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    27TH ANNUALEPICUREANDELIGHTS

    PAGE 9

    EARTH DAY& WINE

    WEEKENDPAGE 15

    TASTINGROOM:J. LOHR

    PAGE 16

    WINEMAKERPROFILE:

    SCULPTERRAPAGE 28

    5TH ANNUALWINE, WAVES

    & BEYONDPAGE 31

    SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIE

    YOUR GUIDE TO CENTRAL CO AST WINE TA STING & EVENTS

    PAGE 20

    APRIL 2014

    SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIE

    PAGE 1

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    Celebrate J. Lohr all weekend longduring the Paso Robles Wine Festival!

    J. LOHR

    PASO ROBLES WINE CENTER

    6169 Airport Road (off Hwy 46 East

    805.239.8900

    TASTING DAILY 10AM 5PM

    Friday, May 16th | 6:00 pm 8:00 pm

    Buffet BBQ by Me and The Hound

    Start the weekend right with passed appetizers.

    The Buffet Dinner features your choice of salad and includes:

    Scalloped Potatoes, JDs Famous Grilled Chicken,

    Tri-Tip carving station and house-made cookies for dessert!

    Enjoy music by Night Run.

    Price includes one 375ml bottle. Choose from:2013 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay

    2012 J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot

    2012 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

    $55/person $45/Wine Club

    Sunday, May 18th | 10:30am 12:00 pm

    Buffet Brunch by Cahoots Catering

    Our 2014 Wine Festival Sunday Brunch stars Prime Rib!

    Make room for Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart,Peruvian Quinoa & Forbidden Black Rice Salad,

    Yukon Gold Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Bacon,

    Waffle Bar, Fresh Fruit, Fresh Berry Trifle,

    Coffee and O.J.

    Select J. Lohr wines by the glass

    $50/person $45/Wine Club

    Reservations required for all events

    Contact [email protected] or call 805.239.8900For complete menus visit jlohr.com/events

    J. Lohr Estates 375ml bottles

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    More Perfect Pairs at www.WineCountryThisMonth.co

    WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH APRIL 20

    4

    A Publication of Wine Country This Week

    PUBLISHER

    Mike Giangreco

    Direct [email protected]

    MANAGING EDITOR

    Chandra Grant

    P.O. Box 92, El Verano, CA 95433Phone 707-938-1783 | Fax 707-938-3674

    [email protected]

    PRODUCTION

    Teresa Craft

    P.O. Box 92, El Verano, CA 95433Phone 707-938-1783 | Fax 707-938-3674

    [email protected]

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Cathy Gore

    Phone 707-938-3494 | Fax 707-938-3674Email [email protected]

    EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSMichael Cervin, Alexandra Charsley, Melissa Chavez, Rachel Eckert, Cathy Neushul, Lisa Pretty,Bethany Rhine, Kim Murphy Rodrigues, Jemma Wilson, Carolyn Wooddall, Brette Ann Womack

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    www.WineCountryThisMonth.comwww.facebook.com/WineCountryThisMonth

    @WineCountryTW

    ADVERSTISING REPRESENTATIVES

    Whitney BremSAN LUISOBISPO COUNTY

    Phone [email protected]

    Cathy OlsonSANTA BARBARA COUNTY

    Phone [email protected]

    Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission is prohibited.

    Planning a Visit to Northern California Wine Country?Pick up a copy ofWINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK or

    download the current issue at www.winecountrythisweek.com

    S A N LUIS O B IS PO & S A NTA B A RB A RA C O UNTIES

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    A PRIL 2014 WINE COUNTRY THIS MON

    Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisMonth.com

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    Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisMonth.co6

    TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH APRIL 2014 | ISSUE 4, VOLUM

    FEATURES REGULARSWINE REGIONS63 | CENTRAL COAST MAP

    26 | SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

    San Luis Obispo Wineries Map, 27West Side Wineries: Venteaux Vineyards, 21Pleasant Valley Wineries, 29

    Paso Robles Wineries Map, 32-33Downtown Paso Robles Wineries, 32

    34 | SANTA BARBARA COUNTYNorthern Santa Barbara County Wineries Map, 35Santa Maria Valley: Costa De Oro, 40

    Los Alamos: Casa Dumetz Wines, 41

    Foxen Canyon Wineries: Zaca Mesa, 42Larner Vineyards & Wines, 45

    Los Olivos Wineries: Rancho Olivos Estate Olive Oil, 46Fontes & Phillips, 47

    Solvang Wineries: Carivints, 48

    Lompoc Wine Ghetto: Montemar, 50; Transcendence, 51

    Buellton: 52

    Santa Barbara: Corks n Crowns, 53

    9 | 27TH ANNUAL AFTERNOON OF EPICUREAN DELIGHTS

    11 | LORING / CARGASACCHI

    15 | EARTH DAY & WINE WEEKEND

    16 | PREFERRED TASTING ROOM

    J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

    18 | CASTORO CELLARS

    20 | ON THE COVER: ANDREW MURRAY VINEYARDS

    24 | LE VIGNE WINERY

    28 | WINEMAKER PROFILE: SCULPTERRA WINERY

    Paul Frankel

    29 | WE OLIVE - PASO ROBLES

    31 | 5TH ANNUAL WINE, WAVES & BEYOND

    36 | SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS FESTIVAL WEEKEND

    38 | STANDING SUN WINERY

    8 | WINEOLOGY by Len NapolitanoWhat makes Chardonnay, or any wine,

    taste different among producers?

    10 | WINEGROWING DECISIONS by Josh SteinTrellising: Shaping wines before the grapes

    12 | CALENDAR OF EVENTSSan Luis Obispo County, 12Santa Barbara County, 13

    Ventura County, 14

    22 | DINING DIRECTORY

    54 | VARIETALS CHARTSan Luis Obispo County, 54-55Santa Barbara County, 56-57

    58 | WINERY LISTINGSPaso Robles, 58; San Luis Obispo, 60Santa Maria/Foxen Canyon, 60Los Alamos, 60; Los Olivos, 60Lompoc/Buellton, 61Solvang, 61; Santa Ynez, 62Santa Barbara, 62; Ventura County, 62

    62 | WINE COUNTRY DEALS & DISCOUNTS

    63 | CENTRAL COAST MAP

    38

    28

    24PhotobyCandiaFlynn

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    The foremost reason is climate. Grapes grown in a cool climate

    retain a higher level of acidity than the same grape variety grown in a

    warm climate. High acidity produces a crisp freshness on the palate,

    whereas the warm climate grapes lose most of their acidity but

    develop more sugar. Higher sugar means higher alcohol potential.

    Higher alcohol adds weight to the wine, lending an impression of

    sweetness. Chardonnay, for example, grown in these two disparate

    environments may produce two very different wine styles. This

    difference in crispness verses weightiness is a difference in mouthfeel,

    a combination of viscosity with astringency or acidity.

    Vineyard soils also vary greatly throughout California and around

    the world. Chalk, limestone, clay, sand, gravel, loam, mineralcomponents or volcanic deposits in soils each make unique

    contributions to wine. Grapes grown in the gravel, sand, loam, and

    volcanic-deposit soils of the Rutherford area of Californias Napa

    Valley are said to produce wines with an identifiable Rutherford

    dust character, described as a unique herbaceous spiciness. The

    limestone-rich soil of the Chablis region in France is a big reason why

    Chardonnay grapes harvested there produce wines of a steely, flint

    quality.

    Also, the use of oak in fermentation or the aging process brings

    more presence to a wines mouthfeel, along with sweet flavor and

    aroma. Choose an un-oaked Chardonnay, for example, if you pre

    a crisp, lighter mouthfeel. If you like a soft, buttery style with a hin

    of vanilla, look for Chardonnay aged with at least 40% new oak, o

    made using one or all of these processes:

    Barrel-fermented: Chardonnay fermented inside an oak barrel

    absorbs toasted oak compounds from the barrel as fermentation

    progresses, mostly adding weight to the wine but also a touch of

    sweet aroma. Aged-on-the-Lees: Lees are tiny dead yeast cells that settle at the

    bottom of a wine barrel, or tank, after fermentation is complete.

    About every other week during aging, they are manually stirred

    mix more with the wine and create a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

    Malolactic Fermentation: ML is a secondary fermentation, caused

    by injecting the wine with a natural lactic acid bacteria that conv

    tart, apple-like acid into softer, milk-like acid, creating Chardonn

    with a rounder mouthfeel.

    What makes Chardonnay, or anywine, taste different among producers?

    Look for us on Facebook and become a Fa8

    I N T E L L I G E N C E F O R T H E W I N E C O N S U M E R

    BY LEN NAPOLITANO

    Len Napolitano is the author ofNose, Legs, Body! Know Wine Like The Back of Your Hand,

    a quick and easy guide for the wine beginner.

    The book is available at bookstores, online and at wineology.com

    Follow Len on Twitter: @wineologist and visit his blog:

    noselegsbody.com.

    Send your wine question to Len: [email protected]

    Protect Your Investment!

    WINE STORAGE

    MOVE-IN SPECIAL

    First month just $29.95**Move-In Special - Restrictions Apply

    Call 805-922-2090

    1920 N Preisker LaneSanta Maria CA 93454

    805-922-2090 www.istorage.com

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    A PRIL 2014 WINE COUNTRY THIS MONT

    Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisMonth.com

    On Sunday, June 1, An Afternoon of Epicurean Delights (AED),

    will be held, as always, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the tranquil,

    beautiful gardens and grounds of the historic Chapman House by the

    Sea in Shell Beach.

    Afternoon of Epicurean Delights will celebrate 27 years of thisspectacular event which benefits the Health & Prevention Division of

    Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County

    (CAPSLO). All proceeds directly provide over 10,000 medical, and

    educational and advocacy services for under-served families, women,

    men, and youth throughout our county.

    You are invited to stroll through this amazing estate on the bluffs

    of the Pacific Ocean with stunning gardens and panoramic ocean

    views, sit poolside, listen to great music in two locations, participate

    in a silent auction with items featuring local art and photography,

    hand-crafted jewelry, premium and reserve wines, get-away

    weekends, gift baskets, and much, much more, all while tasting thebest food their longtime vendors, vintner, and confectioners have to

    offer.

    So far this year those participating include: 2nd Chance Winery,

    Ancient Peaks Winery, Baileyana Winery, Black Horse Espresso &

    Bakery, Bloom Microgreens, Bryon & Cambria Winery, Blue Skye

    Cafe; Castoro Cellars, Claiborne & Churchill Vinters, Cracked Crab,

    Gardens Restaurant, Firestone Walker Brewery, Frockling Frog

    Winery, Gerald's Olde Tyme Chocolate, Honey Bee Cakery, Indigo

    Moon, J Lohr Winery, Jaffa Cafe Mediterranean Cuisine, Linn's of

    Cambria, Marisol at the Cliffs, Novo Restaurant & Lounge, Peloton

    Cellars, Sage at Vista Grande, Saucelito Canyon Winery, Sculpterra

    Winery, Seaside Cafe & Bakery, Stephen Ross Cellars, Tahoe Joe's

    Famous Steak House, Still Waters Vineyards, Testa Catering, Tolosa

    Winery, Trader Joe's, Upper Crust Trattoria, Wild Horse Winery,

    Windows on the Water, Wolff Vineyards and Zorro's Cafe and

    Cantina.

    Tickets for Afternoon of Epicurean Delights are available now fo

    $100, and may be purchased by credit card directly from the

    Community Action Partnership Health & Prevention office: phone

    (805) 544-2498, or through Brown Paper Bag, via the website at

    aed.capslo.org.

    As in past years, there will be a shuttle service from Shell Beach

    Elementary School for your parking convenience. For those not

    living on the Central Coast, Afternoon of Epicurean Delights has

    become the best excuse for a get-away weekend, and an experienc

    that brings people back, year after year.

    27th Annual Afternoon of Epicurean Delights

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    In a normal weather year, wed be having a different kind ofconversation than we will this year, especially as regards covercrops. Answering why requires that we take a slight detour andfirst discuss the uses of cover crops in order to understand howincipient drought flips a lot of agricultural best practices ontotheir heads in order to balance soil health with viability.Agriculture of any kind is, by nature, an informed gamble withNature, but because vines arent replanted yearly like other rowcrops, there is an additional high stakesness about water usage,which cover cropping impacts immensely since what the cropstake, the vines dont get.

    Heres some context: before a vineyard is planted, it isconsiderably easier to add amendments than after, but even then,theres only so much which can be done. Its also a given that thevines, like any crop, will pull nutrients, minerals and water fromthe soil, so the need to replenish the soil is there regardless.Farming is farming, meaning there is always the option ofallowing fields to lie fallow in between taking vines out andplanting, but with an average of twenty-five to thirty years

    between plantings and having to wait three years after plantingbefore commercial-level crop loads are possible without severelyweakening the vines, that doesnt solve the immediate year-to-year needs of soil health and irrigation. Which is where covercrops come into the picture.

    Why do some vineyards have nothing between the rows whileothers have every other or even every row filled with spiky andflowery green, yellow, red, and even brown plants? Believe it ornot, you can tell a lot not just about the weather but about thevineyard management philosophy just by looking between therows of vines rather than at them as is usually the case. Cover

    crops affect the soil health the vines are growing within and theirrigation levels of that soil. They have a huge impact on erosioncontrol, which is vital in wet winter months on vine-dormanthillsides. Equally, in the drier springs, cover crops help with dustcontrol, which also means pest control and encouragement ofbeneficial bugs. And depending on the kind of crops chosen andthe microclimates proclivity to frost, cover crops can help toprotect vines from inclimate weather damage.

    Especially in a year like this, with what rain we do getrecharging local conditions differently, you will see a variety ofstripping patterns in the vineyards of wine country, which revealsa lot about the years weather to date to the discerning eye. Is it

    early but the cover crops are already gone except for the wildmustard? A dry winter with no rain in sight, so nothing isallowed to compete with vine irrigation. Already late spring andthe vineyards still look abundant with all sorts of grasses, clovers,and mustards? A very wet year with the cover crops still aboveground to help pull water out of the soil. Some rows mown ortilled in early spring? Someones making adjustments to soil waterlevels in different areas of the vineyard, responding in a veryimmediate way to what the weather gives and takes away.

    Its a lot to think about, no? Now that we have had some rain,to the point where we are closer to 40% of annual rainfallaverages than the 15% we had been staring at quite nervously,these are the kinds of decisions vineyard managers will have to

    make based on what their particlar local conditions show them.Thats the facet of the vital-but-untranslatable term terroir whenusing it to describe environmental conditions, as opposed tohuman actions, which is its conjoined meaning. Thinking aboutweather and irrigation months from now is vital to growing greatwines. Sometimes, we have to deal with excess rain. Other times,its incipient frost. This year came up drought. Something toconsider as you sip a glass, no? Enjoy!

    Cover Crops: Insight into Site-Specific

    Decisions in a Drought Year

    10 www.WineCountryThisMonth.co

    BY JOSH STEIN

    Josh Stein has been in the Napa wine business for more than a decade, and, in addition to being owner/winemaker of the StFamily Wine Group, which produces a nationally and internationally distributed portfolio of wine brands and donates 5% of its sthe children of wineworkers in the form of college scholarships and support funds, he regularly consults for wineries and organizathroughout the North Bay and Coast via their subsidiaries, Discrete Wine Support Services and SF-Integrated Vineyard Manage

    VinoVisit provides you with a fun, free and

    easy way to locate and book wine tastings,

    winery tours and special events.

    Book a visit today at VinoVisit.com

    Plan your escape to wine country.

    TM

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    A PRIL 2014 WINE COUNTRY THIS MON

    www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 1

    LORING/CARGASACCHIBY MICHAEL CERVIN

    Imagine a tasting room which houses two of the most well-known sm

    lot winemakers in Santa Barbara. Well, imagine no more - the

    Loring/Cargasacchi Tasting Room is reality. Relatively new in the Santa

    Ynez Valley, this humble tasting room with its simple, clean lines and loois the perfect subtle backdrop for some killer juice. Winemakers Peter

    Cargasacchi of Cargasacchi and Point Conception labels joined forces wi

    Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company and have created the latest most

    demand tasting experience.

    The tasting room itself has plenty of space inside with two bars and a

    picnic area outside. Cargasacchi has new 2012 varietals in the tasting roo

    including Merlot and a Pinot-Syrah blend, and Loring just released the

    2012 Pinot Noirs from their southern-most vineyards (a large number of

    his 2012 Pinots just scored 90 and above in Wine Spectator).

    The 8,500 cases that Loring makes consist of 13 Pinot Noirs, four

    Chardonnays, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvdre, Grenache and

    few blends. There are 23 wines currently available with prices ranging fr

    $24 to $99, deriving fruit from Paso Robles, Monterey, Sonoma and San

    Barbara. These wines aren't overloaded with tannin, so theyre ready to

    drink right away, Loring says. The awesome structure of each wines

    comes from the acidity, which keeps the wine bright and fresh despite th

    richness. Lorings philosophy on making wine is that the fruit is all that

    matters. What happens in the vineyard determines the quality of the wi

    - I cant make it better - I can only screw it up, he says. Perhaps this is w

    he is extremely picky when choosing vineyards to buy grapes from. Not

    only am I looking for the right soil, micro-climate and clones, Im also

    looking for a grower with the same passion and dedication to producing

    great wine that I have. In other words, a total Pinot freak!In keeping with this passion for Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi wines includ

    estate fruit sourced Pinot Noir and an unusual late harvest Pinot Grigio a

    well as his Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Syrah under the Po

    Concepcin label from estate and purchased fruit. But it is Peters out-of-

    the-way Jalama Vineyard that proves the most intriguing, and with a

    remote vineyard site, things can get tricky. The area is the bed of an

    ancient sea so there are large deposits of diatomaceous earth in and arou

    the vineyards, Cargasacchi says. Farming the grapes here for his Pinot

    Noir is challenging because the area is more extreme weather and the

    limestone soils produce a discernable edge and minerality in these wines

    Having been a farming family for over 100 years, means that Peter has a

    vast knowledge of exactly how to farm grapes. Where a vine grows andwhat type of soil its planted on and its exposure matters a lot, but good

    farming and getting proper ripeness is the real essence of making good

    wine, he says. You can have the most perfect spot for a vine on earth b

    if you don't take care of it, you can forget about making decent wine. A

    with this kind of focus both Loring and Cargasacchi wines will turn you

    head.

    The tasting room is located at 420 East Hwy 246, just off Highway 10

    in Buellton, between the iconic Ostrich Land and the Hitching Post II

    restaurant. They are open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to

    5:00 p.m. For more information call (805) 691-1300.

    Open Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.420 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427

    www. loringwinecompany.com | www.cargasacchi.comwww.pointconcepcionwines.com | (805) 691-1300

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    www.WineCountryThisMonth.co12

    ONGOING

    Bike, Hike and Kayak Trips

    Explore the amazing outdoor world of the Central Coast Outdoors. Ten unique

    day trips, including bicycling the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, hiking Big

    Sur and kayaking among the profusion of bird life in Morro Bay. All trips

    include necessary transportation, a gourmet picnic lunch and knowledgeable

    guide(s). $79-$119. Bike rentals available. Call for reservations. 888-873-5610

    ONGOING DAILY

    Wine and Cheese Pairings

    at Villa San-Juliette

    Looking to kick your VSJ wine tasting experience up a notch? Join them for

    wine and cheese pairings with cheeses specially curated by local cheese expert

    and sommelier, Zina Miakinkova (also known as the Central Coast Cheese

    Lady). Enjoy a selection of six international cheeses chosen specifically to

    complement six of their award-winning wines for $15 ($10 for Reserve Club

    members), or add a tour of the winery including our vineyards and new

    state-of-the-art production facility for a total of $25 ($20 for Reserve Club

    members). Wine and cheese pairings, as well as property tours, are available

    daily. Reservations are recommended but not required, and may be made by

    calling 805-467-0014, ww w.villasanjuliette.com

    ARROYO GRANDE

    ONGOING FIRST THURSDAYSTeachers Appreciation Night at Phantom Rivers

    In appreciation for all the dedication of school district personnel. Stop by the

    tasting room for happy hour specials. 3:30-7pm, 25% discounts off all bottles

    and $2.50 off any wine by the glass! www.phantomrivers.com, 805-481-9463

    ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

    Winemakers Choice Night at Phantom Rivers

    5-7pm, www.phantomrivers.com, 805-481-9463

    ONGOING SATURDAYS

    Arroyo Grande Farmers Market

    Farm fresh produce & flowers, art show and live entertainment in the Arroyo

    Grande City Hall Parking Lot at 215 East Branch Street. 12-2:30pm

    www.arroyograndevillage.org, 805-473-225 0

    ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

    Ice Cream Creating ~ A Family Affair!

    The Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab Show is a live performance that involves the

    whole audience! Live performances every Wednesday 7pm, Invent a brand new

    flavor and watch it being made. www.docburnsteins.com, 805-474-4068

    ONGOING

    Winemakers Choice at Phantom Rivers

    The first Friday of every month join John & Linda for their Winemakers Choice

    tasting. John will be pouring his favorites (or mention what you like and were

    sure he will open it for you)! 5-7pm, www.phantomrivers.com, 805-481-9463

    APRIL 19Live Music! Soul Sauce

    at Laetitia Vineyards

    Come out with friends and family and enjoy the sounds of Soul Sauce while

    you sip on Laetitia & NADIA wines. Bring a picnic and stay for a game of bocce!

    1-4pm, 805-474-7641, www.laetitiawine.comAPRIL 25

    Grand Reopening of Newly Remodeled

    Tasting Room at Le Vigne Winery

    They will have passed appetizers, tours of their new Vineyard Room, new

    releases, and wonderful prizes. 4-6pm, 805-227-4000

    www.levignewinery.com

    MAY 9Meet the Owners 30th Anniversary

    Winemaker Dinner at Laetitia Vineyards

    Join them as they celebrate 30 years of Laetitia at the estate house with

    owners Selim and Nadia Zilkha and winemakers Eric and Dave Hickey. They will

    feature a local chef's cuisine alongside our wines for a night to remember.

    $145/$125 Wine Club, Guests must be 21 and over, 6:30pm, Call 805-474-7641

    to reserve your spot, www.laetitiawine.com

    PASO ROBLES

    ONGOING THIRD THURSDAYS

    Third Thursdays

    A menagerie of downtown Paso Robles businesses aim to inject a bit more

    funinto local fundraising efforts thanks to a new Third Thursday promotion

    benefiting must! Charities. www.mustcharities.org

    ONGOING FIRST FRIDAYS

    First Fridays Sip-N-Sing at Doce Robles

    Join their staff at Doce Robles Winery the first Friday of every month forkaraoke, sippin and sunsets. Enjoy wines by the glass at only $5 or pair with

    artisan cheeses and locally cured meats for just $10. Enjoy sipping one of their

    many delicious wines next to the vineyards. Wines will be sold by the glass and

    by the bottle. Sing and sip into the sunsets. 5:30-8pm, www.docerobles.com

    ONGOING FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

    Wood Fired Pizzas at Robert Hall Winery

    They'll have the wood-buring pizza oven fired up Friday and Saturday from

    11-3pm. Artisan authentic Italian handmade pizzas will be fresh baked daily

    on-site. You pick your pizza and they'll recommend the wine! $12/pizza, Join

    them for lunch and enjoy the view. 805-239-1616, www.roberthallwinery.com

    ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

    Pinot Noir Blending Seminar

    at Wild Horse Winery

    Templeton Learn the ar t of blending wine. Experience first hand what beinga winemaker is all about. Sample Pinot Noirs from the Central Coast AVA and

    learn what terroir truly means. Each participant creates their own blend to take

    home. $50, $35/wine club. By appointment 11am or 2pm, Limit 10

    www.wildhorsewinery.com, RSVP, 805-434-2541 ext. 15

    ONGOING FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

    Patio Food Pairings at Opolo Vineyards

    Join them on the patio for delicious gourmet pizzas from their wood burning

    oven, sandwiches or sample an array of sausages, all paired with excellent

    Opolo wines. Cheers! www.opolo.com, 805-238-9593

    ONGOING SATURDAYS

    Tours & Tastings at Eberle Winery

    VIP Tastings by appointment, $25, Complimentary cave tours every h alf hour

    www.eberlewinery.com, 805-238-9607

    ONGOING EVERY OTHER SATURDAY

    Live Music at Wild Horse

    Songwriters At Play promotes live music events at many Central Coast venues.

    Their showcases will be held twice-monthly on Saturday afternoons at Wild

    Horse Winery. There's no cover charge, although we pass the tip bucket for our

    featured artist. All ages are welcome. 1-4pm, www.wildhorsewinery.com

    ONGOING

    Live Music on the Patio

    at Niner Wine Estates

    1-4pm, www.ninerwine.com, 805-239-2233

    ONGOING SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

    A Grape to Glass Experience

    at Wild Horse Winery

    Unique, fun and educational! at Wild Horse Winery. Learn what happens in the

    vineyards and in the cellar, and end with a special wine tasting. During thetour, they encourage you to bring just two things: your walking shoes and lots

    of questions! This is your unique opportunity to learn and experience the down

    and dirty details of Wild Horse Winery. $15 per person, Wine club members and

    up to 3 guests are complimentary. Reservations requested. Call the Visitor

    Center for more information at 805-788-6310, www.wildhorsewinery.com

    ONGOING IN APRIL

    Maeve Croghan Art Exhibit

    at Castoro Cellars

    During the month of April their featured artist will be Maeve Croghan. You may

    recognize her work from the label of their Late Harvest Zinfandel or the back-

    drop on the stage at Beaverstock! They are proud to have her work return to

    the newest release of both their Late Harvest Zinfandel and Orange Muscat in

    addition to the walls of the Events Gallery. www.castorocellars.com

    ONGOING DURING MAYDavid Childs Art Exhibit at Castoro CellaSpecializing in watercolor as a medium, David Childs has captured a partimood and perception of California's Central Coast and they are proud to hhim as the featured artist for the month of May. 10am-5:30pmwww.castorocellars.com

    ONGOING WEDNESDAYSWinemaker Wednesdays at the Paso Wine Centre

    6-9pm, $12/wine flight, additional $12/food pairing

    www.pasowinecentre.com, 805-239-9156

    ONGOING SATURDAYSLive Music at the Paso Wine Centre

    8-10pm, free, www.pasowinecentre.com, 805-239-9156

    ONGOING SUNDAYS

    Live Music at SculpterraLive entertainment sponsored by "Songwriters At Play."1-4pm, free, www.sculpterra.com

    ONGOING

    Go Ballooning

    Enjoy incredible views of the wine country of Paso Robles, Atascadero,

    San Miguel and Templeton. You float along at 2-3 miles per hour from an

    altitude of a few feet up to several thousand feet above the ground. 1-4

    passengers per trip. Weather permitting. Call for reservations.

    www.sloballoon.com, 805-458-1530

    ONGOING EVERY OTHER SATURDAYSaturday Live at Vina RoblesEvery other Saturday, you are invited to slow down from your week, sit baand enjoy live music - all while savoring award-winning Vina Robles wineWine for purchase & tastings available. Complimentary, 1-4pmwww.vinarobles.com, 805-227-4812

    ONGOING EVERY OTHER SATURDAYSunday Brunch at Veris CellarsCatered brunch & bottomless mimosas. Templeton, 11am-2pm, $25$18/without mimosas, www.veriscellars.com, 805-434-0319

    ONGOING EVERY SECOND SUNDAYCentral Coast Railroad Festival Wine-Train Excursio

    The excursions include a trip up the Cuesta Grade to Paso Robles on Amtra

    Coast Starlight, complimentary wine tasting, light lunch snacks, rail histo

    a private bus trip down to San Luis Obispo. The winter excursions begin a

    end at Anglim Winery in the historical Southern Pacific Depot next to the

    Robles Amtrak Station.

    APRIL 11-13Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend

    Kick up your boots and join them for the 8th annual Earth Day Food & WinWeekend celebrating the very best of the Central Coast. From Fridays exFarm to Fork experience to Saturdays main event to Sundays Farmers SamBrunch its a weekend of a uthentic experiences.The feature event is Satafternoon at scenic Castoro Cellars where over 200 growers, vintners and come together to serve out-of-this-world pairings of award-winning winwith one-of-a-kind dishes made with locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, mcheeses, olive oils, chocolates and more. Trust us. You wont go hungry.Tall off with live music, dancing and more, and we think youll see that for bunch of farmers dedicated to sustainability and nurturing the earth, we know how to throw one heck of a party! www.earthfoodandwine.com

    APRIL 12Warriors Helping Warriors 3rd AnnualBottling Party at Tackitt Winery

    Enjoy gourmet wood fired pizza, music by Wine Country Troubadours, alowith other surprises. Take your turn helping to bottle their 2012 Basic BlasRed in support of the EOD Warrior Foundation. This event will sell out sopurchase your tickets early. 9am-6pm, $25 don ationwww.tackittfamilyvineyards.com

    APRIL 19Live Music - Soul Sauce at Laetitia Winer

    Come out with friends and family and enjoy the sounds of Soul Sauce whiyou sip on Laetitia & NADIA wines. Bring a picnic and stay for a game of b1-4pm, w ww.laetitiawine.com

    APRIL 19Family Easter Egg Hunt

    at Donati Family VineyardBring the whole family out to Donati Family Vineyard to hunt for Easter Egon the Winery lawn. Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it, wine availby the glass for parents. 12:30pm, Complimentary, 805-238-0676

    SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

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    APRIL 22-26Paso Robles CAB Collective Revved Up

    and Ready for 2014 CABs of Distinction

    After the success of the inaugural CABs of Distinction event (launched last yearto celebrate and promote Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux winesproduced in Paso Robles) and the increased momentum from Paso Roblesbeing named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the PRCChas geared up for even more exciting events in 2014. CABs of Distinction eventswill take place in locations across the Paso Robles AVA with enhanced somme-

    lier, media, trade and consumer experiences. Tickets for the CABs of Distinctionevent can be purchased at www.PasoRoblesCab.com.

    APRIL 25-27Cabernet Wine and Food Pairings

    at Vina Robles

    Join them in celebrating all things Cabernet together with the Paso Robles CABCollective (PRCC), a grassroots organization that strives to promote the superiorquality, classic and age-worthy Cabernet and Bordeaux varietals from PasoRobles. They are excited to offer a very special Cabernet Sauvignon and foodpairing experience, exclusively available during the CABs of Distinction festivalweekend. Enjoy four of our Cabernet Sauvignon releases, each paired with adelectable, seasonal food item. 10am-5pm, $20, $15/ignature Wine Clubmembers, 805-227-4812, www.vinarobles.com

    MAY 11Mother's Day Brunch on the Eberle Deck

    Make Mom happy by taking the entire family and friends to brunch at EberleWinery on Mothers Day! Enjoy the beautiful s cenery of the Estate Vineyard and

    music by Jan & Ted on the deck. 11am-1pm, $40/adults (wine included),$15/young adults 6-13, children under 5, free!To make reservations please call805-238-9607, email [email protected] or purchase online atwww.EberleWinery.com

    MAY 11Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Vina Robles

    Treat your mother to an elegant afternoon tea party. Guests are greeted with aglass of sparkling wine before taking a seat on our serene Petite Terrace. A deli-cate buffet featuring traditional finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours, jam andlashings of cream awaits, all accompanied by your favorite teas and live music.Wine by the glass and bottle available for purchase. 2-4pm, $35, $30/SignatureWine Club members, 805-227-4812, www.vinarobles.com

    MAY 15"Wild" Animals, BBQ and Great Wines

    at Wild Horse Winery

    Lions & tigers & bears, oh my... wait, that's not right. How about llamas & pigs& goats. Join them for an up close look at the other "wild" animals and

    "petting" zoo for the day. Plus fabulous wine, BBQ burgers, hot dogs and all thefixins. $10 per person for food and wine, $5 per person wine onlyComplimentary Club Members 10am-6pm, www.wildhorsewinery.com

    MAY 15-18Paso Robles Wine Festival at Calcareous

    Enjoy panoramic views of the valley while indulging in award-winning estatewines, new releases, VIP winery tours, lunch specials and wine tasting.11am-5pm, 805-239-0289, www.calcareous.com

    MAY 15-1832nd Annual Wine Festival

    In Paso, they take winemaking pretty seriously. In fact, they hold a festivalevery year to honor our grapes and the wines they create. They call it simply:Wine Festival. 2014 will be their 32nd Annual Wine Festival - a celebration oftaste, tradition and triumphs of wine ambition. Its a time to Grow Wild withinnovation. And a time to unwind and enjoy the finest food and wine PasoRobles Wine Country has to offer. The 32nd Annual Wine Festival will beginsThursday, May 15 with a selection of Winemaker Dinners. On Friday, May 16 as

    select wineries feature their Library, Reserve, White/Ros, Futures and terrifictastes at the Reserve Event. On Saturday, May 17, more than 60 wineries cometogether in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park to showcase their winesalongside culinary samplings during the Grand Tasting. There will also be funWinemaker Seminars preceding this tasting event. www.pasowine.com

    MAY 16Wine Festival Dinner with The Cracked Crab

    of Pismo Beach at Eberle Winery

    Brace yourself for one of the best (and entertaining) dinners of your life. EberleWinery is happy to welcome back the famous Cracked Crab to do an informaldinner on theircellar floor. They'll roll up the doors, hire a band, tie on somebibs and enjoy the freshest seafood the country has to offer. They put thebuckets on the table and they do an old fashioned crab feed. No one goeshome hungry! They have to thank Mike and Kathy Lee for joining themagain...and promise you it's a night of no-fuss fun. Just great food and greatwine - which make a perfect combination! 6:30pm, www.eberlewinery.com

    MAY 16Brunch at Wild Horse Winery

    Join them for brunch bites and live music. The perfect stop on your way out oftown. 11am-1pm, $10 per person food and wine, $5 per person wine only,complimentary for club memberswww.wildhorsewinery.com

    MAY 17Sandii Castleberry Duo & Burgers

    at Robert Hall Winery

    Take a break during Wine Festival Weekend by enjoying a tasty burger from the

    Burger Bar. They'll have all the toppings you love! $10 per person. You can enjoyit on the Terrace overlooking the vineyard with a glass of wine and listen to theSandii Castleberry Duo. They play everything from jazz, blues, soft rock,country, folk and bluegrass genres. 12:30-4:30pm, 805-239-1616www.roberthallwinery.com

    MAY 17Annual Gourmet Pig Roast Dinner

    at Calcareous

    Don't miss the Calcareous Annual Gourmet Pig Roast Dinner with all the trim-mings prepared in a Latin flair! Rock out to a live performance by the latinguitar world fusion group, Incendio while indulging in amazing food,Calcareous wines and fun on top of the world at Lloyd's Lookout!6-8pm, $95$75/Limelight Wine Club Members, 805-239-0289, www.calcareous.com

    MAY 18Terrace Wind Down with the Occasional

    Mustache Band at Robert Hall Winery

    Relax on the Terrace with the Occasional Mustache Band. This loca l band has a

    unique blend of country, blues, roc and folk music. Pulcinella Wood Fired Pizzawill be baking up authentic artisan pizzas and serving signature salads. Enjoythem with a glass of wine, a gorgeous view and fabulous live music. 11am-4pm, www.roberthallwinery.com

    MAY 18Yoga in the Vines & Organic Brunch

    at Castoro Cellars

    Practice your Sun Salutations while looking out on to the picturesque vineyardsat their first ever Yoga in the Vines class. This will be an all levels yoga class toget your blood flowing after a long weekend. After class you'll be greeted witha glass of Castoros own Methode Champenoise and an organic brunch. 8:45am$30/$25 Wine Club Members, www.castorocellars.com

    PISMO BEACH/SHELL BEACH

    ONGOING

    Complimentary Limousine Service

    with Pismo Beach Winery

    Their complimentary limousine service eliminates the need for a designateddriver. Relax and travel in style on your wine tasting excursion to Pismo Beach

    Winery. Must be at least 21 years old, allow approximately one hour.

    Limousine only travels from your resort to their winery and back. Free

    www.pismobeachwinery.com, 805-773-9463

    ONGOING

    Hearst Castle Tours

    Led by an experienced guide, tour Hearst Castle and encounter first-hand the

    majesty and beauty of this historical treasure. www.hearstcastle.org

    800-444-4445

    ONGOING FRIDAYS

    Sips & Songs at Claiborne & Churchill Vintners

    Local food and live music. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair; winery tables and

    chairs will be provided on a first come first serve basis. Wine and food sold

    separately. 5:30-7:30pm, www.claibornechurchill.com, 805-544-4066

    ONGOING SUNDAYSSips & Songs at Claiborne & Churchill Vintners

    Local food and live music. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair; winery tables and

    chairs will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Wine and food sold

    separately. 1-3pm, www.claibornechurchill.com, 805-544-4066

    ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

    Art Gallery Events Art After Dark

    Various art galleries stay open late & host artist receptions with wine & cheese.

    6-9pm, Downtown San Luis Obispo, www.sloartcouncil.org, 805-544-9251

    APRIL 2610th Annual Taste of Pismo

    Enjoy great food, world-class wine country and ocean views. This outstandingevent brings together delicious local food and superb Central Coast wineries-allin one exceptional location on the cliffs overlooking the sea in Pismo Beach-Classic California. For more information, visit ww w.pismochamber.com

    APRIL 30 THROUGH MAY 42014 Wine, Waves & Beyond

    Combining the fun, laid back atmosphere of our wine country and uniqueculture, enjoy four days of unforgettable events evoking the magic of WinWaves. This four-day event includes a Surf Movie Night, Rabobanks BarreBarrel Grand Tasting, Hops & Hogs Throw-down, Central Coast Longboard Contest and the 805 Classic BBQ featuring the Firestone Walker BrewingCompany & Vintage VW Display. Proceeds benefit the Association of AmpuSurfers (AmpSurf ). www.WineWavesandBeyond.com

    SAN LUIS OBISPO

    ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

    Master the Art of Wine and Cheese

    at Tolosa Winery

    Four cheeses are served using only artisan and/or farmstead products. Win

    paired with each cheese, utilizing the principles of balance and harmony.

    11am-4pm, www.tolosawinery.com, RSVP, 805-782-0500

    ONGOING THURSDAYS

    San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market

    Held every Thursday night, Farmers' Market brings the community togeth

    shop for fresh produce, sample San Luis Obispo's delectable and varied cu

    browse local shops, listen to live music and interact with local entertainer

    Keep your eyes open for the six-foot bear giving hugs and paw shakes - th

    their Farmers' Market mascot, Downtown Brown. www.downtownslo.com

    APRIL 25-27

    SLO 3rd Annual Marathon & Half Marathon

    Come Race SLO in a small town with a Big Race vibe. Run through our sma

    classic California town, past the historic Fremont Theater, Mission San Luis

    Obispo, our quaint tree-lined downtown, California bungalow neighborho

    a Frank Lloyd Wright building, the Chinese Garden and so much more. You

    venture out into the hills of the Edna Valley, SLO Wine Country, with it's m

    vista views, vineyards, farmland and wineries. The course ends at the icon

    Madonna Inn where the SLO Life party begins! After your well-deserved m

    is placed around your neck, you can enjoy recovery food from Jamba Juice

    music, beer from Firestone 805, local wines and BBQ from Mos Smokehou

    BBQ. Come to one of the Top 10 travel destinations in the United States! T

    register and for any details visit www.slowine.com

    APRIL 26-27Wine 4 Paws

    Visit any of the par ticipating wineries, when they will be donating your TaFees or a portion of your purchases to Woods Human Society. No advancetickets needed, just visit the wineries involved. Visit www.wine4paws.coparticipating wineries and to print out your free map with passport to playour weekend! Get your passport stamped when you help generate a donTurned your stamped passport in to any winery when its full and youll beentered in our drawing for some great prizes! Get into the spirit (and suppthe animals at Woods) with your own Wine 4 Paws shirts and gear. For moinformation please contact us at [email protected] or checkwww.wine4paws.com

    LOMPOC/BUELLTON

    ONGOING SECOND & FOURTH WEDNESDAY

    Quiz Night at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

    6:30-10pm, www.figmtnbrew.com, 805-694-2252

    ONGOING FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

    Live Music at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

    6:30-10pm, www.figmtnbrew.com, 805-694-2252

    ONGOING EVERY OTHER SATURDAY

    Central Coast Tasting Series

    at Avant Tapas and Wine

    APRIL 12Hike with your Dog and Vineyard Picnic

    with our Winemaker at Zaca Mesa

    Back by popular demand...Hike through the vineyard with your dog and epicnic lunch. Eric Mosheni, their winemaker, will lead you through the vinyards and explain our history, variatels and farming techniques. After a ghike and the quick swim in the resevoir (for the dogs only) gather for a picthe vineyards. Please have dogs on a leash until we are further out on thehike!! RSVP to the Events Coordinator Angela Harrison 805-688-9339 x31email [email protected], $40, $32/Club Member, 10am-1pmwww.zacamesa.com

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    APRIL 12Vintner's Festival Weekend Live Music

    and BBQ Steak Sandwiches

    at Zaca Mesa Winery

    Join them for live music with local band 1656 in the courtyard from 1-4pm

    Buy a fresh grilled steak sandwich from Chef John. 12-4pmwww.zacamesawinery.com

    APRIL 20Easter Sunday at Cimarone Wines

    Stop by for wine tasting on Easter Sunday. They are hiding Easter eggs filledwith chocolates and 2-for-1 tasting cards. They'll also be dying eggs too...it's

    not quite wine blending, but...Choose your favorite wine and and enjoy abottle at one of their tables in the backyard. After all, there are few better

    pairings than chocolate and red wine! 11am-5pm, 805-688-8011,

    www.cimarone.com

    APRIL 26Wine Club Pick Up Party and Fundraiser

    at Transcendence

    They will be raising money to support the Lompoc Youth Theater and theirproduction of Hairspray Jr. this summer. Your ticket includes A Rocking Band,

    Performances by The Lompoc Youth Theater, silent auction, wood fired pizza,homemade appetizers and gourmet treats, two glasses of wine from select

    wineries in the area. 4-7pm, $40, www.transcendencewine.com

    MAY 3Blend your own GSM with the Winemaker

    at Zaca Mesa WinerySpend the afternoon with their talented winemaker, Eric Mohseni! He will

    instruct you on the art of blending the red Rhone varietals. From barrels tobottle you will have the chance to create your own Grenache, Mourvedre and

    Syrah blend, done to your taste! Everyone will get to take home a bottle oftheir own wine to show off with family and friends. Lunch with the wine-

    maker will be included: A gourmet picnic provided by Fresco Valley Cafe.

    10am-1pm, $60 $48 /Wine Club Members,www.zacamesawinery.com

    SANTA BARBARA

    ONGOING THURSDAYS

    Pizza Party at Corks n Crowns

    Fine wine and craft beer pairing with Full of Life Flatbread Gourmet Pizza.

    4-7pm, www.corksandcrowns.com, 805-845-8600

    ONGOING SUNDAYS

    Cupcakes & Sparkling Wine

    at Corks n Crowns

    11:30am, www.corksandcrowns.com, 805-845-8600

    ONGOING SATURDAY & SUNDAY

    Live Music at Oreana Winery

    Wine tasting and wine by the glass, 2-5pm, www.oreanawinery.com

    ONGOING MONDAYS

    Monday Night Movie Night at Oreana Winery

    Event is inside but it gets chilly so dress accordingly. Folding chairs are

    provided but feel free to bring your own. You may bring a picnic but no

    outside alcohol allowed. Wine, popcorn and candy available for purchase.

    6:30-9:30pm, www.oreanawinery.com, 805-962-5857

    APRIL 10-14Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend

    The annual Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend attracts wine lovers from

    near and far for an opportunity to attend winemaker lunches and dinners,winery and tasting room open houses, vineyard walks and the annual Vintners

    Festival Grand Tasting where every one of our 100+ member wineries gatherto present their wines, often poured by the winemakers themselves.

    www.sbcountywines.com

    SANTA MARIA/FOXEN CANYON

    ONGOING MONDAY-THURSDAYCosta de Oro Happy Hour

    4-6pm, wine by the glass $7, $5 club members www.cdowinery.com

    805-922-1468

    ONGOING

    Friday Night Wine Down at Costa de Oro

    Great way to start your weekend! Enjoy live music, wine tasting and cheese

    plates. 5-8pm, www.cdowinery.com, 805-922-1468

    ONGOING SUNDAYS

    Champagne Sunday Brunch

    at the Historic Santa Maria Inn

    Enjoy a variety of selected meats, carving stations and an omelette station

    along with a salad bar. They also feature traditional breakfast fare, many side

    dishes and an elaborate and delicious dessert station. 10am-2pm,

    $21.95/adults, $18.95/seniors, $12.95/children, www.santamariainn.com

    805-928-7777

    SANTA YNEZ

    ONGOING

    Glider Rides at the Airport

    Santa Ynez, www.gliderrides.com, 805-688-2517

    ONGOING

    Private Access Sundays at Bridlewood

    The winery will be open only to Wine Club members for an exclusive tasting

    event showcasing their new releases and limited production wines. Bridle-

    wood Estate Club member benefits include admission of member and one

    guest at no charge (2 people). Tickets may be purchased for extra member

    guests, pending availability, at a cost of $20 each. All guests must be accom-

    panied by Bridlewood club member the day of event. Email visit@bridlewood-

    winery.com, 805-688-9000 Ext 223, www.bridlewoodwinery.com

    April 13, 1-4pm

    SOLVANG

    ONGOING TUESDAYS

    Open Mic Night at Carivintas Winery

    Come in and showcase your talent to be considered for an upcoming gig at

    Carivintas. 5-7pm, www.carivintas.com, 805-693-4331

    ONGOING THIRD WEDNESDAYSSolvang Wine (and Beer) Walk

    Solvangs Third Wednesday Wine and Beer Walk tickets cost just $20 each (cash

    only please), and include a ticket to sample two wines at five participating

    wine tasting rooms, a specialty logo glass a nd a map to help you navigate

    your way through all the fun! No one under 21 is permitted to purchase

    tickets. 3-7pm $20, www.solvangthirdwednesday.com

    ONGOING WEDNESDAYSSolvang Farmer's Market

    Fresh produce, flowers and foods. First Street, Solvang. 2:30-6pmwww.sbfarmersmarket.org

    ONGOING THURSDAYS

    Wandering Dog Wine Bar

    presents Blind Tasting Thursday

    Challenge your palate and learn about wine at the same time! Every month

    features a different region. No reservations required. 4-7pm, $15

    www.wanderingdogwinebar.com, 805-686-9126

    ONGOING THURSDAYS

    Teachers Night at Carivintas Winery

    All teachers are invited. Receive discounts and play games. 5-7pm

    www.carivintas.com, 805-693-4331

    ONGOING FRIDAYS THROUGH MAY

    Friday Night Wines Class Series

    at Wandering Dog Wine Bar

    Solvangs Wandering Dog Wine Bar has officially announced their new 2014

    Friday Night WinesClass Series, which will entail once-per-month events

    spanning through May. In line with Wandering Dogs mission to engagingly

    educate its wine club members and patrons, class topics will run the gamut

    from Barolo to Syrah to Pinot Noir, plus a special edition dedicated to Santa

    Barbara County AVAs. All classes are currently open for enrollment, and

    advance payment and reservations are required. To make a reservation for any

    of the Friday night classes, call (805) 686-9126 or email wines@wandering-

    dogwinebar.com.

    ONGOING FRIDAYS

    Movie Night at Carivintas Winery

    6-9pm, www.carivintas.com, 805-693-4331

    ONGOING EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY

    Live Music in the Tasting Room

    at Sort This Out Cellars

    Keep a lookout for special band performances that you won't want to mi

    www.sortthisoutcellars.com, 805-688-1717

    ONGOING SATURDAYS

    Live Music at Carivintas Winery

    6-9pm, www.carivintas.com, 805-693-4331

    ONGOING FRIDAY-SUNDAY

    Wandering Dog Wine Bar

    Cupcakes & Wine Flight

    Tasters enjoy 3 wines, each paired with a delicious gourmet cupcake from

    Solvang Bakery. Flight includes 3 half glasses of wine and 3 cupcakes.

    $20, www.wanderingdogwinebar.com, 805-686-9126

    ONGOING LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

    Lompoc Animal Shelter Adoptions

    at Carivintas Winery

    Meet the wonderful volunteers and animals from the shelter. Take one o

    home and start a new family. 12-3pm, www.carivintas.com, 805-693-43

    ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

    Solvang Farmers Market

    Fresh produce, flowers & foods, on First Street, between Mission Drive an

    Copenhagen, 4-7pm, ww w.sbfarmersmarket.org, 805-962-5354

    ONGOING THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

    Solvang Third Wednesday

    Shop Solvang, save money and have fun! Over 60 stores, restaurants, win

    tasting rooms and professional offices offer special discounts and sales a

    Discover Solvangs unique stores and boutiques. Discover Solvangs uniqu

    stores and boutiques. Delight in a divine culinary experience and take ad

    tage of the Third Wednesday specials offered by participating restaurants

    bakeries and sweet shops. 3-7pm, $20, www.solvangthirdwednesday.co

    APRIL 13

    Vineyard Walk, Scavenger Hunt & Brunc

    at Buttonwood Winery

    A walk through the hills and dales of their sustainably-farmed vineyard w

    Winemaker Karen Steinwachs and Soil Guru Stan Kadota. They'll stop an

    taste various varietals, check out the progress of 2014 bud break, chat ab

    soils, cane pruning and why they grow wine and farm the way we do, all

    while looking for/collecting items on the Scavenger List (prizes awarded

    celebrate both Vintnersweekend and Earth Month, you'll conclude the w

    with brunch at the vineyard pond and raise a glass in toast to the upcom

    vintage! 10:30am, $35 $30/club members, 805-688-3032

    MAY 17

    Crawfish Boil at Buttonwood Winery

    Join them for their somewhat annual Louisiana-style Crawfish Boil. Com

    to the vineyard and devour some little mud-bugs and other grub, listen t

    Zydeco Zippers, and drink delicious Buttonwood wine. 12pm, $95, $75

    Imbibers Club members, 805-688-3032, www.buttonwoodwinery.com

    ONGOING

    An Evening with the Sommelier

    at Herzog Wine Cellars

    Explore a world of flavors with their tasting room Sommelier. 7pm

    $15, $10/wine club, www.herzogwinecellars.com, 805-983-1560

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    A PRIL 2014 WINE COUNTRY THIS MON

    Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend is jam

    packed with well ... a lot of food and wine!

    Thats not all theyve got planned, however. Heres a

    look at five non-edible delights on tap.

    ONE: Owls and Falcons and Hawks, Oh My!

    Raptors AKA birds such as owls, falcons and

    hawks are often an important part of sustainable

    farming practices because theyre so darn good at

    catchin varmints. Some raptor wranglers (okay, the

    technical term is falconers) from Airstrike Bird

    Control have been asked to bring a couple of these

    amazing birds to the festival, and if youve never

    seen one of these stunning beauties up close and

    personal, youre in for a real treat.

    TWO: Visit a Wine Farm

    The dictionary definition of viticulture is the

    cultivation or culture of grapes especially for wine-

    making, but most viticulturists just call

    themselves farmers. After all, grapes have to put

    their pants on one vine at a time, just like every

    other plant. On Fridays Farm to Fork event, youll

    get to visit the farm at JUSTIN Vineyards &

    Winery and tour the SIP Certified estate vineyards

    that produce world-class Bordeaux blends such as

    ISOSCELES and JUSTIFICATION.

    THREE: It Takes a Village

    Sustainability doesnt begin and end with food

    and wine. At the festival they also celebrate all the

    other industries and businesses trying to make our

    world a better place. You can check out a slew of

    earth-friendly exhibitors including olive oil skin

    products, all cotton clothing, solar energy systems,

    drought tolerate landscapers, and even worm

    farmers. Yes, worm farmers will be there they are

    not going to get to wriggle out of it!

    FOUR: Soulful, Foot Stompin MusicThis years event will feature the soulful,

    energetic and heartfelt sounds of the Damon

    Castillo Band. A perennial local favorite that calls

    the Central Coast home, this band has opened for

    the Temptations, played with the San Luis

    Symphony, and been featured as a special guest on

    the E Family Album as in the family of

    legendary percussionists Pete Escovedo and

    SheilaE.

    FIVE: Zero Waste

    And last, but certainly not least well, sort ofleast because Earth Day Food & Wine goes all out

    to make sure their main event has the least possible

    impact of the earth in terms of trash and energy

    consumption. They generate less than two pounds

    of trash for the entire Saturday event, their sound

    stage is solar powered, their food waste is

    composted and they even offer the option of

    luxury coaches to transport their guests round trip

    from various locations around the county. Though

    they are very proud of what they do have at the

    event, they might even be a little prouder of what

    they dont!

    Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend Tickets Available

    Kick off an amazing season of festivals on the

    Central Coast with the Earth Day Food & Wine

    Weekend. Add these five reasons to the list of

    tantalizing food and wine, music, and fun and

    you've got yourself a weekend planned just like

    that! For tickets and more information visit

    www.earthdayfoodandwine.com or call

    (805) 466-2288.

    Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend is Jam Packed

  • 8/12/2019 Wct Mcc 0414

    16/6416 More events at www.WineCountryThisMonth.co

    In 1988, after sixteen highly successful years making wine in Monterey County,

    J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines expanded southward, establishing the first of what would

    become more than 2,300 acres of estate vineyards in Paso Robles. In the quarter centur

    since, J. Lohr has gained fame for making an expressive range of exceptional Paso Rob

    red wines. While J. Lohrs veteran winemaking team is equally adept at working with thgreat grapes of the Rhne, Burgundy and Bordeaux vareties, Cabernet Sauvignon is

    unquestionably king at J. Lohr. In fact, it was the promise of world-class Cabernet that

    originally drew the Lohr family to Paso.

    Today, with over 10,000-planted acres, Cabernet represents roughly 40% of all the

    wine grapes grown in the region. Paso has proven a perfect environment for growing

    Cabernet. Farmers like to say that Cabernet doesnt like wet feet. As a result, it thrives

    the well-draining sandy gravel and loam soils found throughout the region. These thin

    soils imbue Paso Cab with a concentration akin to the great mountain Cabernets of the

    world. Another factor in Cabernets success in Paso is the regions diurnal swing (the

    difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures). In fact, data from 14,000

    weather stations around the world reveals that Paso has one of the greatest diurnal swi

    of any winegrowing region. As a result, warm days and a long growing season bring fuberry ripeness in Paso, while cool nights enhance color and preserve ideal acidity.

    If one wine has become a global calling card for what can be achieved with Paso Ca

    it is the J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon, which is available in

    approximately 30 countries. With its gorgeous layers of blackberry, black cherry, plum

    and blueberry, J. Lohrs flagship wine has played a significant role in putting Paso on th

    world wine map. While the Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is the best know of J. Loh

    Cabernet and Bordeaux-varietal wines, the winerys Bordeaux program is impressive an

    includes the acclaimed J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon and the sought-after J. Loh

    Cuve PAU, POM and St. Ewines inspired by the Grand Crus chteaux of Pauillac,

    Pomerol and St. Emilion, yet each with their own distinctly Paso accent.

    Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.6169 Airport Blvd., Paso Robles

    (805) 239-8900 | www.jlohr.com

    PREFERRED TASTING ROOM

    J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES

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    A PRIL 2014 WINE COUNTRY THIS MONT

    As a Central Coast pioneer and leader, J. Lohrs passion for Paso

    Cabernet ultimately inspired the winery to help found the Paso

    Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective (PRCC). This

    grassroots, non-profit organization has become an exciting advocate

    for the fantastic quality of Paso Robles Cabernet and Bordeaux

    varietals. Building on the momentum of Paso Robles being named

    the 2013 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine,

    from April 22-26 the PRCC and its member wineries will be hosting

    CABs of Distinction in locations across the Paso Robles AVA. This

    exciting event will feature winemaker dinners, enhanced sommelier,media, trade and consumer experiences, as well as a not-to-be missed

    Cabs of Distinction Gala Grand Tasting on Saturday the 25th at the

    River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles. Members of the Lohr family

    and winemaking team will be on hand at the gala, sharing their

    exciting wines and welcoming guests. Throughout the CABS of

    Distinction event, the J. Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center will be a hub

    of excitement as the winery pours an array of Cabernet-focused

    wines, including the new 2012 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet

    Sauvignon.

    In May, the wine center will be unveiling the highly anticipated

    J. Lohr 40th Anniversary Red Wine from Paso Robles, and 40th

    Anniversary Pinot Blanc from the Arroyo Seco region of MontereyCounty. Crafted by longtime Director of Winemaking Jeff Meier and

    Red Winemaker Steve Peck, the 40th Anniversary Red is an inspired

    blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot and Malbec that

    pays tribute to J. Lohrs inaugural bottling in 1974, and to Jerry

    Lohrs 40 years of visionary winegrowing leadership on the Central

    Coast.

    J. Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center is located at 6169 Airport Road,

    Paso Robles. They are open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For more

    information, call (805) 239-8900 or visit their website at

    www.jlohr.com.

    After the success of the inaugural CABs of Distinction Gala(launched last year to celebrate and promote CabernetSauvignon and red Bordeaux varietals produced in Paso Robles)the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective(PRCC) has enhanced the consumer experience, tenfold. TheCABs of Distinction Gala will take place April 26, 2014 at RiverOaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles.

    This top-tier event will include tastings of PRCC memberwines paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie chosen byFromager Zina Miakinkova. Decadent catered lunches will beprepared by Paso Robles finest restaurants and caterersincluding Roberts Restaurant, Crush Catering and Avant-GardeExperience. Chocolate tastings by the Monterey Chocolate

    Company will be available as well as live music, a barrel-makingdemonstration, glass etching, and much more. This will all takeplace beginning at 2 p.m. and lasting until 5 p.m.

    Premium-Reserve VIP tickets are available for entry to anexclusive Reserve wine tasting at 1 p.m., as well as access to theVIP Lounge, where desserts and drinks will be availablethroughout the day.

    Luxury VIP tickets are available to attend an intimateconversation with producers during an exclusive paneldiscussion starting at 10 a.m., a four-course gourmet lunchprovided by Thomas Hill Organics, designed to pair with PRCCwines, entry to the Reserve wine tasting at 1 p.m., andcontinuous access to the VIP Lounge on top of all the Gala

    festivities.The Paso Robles CAB Collective is ever-growing and gaining

    new influential members. For a list of current members visit thePRCC website at www.PasoRoblesCab.com.

    Paso Robles CAB CollectivesCABs of Distinction Gala ProvidesAttendees a Top-Tier Experience

    CABs of Distinction Gala Tickets

    Grand Tasting Gala Tickets:Starts at 2:00 p.m. and includes tastings of PRCC member wines paired with artisanal cheeseand charcuterie, chocolate tastings, a barrel-making demonstration, delicious complimentarylunch options from local restaurants, glass etching, live music and much more.

    Premium-Reserve VIP Tickets:In addition to all Gala activities, includes entry to an exclusive tasting of Reserve wines at1 p.m. as well as access to the VIP Lounge where desserts and drinks will be availablethroughout the day.

    Luxury VIP Tickets:Includes an exclusive panel discussion starting at 10:00 a.m., a multi-course gourmet lunchprepared by Thomas Hill Organics, early access to the Reserve wine tasting at 1 p.m., andcontinuous access to the VIP Lounge throughout the day on top of all Gala activities.

    Tickets for the CABs of Distinction eventcan be purchased at www.PasoRoblesCab.com.

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    WINERY COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH APRIL 20

    18 Find more at www.WineCountryThisMonth.co

    SUBMITTED

    April is one of our favorite months here at Castoro Cellars and for

    good reason! April is Earth Month and that makes it a perfect time to

    reflect on, celebrate and continue our relationship with Mother Natur

    Since its inception, Castoro Cellars has been focused on sustainability

    organic farming and working with Mother Nature to make the best

    wines possible. It isnt always easy and it keeps you on your toes but

    that is what makes farming so gratifying!

    This year we are proud to be hosting the annual Earth Day Food a

    Wine Festival on Saturday April 12th. The festival is a benefit event t

    supports farmworker education and sustainable agricultural research

    conducted by the Vineyard Team, which is a collaboration of growers

    wineries, consultants, researchers, and natural resource professionals

    dedicated to promoting sustainable winegrowing in all of California. T

    main event will take place in our beautiful Meadow, the same

    wonderful location that hosted our 30th anniversary Beaverstock Mu

    Festival. Vendors from all over the Central Coast will be providing an

    amazing variety of food, wine, beer and live music. This is truly one o

    the Central Coasts premier events and we couldnt be happier to be a

    part of it!

    CASTORO CELLARS

    Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.1315 North Bethel Road, Templeton CA

    1-888-DAM -FINE | www.castorocellars.com

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    After hosting Beaverstock in the Meadow last summer, we

    instantly knew we were on to something special. Not only was the

    event a barrel full of fun, the venue was absolutely magical. After

    many long debates we have decided to host the festival again this year

    and it almost doesnt feel real. Last year we learned so much from the

    event and we cant wait to make this year even better. We havechosen the weekend of September 13th and 14th and are currently

    working on an amazing musical lineup. Like last year, we will feature

    local food vendors, beer and Dam Fine Wine. The event, which is a

    benefit for our local community, will be all ages with games and

    activities for kids and plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

    This is an event you wont want to miss so stay tuned, as more details

    will be coming soon.

    With spring, we enter a time of year we all love, as the weather is

    amazing and not yet as hot as the coming summer months. Starting

    in May our outdoor summer concerts begin with the Lazy Locals

    series followed by a number of SLO Folks concerts throughout thesummer. If youve never experienced an outdoor concert at Castoro

    Cellars there will be plenty of opportunities this summer and we cant

    recommend them enough. There really is nothing better than

    listening to wonderful music with friends while enjoying great wines

    and warm weather.

    As always, there are lots of exciting things happening at Castoro

    and we look forward to seeing you this spring and summer.

    Castoro Cellars is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They

    are loctaed at 1315 North Bethel Road, Templeton. For more

    information, call 1-888-DAM-FINE or visit their website at

    www.castorocellars.com.

    1Look for us on Facebook and become a Fan!

    A PRIL 2014 WINE COUNTRY THIS MONT

    10:30-5:30

    Treat Yourself...to a wide selection of services thatexhibit the healing & rejuvenating

    properties of wine used duringthe beautification process.

    PASO ROBLES WINE TASTING & SPA TOURS - $150 PP

    Your full day starts off with a Glass of Wine, Wine Foot Soak & Champagne Sugar Scrub

    Foot Treatments, Port Infused Truffles, and an array of appetizers, your choice of a Vino Massage

    or FacialThen head out on a 3 hour wine tasting tour of Paso Robles award winning wineries.

    Tasting fees and lite gourmet lunch included at a Paso Robles Vineyard. Package includes local pickup & drop off.

    805-466-VINO | www.VinoTherapyStudio.com

    5990 Entrada, Atascadero

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    Find out more at www.WineCountryThisMonth.co20

    ON THE COVER | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH APRIL 20

    Andrew Murray fell in love with the classic

    Rhne varietals, specifically Syrah and Viognier, in

    the late 1980s as he traveled through Frances

    Rhne Valley. At the time he was enrolled at UC

    Berkeley studying paleontology, but sampling the

    wines in France there was a shift in his thinking.

    Capitalizing on this newfound enthusiasm for

    wine, he decided to do an internship in Australia

    at a winery, focusing on the production of Shiraz.

    When Andrew returned to the U.S., he earned himself a bachelors

    degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis, and then founded

    his eponymous Santa Ynez winery and vineyard, dedicated

    exclusively to his favored Rhne-style wines. Today, Andrew Murray

    Vineyards is synonymous with some of the states premier Rhne

    wines, from sell-out vineyard designated Syrahs to wildly popular

    blends!

    In January of 2014, Andrew was offered the chance to take over

    the former Curtis Winery location, along with the management of

    their 50 acres of estate grown Rhone varieties. This opportunity fully

    realized his dream to be back on Foxen Canyon Road, growing

    Rhones again. Andrew and his team look forward to visiting with

    you at the newly updated hospitality and event center, and pouring

    you a glass of wine to enjoy on their recently completed Wine Club

    Terrace, with stunning views of neighboring vineyards and the

    looming face of Grass Mountain. They also now offer a full Wine

    Country Concierge service to help plan your visit. They can arrange

    anything from a reserved table at the winery to a fully stocked picnic

    basket and a chilled bottle of their fragrant Viognier. Weekends will

    feature live music or other fun opportunities, please check their

    website for more information, www.AndrewMurrayVineyards.com.

    At the tasting bar, there are roughly 7 to 10 different wines to

    sample and a couple of very affordable tasting options. Their staff is

    very friendly and wine knowledgeable, which

    allows for lots of convivial conversation and a b

    of wine education for the more curious visitors.

    There are several new wine releases available in

    tasting room right now, including the 2012 Syra

    Tous les Jours which was recently earned rave

    reviews from Wine & Spirits Magazine. There i

    also the 2012 Esperance, red blend of Syrah,

    Grenache and Mourvdre. They are also featur

    several limited, single vineyard Syrahs right now. Of particular no

    is the 2011 Syrah Terra Bella Vineyard from Paso Robles and the

    2012 Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard from Los Alamos. Releasing shor

    will be their white blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, know

    as the 2013 Encahnte and their wonderfully perfumed, yet dry, 20

    Viognier from their new vineyard in Santa Maria.

    They are conveniently located just a few miles from downtown

    Los Olivos, where they have a second tasting room to serve you if

    you simply do not have the time to venture out Foxen Canyon Ro

    When you visit their Los Olivos tasting room, make sure you chec

    out Andrews new range of wines, This is E11even, a nod to a class

    rock n roll movie from the 80s. This trio of new wines takes

    Andrew out of his Rhone comfort zone and into some fun, new

    territory. The highlight is a deliciously balanced Pinot Noir, from a

    single vineyard in Santa Maria. There is also a Cabernet blend,

    irreverently named Big Bottom and a deliciously crisp white blend

    simply named, Unplugged.

    Andrew Murray Vineyards Winery & Visitor Center is located a

    5249 Foxen Canyon Road, and is open daily from 10:30 a.m to 5:

    p.m. The Los Olivos tasting room is located at 2901 Grand Ave., L

    Olivos and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more

    information, call (805) 693-9644 or visit their website at

    www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com.

    Andrew Murray Vineyards Passion, Evolution, Wisdom

    Andrew Murray

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    Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 2

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    PEACHY CANYON WINERY1480 North Bethel Road, Templeton

    Open Daily 10-5:30 and by appointment

    805-239-1918 www.peachycanyon.com

    Were celebrating 25 years of amazing winemaking at Peachy Canyon,

    where weve been making Paso Robles wine history since 1988.

    Come enjoy our award-winning estate Zinfandels alongside excitingsmall lot blends. Were proud to be Westside originals.

    VENTEUX VINEYARDS1795 Las Tablas, Templeton

    Open Daily 10-5 and by appointment

    805-369-0127 www.venteuxvineyards.com

    From soil to bottle, our hands-on approach allows us to

    uphold the highest level of care in all aspects of the wine-

    making process. Our extremely small productions of Rhne

    wines showcase a style of balance, elegance, and finesse.

    Picnic on the porch of the farmhouse and taste our hand-

    crafted wines in the elegant and inviting tasting room.

    MONDO CELLARS3260 Nacimiento Lake Drive, Paso Robles

    805-226-2925 mondocellars.com

    Hours: Sun-Thu, Sat 11-6; Fri 11-10

    Visit our tasting room and experience the passion in our

    big Bordeaux and Rhone blends. Make our luxurious Bed

    and Breakfast your home and enjoy breathtaking views

    from every window. All just five miles from downtown

    WEST SIDE OF PASO ROBLESWine Tasting on the

    NOT TO SCALE

    Venteux VineyardsVenteux Vineyards is a dream realized by two families who share

    a passion for wine and hospitality. In 2000, the Stelzle family

    bought 12 acres of property in the renowned wine growing region

    of the Templeton Gap. This exceptional viticultural area is known

    for hot, dry days and cool damp nights. Winemaker and co-owner

    Scott Stelzle focuses on letting the unique microclimate of the

    Templeton Gap shine through in his wines. By using native yeast

    and keeping varietal wines 100% pure, Scott is able to show off thetrue expression of the fruit. Aside from 100% varietals of Syrah,

    Grenache, Mourvedre, and Petite Sirah, Venteux also offers original

    blends which are balanced and complex. Aside from Rhone wines,

    they also produce a Pinot Noir, a late-harvest Gewurtztraminer, and

    a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from westside Paso that was recently

    awarded a score of 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

    In 2009, Adam and Patricia Goldenberg joined Scott and Bobbi

    Stelzle in their venture and Venteux purchased the adjacent 10

    acres next to their current vineyard. The property now hosts both a

    luxury Bed and Breakfast and a Guest House that sleeps three

    couples. Artfully decorated by owner Bobbi Stelzle, the Bed and

    Breakfast and Guest House offer an authentic stay in the heart of

    wine country. Guests are encouraged to meander in the vineyards

    and enjoy a wine and cheese reception in the evenings.

    Conveniently located near the intersection of Bethel Road and

    Las Tablas Road in Templeton, Venteux is a wonderful place to start

    the day. The tasting room is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00

    p.m. A tasting fee of $10 is waived with a bottle purchase. For

    more information about Venteux wines and lodging, visit

    www.venteuxvineyards.com.

  • 8/12/2019 Wct Mcc 0414

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    Recommended RestaurantsPASO ROBLES

    Thomas Hill Organics 1305 Pa rk St; 805.226. 5888 Contemporary American Cu is ine

    Villa Creek 1144 Pine St; 805.238.3000 Spanish Cuisine

    Enoteca 206 Alexa Ct; 805.238.2834 Seafood

    Bistro Laurent 1202 Pine St; 805.226.8191 French Cuisine

    Artisan 1401 Park St; 805.237.8084 American Bistro

    Paso Inn and Steakhouse 1103 Spring St; 805.238.2660 Steakhouse

    il Cortile 608 12th St; 805.226.0300 Italian Cuisine/some Seafood Dishes

    Buona Tavola 943 Spring St; 805.237.0600 Northern Italian Cuisine

    La Cosecha 835 12th St; 805.237.0019 Latin/Spanish

    Estrella 815 12th St; 805.226.5406 Latin Cuisine

    Roberts 1218 Pine St; 805.226.5556 American Cuisine

    SAN LUIS OBISPO

    Novo 726 Higuera St; 805.543.3986 International Cuisine

    Firestone Grill 1001 Higuera; 805.783.1001 BBQ and Burgers

    Cafe Roma 1020 Railroad Ave; 805.541.6800 Italian Cuisine

    Mamas Meatball 570 Higuera St; 805.544.0861 Fine Italian Cuisine

    Palazzo Giuseppes 1010 Court St; 805.541.9922 Fine Italian Cuisine Luna Red 1009 Monterey St; 805.540.5243 International Cuisine

    MORRO BAY

    Dorns 801 Market Ave; 805.772.4415 Specialty in Seafood & Chicken

    PISMO BEACH

    Steamers 1601 Price St; 805.773.4711 Seafood

    Giuseppes 891 Price St; 805.773.2870 Italian Cuisine

    SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

    Hitching Post 3325 Point Sal Rd, Casmalia; 805.937.6151 Steakhouse

    Hitching Post II 406 E Highway 246, Bu ellton; 805.688.0676 Steakhouse

    Full of Life Flatbread 225 Bell St, Los Alamos; 805.344.4400 American and Pizza

    Bell Street Market 406 Bell St, Los Alamos; 805.344.4609 American/Cafe

    Sides Hardware & Shoes - A Brothers Restaurant2375 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos; 805.688.4820 New American

    Los Olivos Cafe Petros 2860 Grand Ave, Los Olivos; 805.688.7788 Greek American Cuisine

    The Ballard Inn 2 43 6 B asel in e A ve, Ballar d; 805 .6 88 .77 70 French/ Asian Fusio n

    Trattoria Grappolo 3 687 Sagunto St # C, Santa Ynez; 80 5.68 8.689 9 Ital ian

    Root 246 4 20 Al isal Road, Solvang ; 80 5.68 6. 8 68 1 C on tempor ar y A meri can Cuis in e

    Avant Tapas & Wine 35 Industrial Way, Buellton; 805.686.4742 Contemporary American/Small Plates

    Sissys Uptown Cafe 112 South I Street, Lompoc; 805.735.4877 Traditional American Cuisine

    CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

    Julienne 138 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara; 805.845.6488 Contemporary American Cuisine

    The Shellfish Company 230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara; 805.966.6676 Seafood

    The Wine Cask 813 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara; 805.966.9463 Contemporary American

    Olio Pizzeria 11 W Victoria St. Ste. 21, Santa Barbara; 805.899.2699 Italian Cuisine

    Bouchon 9 West Victoria St, Santa Barbara; 805.730.1160 Wine Country Cuisine

    CaDario 37 Eas t Vict oria St, Santa Barbara; 805.884. 9419 Ita lia n Cuisine

    Arigato 1225 State St, Santa Barbara; 805.965.6074 Japanese Cuisine

    The Stonehouse 900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito; 805.565.1724 Contemporary American

    VENTURA COUNTY

    Le Petit Cafe Bakery 1591 Spinnaker Dr #112, Ventura; 805.642.1191 French

    Sugar Beets 455 South A St, Oxnard; 805.240.7777 New American Cuisine

    La Dolce Vita 740 South B St, Oxnard; 805.486-6878 Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine

    Tierra Sur Restaurant 3201 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard; 805.983.1560 Mediterranean

    Bella Victorian Bistro

    Call for de

    Dining Al fre scoFine Italian Restaurant

    Discover WhyPaso Loves Italian!Discover WhyPaso Loves Italian!Discover WhyPaso Loves Italian!

    Dinner 7 nights a week

    www. ilcortileristorante.com

    608 12th Street

    Paso Robles CA

    805.226.0300

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    BY MELISSA CHAVEZ

    Vibrant describes Estrella Restaurant. The color palette of

    its surrounds reflects the rich cultures within the food. Tastesof Sante Fe, NM, Spain and Argentina are prepared to excite

    and intrigue in such a way that a first-time guest cant help

    but want to savor another one of their creations.

    And what a selection there is at Estrella. The Latin

    Riviera cuisine combines flavors to make for a distinctive

    and memorable meal.

    Among Chef Travis Borbas offerings, the Tapas menu

    includes Grilled Scallop Ceviche, in which a citrus marinade

    with red onions, oranges and mango commands the taste

    buds. Crispy Masa Cakes topped with servings of shredded

    chicken, chipotle-tomatillo sauce, sour cream and a spicy

    cabbage salad is fun to share. For lunch, a Cuban Sandwichof Mojo marinated pork loin and ham and the Braised

    Chicken and Chorizo Taquitos are especially popular as well

    as the new Southwest Green Chile Burger.

    For dinner, the Chile Relleno entre features roasted

    Anaheim chilies with a choice of fillings including roasted

    corn and crab, queso fresco or carnitas and two varieties of

    salsa. Seafood entrees include a Plantain Crusted Halibut

    served with mango-habenero salsa and coconut-green chilisauce. The Lobster Tacos are finished with smoked paprika-

    lime garlic sauce. A consistent favorite is the Argentinean

    Style Grilled Ribeye, complemented with a deliciously

    addictive chimichurri sauce. Fresh house made tamales and

    enchiladas are made daily.A refreshing counterpart to any meal are specially selected

    brews. For Estrellas Beer Dinners, a featured brewery

    presented every month to provide for a tasty and clever way

    to go beer tasting while eating a fabulous meal. Just imagine,

    four pints and four courses, including dessert!

    Visit Estrella, 815 12th Street, Paso Robles, for lunch (daily

    11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 11:00 a.m.

    to 2:30 p.m. or dinner, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m). Call (805) 226-

    5406 or visit their website at www.estrellarestaurant.com.

    2www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 2

    S A N L U I S O B I S P O

    A Fresh Approach tClassic American Cuisin

    ROBERTS Restaurant & Wine Ba

    1218 Pine Street, Paso Robles| www.robertsrestaurantpaso.com | 805-226-5556

    D O W N T O W N P A S O R O B L E S

    D O W N T O W N P A S O R O B L E S

    Latin Riviera Cuisine at Estrella Restaurant

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    www.WineCountryThisMonth.co24

    WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH APRIL 20

    LE VIGNE WINERYNew Tasting Room OpensBY BRETTE ANN WOMACK

    Le Vigne Winery has been a mainstay on the east side of Paso

    Robles since 1995. Owned by Sylvia and Walter Fillipini, Le Vigne

    focused on producing high quality wines from their established est

    vineyard.

    Le Vigne has been undergoing a facelift since late 2013. The

    new tasting room features intricate rock work on grand pillars at th

    entrance of the tasting room and on the new oval shaped bar forme

    around the pillars. Above the bar is an antique and grand chandel

    from the Fillipinis private collection. The chandelier is fixed on its

    own beam so that it can slide back and forth. Glass walls in the

    corner of the room encase cold storage and this will house a large

    selection of gourmet cheeses. Wine club members are invited to ta

    advantage of the new VIP room, enclosed by gorgeous woodendoors from 1870, another piece from the Fillipinis. On April 25th

    from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., an event is set to unveil the newly

    renovated tasting room; passed appetizers will be served, along wit

    new wine releases.

    The Fillipinis also own Peacock Cheese Company, importing an

    distributing fine cheeses and other gourmet products. This

    relationship results in an outstanding experience of wine and chee

    at Le Vigne. Resident Cheese Lady, Zina Miakinkova-Engel, has

    developed an extensive wine and cheese pairing experience at the

    winery, as well as for many other wineries in the area.

    Le Vigne Winery is the home of Le Vigne wines and Kiara wines

    Kiara is the brand that represents private reserve wines and has awide range of distribution. Le Vigne features the pinnacle of the

    estate wines, only produced during exceptional vintages. The tastin

    room features samples of Kiara and Le Vigne wines daily from 11:0

    a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and until 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. T

    tasting room offers distinctive experiences to accommodate all who

    visit. Guests have the option to sample three Kiara wines

    (complimentary), enjoy a full tasting of Kiara and Le Vigne wines f

    $5, or enjoy a full wine and cheese or chocolate pairing for just $1

    The pairing flights serve generous portions of cheeses so that guest

    can truly indulge in th