipping
Method:
1. Use the clove of garlic to rub the inside of a fondue pot (if ceramic) or other large pot. 
2. Pour dry white wine into the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch and Kirsch (can substitute chicken broth).
4. Gradually add the Comtè and Holey Cow to the saucepan and stir constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
5. When the cheese has just melted, gradually stir in the cornstarch and Kirsch mixture.
6. Allow fondue to simmer, still constantly stirring, for 5 minutes or until thickened.
7. If necessary, transfer fondue to fondue pot. Set the flame beneath the fondue pot to medium and use fondue forks to dip bread into cheese.
Enjoy!
Danika Reed is the Cheese Monger at Vivant Fine Cheese, located in historic downtown Paso Robles. The Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room features premium, local and imported handcrafted artisan cheeses paired with the finest Central Coast wine and beer. Danika is our monthly guest blogger for Cheese'n it Up!
By Shonna Howenstine, City of Paso Robles Tourism Coordinator
 After hearing a visitor say last year that they planned to purchase items made in or near Paso Robles during the holiday season, we agreed that the idea was genius and set to work compiling THE LIST. That's right, we would put into one place every item we know of that is made or can only be found in Paso Robles. Our shopping adventure took us through websites that in turn inspired our imaginations AND made checking off our shopping lists remarkably easy and fun.
Continue reading "Give the Gift of Paso Robles" »
by Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese
Hello Cheese Lovers!
 When I sit down to collect my thoughts and begin to prepare for the upcoming Holiday season, I get an overwhelming feeling of comfort, which makes me appreciate the rich life we enjoy because we live on the Central Coast of California. Many of my friends are sharing their daily feelings of thanks online. I find it uplifting and inspiring to read the simple everyday things people are thankful for and that I most often take for granted. As we settle into a season of family and friends, my first thoughts focus on food and of course CHEESE!!
Continue reading "Cheese’n it Up and Giving Thanks at Vivant Fine Cheese" »
by Tina Swithin
Paso Robles is brimming with fabulous businesses which cater to every aspect of our fantastic wine country. One such niche is wine country tours 
which accommodate locals and visitors alike. We are fortunate to have a tour company to fit the needs of every person from the adventure seeker to the individual searching for a fun wine tasting experience sans the responsibility of driving. Uncorked Wine Tours is one such company who is making a name for themselves.
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking to Katie Hamblin, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours,  affectionately known as “Captain Katie”. She explained a little bit more about what sets her company apart from other wine tours in the area:
“We avoid being a cookie cutter tour company and pride ourselves on finding the hidden gems of the Central Coast and catering to the individual needs of our clients. We can provide an educational experience or a fun experience with 'custom’ being the key word”. If Syrah ranks high on your list of favorites, be sure to let Captain Katie know and she will create a unique Syrah adventure that you won’t soon forget! Zealous about Zins? Well, she’s up for that challenge also. They don’t call her Captain for nothing!
 Looking to sample all that Paso Robles has to offer? “We offer a fabulous sampler tour which gives you a ‘taste’ of everything— beer, wine, cheese, olive oil and…even coffee! We also have a few favorite lunch spots including 15c Wine Shop, Farmstand 46 or grab a bite at one of the wineries on the tour” says Captain Katie.
Uncorked Wine Tours can provide services for groups of 6 or less—they can cater to you and your sweetie or grab a few friends and have the time of your life.
The tagline of the company: “Uncorked -- Unleashed-- Uninhibited”. THAT has my name written all over it!
Read what Captain Katie’s customers are saying about Uncorked Wine Tours:
“Captain Katie was fantastic. She made us feel like locals when the owners of the five wineries we visited gave us the VIP treatment, simply because we arrived with our wonderful guide. Katie offered excellent insights to new wineries and restaurant recommendations in the area. I highly recommend Uncorked and Katie for a fun and relaxing trip that you and your friends will remember fondly.” Maura-San Diego
Contact Uncorked Wine Tours
Phone: 805-459-4500
Email: katie@uncorkedwinetours.net
Website: Click Here
By Maryann Stansfield
 Thinking they couldn't improve on the event from last year, I was blown away by Saturday's Savor the Central Coast Event. It was just spectacular. More educational food, wine and gardening exhibits, more cooking demonstractions, fantastic travel exhibits, and food, food, food, and wine, wine, wine!! Fresh seafood right out of the shell, local made sausages hot off the grill, artisan cheeses to pair perfectly with wine from SLO County and WA state, and local organic produce as far as the eye can see.
 Celebrity Iron Chef Cat Cora was on hand doing cooking seminars and interviews, while Sunset Editor-in-Chief Katie Tamony, as well as Wine Editor Sara Schnieder, Travel Editor Peter Fish, and Food Editor Margo True were there engaging with their Savor guests in the Sunset Kitchen Gardens, in the Market Place and at Chef Central.
Today celebrity chef Aarti Sequeira from Food Network Channel's Aarti's Paarti will be on site conducting cooking seminars and tickets are still available.
 Don't miss the Santa Margarita train ride throughout the beautiful ranch, the beer garden with live music, and the Infinity team of professional drivers that will take you for the ride of your lives.
Find that all today at Savor the Central Coast! For more information visit savorcentralcoast.com.
Maryann Stansfield is the Marketing Manager for the Travel Paso Robles Alliance, and Marketing Director for Mental Marketing.
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:
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.
Continue reading "Insider Tips: Sunset's Savor the Central Coast" »
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