Are you one of those Central Coast residents who never venture out to our local wineries? I mean, there are a few hundred between Paso Robles and Edna Valley to choose from, but of course, who has the time?
I do, I do, I do!!!
Many of the wineries have wine events almost every weekend, and if you plan ahead, the tickets are usually pretty reasonable. If you’re the type of person who thinks that sipping wine around a bunch of drunk strangers is your worst nightmare, then check out a tasting room. Most of the wine tastings are free (your FREE alarm should be dinging right now), or they will waive a tasting for two when you buy a bottle. Buyers: BEWARE OF WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS. I had a serious wine club addiction and it took me over a year to admit it. I had up to SEVEN memberships at one point. I have no idea how this happened.....well, actually it usually involved the mention of a free gift and a re-visit to the wines that I sooo enjoyed. But I digress. Let's talk details about the cheap stuff!!
Wine Events
The best of the best wine events in my opinion are Pinot and Paella, Roll out the Barrels, Savor the Central Coast and the Paso Robles Wine Festival. These events require a little planning and advance ticket purchasing to ensure you get the best deal out of the event.
Pinot & Paella is on Sunday, June 5th 2011. It features twenty chefs creating their own Paella dishes, Latin music and of course a ton of yummy Pinot Noir. Tickets go for $65 a person. Do it, you won't regret it! http://www.pinotandpaella.com/
Roll out the Barrels is June 23rd-26th. Tickets are $55 and they include a 2-day passport of wine tastings and food pairings all around San Luis Obispo wine country. You start off your tour at a specific winery, where you are given a wine glass, passport, and ticket lanyard. You receive royal treatment at all the participating wineries. Plan on having a designated driver or wine tour bus booked. http://slowine.com/cm/events/Roll%20Out%20The%20Barrels%20Weekend.html
Savor the Central Coast is from Sept 29th-Oct 2nd. Sunset Magazine's wine, food, travel and garden staff find the best of the best around the Central Coast, and then offer cooking classes, wine cuvee classes, demonstrations and live music. If you can afford to attend, it truly should not be missed. Tickets start at the steep price of $85 per person for the main event; add an additional $30-50 per class. http://www.savorcentralcoast.com/
Paso Robles Wine Festival is a great opportunity to experience the wonderful wines that Paso Robles has to offer. With over 140 wineries pouring and culinary pairings at $45-65 a ticket, this is definitely a bargain. Of course, locals get in at $45 no matter when you purchase your ticket, and you can buy a weekend pass with all the bells and whistles for $325. This event takes place on May 20th-21st. http://www.pasowine.com/events/wine-festival-tickets.php
Now let's talk budget! (Here’s where some free stuff comes in.) Not everyone can afford to attend expensive events, but everyone can afford free tastings!!! Most wineries offer free tastings to locals or just in general. I think it is becoming more the rule instead of the exception in these economic times. You can even make a day of it. We really enjoy starting off in Avila Beach. Believe it or not, Avila has some up and coming wineries opening tasting rooms right across from the beach. It's a relaxing atmosphere that allows you to take your tasting outside and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Alapay Cellars offers about ten wines on their tasting menu. A tasting is only $5 and yes, you can share a tasting. It's free when you purchase a bottle of their excellent wine. It's a very casual beach atmosphere where the company you keep is in flip flops, and the saltwater fish tanks keep you entertained. Don't forget to stop at Wood Winery's new tasting room on Front Street. I really enjoy a little bubbly and this is the perfect place to get it. Selling wine by the glass here, you can sit on their patio and enjoy a view of the ocean while you indulge. Pizazz is their signature champagne cocktail, and it is delicious. While wine tasting, you CANNOT forget to eat, any pro will tell you this! Stop off at The Cliffs in Shell Beach and enjoy a free taco bar Monday through Thursday. Yes it's tasty and yes, you read right, it's FREE!! Now of course, you’ll want to purchase a drink to wash down your yummy tacos. Why not a wine spritzer??
Most everything that features wine comes with a price tag, but as you can see there are several ways around depleting your pocket book. I find the SLO County Events website to be a great resource for finding local events. If you type in the keyword Free, a bunch of opportunities will pop up. It's amazing what you can find on there. http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/visitors/calendar-of-events/
Another way to enjoy wine without breaking the bank is to host a blind tasting party at your house. Here’s how it works: Everyone brings a bottle of wine, along with an appetizer food pairing. You wrap the wine in a paper bag with a master list of what is included in the tasting. The object of the game is to guess which bottle of wine is which. Everyone has a guess, and you send the winner home with handmade wine charms!! These are very easy to make. Everything you need is at Michael’s. You need to buy a bag of earring hoops and some charms. Voila, an adorable handmade gift that costs under $5!!
Wine should be fun, not stuffy and snobby. Most of the tasting room attendants truly enjoy educating guests on the wines they feature, and the proper way to taste it. The important thing to remember is that your palette is your own, and if it tastes good, then it's probably good. Get out there and enjoy the Central Coast wines that are begging to be found!!
