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 by Tina Swithin
There is always something new to discover in Paso Robles, which is one of the many things that I love about this area. A few weeks ago, I received a call from Morgan at Midnight Cellars who was eager to share news about the newest business to "trot" onto the Paso Robles wine scene. If you are questioning my choice of words, let me explain that this business did in fact "trot" into Paso Robles.
If you are planning to indulge in the Paso Robles wine tasting experience, there are a variety of ways to visit tasting rooms: limos, wine tours, trolleys and now carriage rides! Yes, I did say ‘carriage rides’.  White Horse Carriage Co. is a welcomed addition to Paso Robles, providing wine tasting excursions by horse-drawn carriage. You can sit back and enjoy the rolling hills, vines and fresh air from the comfort of a lovingly restored Victorian-era carriage. Their tours include two to four boutique tasting rooms and a light picnic lunch in the midst of a local vineyard or can be catered to your individual needs.
I couldn’t help but smile as we rode through beautiful Paso Robles while listening to the therapeutic "clippity-clop" of hooves with Angel, a 12-year old Spanish Norman Carriage Horse at the helm. Angel isn't just any horse; she is a stunning white horse who has a gentle soul and a strong passion for pulling her carriage. Her enthusiasm shows with every step that she takes. Madaline explained, "You can tell Angel is happy when her ears are perked forward and there is a zealous spring in her step." I would be happy also if I got to experience the beautiful wine country every day with a backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards.
On my adventure with Kari, Madaline and Angel, I also discovered that the age old saying, "Love and  marriage goes together like a horse and carriage" is actually alive and well in Paso Robles. Madaline and Kari are eager to make your fairytale wedding a reality. What bride doesn't dream of being taken to the alter by a beautiful white horse-drawn carriage? For those planning to “pop the question”, they can assist you with the first step in that process-asking for her hand in marriage. As their website states, "She will tell the story to friends and family for the rest of her life... create a fairytale that she will never forget".
Whether you are planning a day of wine tasting, a romantic proposal or a grand entrance to your wedding day festivities; White Horse Carriage Co. is an experience that I highly recommend. Want to see more? I leave you with their official video in which you can pretend to be trotting through the vineyards in style.
White Horse Carriage Co.
805-296-2289
WhiteHorse@email.com
Tina Swithin is the Marketing Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious articles about Paso Robles. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.
By Nicole Adams, Promotions Assistant at Tri-California Events
Cyclists from near and far will converge on the Paso Robles Fairgrounds this Memorial Day weekend for 3 days of bicycling around the Central Coast in an event known as the Great Western Bicycle Rally. RV’s will roll in, tents will be set-up, bikes will be tuned and riders will fuel up on Santa Maria style BBQ while they map out their bike routes.
The Rally, now in its 48th year, attracts cyclists of all ages and levels to come together and explore Paso Robles & the central coast from a two-wheeled perspective. Lots of great activities and rides are planned, so pack up your trusty steed and come enjoy this popular annual extravaganza. View the complete schedule of events.
- Festivities kick-off on Friday evening for the GWBR Open House and Bike Swap. Participants are
 encouraged to bring old bicycles, spare bike parts, and other related items to sell.
- Saturday and Sunday offer riders the chance to participate in supportive group rides, or head out on a solo adventure of the area. Twenty-five pre-mapped “rally rides” are available for interested riders, ranging in distance from 3 to 100 miles and with varying degrees of difficulty.
Here are just some of the Rally Rides to choose from:
- Paso Robles Roundabout – 8 miles: A short and pleasant excursion around Paso Robles. View some of the Victorian houses that make Paso Robles so picturesque. Cross over the Salinas River for some great views of the city.
- Star Farms Stopover – 25 miles: The most popular ride in the Rally. Dean Porter of Star Farms opens his unique property for Rally participants to come hang out for the day. Can you say sandy beaches, tiki huts, and volleyball courts?!
- Wine Taster’s Tour – 30 miles: This annual ride gives participants the chance to visit five local wineries: Peachy Canyon, Castoro Cellars, Donati Family, Norman, and Halter Ranch. Don’t worry about lugging around your bottles! The Rally will pick it up for you and bring it back to the Fairgrounds!
- Velo de Femme – 42 miles: A ride for women only! Enjoy the female camaraderie and take on a tough ride without the guys. Along the way, enjoy stops at Le Vigne Winery and the Templeton Farmers Market!
- Great Western 100 Century – 100 miles: This epic ride will showcase the magnificent coastal range of Westside Paso Robles and the caost. You will need to use all your gears on some of the most beautiful climbs in California, including Old Creek Rd., Santa Rosa Creek Rd., and finishing with Peachy Canyon Rd. This ride is fully supported.
Visit www.greatwesternbicyclerally.com for detailed information on the event. Come experience Paso Robles from a different angle!
Tri-California Events is located in both Pacific Grove and Paso Robles, and has been serving the triathlon community since 1982. We specialize in producing, managing, and running high quality events focused on the needs of our athletes. We produce "The One and Only" Wildflower Triathlons, The San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz, The Triathlon at Pacific Grove and Scott Tinley's Triathlon.
 by Lisa Pretty
For most people in San Luis Obispo County, May 19th means the Paso Robles Wine Festival. Thousands of people will be in Paso Robles enjoying wine in the park on Saturday as well as endulging on winery hosted events throughout the region all weekend long. May 19th is also the date that Jamie Oliver has declared Food Revolution Day.
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery has partnered with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Foundation (and donated $10,000) to help promote food education and eating healthy. The winery felt it was a good fit with their beliefs/approach to food. “The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation supports fresh and sustainable sourcing of food as does Chef Will Torres at The Restaurant at JUSTIN. We buy locally for as much of our menu as possible to offer a true Paso Robles experience when visiting the winery. The inaugural Food Revolution  Day will be a celebration with dinner parties happening all over the world. We wanted to do our part to raise awareness and offer a unique experience to our guests.”
The winery will kick off wine festival weekend on Friday, May 18 with a five course dinner in the JUSTIN’s barrel Caves to celebrate the Food Revolution. To make the event extra special, Top Chef All Star’s Chef Marcel Vigeron will be joining Chef Will Torres to prepare the meal. Chef Marcel was selected for his unique take on food and molecular gastronomy, which is different from anything done at the Restaurant at JUSTIN in the past. Chef Will is very excited about the opportunity -- “I watched him battle it out on Top Chef and now he will be in my kitchen. I have been a big fan of Top Chef Series since it started. We do have guest chefs about every 2 to 3 months come out and cook  and it's always one of my favorite nights to work. My favorites include Sean Brock from McCrady's and Husk and Tory McPhail from Commanders Palace. You can always see who the next Guest Chef will be on JUSTIN's website.”
Chef Marcel is “quite honored and super stoked to be participating in the first inaugural celebration of Food Revolution Day in Paso Robles California”. In addition to being the guest Chef on Friday night, Chef Marcel will be preparing molecular gastronomy bites for festival attendees in the JUSTIN tent in the park. These bites will be paired with JUSTIN’s 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, just released 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, limited production 2010 Syrah, 2009 Justification and 2009 Isosceles.
While I would love to provide a molecular gastronomy recipe, I am slightly challenged in that area. I also  suspect that most people would find Chef Marcel's creations difficult to duplicate. With that said, I decided to go with my very popular (and very healthy) Talapia Ceviche paired with JUSTIN's Sauvignon Blanc. In honor of the Food Revolution, try serving this on endive spears or baby romaine petals instead of chips. If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe that will impress your friends and family, this is it!
Tilapia Ceviche
Serves 6
2 tilapia fillets, diced
Juice of 3-4 fresh limes
6 cherry tomatoes,diced
1 green onion diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon hot chili sauce
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Place the fish in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. Pour lime juice over fish, stirring to coat all fish pieces. If fish pieces are not covered completely, add more lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours. Drain and discard lime juice. Mix the fish with the remaining ingredients. Serve chilled.
More about Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Day: This is an initiative to fight obesity with better food. Jamie's strategy is to get more people to cook at home, provided education about healthy eating, bring freshly cooked meals to schools and have corporations promote improvements and invest in tackling the obesity problem. To "stand up for real food" and join the revolution, go to www.foodrevolutionday.com.
Lisa Pretty is owner/winemaker at Pretty-Smith Vineyards & Winery and author of the Eat This With Paso Robles wine recipe book.
 by Christopher Taranto
Can you believe it has been 30 years since the very first Paso Robles Wine Festival? It’s amazing to think that this little festival began with 17 wineries in the downtown square park, which represented ALL of the wineries in existence within the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area at the time. On May 18 – 20 Paso Robles Wine Country comes together again for wine festival and to honor 30 years of this celebration representing the finest in food and wine. The festival will embrace all that defines Paso Robles Wine Country – a welcome-to-the-neighborhood atmosphere, fantastic food offerings, and of course exceptional wines.
The 30th Annual Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, May 18, 2012 as select wineries feature their library, reserve, futures and refreshing power white/Rosé samples at the RESERVE event. On Saturday, May 19, 2012 60 wineries come together in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park to showcase their wines alongside culinary samplings from food trucks. Tunes from The JD Project will complement the tasting experience which is framed by the quaintness of downtown Paso Robles.  Attendees can utilize the shuttle system we provide and park either at the Paso Robles Event Center (Riverside Avenue) or at the Paso Robles High School (Niblick Road). Shuttles will run from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., which offers a window of opportunity to arrive a little early to shop, get a bite to eat or just explore our beautiful downtown.
The fun does not end on Saturday. We invite people to travel beyond the Park to explore more than 150 winery events throughout the weekend including winemaker dinners, live music, barrel samplings, and more. Wineries with a Festival Fan next to their name in the brochure and noted on www.pasowine.com offer specials to Grand Tasting ticketholders. Festival goers who keep their ticket in hand throughout the weekend can take advantage of these great offers. Another convenient tool is our online Trip Itinerary Planner which can help plot a course throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. As always, we encourage people to designate a driver or hire a tour company to do the driving for them.
To those that are not able to attend The 30th Annual Wine Festival, what can we say? You are missing out, but that does not mean you cannot still enjoy a little Paso Robles wine at home. To those planning to attend, thank you and cheers to 30 years!
Christopher Taranto is the Marketing Director for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.
 by Jennifer Knoll
In Paso Robles we have at our disposal an abundance of fresh, flavorful, organic local produce and meats, virtually all year long. I've become obsessed with shopping for all my veggies, fruits, and sometimes my entire meal, at Farmer’s Markets. Most of the time I go in blind, seeking inspiration from whatever combinations look freshest. And as we find ourselves in late spring, on the verge of summer, the Farmers' tables are starting to blow-up with possibilities – many items begging to be thrown onto the grill!
So with the grill in the back of my mind – and the anticipation of a warm, breezy evening on the patio under the shade – I walked through Paso's Tuesday Market in the near 90 degree heat thinking of the crisp, clean, chilly bottle of Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc I chose for the night, opting to food shop for this particular bottle. With its crisp acidity, granny smith and citrus that are softened by its vibrant minerality and hints of fennel and dill, I knew that the fresh tarragon in my herb bin was going to make it into this show.
But what else?
Walking through the Tuesday farmer’s market I felt a sense of mild regret in that I was only doing one Pairings in Paso post for the month of May: the amazing spring colors of ridiculously fresh beets, radishes, carrots, lemons, oranges, peas, strawberries were overloading my senses! My mind was whirling with the possibilities and almost endless combos. I tried to be logical, determined to keep it simple. My chilling wine would be perfect for the chicken thawing at home, along with the fresh tarragon from my friends at 3 Kids Farm. In addition, I picked up some Cara Cara oranges, a Meyer lemon, and some crisp English peas and beautiful fennel for a playful salad to complement the chicory and licorice in the Grenache Blanc.
Finally, here is my farmer’s market inspired Spring Tarragon Citrus Chicken with Pea and Fennel Salad.
Spring Tarragon Citrus Chicken , Peas and Fennel
2 chicken breasts, butterflied
1 bunch tarragon leaves
3 juiced Cara Cara oranges
2 juiced Meyer lemons
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves crushed garlic
Pinch of salt & pepper
2 cups blanched English shelling peas
1 thinly sliced fennel bulb
Fennel fronds for garnish
Arrange chicken in single layer in glass casserole or pie plate. Season with salt & pepper. Whisk together orange & lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic and tarragon in small bowl. Reserve ½ a cup for salad. Pour marinade over chicken and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Transfer chicken to barbecue. Grill chicken, about 6 minutes per side. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. While chicken is resting add peas and fennel to medium size bowl. Pour reserved marinade over peas and gently toss.
Tablas Creek 2010 Grenache Blanc Tasting Notes:
The 2010 Grenache Blanc shows expressive, intensely mineral nose that also includes sweet flavors like marzipan, licorice and chicory root. In the mouth it is rich yet zesty, with flavors of quince, marmalade and granny smith apple. The vibrant acids come out on the finish, suggesting preserved lemon and ending with just a hint of Grenache tannic. Drink now or hold for the two to three years.
Jennifer Knoll is a lifelong resident of Paso Robles. Growing up in the wine business and being surrounded by farmers she developed her serious fetish for wine and food. She is also the Assitant Tasting Room Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard.
 Whether you’re just emerging into the world of wine and food, or well-traveled gastronomes, you’ll fall in love with Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, happening September 27-30 at the renowned Santa Margarita Ranch - all for just $100 (50% off) if you buy your weekend passes this month.
No other wine and food event provides foodies with such a rich culinary immersion adventure as well as Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast. Home to our very own Paso Robles wine country and one of the most abundant agricultural counties in California, the event encompasses regional artisan food makers and nationally acclaimed wine producers – all coming together to create the West Coast’s most sought after wine and food event of the year. Aarti Sequeira, star of Food Network’s “Aarti Party” says “I was at this event five minutes and I had my mind blown.”
From the President of Sunset Publishing: “From  passionate foodies to people who just want to experience the best of the Central California Coast lifestyle, SAVOR offers four days of unforgettable culinary experiences in a setting where you can personally connect to the wine and food, whether it’s through cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs using fresh local ingredients or winemaking programs with regional winemakers,” says Barb Newton, president, Sunset Publishing. “You can also rub elbows with Sunset’s top editors and favorite experts, and be the first to taste the medal-winning  wines of Sunset’s International Wine Competition while savoring spectacular places like Hearst Castle, unspoiled nature trails and even an evening reception lit only by the stars and glowing hot air balloons. Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast is one of the most exciting and accessible wine and food events around.”
Tickets for West Coast’s “Must Taste” Wine and Food Event of the Year Are on Sale with a Huge Savings in the Month of May: Get a Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2012 Weekend Pass for Just $100 (50% Off)
Some events do sell out, so get your tickets now and take advantage of this spectacular short-term deal!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.savorcentralcoast.com or call the SLO County VCB at (805) 541-8000.
 By Kris Penick
Cuisine has always been part of California’s Central Coast culture. In the mid 1800’s early ranchers hosted large Spanish style feasts for ranch workers featuring oak grilled beef. This special style of barbecue is now a major attraction for visitors in our region. You can still cruise down Spring Street in Paso Robles any holiday or weekend and find smoking oak pits offering up a juicy tri-tip barbecue meal, pinto beans and all.
While agriculture and great food have always been synonymous, it is the recent explosion of the Paso wine industry that has seduced artisan food producers, chefs and restaurateurs to region. Paso Robles’ rolling fertile hills and valleys, nurturing warm climate, coupled with the bountiful nearby ocean and abundant cattle ranches, also contribute to the allure and add to the diverse landscape of premium fresh food products to choose from.
 Known as agri-tourism, foodies are now discovering that Paso Robles offers an inside look at the local farms, ranches and vineyards that shape the flavors of the region, and Paso Robles seems to be able to maintain its approachable goodness. Many locals enjoy sharing stories and history about families who have farmed for generations. Welcoming new producers who have discovered Paso Robles also contribute to the flavor of the region with their passion and craft.
Imagine eating just picked ollieberries warm from the vine, or customizing fresh made goat cheese with local herbs, or sipping different varieties of local olive oil, or dining on farm tables under the warm sun shaded by oak trees after a day of harvesting grapes. When back from a day on the farm or vineyard, picture yourself taking a stroll around the City Park for a do it yourself Downtown Foodie tour. Start at We Olive on Park Street for olive oil, tapenade  and vinegar tasting, step into the courtyard at Thomas Hill Organics for a farm to table snack, and continue to Estrella or Fenomenal eateries for tapas and beer. Stop by Clayhouse or Orchid Hill tasting rooms for an urban wine tasting experience. Then, linger a little longer with a gelato from Powell’s Sweet Shop or enjoy the patio at Vivant Fine Cheese for a wine and cheese pairing.
Satisfy your culinary appetite in charming Paso Robles, California. Friendly farmers, regional food purveyors, chefs  and winemakers will all welcome you. Now is the time to discover why Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast is becoming a favorite culinary destination.
What to look for now?
Artisan cheeses, organic and sustainably grown produce, heirloom vegetables, olive oil, lavender, honey, sustainably grown meat and poultry, locally caught fish, and world-renowned wine!
Central Coast Lavender Farm ~ Seasonal farm stand, U pick, events and tours by appointment. www.centralcoastlavendar.com
Happy Acres Family Farms ~ Goat cheese farm and farm stand. Tours by appointment. www.HappyAcresFamilyFarm.net
Jack Creek Farms ~ Seasonal U Pick garden, tours, events, picnic ground and pumpkins.  www.jackcreekfarms.com
Natures Touch ~ Local produce and products, nursery, and natural food products. www.naturestouchnurseryandharvest.com
Olivas de Oro Olive Company ~ Olive Oil and olive products, olive orchard, tasting room, events. Open weekends & by appointment. www. Olivasdeoro.com
Pasolivo Olive Oil ~ Olive mill, tasting room, events. www.pasolivo.com
Windrose Farms ~Biodynamic farming for professional and recreational chefs. Seasonal Saturday tours. www.windrosefarm.org
Mt. Olive Organic Farm ~ Sustainable & organic produce, olive oil, bakery, lunch, tours by  appointment. www.mtoliveco.com/farm/
Indian Valley U Pick Farm ~ Northeast of San Miguel bring your own container for seasonal heirloom fruits & vegetables. Call pager before coming, 805.227.5660
Stillwater Vineyard ~ boutique winery with seasonal farm stand herbs and vegetables grown on the winery estate. www.stillwatersvineyards.com
First Crush Winemaking ~ offers wine making and blending seminars, and seasonal harvest experiences
Reserve Events & Destinations is a Destination Management Company that specializes in wine and culinary experiences on the Central Coast of California. Groups of all sizes enjoy unique experiences, customized activities and connections to the region provided by their services.
 By Tina Swithin
A recent article in the Sacramento Bee titled, "Come for the Fresh Air in Paso Robles, Stay for the Wine" touched on a rising trend in our gorgeous wine country: weddings! In the article, Lauran Galena, owner of Two Little Birds Bakery, was quoted as saying, "Couples are coming from everywhere to get married in the wineries, on ranches and on the beaches," she said. "We do seven to 13 weddings a weekend, and it looks like my wedding business will double this year."
As part of a new series highlighting wedding venues in the Paso Robles area, we will clink a glass and make a toast to Santa Margarita Ranch.
Are you dreaming of a wedding that combines the rustic, ranch atmosphere with class, elegance and sophistication? Sounds amazing, doesn’t it. There is an incredible wedding venue in the Paso Robles area that provides all that and more. Santa Margarita Ranch spans over 13,900 acres and is overflowing with a rich, local history. On the property, you will find an original adobe house with a beautiful landscaped garden and a historic barn which encloses the Asistencia which was built in the 1770’s. When booking the Santa Margarita Ranch for a wedding or reception, you have access to the garden and elegant barn for the day along with the Bridal Cottage for the wedding party to use.
 There are a couple of options when booking your wedding at the Santa Margarita Ranch. The barn can accommodate up to 300 people and the garden can hold up to 1,000 people. Looking for a fun way to greet those guests? The retired marquee from the Granada Theatre has made its home on the ranch and can be customized to include a wedding day message. If you want to really toot your horn, do it in style by utilizing the narrow gauge train (originally from Disneyland!) which is a unique addition to the property. Allow your guests to loop the property on the 20-minute loop with real train conductors!
I was recently talking to Mark Winkler, a local photographer about his experience at Santa Margarita Ranch. Mark said, “I love working at the Santa Margarita Ranch. It affords so many unique photographic opportunities. From a lush garden accentuated by majestic oak trees to the iconic barn enclosed mission-era stone walls, it is sure to impress. It is truly a favorite wedding venue of mine”. I don’t think that I could have described it any better. This Central Coast wedding venue is a photographer’s dream come true from start to finish.
There are other fabulous adventures on or near the ranch that are sure to delight your wedding guests and keep them talking about this event for years. The beautiful vineyards on the property have a purpose above and beyond their aesthetic properties. Ancient Peaks Winery is located just down the street in the historic town of Santa Margarita and offers vineyard tours on Saturdays. Are there adventure seekers in your group or wedding party? Margarita Adventures offers a uniquely thrilling perspective of the ranch where you can embark on four distinct ziplines spanning more than 3,000 total feet.
In the Paso Robles area, we are incredibly fortunate to have wedding venues like the Santa Margarita Ranch. Where else can you find such an elegant, historical property with so much to offer? If there are wedding bells ringing in your future, give your guests the experience of a lifetime. Santa Margarita Ranch has it all: trains, historical barns, gorgeous gardens, wine tasting and breathtaking views by zipline.
Photo credit: Mark Winkler Photography
Tina Swithin is the Marketing 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 Coy Barnes
Have you ever travelled by train? It’s a fascinating and inexpensive way to travel, offering a relaxed pace along with spectacular views of the countryside not accessible by any other means. Amtrak ridership is up as more and more people “ride the rails” in search of a slower pace, scenic beauty and new experiences.
We think Paso Robles has one of the quaintest and friendliest train stations this side of the Rockies on the Amtrak network. Where else can you pick-up some local merchandise, visit three tasting rooms, have sushi, or enjoy a glass of Paso Robles wine or beer?
There are daily trains that come to Paso Robles from Southern California and the Bay Area and two  upcoming events offer great opportunities to get to know wine country via train:
- The Paso Robles Wine Festival May 19, 2012 is the perfect introduction for people from the Bay area interested in visiting us for an afternoon of wine tasting. You can take the Coast Starlight with a scheduled arrival in Paso Robles at 1:38pm and depart back at 4:45pm the same day! Our station is literally just three short blocks from the Festival and our downtown.
- National Train Day is the perfect time to inform travelers from both the Bay Area and Southern California area about travel to Paso Robles. Every day customers and tourists to Paso Robles walk through the door of our shop and tasting room at the Paso Robles Train Station. They all seem to say the same thing. “This is sooo cute. Does the train stop here?” The answer is yes! Not many people know that the train stops here twice per day; once going south and once going north.
Arriving in Paso Robles and depending on where you stay, you won’t need a car while visiting our area, making the Amtrak the green way to go and it’s cheaper than a  tank of gas! Some of the local lodgings will even offer free transfers to their hotel, just ask. Downtown Paso Robles has everything you need: 20+ great restaurants and at least 13 different wineries all within walking distance of the train station.
So, if you are looking for stress-free travel without paying the high price of gas, Amtrak is the way to go and Paso Robles makes the ideal destination for a train trip.
Call us for hotel and tour packages: 866-238-6400
Coy Barnes is the owner of the Paso Robles Wine Club, a wine club that sends an assortment of Paso Robles wines; and The Wine Wrangler, Paso Robles’ longest running wine tour service. Both businesses are located at the Paso Robles Train Station.
Dear Hospice du Rhône,
 I can’t stop thinking about you. Ever since we met last year, all I ever do is brag about you to my friends, family and colleagues. And now that we had the chance to spend even more time together last weekend at your 20th anniversary, I’m more in love with you than ever.
Your seminars gave me first hand exposure to the international world of Rhône winemakers, buyers, collectors, importers and exporters, which left me dizzy. Your amazing lunches and grand wine tastings gave way to your passionate knowledge of this world of Rhône along with your entertaining approach to sharing that knowledge with the masses. All of this has left me intrigued and I can’t get enough.
You played hard to get at first and I wasn’t fast enough to snatch an opening night ticket to the speedily sold out Châteauneuf du Pape seminar and dinner at Bistro Laurent, featuring Author Harry Karis, Sommelier Kelly McAuliffe and vigneron Philippe Cambie, showcasing Châteauneuf du Pape wines hailing from as far back as vintages from the 1950s.
 However, you could not elude me, as I was able to commandeer a weekend pass to all of your other events, at which, you changed my life. As a self-taught Rhône wine lover, the Why Spain (still) Rocks seminar, well, it completed me. Discovering that Garnacha and Monastrell varietals hailed from Spain prior to becoming the Rhône staples Grenache and Mourvedre gave me the chills. The Spanish hamlets of Priorat, Jumilla, and Mentrida have now been added to my wine adventures bucket list thanks to Importer Eric Soloman and his band of merry Spanish winemakers who journeyed us through eight Garnachas, Monastrells, and Syrahs. The funky and fascinating Chester Osborn of d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, South Australia took us down under on a virtual tour of his Rhône focused vineyard using maps and photos, all while discussing his soils and winemaking techniques as we tasted about 15 of the 60 wines he produces. My heart went a-flutter.
 Having lunch with you both Friday and Saturday was like two first dates. I loved the casual buffet set up, amazing gourmet fare and linen covered picnic tables that offered endless featured wines, waters and palette cleansers at each table. At Friday’s Rosé Lunch, hosted by Chef John Toulze of the girl & the fig from Sonoma, California, I’ll never forget that you introduced me to several memorable folk as we tasted five different chilled Rhône rosés. Two gentlemen who sat at our table, a father and son duo visiting from Dallas, Texas, were true collectors that love Paso Robles, have been here time and again, and were looking to add to their cellar back home. Also at our table was the lovely and fascinating Matthew Trevisan, Paso winemaker and owner of Linne Calodo, his wife and a friend of theirs from Templeton’s historic Epoch Vineyards.
Turns out our Texas friends had been trying to get a tasting appointment at Linne Calado while they were in town, and as luck would have it, Matthew was headed over to the winery right after lunch to give a winery tour to a few folk. So, what did he do? He invited the whole table! I, of course, blushed and felt my heart swell with happiness and gratitude for the amazing relationship we are building. Oh, Hospice du Rhone, you are just so money to me, you don’t even know.
 My cohort in wine-crime and I snatched up the offer and headed out to Linne Calodo. Gate code in hand, we punched those numbers and drove up the oak covered driveway into breathtaking beauty. There we met Brandi Stansbury, Linne Calodo's Director of Communications, who poured us four amazing tastings, and then took us out to the barrel room where Matthew, our Texas friends and the rest of the group were vertical barrel tasting. Our host was generous and a wealth of knowledge; his passion for his craft abundant and inventive. This is where we met Mitch from Chicago, a super nice restaurant and wine bar owner attending Hospice du Rhône to check out potenitial wine purchases to add to his menus back home. Love was in the air.
 The Saturday lunch, catered by Chef Rick Manson of the Far Western Tavern from Guadalupe California, included amazing food, wine and company like Friday, however there was an added live auction that really got my ears perking and heart pounding. Professional auctioneers were selling off Rhône wine lots from all over the world, private dinners, and trips to Blackberry Farms in Tennessee that went for up to $25,000. For you self-taught wine drinkers out there, it was a site to behold. The weekend also included grand tastings on Friday and Saturday afternoon that were over the top with producers offering exclusive vintages and varietals from all over the world, and delicious delectables from Blackberry Farms and Specialty Food Purveyors. My favorite part, aside from everything, was the French section, which I aptly dubbed Château Boulevard. French wineries, standing side by side by the dozens, including several from Châteauneuf du Pape, were pouring some of the best Grenaches I’ve ever imbibed. It was a two day love affair I will never forget, that ended with a Fiesta BBQ served by Chef Maegen Loring of The Neon Carrot from San Luis Obispo, California, and lots of laughs. Oh, parting is such sweet sorrow.
Well, Hospice du Rhône, as I wrap up my love letter, I just want to say that I now appreciate why sommeliers, buyers, and wine industry professionals taste wine, but don’t swallow. I entered the world of no return right after the second seminar and began spitting and dumping some of the best wine I’ve EVER tasted, or will ever taste. And, I will love you always for that. Until we meet again right here in Paso Robles, California...
Yours Eternally, Maryann Stansfield, Travel Paso Robles Alliance
Captions: Hospice du Rhône 20th Anniversary logo; Glasses lined up for tasting at the Spain (still) Rocks Seminar; Blackberry Farm cured meats hanging from the drying rack, along with cheeses, cured meats, okra and pickled beets at the Friday Grand Tasting; Approaching Linne Calodo wine tasting room and winery; A maze of wine and pourings at Friday's BIG Rhône Rendevous Grand Tasting event. Photo Credit: Maryann Stansfield
Maryann Stansfield is the Marketing Director for the Travel Paso Robles Alliance and Mental Marketing. Maryann loves to drink wine, learn about wine, discover new wines, eat food paired with wine, fall in love with wine and, on occasion, an unforgettable wine event. Cheers!
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