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SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTIES

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YO U R GUIDE TO C ALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST WINE, GETAWAYS, THINGS TO DO & EVENTS

winecountrythismonth.com E A S Y-TO - F O L LO W W I N E R Y M A P S • M A R C H 2 0 1 0

EBERLE WINERY
PAGE 6
HUNT CELLARS
PAGE 12
HEARTHSTONE WINERY
PAGE 16
PIANETTA WINERY
PAGE 18
A WEEKEND OF ZIN TOLOSA WINERY
PAGE 20
AT
SYLVESTER WINERY PER BACCO CELLARS
MARCH 19-21 PAGE 22
PAGE 14 LAETITIA WINERY
PAGE 28
San Luis Obispo,
5
101

Santa Barbara &


•San Miguel
Q

Ventura Counties
HEARST
CASTLE Paso
Robles 46E
•San Simeon
•Cambria M
Y
• PASO ROBLES
1
46W • Templeton 41

Cayucos

• Atascadero

41
Morro
Bay
58 Getting to Paso Robles
1 TRAVEL TIME

• San Luis Obispo


EDNA VALLEY
FROM
San Francisco
Sacramento
MILES
204
266
(Average)
3hrs 15min
4hrs 15min
San Jose 158 2hrs 30min
• 227 ARROYO GRANDE Monterey 116 2hrs
Avila Beach VALLEY
Pismo
Beach
•• Arroyo
Grande Getting to Santa Barbara
166 San Francisco 326 5hrs 30min
101
Sacramento 388 6hrs 15min
San Jose 280 4hrs 45min
166
Santa • SANTA MARIA Monterey 238 4hrs
Maria VALLEY Paso Robles 123 2hrs 15min
Orcutt •
Getting to Ventura
San Francisco 353 5hrs 45min
Sacramento 393 6 hrs
Los SANTA San Jose 307 5hrs
Olivos YNEZ Monterey 265 4hrs 30min
Lompoc
• SANTA
• VALLEY
RITA 246 BuelltonSolvang Santa Ynez
Paso Robles 149 2hrs 30min
5
1
HILLS • • • Santa Barbara 27 30 min
_ CHUMASH
CASINO
154 Ojai
Santa •
Barbara
101
• 150
33
150

126
Ventura
Pa • 23
ci
fi Camarillo 118
c
O • • Thousand
• Oaks
ce Oxnard
an 1
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 3
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH
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SAN LUIS OBISPO, SANTA BARBARA & VENTURA COUNTIES


FEATURE
WINERY

Eberle Winery
MARCH 2010 • ISSUE 27 – VOLUME 3
A Publication of Wine Country This Week
12

ON THE COVER
Sylvester Vineyards & Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

WINE COUNTRY NEWS


FEATURE

Wine Country Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10


Wine Country Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
WINERY

PASO ROBLES WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24


Hunt Cellars AVILA BEACH WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27
SAN LUIS OBISPO/PISMO BEACH WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
16

SANTA MARIA VALLEY WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31


TASTING ROOM

SOLVANG, LOS OLIVOS, SANTA YNEZ WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33


SANTA BARBARA WINERIES MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
PREFERRED

VENTURA COUNTY WINERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35


WINERY LISTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-39

Hearthstone Winery ADVERSTISING/MARKETING Whitney Brem


DIRECTOR San Luis Obispo, CA
Phone 805-252-5440
18

centralcoast@winecountrythisweek.com
PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco
Direct 707-938-3734
TASTING ROOM

mike@winecountrythisweek.com
MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant
P.O. Box 92, El Verano, CA 95433
PREFERRED

Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674


chandra@winecountrythisweek.com
CALENDAR EDITOR Laurie Flippen
Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674
Pianetta Winery laurie@winecountrythisweek.com
OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore
Phone 707-938-3494 / Fax 707-938-3674
22

Email cathy@winecountrythisweek.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Michael Cervin, Len Napolitano,
Mark Storer, Dave Wilcox
PROFILE
WINEMAKER

Going to Northern California Wine Country?


Look for WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK at wineries, hotels, concierge desks,
Craig Shannon, car rentals, restaurants, high-end grocery stores and more!
Per Bacco Cellars www.winecountrythisweek.com

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WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

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WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

EBERLE WINERY
One of the Most Awarded Wineries
by Michael Cervin day to this, he has seen incredible changes as Eberle Winery offers a free 30-minute tour
Paso Robles asserts itself as a dominant wine of their facility, discussing the entire wine-
Gary Eberle has been called the Father of region. “We’re getting so much publicity,” he making process and if you’ve never taken a
Paso Robles wine and, though it sounds like a says. “But unless we can produce good wine tour, this is a great crash course on wine
dubious title, he is one of the reasons the wine year after year, it’s not going to mean education. They will also take you down into
industry in Paso is doing so well. In fact, anything. We have the potential to have the the extensive caves below the property as part
Eberle is one of the most awarded wineries in same reputation as Sonoma or even better.” of the tour. No, these are not real caves dug
the nation with literally thousands of awards And those days are coming. into the earth, the chiseled remnants and pick
and accolades.
A visit to the Eberle tasting room just off axe strokes clearly visible as an homage to
Originally from Pennsylvania, Gary found
Highway 46 East begins with the bronze history, rather they were constructed with
wine at an early age. “I suddenly discovered
statue of a boar sitting out front of the main shotcrete, but they’re fun nevertheless. And
what James Bond was talking about,” he says.
doors, a replica of an original from 1620 that fun is what Eberle strives for. “The difference
“I was young and stupid and went from
sits in Italy. After all, Eberle in German means between wine and children is that you can sit
drinking Boone’s Farm to Chateau Latour.”
“little boar.” It is considered good luck to rub down and reason with a bottle of Cabernet,”
Fresh out of U.C. Davis, he sided up with a
the boar’s nose and toss a coin in the water. All Gary jokes. The winery also has a beautiful
few investors and bought 160 acres in Paso
back in 1973. He started by heading his money collected at the Eberle boar fountain is picnic area overlooking the vines and a bocce
family’s Estrella River Winery, which is then donated to local children’s charities. ball court.
currently Meridian Vineyards, not too far The tasting room has expansive views of And Eberle is heavily involved in the
down the road, and produced half a million the surrounding vineyards and the long wood community, most notably being the founder
cases a year at that facility. Not one to rest, in bar can accommodate a number of people. of the long-running Winemaker’s Cook-off
1980, he co-founded the Paso Robles Appel- Once inside the tasting room, you’ll notice held each August, which raises money for
lation and in 1983, Gary opened the doors to two large black poodles named Cabernet and college scholarships for students at Paso
his own Eberle Winery with the premiere of Roussanne. Even if you’re not a dog person, Robles High School. The 12-year-old event,
his 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. Added to that, these guys are friendly and well mannered. open to the public, pulls in 30 winemakers,
he was the first one to commercially plant They’ll saddle up next to you at the bar, all of whom personally grill up their best
Syrah more than two decades ago. From that waiting for a little attention. dishes to match their wines. It’s a feast for the

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WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINERY FEATURE
senses and the live band adds to
the festive environment as the
public chooses their favorite
wine and food pairing. The event
has raised more than a quarter of
a million dollars and has become
one of the must attend events in
the region.
Unlike many wineries, Eberle 4
has always offered complimen-
tary tastings which includes five
tastes of anything on their list,
which usually encompasses a
dozen wines. If you’re with a
friend and you each try some-
thing different, you can sample
most of the list. Additionally,
Gary offers his high-end reserve
Cabernet for tasting as well and
you don’t need to do anything
special to try it.
One of his successes has
always been his Chardonnay, a
vibrant, crisp citrus oriented
wine that is smooth and satis-
fying. Eberle Reserve Cabernets
are also top notch. Other wines
in the portfolio include Viognier,
Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel
and many others. The majority of
Eberle wines are priced under
$25. They produce, on average,
nearly 30,000 cases of wine
annually, a lot of work for wine-
maker Ben Mayo. “I enjoy the
state of controlled chaos of wine-
making,” he laughs. In reality it’s
not chaos, the Eberle team is
there to ensure you have a
wonderful time. Occasionally,
Gary himself will be there,
grilling up tri-tip, duck sausages
and ribs to pass out to passers-by.
Any visit to Paso Robles
should include a visit to Eberle
Winery. They are located at 3810
Highway 46 East. They are open
everyday in winter from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m and until 6 p.m. in the
summer. Phone (805) 238-9607
or visit www.eberlewinery.com
for more information.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY MARCH 20 ONGOING FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Winemaker Dinner in the Alapay Cellars Wine & the Arts
ONGOING Winery/Barrel Room Join the Downtown Wineries the first Saturday of every month as they celebrate
North County Farmers’ Market Join Scott and Rebecca for an intimate gathering in the barrel room where local artists, musicians & wine. Check out their website for information on the
Fresh fruit, flowers & vegetables, 805-748-1109 Alapay wine is made. Appetizers/wine social time followed by a 4 course meal artists being featured! 4-7pm, 805-227-6813, www.anglimwinery.com
• Atascadero:Wed, 3-6 pm • Paso Robles:Tue, 3-6 pm with wine pairings. Live entertainment with Steve Myers on guitar. 6-9pm
$85, RSVP, 805-595-2632, www.alapaycellars.com ONGOING FRIDAYS THROUGH MARCH 19
• Baywood/Los Osos: Mon, 2-4:30 pm • Templeton: Sat, 9am-12:30pm
Friday Night 'Wine' Down at Clayhouse
APRIL 10-11 CAYUCOS & MORRO BAY Their tasting room is a cozy place to be this winter... relax and enjoy Clayhouse
2nd Annual Wine 4 PAWS Wines and small bites with Tom Rigby on his acoustic guitar. 5:30-7:30pm, $5
ONGOING SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH
To Benefit Woods Humane Society
Morro Bay Embarcadero Art Walk (refund with purchase); free/wine club, 805-238-7055, www.clayhousewines.com
Help four-legged friends by visiting 35 participating wineries throughout SLO
Spend an enjoyable evening touring the many art galleries along the water- ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 26
County. A portion of the weekend's proceeds will be donated to Woods
Humane Society. Visit 6 wineries throughout the weekend and be entered in front on the Embarcadero in beautiful Morro Bay. Sample great food and wine Breaking Away at the Loft Gallery
the Raffle! Print out or pick up a free Passport, www.wine4paws.com and converse with the artists. Open late till 8pm, 805-772-9955, morrobay.org
Featuring Marcia Harvey, A group exhibition of contemporary art.
ONGOING SATURDAYS Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm, theloftgallery.blogspot.com
ARROYO GRANDE Fishermen & Farmers’ Market in Morro Bay
ONGOING THROUGH APRIL
ONGOING FIRST FRIDAYS Fresh seasonal produce, crafts & musicians, 3-6pm, 800-231-0592
Winemakers Choice at Phantom Rivers Maeve Crogham at Castoro Cellars Winery
ONGOING Each month, the art gallery at Castoro Cellars Winery Tasting Room in
Taste limited release wines and wines that are not normally on their tasting
Winemaker Dinners at Hoppe’s Templeton exhibits artwork from local artists. Free,10am-5:30pm
list. 805-481-WINE (9463), www.phantomrivers.com
Join Chef Bill Hoppe as he celebrates his passion for food and wine with Wine- www.castorocellars.com, 888-DAM-FINE
ONGOING maker Dinners featuring California's best wine producers and Chef Hoppe's
Hopping Good Time at the SLO Down Pub personalized cooking classes featuring beautiful combinations of local and MARCH 3
Open mic Mondays and everything else from blues to bluegrass. See the whole exotic foods. 805-995-1006, www.hoppesbistro.com Reverse Wine Dinner with Edward Sellers
calendar of events at www.slodownpub.com/event_calendar.shtml Il Cortile Restaurante, Paso Robles,You pick the wines and Chef Santos MacDonal will
PASO ROBLES surprise you with a beautiful three course pairing designed specifically to match. Or
ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
Visit Historic Buildings in Arroyo Grande ONGOING enjoy a seasonal menu. Ed and Amy will be on hand to take you through the
Sat 12-3pm, Sun 1-4pm, 805-473-5077, www.arroyograndevillage.org Making Sense of Scents fantastic line up their exceptional Rhone wines. Cost of wine based on selection and
at Wild Horse Winery not included in $35 three-course dinner cost, 805-226-0300
ONGOING SATURDAYS
Learn how to properly taste & smell some of your favorite Wild Horse wines &
Arroyo Grande Farmers’ Market MARCH 5
find naturally occurring aromas. $20 per person, Saturdays by appointment at
Farm fresh produce & flowers, art show and live entertainment in the Arroyo Friday Afternoon w/ Fusano California Olives
12, 2 & 3:30pm. Limit 8 people. Call for reservations or for groups more than 8.
Grande City Hall Parking Lot at 215 East Branch Street. 12-2:30pm at Meridian Vineyards
Templeton, 805-434-2541 ext. 15, email leslie.churchill@wildhorsewinery.com
805-473-2250, www.arroyograndevillage.org “Hot Stuff for Cool Folks!”Don’t miss a sampling of “Black Pearl”Teriyaki Sauce
ONGOING
ONGOING WEDNESDAYS and addicting varieties of sweet & spicy jellies. And don’t leave without a jar of
Pinot Noir Blending Seminar
Ice Cream Creating ~ A Family Affair! zesty “Frog Balls.”Free, 1-4pm, 805-226-7133, www.meridianvineyards.com
Sample Pinot Noirs from the Central Coast AVA and learn what terroir truly
The Doc Burnsteins Ice Cream Lab Show is a live performance that involves the
means. Each participant creates their own blend to take home. $50, $35/wine MARCH 6
whole audience! Live performances every Wednesday. 7pm, Invent a brand
club. Saturday or Sunday by appointment, 11am or 2pm, Limit 10, Templeton Help for Haiti! at Castoro Cellars
new flavor and watch it being made! 805-474-4068, www.docburnsteins.com
RSVP 805-434-2541 ext. 15, email leslie.churchill@wildhorsewinery.com A delicious meal (available for purchase) from Bon Temps Creole Café with a
MARCH 5 portion of the proceeds donated to the cause. Jody Mulgrew (formerly of the
ONGOING EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
An Evening with Gary & Diana Johnny Starlings) will open the show. Then, the Guy Budd Band will take the
Open Mic Songwriters & Comedian Night
for Customers Choice stage for with their mixture of existential rockin' blues. Finishing up the evening
BBQ, beer, wine & soda available for purchase. Bring your own chair, all ages
at Phantom Rivers Winery
welcome. 6-9pm, free, Stacked Stone Cellars, Paso Robles, 805-238-7872 with be the Louie Ortega Band. Suggested donation of $15. Proceeds go directly
That's right, they will stray off their regular tasting menu, and you can pick the
to Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) and their relief efforts in
wine to taste. Join them for your choice. Five tastes/$5, free for club members! ONGOING WEDNESDAYS
And wine by the glass now! 5-7pm, 805-481-9463, www.phantomrivers.com Wine Tasting at Vinoteca Wine Bar Haiti. MSF has recently opened three emergency hospitals there. Doors open at
Local winemaker featured each week, 5:30-8pm, 805-227-7154 6:30 pm, 7:30pm, www.castorocellars.com, 888-DAM-FINE
MARCH 12
A Verical Tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH MARCH 13
at Phantom Rivers Winery Gourmet Pairings at Meridian Vineyards Gillette, Mangsen, Johnson & Graham
Fun evening with food and award winning wines in the Tasting Room. Their Try gourmet food paired with fine wine, 12-5pm, $5, 805-226-7133 Indoor Concert at Castoro Cellars
winemaker, John Thunen, will be leading this event. 6-8pm, $15, $12/wine Steve and Cindy have been performing together for 19 years, with both tradi-
ONGOING THIRD WEDNESDAYS
club members, RSVP, 805- 481-9463, www.phantomrivers.com tional music and their wealth of original songs. With guitar, concertina and
Free Cooking Show at Idler’s Hospitality Catering
MARCH 26 Food samples, wine & entertainment featuring wineries and special guests banjo, their live performances are known for rich harmony, compelling songs
Effervescent Evening at Laetitia 5:30pm, 805-238-7979, www.hospitalitycatering.net and a good dose of humor. Joined by Kings of Mongrel Folk. $20, 7:30pm
Enjoy the wonderful views while sipping exquisite sparkling wines paired with Doors open at 6:45pm, RSVP, www.castorocellars.com, 888-DAM-FINE
ONGOING
an incredible five course meal. This exclusive Wine Club dinner is hosted at MARCH 19–21
Estrella Warbird Museum
Laetitia Estate House located east of the Tasting Room. 6-9 pm, $100
Collection of military aircrafts, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm 18th Annual Zinfandel Festival
805-474-7641, www.laetitiawine.com
805-238-9317, www.ewarbirds.org Always held the third weekend in March, producers and enthusiasts come
ATASCADERO ONGOING
together in celebration of everything that Zinfandel adds to your palate and
Tastings at Meridian Winery your experience. Enjoy a Zin-filled weekend with activities including wine-
MARCH 19
Norman’s Zinfandel Festival Winemaker's Dinner 805-226-7133, www.meridianvineyards.com, open daily 10am-5pm maker dinners, exclusive Zinfandel tastings, winery and vineyard tours and so
Join chef/owner Tony Farao at Village Caffé in Atascadero for an elegant Cal-Ital • Limited Release Tasting-$5: A selection of five tasting room exclusive wines. much more! Attend the Zin Tasting and experience Zinfandel and Zinfandel
cuisine including our Zinfandels. 7pm, $65 for five courses,RSVP, 805-237-0138 Tasting fee refunded with wine purchase. blends from over 50 wineries paired with Zin-friendly foods and the
• Cheese & Wine Pairing-$10: A selection of five tasting room exclusive wines opportunity to bid on truly unique items through the Wine Country Auction.
AVILA BEACH paired with five gourmet cheeses from Vivant Fine Cheese of Paso Robles. 805-239-8463, www.pasowine.com
ONGOING SUNDAYS Includes logo cheese board. March 20 Auction:
Art on the Beach at Avila Beach • Chocolate & Wine Pairing-$10: A selection of four tasting room exclusive reds • Zinfully Important Person (ZIP) Entrance: $85, 5:30 - 9:30pm. Zip in early to
Avila Beach Pier, Artists paint & present their work, 10am, 805-238-4103 paired with four artisan dark chocolates by Scharffen Berger of Berkeley. the Zin Tasting and taste the 2010 Zinfandel Collaborative Blend, bid on rare
Includes logo cheese board. auction items and experience other special surprises.
MARCH 5
First Friday Food & Wine Pairing “Very Vegetarian!” ONGOING • Zin Fan Del Entrance: $60, 7-9:30pm. Enjoy a vast selection of Zinfandel and
at Morovino 2nd Sunday Wine Down at Hearthstone Zinfandel blends and take home a piece of Paso at the Wine Country Auction.
Awesome vegetarian appetizers featuring produce from the Cal Poly Organic Enjoy music and delicious food with their fine wine. • March 20-21: Select library, barrel and special release wine, live music,
Farm. $12, free to Club 550 Members, www.morovino.com www.hearthstonevineyard.com, 805-238-2544 cooking demonstrations and lots of local vendors will be on hand.

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WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH 19-21 MARCH 19-21 APRIL 24


Zin Fest At Wild Horse Zin Fest at Hearthstone The Sherry Austin Band Indoor Concert
A full weekend of wine specials and barrel samples, www.wildhorsewinery.com Enjoy Zinfandel, Rhône style blends and March wine specials. Complimentary at Castoro Cellars
• Mar 19: Wood fired oven pizza, exceptional Zinfandel and great Pinot Noir (it tasting and a 20% discount to all ZIP and Zin Fan Del ticket holders. $7 without SLOFolks presents all-girl folk sensations. Performing their own original songs in
can't all be Zinfandel)! 11am-5pm, $10; free/wine club event ticket, 805-238-2544, www.hearthstonevineyard.com addition to well-loved Americana covers. $20, 7:30pm, Doors open at 6:45pm
• Mar 20: Chicken & Portabella Lasagna, Italian Dessert, Live Music, Old Vine www.castorocellars.com, RSVP, 888-DAM-FINE
MARCH 20
Zin and great Pinot Noir. $10; free/wine club. 11am-5pm A Walkabout Zin Tasting in the Caves APRIL 29-MAY 1
• Mar 21: Enjoy your Sunday morning with homemade Quiche, Fresh Fruit and at Justin Winery 18th Annual Hospice du Rhône
Live Music. Not only do they have great Zinfandel but they have 5 different Join the 17 Far Out Wineries on a unique "Walkabout Zin Tasting" in the caves. Paso Robles Event Center, an international gathering that draws Rhône
Pinot Noirs to choose from! 10am-5pm. $5, free/wine club. You'll meet the "Makers," attend breakout seminars while enjoying appetizers producers and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to pay homage to the
MARCH 19-21 and more! 10am-1pm, $55, RSVP Judy, 805-237-0138 diversity of the distinct twenty-two Rhône varieties. RSVP, 805-784-9543
Zinfandel Festival at Castoro Cellars www.hospicedurhone.org or faith@hospicedurhone.org
MARCH 20–21
Join them for a weekend of festivities: Zinfandel, in all its glory. • April 29: the highly-spirited Rhone ‘n Bowl
Opolo Zinfandel Festival Patio BBQ
RSVP, www.castorocellars.com, 888-DAM-FINE • April 30: two Rhône focused seminars, a Rosé inspired lunch, the enhanced
In the tasting room, enjoy a barbecued meal cooked in traditional Opolo style.
• Mar 19: The Zin Shuffle & Roll Winemaker Dinner is back! Roll the dice and Rhône Rendezvous and the new Sommelier Soirée.
Whole roasted lamb, carne asada and carnitas tacos with all the fixings.
hold your cards at Casino night, with Zinful prizes! Fine food, great music, • May 1: two Rhône focused seminars, the annual HdR Lunch and Live Auction,
Lunch $12, wine tasting $5, Wine club/free. 805-238-9593, www.opolo.com
and of course, DAM FINE Zinfandel! $75, $60/Wine Club Members the Grand Tasting and the Farewell BBQ. Rhône inspired cuisine for the
• Mar 20-21: Select library, barrel and special release wine, live music, MARCH 20–21 lunches and evening affairs will be prepared by Chef John Toulze of the girl &
cooking demonstrations and lots of local vendors will be on hand Celebrate Zin Fest with Sylvester the fig hailing from Sonoma, California.
Free Barrel Tasting, BBQ tidbits and Saganaki Fondue (while supplies last). Plus
MARCH 19-21 Gourmet Wine & Cheese Pairings with their Limited Production Wines. PISMO BEACH/SHELL BEACH
Zinfandel Festival at Arroyo Robles 11am-5pm, $5, free/FLOCK. 805-227-4000, www.sylvesterwinery.com ONGOING SUNDAYS
Join them for a weekend of festivities. RSVP, 877-759-WINE
MARCH 21 Shell Beach Farmers Market
• Mar 19: Hosting a Casino Night for Woods Humane Society.
More Zin Fest at Hearthstone Featuring products such as fresh produce, flowers, jams, dried fruits, artisan
• Mar 20: Enjoy seven different types of pancakes as well as all the trimmings
Join them and Fig restaurant for freshly prepared tapas and live music by locally vinegars, grown by local farmers. A variety of other products, including family
9:30-11am, $10, $5/Club members
known Mike Maguire. $10, Complimentary/ZIP and Zin Fan Del ticket holders fun. 9am-1pm, Dinosaur Caves Park, shellbeachfarmersmarket@yahoo.com
• Mar 21: Make your own Zinfandel Blend while enjoying lunch. Class includes
with two bottle purchase, 805-238-2544, www.hearthstonevineyard.com SUNDAYS
bottle of wine to take home. 11am-3pm, $75, $60/Club members
MARCH 21 2nd Annual Pismo Beach Concert Series
MARCH 19 Pacific Breeze Concert Series at Dinosaur Caves Park. Bring your lawn chairs for
Descriptor Seminar & Lunch at J. Lohr
Winemaker Dinner at Carina Cellars seating in the Rotary Amphitheatre or blankets for use on the park’s expansive
Paso Robles, Includes a component wine tasting and explorations of different
Rancho del Cielo, Join them in David Hardee’s home above the estate winery and lawns. Local BBQ and Doc Burnstein’s ice cream for sale! 1-4pm, Free!
aromas and bouquets, followed by a taste of up to six award-winning J. Lohr
vineyards. Member $90, 7pm, RSVP, 805-688-2459, www.carinacellars.com • Mar 28: Natural Incense (dance-pop-reggae), Spring Into Green
wines. This introduction to the world of wine sensory evaluation will also assist
MARCH 19 you in matching a specific wine with complementary foods! Lunch provided Celebration! www.myspace.com/naturalincense
Zinfandel Festival Winemaker Dinner following the seminar. 11am, $45, $35/members, 805-239-8900, kim@jlohr.com • Apr 11: Sean Wiggins (country, blues & rock), www.seanwiggins.com
in the Caves at Eberle Winery Summer Camp Expo - Includes children’s activities
MARCH 21
La Casa Sena has been voted one of Santa Fe's best restaurants since it first MARCH 5-6
Zinfandel Weekend Celebration at Jada
opened in 1984 and Executive Chef Patrick Gharrity has been the visionary 10th Annual World of Pinot Noir
New releases, old favorites all paired with gourmet cheeses. Forgive us for we
behind the cuisine since 2005. Featuring Contemporary American Southwestern Join Pinot Noir producers for the Pinot Noir By the Sea Grand Tasting at the
are not Zinners but come by and taste our yummy wines – you’re sure to
cuisine, La Casa Sena is one of Santa Fe’s most popular restaurants. Please join Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach California. Bringing extraordinary Pinot Noir
become Rhone and Bordeaux fans, too. www.jadavineyard.com
them as they welcome Chef Gharrity in the caves at Eberle Winery. 6:30-10pm producers from around the globe together with Pinot Noir enthusiasts for a
$150/person, $120/Cellar Club Members, www.eberlewinery.com MARCH 21
weekend celebration and education. Includes two days of in-depth Tasting
Be Your Own Winemaker Blending Session
MARCH 19 Seminars, Grand Tastings (each with a unique roster of wineries), a Featured
Richard, owner & winemaker at Thunderbolt Winery, will show you the fine art
Zinfandel Festival Winemaker's Dinner Tasting with a guest Burgundian producer, two Gala Pinot Noir Dinners
of blending wine. Includes two 750ml bottles with customized label.
at Opolo Vineyards featuring prominent guest chefs and culminates with a Santa Barbara style
11am-1:30pm, $60, RSVP, 805-226-9907 www.ThunderboltWinery.com
Join winemakers Rick Quinn and David Nichols and Opolo staff for an intimate Paulée. These extraordinary food and wine extravaganzas will be hosted by
evening in the cellar at their 9th annual Winemaker's Dinner. Favorite varietals MARCH 27 participating wineries and feature an outstanding panel of Sommeliers from
paired with a tantalizing selection of food. Make reservations now - sells out Un Jour en France, A Day in France across the U.S. www.worldofpinotnoir.com
every year! $90/Wine Club Members, $110, 805-238-9593, www.opolo.com at Halter Ranch
APRIL 26
Learn the "French Approach" and how to avoid culture clash with Wine Club
MARCH 19 Taste of Pismo
Manager and Bordeaux native Soléne Christophe at the Halter Ranch Victorian
Zin Fest: Comedy Night Restaurants of Pismo Beach and local wineries will be showcased. 1-5pm
Farmhouse! You will cover ordering at a restaurant, arranging for wine tasting,
at Robert Hall Winery Only 500 tickets will be sold. Held under a large tent in Dinosaur Caves Park.
buying cheese and how to interact with the French with ease. Includes lunch
A night of comic relief and delectable wines. Emmy nominated Mike Pace will $50, including a commemorative wine glass. 800-443-7778
and wine tasting. 10:30am-1:30pm, $30, Club discounts apply
provide an adult comedy performance that is sure to keep you laughing . Doors SAN LUIS OBISPO
open at 7pm, comedy at 7:30pm, 805-239-1616 ext. 24 MARCH 27
www.roberthallwinery.com, events@roberthallwinery.com Fun in the Park & Easter Egg Hunt ONGOING
Downtown Paso Robles, Children ages 4 to 9 bring their baskets and search the Hearst Castle Tours
MARCH 19 downtown City Park. Egg hunts 11am by age groups. Children age 3 and under Led by an experience guide, tour Hearst Castle and encounter first-hand the majesty
Zin Fest at Sylvester given their eggs by the Easter Bunny, City Park Holiday House. Fun in the Park and beauty of this historical treasure. 800-444-4445, www.hearstcastle.org
Join Sylvester Vineyards & Winery and the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills for their (10am-2pm) features hot dogs, face painting, balloon animals and more.
annual Zinfest featuring Kiara Reserve Wines. Indulge in Gourmet Cheeses and ONGOING THROUGH APRIL 15
805-238-4103, www.pasoroblesdowntown.org
European inspired fare prepared by Master Italian Chef Walter Filippini Salisbury Fine Art Gallery
APRIL 10 Featuring John Patrick Salisbury, johnpatricksalisbury.com, 805-595-9463
6:30-9:30pm, $50; $45/FLOCK. RSVP, 800-891-6055, www.sylvesterwinery.com
Farming with the Wild Vineyard Tour
MARCH 19 ONGOING SATURDAYS
at Halter Ranch
Wood-Fired Pizza Party Wine & Cheese Pairings at Tolosa Vineyards
The Ranch is a 960 acre wildlife haven located in the middle of the Santa Lucia
with Cahoots Catering! at J. Lohr In the Heritage Room, four estate wines are paired with four artisan cheeses
Coast Range, where they strive to co-exist with their "neighbors" through
Paso Robles, Experience Cahoots’new wood-fired oven as owner Jim Subject from around the world. 11am-3pm, 805-782-0500, www.tolosawinery.com
sustainable farming. You'll spend the morning with winegrower and avid bird-
fires up tasty pizzas like his French Onion Pizza, Steak Sandwich Pizza and watcher Mitch Wyss on this highly unusual (locally famous) vineyard tour. End ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Dinner includes Cahoots' famous salads and desserts. up at the pond for a picnic lunch and wine tasting. 10am-1pm, $30, Club Reserve Flight Tastings at Tolosa Vineyards
6-8pm, $45, 35/members, RSVP, 805-239-8900, kim@jlohr.com discounts apply, lunch included, www.halterranch.com, 888-367-9977 In the Heritage Room. Flights will vary from Pinot Noir flights to Rhone style
MARCH 19-21 wines or even a vertical tasting of library wines. $20, $15/Heritage Club
APRIL 24
Zinfandel Festival Weekend at Cass members, 805-782-0500 x10, jshakley@tolosawinery.com
“Winemaker of the Year” Blending Session
RSVP, 805-239-1730, www.casswines.com at Castoro Cellars MARCH 12-21
• Mar 19: Kitchen open until 9:00 p.m. and a big BBQ pit to warm your spirits. Back by popular demand: Castoro Cellars will be offering you the opportunity to 16th Annual SLO International Film Festival
• Mar 20: Lively jazz and open for lunch, pouring a very limited release of a learn the art of blending from their winemakers. Try out your winemaking skills Screenings, receptions and award ceremonies, Come for the wine…stay for
Paderewski Zinfandel at the Grand Tasting. by creating your own perfect blend. Present your blend to the winemakers and the films! Receptions paired with local wine & food, followed by a film.
• Mar 21: A mimosa brunch and backrubs with their licensed masseuse take a sample home. www.castorocellars.com, RSVP, 888-DAM-FINE www.slofilmfest.org

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 9
CALENDAR OF EVENTS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

MARCH 9 ONGOING ONGOING


Cooking Class Series at Edna Valley Planetarium Shows at Art at Artiste Winery
Get Spiced with Robert Root Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Each quarter, Artiste releases two new wines with impressionist painted labels
Robert Root, chef of the Manse on Marsh and Founder of Pallet to Palate, 805-682-4711, www.sbnature.org from the brushes of their featured artist. 805-686-2626, www.artiste.com
presents a tour of the Mediterranean with spices from San Luis based Spice Wednesdays: 3pm, Tales of the Maya Skies
Hunter. Recipes for savory appetizer. Sampling and complimentary wine tasting Fridays: 3pm, Wonders of the Winter Sky
SOLVANG
will be offered. 6pm, $40, 805-544-5855 ext. 42, tina.hoppe@diageo.com Saturdays and Sundays ONGOING
• 11am: Twinkle, Twinkle for Little Stars Quicksilver Miniature Horse Farm
MARCH 23
• Noon: Secret of the Cardboard Rocket Visit Solvang horse farm with beautiful views. They do not offer petting pens or
Cooking Class Series at Edna Valley
• 1pm: Wonders of the Winter Sky rides in the cart but you are able to get up close and personal with the
Braising with Maegen Loring
• 2pm: Tales of the Maya Skies miniature horse.10am–3pm, 805-686-4002, http://www.syv.com/qsminis/
What is braising? You’ll learn all aspects of braising: from stovetop to oven and
• 3pm: Wonders of the Winter Sky (in Spanish on Sundays) ONGOING WEDNESDAYS
from vegetables to desserts. Maegen Loring from the Neon Carrot is ready to to
put a modern twist on comfort food that will bring back family memories. Solvang Farmers Market
SANTA MARGARITA Fresh produce, flowers & foods, on First Street, between Mission Drive and
Sampling and complimentary wine tasting will be offered. 6-9pm, $40
805-544-5855 ext. 42, tina.hoppe@diageo.com APRIL 16–18 Copenhagen, 4-7pm, 805-962-5354, www.sbfarmersmarket.org
The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival
MARCH 30 ONGOING
A weekend celebration of award-winning food and wine grown on California's
Cooking Class Series at Edna Valley Elverhoj Museum of History & Art
scenic Central Coast. Join them for the feature event Saturday afternoon and for Showcases Solvang’s rich cultural history.
Central Coast Fresh with barrel tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music and vineyard tours
Ben Richardson & Russ Thompson Former residence of one of Solvang's most artistic families,
throughout the weekend. The wine festival is held at the historic Santa now a community museum devoted to the history of Solvang,
Swing into spring with fresh ideas from Chef Russell and Chef Ben. Everything Margarita Ranch with over 200 purveyors of award-winning, sustainably the colorful heritage and pioneer spirit of Denmark and the arts.
for the upcoming warm weather including Bautista Farms’ Baby Lettuce Salad, produced food and wine. Growers, vintners and chefs come together to serve 1-4pm, Wed-Thu, 12-4pm, Fri-Sun, 805-686-1211, www.elverhoj.org
Pan Seared Diver Scallops, Pork Tenderloin and Tangerine Curd Tart. Sampling delicious, one of a kind dishes made with locally sourced fruits, vegetables,
and complimentary wine tasting will be offered. 6-9pm, $40 meats, cheeses, olive oils and more. Live music, a silent auction, unlimited ONGOING
805-544-5855 ext. 42, tina.hoppe@diageo.com samples of local wine and cuisine, and meet the farmers who grow great food Hans Christian Andersen Museum
and wine while nurturing a healthy environment. Tickets $15 - $500 Honoring the multi-talented Danish father of the modern fairy tale,
APRIL 23–24
filled with copies of Andersen’s books, sketches, paper cutouts, silhouettes
Learn By Tasting ~ Cal Poly Wine Festival 805-369-2288, www.EarthDayFoodandWine.com
and collages. 10am-5pm daily, www.solvangusa.com
An impressive student-run event featuring over 100 wineries and benefiting
the university’s Wine and Viticulture Program & Vines to Wines. Kick off on
SANTA MARIA/FOXEN CANYON MARCH 14–18
Friday, April 23rd with a barbecue and live auction for winemakers of the ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Restaurant Week Kick-off to
attending wineries and Cal Poly alumni, hosted by the Vines to Wines Club. Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical Museum Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Festival
The dinner will be held at the Cal Poly Arboretum, space for 200 guests, $50 Lots of fun including a train simulator exhibit. 1-4:30pm Select Solvang restaurants offer special 3-course tasting menus for the price of
The Wine Festival is on Saturday, April 24th at Santa Margarita Ranch in Santa 805-714-4927, www.smvrhm.org/museum $20.10 (2010 cents). 800-468-6765, www.SolvangUSA.com
Margarita, California. Showcasing many wineries from all over California, as ONGOING MARCH 19–21
well as local restaurants and caterers. The proceeds support the Wine and Viti- Friday Night Wine Down at Costa de Oro Taste of Solvang
culture Program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Great way to start your weekend! Enjoy live music, wine tasting and cheese Scrumptious Dessert Reception & live music, delightful Walking Smorgaasbord,
$65/VIP, $50, $45/student, $15/sober driver, www.calpolywinefestival.com plates. 4:30-7:30pm, 805-922-1468, www.cdowinery.com free tours Mission Santa Ines & Elverhoj Museum of History & Art.
www.SolvangUSA.com
ONGOING
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY Sunday Live at Costa de Oro
MARCH 20
Taste of Solvang Wine Tasting Room Walk
Enjoy a glass of wine with friends and listen to some of the best music on the
LOMPOC/BUELLTON Fabulous wines from participating wine tasting rooms. 6-9pm, $35
Central Coast. New cheese plates and a variety wines by the glass or bottle!
800-468-6765, www.SolvangUSA.com
ONGOING FRIDAYS 2-5pm, 805-922-1468, www.cdowinery.com
Olde Towne Market in Lompoc
Food wine & music in the summer months
MARCH 6 VENTURA COUNTY
Taste for Justice ~ Chef Bradley Ogden
805-736-4567, www.lompocrecord.com to Judge Gourmet Gavel Award ONGOING
APRIL 17 Orutt, Featuring Bradley Ogdenas one of its judges; inducted into the "Who's Museum of Ventura County
Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival Who of American Cooking" by Cooks magazine, named Best Chef California by Photographs, publications, documents & exhibits depicting Ventura County's
A long weekend of celebration around the festival at River Park, Lompoc. The the James Beard Foundation, one of the Great American Chefs by the Interna- history. 10am-5pm, 805-653-0323, www.venturamuseum.org
annual Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival attracts wine lovers from near tional Wine and Food Society, winner of the Golden Plate Award by the Amer- ONGOING
and far for an opportunity to meet 130+ member vintners, taste their wines, ican Academy of Achievement and Chef of the Year by the Culinary Institute of Ventura County Maritime Museum
and enjoy great food and music in a festive outdoor environment. Features a America. Bradley Ogden the restaurant in Las Vegas in Caesar’s Palace received An enriching museum experience based on maritime history
silent auction and wine country cuisine by the area’s finest chefs. the James Beard Award in 2004 for Best New Restaurant and his most recent ranging from ancient mariners to the modern marine era.
www.sbcountywines.com/events/festival.html endeavor is Root 246 in Solvang. $45/advance and $50/door Educational programs through world-class maritime art,
805-963-6754 x 109, http://www.lafsbc.org/events/t4j-sm unique ship models, dynamic exhibits, artifacts and nautical research.
LOS OLIVOS
SANTA YNEZ 11am-5pm, 805-984-6260, Oxnard
ONGOING FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH
ONGOING THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS ONGOING SATURDAYS
Wildling Art Museum - Free Friday Flicks
Dancing at Maverick Saloon Tour Ojai Olive Oil at Asquith Farm
Free movie & snacks with discussion, 7pm
Dance lessons, live country western or rock & roll. 6:45pm, check web for Begins outside with the history of the grove, an explanation of the
805-688-1082, www.wildlingmuseum.org
schedule of entertainers. 805-686-4785, www.mavericksaloon.org olive varieties, their maturing process, the harvesting & a visit to the
ONGOING THROUGH MARCH 31 tree nursery. Share the adventure of producing premium-quality olive oils.
Dreams of Consciousness at Carina Cellars ONGOING 10am-3pm Mon-Fri by appointment. 805-701-3825, www.ojaioliveoil.com
As a Santa Barbara resident, Patrick Shourds is never at a loss for inspiration Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum
ONGOING
from California’s natural beauty and dynamic landscapes. His passion for explo- & Parks - Janeway Carriage House
Fillmore & Western Railway Co. Wine Express Train
ration and nature are paramount as the subjects of his photography. Daily Exhibits from Chumash period through early 20th century ranch day, 12-4pm
Fillmore & Western Railway and the Ventura County Wine Trail bring you
11am-5pm, www.carinacellars.com, 805-688-2459 805-688-7889, www.santaynezvalleymuseum.org
Wine Express train rides traveling through the beautiful Heritage Valley.
SANTA BARBARA ONGOING Every other month will feature four wines from a different Ventura County
Saturdays - Cachuma Lake Nature Walk winery, paired with a buffet dinner, music and dancing.
ONGOING SUNDAYS
Naturalists lead one mile walk for all ages, Oak Canyon Trail, 10-11:30am $63, www.fwry.com, 805-524-2546
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Weekends -Cachuma Lake Wildlife Cruise
For 44 years featuring all types of art, crafts & jewelry with 200+ artists and
Guided 2-hour cruise with wildlife & geology. $7 for 12 & under, $15 over 12
craftsman. East Beach Pier, 10am–dusk, 805-897-1982, www.sbaacs.com Email your upcoming event information to
Junior Ranger Program
ONGOING SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Kids learn about wildlife, ecosystems & caring for the environment Laurie@WineCountryThisWeek.com
Downtown Walking Tours 12:30-1:30pm $2 per child For best results, submit information
Guided stroll – experience Santa Barbara’s past. Saturday tour historic areas Many other children & adult friendly programs! Cachuma Lake Nature Center at least 6 weeks prior to your event.
and Sunday 20th century architecture. $10, info@afsb.org, 805-965-6307 Santa Ynez Park, 805-693-0691, www.cachuma.com

10 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | ON THE COVER CORNER

Jim Judd with granddaughters Mollie and Jam


ie

by Melissa Chavez tea towels, luxurious lotions and wine-related


gifts. Grape juice and beverages are also avail-
Just five minutes from Highway 46 East is able for designated drivers. Outside, a picnic
one of San Miguel’s family-owned wineries area beckons visitors, a stone fireplace for
where handcrafted wines are born. At J&J lingering by a crackling fire, and a bocce ball
Cellars, the Judd family operation benefits court for those who want a friendly game
from over five consecutive generations while sipping a glass of wine.
steeped in agricultural tradition. Jim and Janis A gathering of nine wineries and one olive
Judd own the winery and vineyards along oil producer make up the recently formed
with their son James Judd, his partner Eric Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. Loosely clustered
Alvarez, and daughter Juliet Judd Fiero. northeast of Highway 101 and Highway 46
J&J Cellars harvests grapes from one vine-
and just north of Estrella Road, it’s the newest
yard in the Ranchita Canyon area of San
consortium of neighborhood farmers that
Miguel and another in Shandon, roughly 30 “We really understand customer service,” says
have assembled to provide their guests a more
miles southeast. The soil composition of both Operations Manager Betty Walker, “which
provides flexibility for our customers. Wine cohesive wine experience. Twelve miles long,
locations is sandy loam. However the higher-
club members may also choose their own the route is conveniently marked for leisurely
altitude Shandon vineyard receives hotter
configurations and receive a surprise with navigation. It isn’t merely location that binds
temperatures during the day, which steeply
drops by evening. Both vineyards are each shipment. them together, but a thriving relationship that
contained within the Paso Robles Appellation. One of J&J’s much anticipated vintages is a may take some visitors by surprise.
What were once cattle grazing ranchlands soon-to-be-released port of 70% Tempranillo “We work together and help each other,”
dotted with prolific apple and pear trees in and 30% Souzão. “It’s going to be a killer,” says Walker. “If the next-door winery wants to
San Miguel, Jim made the decision in 1998 to admits Walker. “The way it’s tasting right now, borrow a forklift, we’ll do it. It’s who we are.
trellis Cabernet wine grapes. In 2002, he we’ll probably bottle it later this year and “This is not one of those highbrow places,”
bottled his first vintage and focused on estab- release it early next year in 250 cases of 375 she adds. “One doesn’t need to be pretentious
lishing his winery operation. Currently, the ml. People should get their orders in now. It about wine. If you enjoy something, that’s all
San Miguel vineyard produces Cabernet won’t last long.” that matters.”
Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel Inside the tasting room, guests are invited Stop by J&J Cellars at 2850 Ranchita
wine grapes for its Vintage Flight and J&J to relax on couches and converse. Among the Canyon Road in San Miguel, Friday thru
Cellars labels. wines are other items to browse and choose Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (805)
What sets J&J apart from everyone else? from, including cheese and salami, European 467-2891. Visit www.jjcellars.com.

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 11
WINERY FEATURE | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

David Hunt

HUNT CELLARS
Achieving ‘Cult Winery’ Status
by Michael Cervin Diagnosed at a young age with a degenerative retinal disorder, his sight
has eroded over four decades and is now all but gone. For many
Hunt Cellars, located on Highway 46 West, prides itself on people that may seem like a handicap, but for Hunt, it has honed his
achieving cult winery status, a title that makes David Hunt very happy. sense of taste and smell and his wines benefit tremendously from his
When asked why he doesn’t display any silver medals in the tasting acute ability. “Blindness in some ways helps me in making wine,” he
room, only the gold ones, he says wryly, “Who wants to be second says. “I can actually hear the weight and texture of a wine by its sound,
place?” Hunt has developed a loyal following of wine lovers across the the timber changes as it pours into a glass.” He is known to be obses-
U.S. for his opulent, plush, velvety wines that not only score well in sive about his wine, letting selected heavily extracted wines age in
the national press, but frequently exhibit the “wow” factor; that jaw
barrel up to three years, which is uncommon for the majority of
dropping experience when tasting a wine that is so good, you can’t
wineries in Paso Robles, or California for that matter. “I treat each wine
help but express yourself out loud. And for that wow factor Hunt
as if I’d never make another one. I work the wine and make changes
wines are, comparably, about one-third the price of their counterparts
even on the bottling line. Sometimes I can’t sleep at night,” he admits.
coming out of Napa. “I think our wines are indeed cult caliber wines,”
It’s a luxury Hunt can afford, but it’s also a passion to make the best
he says. “In fact people horde them, saving them for special occasions.”
wine possible.
But Hunt wines need not be horded, they are to be enjoyed and
consumed. Once you visit the tasting room and sample the large Hunt He started out in life as a musician turned successful businessman,
portfolio, you’ll understand why. turned vintner and now, when many people think about retirement,
The vineyards, located in Creston, just east of Paso Robles, produce Hunt enthusiastically promotes his wines and enjoys creating wine not
stellar fruit. But even the best vineyard cannot produce everything. To based on science, but based on taste. “It’s in the balance and flavor of
that end, Hunt has purchased Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the wine that makes the product,” he says. “90 percent of wines today
site specific regions in order to achieve his ideal flavor profile. After all, are not very balanced. I’m willing to take the necessary time and focus
Paso Robles is known for hearty red wines and Rhône whites, not on the wines so they are perfect.” The result of such intensity is not
“tender Pinots and Chardonnays,” as he puts it. It will be exciting only the massive number of accolades and high scores, but that Hunt
therefore to sample the forthcoming initial release Pinot Noir, some- wines are indeed exceptional. Recently more than 15 wines rated have
thing Hunt has never produced before. scored between 90 and 95 points in the wine press, like Tango In Paso,
David Hunt has a secret weapon which aids his success. He’s blind. a barrel accident blending of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

12 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINERY FEATURE

and Syrah, with a whisper of Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. Other
highly rated wines from the Hunt portfolio include Barbera, Sauvi-
gnon Blanc, Syrah, several of their Cabernets and their exceptional
Sangiovese. It’s this Sangiovese that Hunt says is the first wine he grav-
itates toward to de-stress. And though all of his wines are his “chil-
dren” his favorite varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux
blends. Whatever favorite wine you might have, you’ll probably find
it at Hunt Cellars.
The tasting room also features picnic facilities on their grounds or
the 1,200-square-foot back deck, and they sell condiment items,
cookbooks and clothing. Additionally, for those inclined to a fine
cigar, they can be enjoyed in their outdoor pavilion. Additionally they
offer several iterations of their wine club. “Where else can you taste
over two dozen wines that have 90 to 95 points and enjoy very high
scoring cult wines,” he asks. During winemaker dinners at the tasting
room, David will play the white piano that usually sits silently near
the front door. A visit to the tasting room is a necessity for anyone
interested in wine, if only to experience wines that make you hunger
for more. You need to see it for yourself. As David Hunt constantly
says, “Life is too short and you work too hard to drink bad wine.”
Tasting fees are $5 for 6 tastes or $10 for the reserve tasting.
Hunt Cellars is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are
located at 2875 Oakdale Rd. directly off Highway 46 West. Contact
them at (805) 237-1600 or www.huntcellars.com.

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 13
ON THE COVER | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

SYLVESTER WINERY
Sylvester Vineyards & Winery is hosting its annual winemaker’s gastronomy grew as he worked his way up through various lauded
dinner during the upcoming Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival on Friday, kitchens to finally achieve the coveted notoriety of Master Chef.
March 19th, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event will be presented by On another continent that same year, Sylvester Vineyards & Winery
Sylvester Vineyards & Winery and the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills was established by Filippini’s now father-in-law, Sylvester Feichtinger.
featuring Kiara Reserve Wines. Indulge in gourmet cheeses and Euro- Filippini’s wife, Sylvia, watched and learned as her father, steeped in the
pean-inspired fare prepared by Master Italian Chef Walter Filippini. family tradition of winemaking in Austria, planted more than 200 acres
Dinner will include: Burrata (a decadent fresh mozzerella infused with of premium grape vines in the then new wine country of Paso Robles,
Ricotta), Timballo Alla Siciliana (Traditional Sicilian Pasta Pie), Saltim- California.
bocca alla Romana, (Veal Cutlets topped with Prosciutto and Sage), Walter Filippini met Sylvia while he was working at Verdi Restau-
Barramundi (Australian Fish with Roasted Polenta) and much more. rant in Santa Monica, California. The two instantly fell in love, bonding
Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce, an assortment of Italian Biscotti and the culinary with the viticultural. Their passions for food and wine
sweets will be featured for dessert. Music entertainment will also keep made them the perfect match. Shortly after their wedding, they began
you dancing. The entire evening will only be $50 per person or $45 for managing the family-owned international gourmet foods importing
FLOCK members. Reservations will be required. Interested attendees and distributing company called Peacock Cheese. In 2004, Sylvia and
may RSVP at 1-800-891-6055. Filippini took over the winery upon the retirement of her father. The
Featured Master Chef Walter Filippini grew up watching his grand- winery’s commitment to quality has remained true as well as being reaf-
father, who dedicated his life working the steep sloped vineyards of firmed to this day. Recently, Walter and Sylvia Filippini have created
Northern Italy by hand. While Filippini loved wine, his true passion two new reserve labels, Kiara Reserve and Le Vigne di Domenico, along
remains in the kitchen. Working diligently in the kitchen of “Lord with their premier blend NIKIARA. Their investment and hard work
Byron Restaurant,” Filippini began his culinary schooling as an assis- has paid off having recently won several of the highest awards from the
tant chef at the world-famous Excelsior Palace Hotel on the Lido of San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition.
Venice. Later, traveling northwest, he worked at Grande Albergo Villa The Filippinis’ passion for fine food and wine can be found in the
d’Este on Lake Como and then worked at the Grand Hotels in Milan. winery’s kitchens and tasting room and at all of the winery’s winemaker
Filippini attended Istituto Alberghiero di Stato in Bergamo, graduating dinners, not to be missed.
in 1975, eventually specializing in gastronomia, the artful preparation Sylvester Vineyards & Winery is located at 5115 Buena Vista Drive,
and presentation of cold-food platters. In November of 1981, he domi- Paso Robles. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through September, and 11
nated Italy’s National Chef’s Competition, winning first prize with an a.m. to 5 p.m. from October through April. For more information, call
elaborate display of pheasant paté medallions. This passion for (805) 227-4000 or visit www.sylvesterwinery.com.

14 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Zin FAN Del: Discover the Fun at


the Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival
Paso Robles Wine Country announced tickets for the 18th Annual retreats, dinners with Paso Robles producers, VIP tours, seminars and
Zinfandel Festival are now on sale at www.pasowine.com. The Paso special large-format bottles signed by the winemakers themselves.
Robles Zinfandel Festival marquee event puts the fun back in More than 50 Paso Robles producers will be showcased at the Zin
Zinfandel by combining a classic Zin tasting with a wine country Tasting. The area’s top chefs will also be serving Zinfandel-friendly
auction on Saturday, March 20. The evening features two ticket levels: culinary creations.
Zinfully Important Person (ZIP) ticket level (entrance at 5:30 p.m.) Tickets – All Zinfandel Festival tasting tickets include unlimited
and Zin Fan Del ticket level (entrance at 7 p.m.). Attendees will enjoy tasting and a commemorative glass made by Riedel.
vast selections of Zinfandel and Zinfandel blends, as well as the Wine • Zinfully Important Person (ZIP) Entrance - $85, Saturday, 5:30-
Country Auction featuring unique items only offered during the 9 p.m. – includes early entrance to Zin Tasting and exclusive peak
Zinfandel Festival. at Wine Country Auction items
Attracting wine tourists from across the nation, Zinfandel Festival • Zin Fan Del Entrance – $60, Saturday,
attendees experience three days of wine tasting delight. In addition to 7-9 p.m. – includes Zin Tasting and Wine Country Auction
the Zin Tasting and Wine Country Auction, more than 140 area Tickets may be purchased online at www.pasowine.com. A limited
wineries offer a compilation of individual events such as winemaker amount of ZIP and Zin Fan Del tickets will be available at the door,
dinners, barrel samples and musical entertainment throughout the provided they are not sold out. All tickets are limited and advance
weekend. purchase is highly recommended. Must be 21 and older, photo iden-
The ZIP ticket level is for Zinfandel enthusiasts who cannot get tification verifying age will be required at time of entry.
enough of this bold, bodacious berry. ZIP attendees may zip in early For more information about Zinfandel Festival, local hotel accom-
to the Zin tasting and receive special benefits including an exclusive modations and restaurants, visit www.pasowine.com.
taste of the 2010 Zinfandel Collaborative Blend. ZIP ticket holders will
also experience auction items exclusively for them and other special
surprises throughout the evening.
“It’s time to dial in the fun during the 2010 Zinfandel Festival. Zin
fans will find new enhancements to a traditional walk-around tasting
integrated into a special Wine Country Auction,” said Stacie Jacob, exec-
utive director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “We invite you
to check out quality wines featuring Paso Robles’ heritage grape.”
The newly formatted Wine Country Auction features items show-
cased at winery pouring booths, giving wine enthusiasts a chance to
learn about the Zinfandel producers of Paso Robles as well as take
home their favorite lifestyle packages. One-of-a-kind auction blocks
from wineries across the Paso Robles appellation include wine tasting

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 15
WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

Preferred Tasting Room:

HEARTHSTONE WINERY
By Melissa Chavez pher Josh Kimball is displaying images taken in the Adelaida community southwest of
from nature that include wine country Paso Robles. More specifically, it’s set within
With a tasting room less than a year old surrounds and picturesque ocean views of Big one of a series of passes known collectively
and a fistful of wine competition medals, Hoy Sur to Morro Bay. as the “Templeton Gap” region. In this
Buell’s Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery might In short order, Hearthstone is not only microclimate, mild mornings give way to
look like an overnight success to some, but establishing itself well in the Paso Robles warm summer days, but afternoon breezes
not exactly. wine region, but throughout the state and provide welcome respite to the harshest of
A career horticulturist, Buell established beyond. summer heat. At its scenic Vineyard Drive
the place in 1999 when he joined his grape- In 2008, Hearthstone’s 2005 Lodestone location, Hearthstone especially enjoys
growing expertise with his affection for wine. blend (43% Syrah, 30.5% Grenache and camaraderie among neighboring growers
The first bottles weren’t released until 2003, 26.5% Mourvedre) earned Silver in the San who support one another in their wine-
and it wasn’t until spring of 2009 that he Francisco International Wine Competition. making endeavors.
would finally open the tasting room doors. Their Pearl vintage is such a hit, that it will be “We all recommend one another and
Buell isn’t resting on his laurels. He plans to released again this year. Upping the ante is we’re real supportive,” Hoekje says of the
make an already-friendly tasting room even their 2006 Slipstone (63% Grenache, 36.5% adjacent wineries. “It’s neat because, without
more inviting. Syrah), which earned a Gold-Sweep win at it, we couldn’t have been nearly as successful
“We have a great picnic area with a very the San Diego International Wine Competi- as we’ve been in the last eight months.”
nice view so people can bring their lunches tion Hearthstone Winery tastes are $7 or free
and enjoy our wines by the glass,” says Oper- “Several of our wines are now being served with two-bottle wine purchases. Their Fire-
ations Manager Connie Hoekje. “We also have at local restaurants,” says Hoekje. “At side Wine Club offers custom-created selec-
‘Second Sundays’ where all guests including Vinoteca, we have the 2005 Jubilee, our tions, complimentary tastings for members
industry people and wine club members can Super Tuscan blend, plus the Profundo and and three guests, free shipping on 12-bottle
enjoy good food and live music. But there’s Pearl wine, our white Rhône style blend. purchases and 20 percent discounts. Visit
always something new we want to do around There’s also a Pinot Noir at Villa Creek them at 5070 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, or
here. One change we’re making is to bring in Restaurant (in Paso Robles). at www.HearthstoneVineyard.com. Call (805)
works from local artists.” Currently, photogra- Hearthstone Winery is situated on a hill 238-2544.

16 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH’S
WINE COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

M A M A’ S M E AT B A L L
One pretty reliable way to find out just how good the food at a local restaurant is, is to ask some-
body in the restaurant business. Ask a bartender, a waiter, anyone in fact, what they think of Mama’s
meatballs in San Luis Obispo and their lips begin to quiver, their eyes roll towards the heavens, they
sigh; that is how good Mama’s Meatball is.
Set in a small courtyard off of one of the town’s main streets, in a place called the Old Creamery,
Mama’s Meatball is actually divided in two. On the right is the take-out where people line up to get
Hearthstone Vineyards their orders of meatballs and more. To the left, fronted by a huge-trunked tree and a water fountain, is
and Winery Accolades the intimate restaurant with it’s mural of the Mediterranean across the back.
Meatballs aside, the restaurant, under owner and chef Nicola Allegretta, offers a wide range of
• 2007 HEARTHSTONE VINEYARDS
AND WINERY GRENACHE authentic Italian dishes, many of them now available in smaller sizes as well, a bow to the
(USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles) $25 economy and his customer’s wishes. Among them are half a dozen soups, a long list of salads
The 2007 Hearthstone Grenache is a blend of 90% (including grilled salmon and a refreshing pear and gorgonzola), some wonderful antipasto
Grenache and 10% Syrah. Possessing a semi-
transparent, ruby red color, this offers fragrant, choices, both hot and cold paninis (including, of course, one made with meatballs), more pasta
sweet aromatics of kirsch and wild strawberries, dishes than there is space here to share (though the Ravioli di Pollo all Vodka – homemade ravioli
subtle spice and possibly a touch of graphite. Very filled with chicken and served
smooth and polished, it’s medium bodied with
perfectly ripe fruit, solid balance and a lengthy,
in a vodka sauce – cannot
moderately tannic finish. Maybe a bit too go unmentioned). SAN LUIS OBISPO
polished, this is pure silk to drink with no hard There is also a heady
edges. I recommend consuming these over the selection of meat and fish
next 5 to 8 years. (95 pts.)
dishes as well as any MAMA'S MEATBALL
• 2007 HEARTHSTONE VINEYARDS number of traditional and Fine Italian Restaurant and Catering
AND WINERY LODESTONE
(USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles) $30
specialty pizzas (now avail- Mama's Meatball has specialized in creating
More meaty and rugged on the nose than the able in two sizes) and some seasonal menus by using only the finest and
other cuvées, the 2007 Hearthstone Lodestone is a far too-tempting desserts. freshest ingredients.
blend of 50% Syrah, 33% Grenache and 17% Mama’s Meatball 570 Higuera St. Suite 130-135
Mourvèdre. It offers both red and black fruits, www.mamasmeatball.com
underbrush, meat and a touch of leather on the currently has two loca-
805-544-0861
nose. These aromas carry over to the palate and tions. The original is in
the wine is medium+ bodied with ripe fruit, a the Old Creamery plaza at
polished texture and integrated acidity leading to
moderately tannic finish. This has a touch more
570 Higuera Street, San
Luis Obispo, (805) 544- NOVO RESTAURANT
tannin than the other cuvées and should drink
NOVO’s international flavors are the leading ingredients in an
well over the next 5 to 8 years. (97 pts.) 0861. Mama’s Meatball is
exotic dining experience. Brazilian, Mediterranean and Asian
• 2007 HEARTHSTONE VINEYARDS also available for your flavors awaken the senses. In house roasted spices for curries,
AND WINERY SLIPSTONE convenience in the south mixtures and marinades balanced with crisp, seasonal vegeta-
(USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles) $28 county at 325 Pier bles and savory meats. Explore.
A blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah, the
2007 Hearthstone Slipstone offers quality
Avenue by the entrance of 726 Higuera Street • Open Daily from 11am
the Pismo Beach Dunes, 805-543-3986 • www.novorestaurant.com
aromatics of kirsch and subtle earthy dark fruits,
wild herbs (underbrush, thyme), spice and subtle, (805) 473-2383.
dried meaty notes. In the mouth, this is medium
Hours of operation are
bodied with a polished, smooth texture, perfectly
ripe fruit and fine grained, ripe tannins that lead Tuesday to Sunday from
to a long finish. Drink over the next 5 to 8 years. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. C AYUCOS
(95 pts.) and 4:30 to 10 p.m., closed
• 2006 HEARTHSTONE VINEYARDS on Mondays.
AND WINERY PEARL You can order online at HOPPE’S GARDEN BISTRO & WINE SHOP
(USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles) $20
www.mamasmeatball.com. The most highly acclaimed restaurant and Wine Shop on the Central
The 2006 Hearthstone Vineyards and Winery Pearl
is a blend of 53% Viognier and 47% Roussanne And, don’t forgot they can Coast. Recognized for Chef Wilhelm Hoppe’s seasonally inspired menu,
that offers brilliantly clean and crisp aromatics of also deliver and have very hand-selected wine list with a beautiful garden and historical setting.
stone fruits, honeydew, white flowers and freshly Offering a wide range of menu items - from wild game to prime meats
popular catering services, and vegetarian/vegan items.
crushed rocks. It’s fresh yet rich at the same time.
In the mouth, this is medium bodied with vibrant which work with groups 78 N. Ocean Avenue • Wednesday-Sunday 11am-10pm
acidity, rich fruit, a full texture and a persistent, (including weddings) of www.hoppesbistro.com • 805.995.1006
focused finish. Enjoy this outstanding white over every type and size.
the next year or more. (90 pts.)

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 17
PREFERRED TASTING ROOM | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

John Pianetta with his daughter, Caitlin

Preferred Tasting Room:

PIANETTA WINERY
by Melissa Chavez making. By 2002, their releases began in the San Miguel winery on February 27 and
meriting such deserved recognition, that he featured 2004 Pianetta library reserves. It’s a
Smack dab in the historic Paso Robles soon began collecting silver and gold medals tasty opportunity to enjoy big, bold reds
Downtown is the Pianetta Winery Tasting at wine competitions from California to the coupled with rustic Southern Italian treats by
Room. Just one block north of the City Park Finger Lakes. Il Cortile, one of Paso Robles’ newest restau-
at 829 13th Street, this place is no fly-by- The grapes are grown on a 95-acre ranch rants.
night operation. Rather, the pride of four in Indian Valley in Monterey County, just a For March 2010, the winery’s “2 Bottle
generations of Italian immigrant farmers and couple of miles north of San Miguel. Pianetta’s Club” shipment offers their 2007 Pianetta
a home winemaking heritage profoundly vineyard is set within the Big Sandy Creek Sangiovese and 2007 Pianetta Cabernet.
influence the crimson reds they serve in an area, a tributary northeast from the Salinas Perhaps the hardest to resist is their February
attractively appointed storefront. River. Unlike cooler Monterey climes,
Case Sale in which their winning 2006 Syrah
John Pianetta’s Estate wines include summers in the county’s southern tip can
is $138 per case, or just $11.50 per bottle for
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, a Syrah/Cabernet swell the thermometer past 100 on infernal
a vintage with plenty of time left to nicely age.
blend (“Bilancio,” or balance), Sangiovese, days, and drop a good 50 degrees or more
Whether aficionados experience Pianetta’s
Petite Syrah, a rosé (“Nonna’s Vino Rosato”), during the wee hours. Both soil content and
wines in the tasting room, straight from the
Super Tuscan-style blend, “Tuscan Nights,” temperature arrays offer perfect growing
and a new Zinfandel. His daughter, Caitlin, case shipment, or from the glass at a winery
conditions for Pianetta’s handpicked wine
oversees the tasting room and helps visitors grapes that are aged in French, Russian and event, many will likely want to thank John
feel at home. Hungarian oak barrels. Pianetta’s ancestors for initiating his wine-
Pianetta purchased his vineyard in 1996. A Wine club members can receive shipments making legacy.
year later, both he and experienced farm every two, four or six months. Twenty percent Pianetta Winery Tasting Room is open
manager Bob Goodwin established discounts are offered for additional purchases, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
grapevines. The majority was Cabernet with plus 25 percent off all cases. Newsletters from noon to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday
smaller plots devoted to Syrah Noir (French update members on discounts, newest from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Tuesday. $5
clone) and Shiraz (Australian clone). Most of releases and special events. tasting fee is waived with purchase. For more
their yield sourced a highly reputable winery For example, the aviation-themed “Take information, call (805) 226-4005 or visit
while the rest supported Pianetta’s own wine- Flight” Reserve Wine Tasting just took place www.pianettawinery.com.

18 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Musicians To Perform a Benefit for Haiti


Since the devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Local musicians have gotten together and proceeds will be donated to the cause.
relief efforts continue. As the situation evolves, decided to put on a show to benefit Doctors Castoro Cellars’ wine will also be available for
medical care continues to be a priority for Without Borders’ efforts in Haiti. purchase.
thousands of people left homeless. Doctors On Saturday, March 6, a “Benefit for Haiti” Jody Mulgrew (formerly of the Johnny
Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) will take place at Castoro Cellars Winery, Starlings) will open the show with a solo
has been working to provide services for those 1315 Bethel Road, in Templeton. The acoustic set. Then, the Louie Ortega Band will
injured by the quake, as well as basic medical suggested donation will be $15, but patrons take the stage for a rockin’ set. Finishing up
care for the Haitian public. Doctors Without can give as much as they like to the cause. the evening will be the Guy Budd Band, with
Borders has been working in Haiti for the past The evening will begin with a delicious their mixture of existential blues.
19 years, but has recently opened three emer- meal (available for purchase) from Bon Temps Tickets are available for purchase online at
gency hospitals to deal with the aftermath of Creole Cafe. They’ll have a variety of menu www.castorocellars.com, by phone at 1-800-
the earthquakes. options available, and a portion of the DAM-FINE, or at the door.

Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival, June 26th


The 15th Annual Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival, June 26th, All proceeds benefit the Charles Paddock Zoo and other projects
will turn heads this year with a new look and recurring evening supporting the community of Atascadero.
timeslot. The festival will again take place from 4 to 8 p.m. to take Unlimited tasting tickets are just $40 in advance, $45 at the door.
advantage of Atascadero’s warm, summer evenings. Food sold separately. More information and tickets are available online
The evening experience will encompass a wine and culinary adven- at www.atascaderowinefestival.com or at the Atascadero Chamber of
ture to excite your palette. Food vendors will showcase their finest Commerce, (805) 466-2044.
cuisine and suggest wine pairings based on the varietals available at
the event. Visitors will enjoy an array of juried fine art created by local
artists as well as the inviting lakeside environment. Sway again to the
music of the Mighty Croon Dogs. All very exciting!
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be part of this superb lake-
side event at the Atascadero Lake Park. A free shuttle will be available
to transport visitors from the Sunken Gardens in downtown Atas-
cadero.

A ‘Walkabout Zin Tasting’


in the Caves at Justin Winery
Join the 17 Far Out Wineries on a unique “Walkabout Zin Tasting”
in the caves at Justin Winery on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the “Makers,” attend
breakout seminars while enjoying appetizers and more! Cost for the
event is $44 per person. This event will sell out. Make your reserva-
tions early. Call Judy at (805) 237-0138
The Far Outs ...
Adelaida Cellars, Calcareous Vineyard, Carmody McKnight Estate
Wines, Dunning Vineyards, Halter Ranch, Justin Vineyards & Winery,
Le Cuvier, Minassian-Young, Nadeau Family Vintners, Norman Vine-
yards, Opolo Vineyards, Pipestone Vineyards, Poalillo Vineyards, Tablas
Creek Vineyard, Tolo Cellars, Thacher Winery and Villicana Winery
For more information, visit www.faroutwineries.com.

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 19
CENTRAL COAST | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

TOLOSA WINERY for the area during the mission period.


by Michael Cervin
Today, Tolosa is a sustainably farmed estate
Imagine James Bond created a tasting and their vineyards are not too far from the
room and you get an idea of what the interior Pacific Ocean. This close proximity to the
of Tolosa Winery might be like. Once you sea provides for cool morning fog, warm
open the massive front doors you’re in for a days and an exceptionally long growing
treat. Created by architect Brent Freeby, and season. The unique climatic conditions,
opened in 2004, the tasting room and its terroir and focused winemaking by Larry
adjacent patio combine elements of the Brooks, allows Tolosa to produce world-class
winery in its design including cork floors, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
stainless steel ceilings, glass bar, wood panels The winery’s founders, attorney Bob
and back lighting. A plasma screen displays Schiebelhut and viticulturist Jim Efird,
pictures of recent events and the winemaking understood the Edna Valley’s potential long
process, while the LCD screen displays before they formed their partnership back in
specials and wine club information. There’s 1998. They began planting vines in 1990 for
even ambient music playing throughout the their Edna Ranch Estate vineyards, which
tasting room, patio, halls and bathroom. currently encompass 740 acres. After selling
They have received numerous design awards their vineyards’ fruit to a host of local
for the innovative and trend-setting space. It’s producers for several years, it eventually
picturesque, to say the least and their site, became apparent to them that a label dedi-
surrounded by vineyards with perfect ocean cated to the land’s very best fruit was in
breezes, sweeps across the fields and brings their tranquil outdoor picnic area or play a order thus the Tolosa brand was born.
all of the scents of the hills and the soil round of bocce ball as you soak in the Experience the Tolosa tasting room and
directly to your nostrils. It is an amazing peaceful surroundings. their wines at 4910 Edna Rd. in San Luis
experience. The tasting room looks out over Tolosa Winery takes its name from the Obispo. The minimal $5 tasting is waived
the fermentation tanks of polished stainless nearby Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, should you purchase a bottle. They are open
steel. Guests are offered a self guided tour which established the first vineyard in the daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact them at
through the facility as well. Stay and picnic at Edna Valley and produced the early wines (805)782-0500 or www.tolosawinery.com

20 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINE COUNTRY NEWS

Tickets On Sale for 2010 Rhônely Hearts Club


Hospice du Rhône® (HdR), the world’s largest celebration of event. The image is available for viewing on the HdR website,
Rhône variety wines, has announced the complete 2010 Seminar www.hospicedurhone.org.
Series lineup boasting Rhône producers from France, South Africa To purchase tickets and to view the full 2010 Hospice du Rhône
and Washington State. Complementing the seminars at the 18th Event Schedule along with participating Rhône producers, please
annual international Rhône extravaganza will be more than 130 visit the HdR website www.hospicedurhone.org. Event ticket prices
worldly Rhône producers pouring their wines April 29 through May range from $100 to $795 depending on event selection. All events
1, 2010 in Paso Robles, thus creating the 2010 Rhônely Hearts at Hospice du Rhône are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-
Club! served basis.
“We are thrilled that after 18 years the enthusiasm for domestic
About Hospice du Rhône®
and international Rhône variety wines continues to grow among the
Hospice du Rhône® (HdR) will celebrate 18 years of all things
world and within the Hospice du Rhône community,” notes Vicki
Rhone, April 29-May 1, 2010. Noted as the world’s largest Interna-
Carroll, Director of Hospice du Rhône. “It is the enthusiasm from
tional celebration of Rhône variety wines, Hospice du Rhône serves
each attendee and our own passion that allows us to continually
as an International Vintners Association providing promotional
draw extraordinary Rhône producers from throughout the world to
and educational opportunities through an annual event. Proceeds
speak, share and engage at the annual event.”
from the annual event are used to carry out programs that benefit
Comprised of four Rhône focused seminars, the 2010 Seminar
Rhône producers worldwide. Operating as a non-profit business
Series will highlight winemakers from France, South Africa and
league, Hospice du Rhône strives to improve the business condi-
Washington State. Representing France will be Vincent Maurel of
tions of grape growers and wine producers of Rhône variety wines
Clos Saint Jean and Michel Tardieu of Maison Michel Tardieu, both
and grapes throughout the world. Hospice du Rhône is not affili-
hailing from Châteauneuf du Pape, along with esteemed consultant
ated with any other charitable organization. Non-profit 501 (c) (6)
Philippe Cambie. Continuing with a look at Northern Rhône wines
Business League
will be Stéphane Ogier of Domaine Michel and Stéphane Ogier of
Ampuis, France. Sharing a look at Walla Walla, Washington will be
Charles Smith of K Vintners and Charles Smith Wines.
Hospice du Rhône strives to bring awareness to areas not typi-
cally recognized for Rhône variety wines. This year six South
African winemakers will be on hand to enlighten attendees on the
South African Rhône movement currently taking place in their
country. Joining this panel will be Marc Kent of Boekenhout-
skloof in Franschoek, David Trafford from de Trafford and wines
from Stellenzicht both from the Stellenbosch region, Andrea and
Chris Mullineux of Mullineux Family Wines and Eben Sadie of
Sadie Family both from the Swartland and Chris Mullineux also
representing Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards from the Tulbagh
Valley.
Joining these renowned speakers will be more than 130 worldly
Rhône wine producers sharing pours of their wines at the Friday
Rhône Rendezvous and the Saturday Grand Tasting. This interna-
tional journey will not require a passport for attendees to stroll the
tasting hall sampling Rhône wines from France, South Africa,
Australia, America and beyond.
Drawing on the Rhône-loving community that has been formed
over the past 18 years, the 2010 event will boast the “Rhônely
Hearts Club.” The 2010 theme image, that resembles an album
cover of a well-known singing foursome, holds photographs of 22
dedicated Rhône advocates and pioneers from around the world.
The gathering of 22 is significant as it pays tribute to the unique 22
Rhône wine varieties and is a snapshot of the greater Rhône
community that is celebrated at the annual international Rhône

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 21
CENTRAL COAST | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

Craig Shannon with Marco Rizzo

Winemaker Profile: Per Bacco Cellars

CRAIG SHANNON impossible to have the ultimate piece of indications that Syrah would be the new
by Michael Cervin
ground that can produce everything you darling of the wine industry. “We were
Winemaking is known to be a tough enter- need, and Shannon understands this. As a looking at the Pinots around us and they were
prise. “It took us 12 years to be an overnight third generation farmer and vineyard doing what California always does, these big
success,” Per Bacco winemaker Craig manager he’s grown tomatoes, garlic, almonds barnstormer wines,” he said. “But we wanted
Shannon jokes. To be “per baccoed” is to and walnuts and knows firsthand the unpre- the elegance, the sensual nuances of Pinot
experience a “wow” moment, and that is dictability of weather. They may not have the Noir which is food friendly with good acid
exactly what happens when people sample ideal piece of ground, but they are making the structure.” Then the Sideways phenomenon
Per Bacco wines. The tasting room, located on
ideal wines. From small batches of Pinot Noir occurred and the virtues of Pinot Noir were
a historic ranch property, sits a stones throw
and Chardonnay to Syrah, Petite Sirah and suddenly extolled by everyone. Since
off the 101 freeway near San Luis Obispo and
Pinot Grigio, the wines are focused, hand- Shannon had been making it all along,
isn’t your typical tasting room, but rather is
crafted and true to the varietal characteristics refining his touch, he was well positioned to
filled with barrels and fermentation equip-
of each grape. “We get a lot of hang time in capitalize on the new surge. Craig, an avid
ment. The focus is on a restrained style of
winemaking, one that allows the nuances of these valleys and maritime influences to surfer, also scored very well with the national
the grape to shine through. With an enthu- develop our sugars and flavors,” he says. “We press on his very first release of Pinot, and
siasm for Pinot Noir, Per Bacco has set a new don’t take short cuts.” likens surfing to wine in that, “paddling into
bar for quality from San Luis Obispo County. When they launched their first wines in a wave is like tasting a wine with all your
Per Bacco doesn’t own any vineyards. “I 1998, Pinot Noir was a tough sell, as the senses keyed in.” Get your senses tuned by
did my years of purgatory with the wind and focus was on Syrah. “Everyone thought the visiting Per Bacco at 1850 Calle Joaquin in
the fog,” Shannon admits to his farming next big thing was going to be Syrah,” San Luis Obispo. They are open daily from 11
history. They source fruit from multiple vine- Shannon remembered. Per Bacco didn’t want a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (805) 787- 0485 or visit
yards, which allows them to, “concentrate to be like every other winery so they decided www.perbaccocellars.com for additional
100 percent on the wine,” Shannon said. It’s to go with Pinot Noir, in spite of the clear information.

22 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINE COUNTRY NEWS

‘World of Pinot Noir’ Announces


Tenth Anniversary Events
Pinot Noir Producers from Near and Far to Showcase their Wines
The tenth annual World of Pinot Noir will be held on the beautiful shores of the California Central
Coast on March 5th and 6th, 2010. This celebration of Pinot Noir includes two days of in-depth Tasting
Seminars, Grand Tastings (each with a unique roster of wineries), a Featured Tasting with a guest Burgun-
dian producer, two Gala Pinot Noir Dinners featuring prominent guest chefs and culminates with a Santa
Barbara style Paulée. These extraordinary food and wine extravaganzas will be hosted by participating
wineries and feature an outstanding panel of sommeliers from across the United States.
“We wanted to pull out all the stops to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the World of Pinot Noir,”
notes Leslie Mead, Chairperson of WOPN. “There are some really exciting seminars this year and our
roster of Pinot Noir producers is stunning. Anyone who is intrigued by the alluring characteristics of Pinot
Noir will find something to their taste at our tenth anniversary, whether they are a long-time collector or
someone just learning about this fascinating grape.”
With a focus on the global aspects of Pinot Noir, WOPN is proud to welcome Jean-Marie Fourrier of
Domaine Fourrier, Gevrey-Chambertin, who will be presenting his wines on Saturday, March 6th. The
tasting will be led by renowned Burgundy expert Allen Meadows. With a history extending over four
generations in Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Fourrier has a long history of winemaking in Burgundy.
Jean-Marie took the reins in 1994 and has combined traditions of previous generations with his own
modern methods to produce wines of elegance, finesse and complexity that have garnered critical acclaim
throughout the wine world.
Seminars on Friday will include a “Ten Year Retrospective of Williams-Selyem” and a presentation of
the latest trends in stemware and decanters by Maximilian Riedel of Riedel Crystal at the Cliffs Resort, and
“A Vineyard Examination of the Pisoni Vineyard” and a walk-around barrel tasting seminar with a range
of winemakers showing” New vs. Neutral Oak” trials at the new Foxen Winery. Friday’s seminars will be
followed by a grand tasting of Pinot Noirs from over 90 wineries in the tents overlooking the Pacific at
the Pinot Noir by the Sea Tasting.
Two gala dinner choices are offered for the evening, featuring renowned chefs from near and far. Chef
Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s of Hawaii will showcase his famed fusion cuisine at the Gala I dinner, and local
Chef Budi Kazali will prove why he was chosen as “Ultimate Chef for 2009” by Central Coast magazine.
Each dinner will be hosted by dozens of Pinot Noir producers and an expert team of professional somme-
liers. Saturday’s schedule begins with the choice of two very special tasting seminars, The Wines of
Domaine Fourrier and the Iron Sommelier Challenge. In the Iron Sommelier Challenge, Master Somme-
lier William Scherer will lead a panel of sommeliers in an interactive food and wine tasting to find whose
idea of a perfect pairing with Pinot Noir excels. The popular Saturday Pinot Noir by the Sea Tasting, with
100+ wineries will be held on Saturday afternoon, and that evening, World of Pinot Noir 2010 will offi-
cially conclude with the ever popular Santa Barbara-style Paulée. This casual yet festive event will be held
at, and hosted by, Au Bon Climat Winery in Santa Maria, and will include dinner and lively music. In the
spirit of a Burgundian La Paulée, many of the other winery participants will attend and provide their
wines.
Tickets for the Tenth Anniversary World of Pinot Noir are now on sale. Attendance at many of the
seminars, tastings and dinners are limited to keep the events intimate, and sell out quickly. For full details,
visit the World of Pinot Noir website at www.WOPN.com.

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 23
PASO ROBLES | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

To Monterey (108 miles)/


San Jose (150 miles)/
DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES 15TH STREET
101 San Francisco (195 miles)
OAK STREET

Ortman Family
Vineyards
14TH
101
PIANETTA
Asuncion Ridge Clayhouse Wines
13TH ST

PASO ROBLES STREET


Bear Cave Cellars

D R
ARROYO ROBLES EDWARD SELLERS

LEY
VAL
12TH STREET Villa San-Juliette
SPRING STREET

ORCHID HILL
PINE STREET

MISSION
CANYON

IAN
Kiamie Cellars CROSS Ranchita Canyon
CITY PARK

IND
RAILROAD ST

Locatelli
RIVERSIDE AVENUE

14th
Vihuela Pretty-Smith
Kaleidos San Miguel 10th
MISSION LANE
10TH STREET SILVER Tackitt
STREET

HORSE VON DOLLEN


RD

RANCHITA CANYON
Christian Lazo EST
REL

PLEASANT
LA
OAK STREET

J & J CELLARS

RIVER
9TH STREET
PARK

Vista RN Estate RiverStar


del Rey Graveyard
8TH STREET
Anglim Rabbit Vineyards G CANYONINDEPE Cinquain
D’Anbino Cellars Ridge San Marcos HO RANNDEN
CH CE
7TH STREET
Caparone WELL Creek WELLSONA
SONA
COS
MAR J LOHR TOWER ROAD
SAN Mondo

JARDINE
N ACI M
SYLVESTER

AIRPORT
Starr Ranch IE
NT Chronic Nichols
RIVER
Derby Wine
O

Estates Meridian
LAKE

Carmody CK Kukkula Vines on the J. Paul Rosilez Tobin

A
McKnight RO Thunderbolt
I ST
NE
Y Marycrest 46E Chumeia James
BUENA V
IM Junction CARINA Martin- EBERLE

BRANCH
CH
CELLARS Roxo Weyrich To I-5
Justin FIRESTONE Eos Estate
AD

Tolo Cellars
SPRING

24T Port
E

LeCuvier ADELAIDA Vina Robles


LAIDA

Wild Coyote H
Barrel 27 Hug Cellars MILL Bianchi Rockin’R Winery
HALTER Adelaida Villicana/Alta Colinaa ION Mitchella ROBERT Pear Valley
Tablas Creek RANCH UN HALL
To Hearst Castle
(36.6 miles) Vineyard Whalebone Nadeau Family Cellars Calcareous Paso Robles Rio Seco
UN ION Maloy O’Neill
YO
PEACHY CAN N RD PACIFI
C
SEE INSET Falcon Nest Gelfand
6TH

PENMAN
SPRINGS
Stacked Stone Penman

L
Thacher Villa Creek

HP
Moonstone Cellars
CRESTON

Minassian-Young 101 NIBLICK Springs Clautiere

NC
Écluse
VINE

RA
MA Norman KILER LINNE
IN CA RD Vineyard

ER
ST O NYON
Terry Hoage SE

ESS
HammerSky Fratelli Perata Cass GENE

DR
ARB

Lions Peak L’Aventure


BURT

Oso Libre PasoPort Dunning Windward CHA


ROLA SCULPTERRA
OR

NO
WI

Wine Co.
ON

Changala Pipestone
LI VE OAK Doce Robles IS
LLO

R TH

Opolo Eagle
NIDERER

Treana/Hope Sharp’ s Hill


W

RIV

OLD G

E
CR

JADA Denner Midnight Caliza Castle ZenaidaSummerwood FS Cellars


ER

LINNE
EK

NGS Bishop’s Peak


ROVE

Donatoni Brian Benson P RI


Peachy Canyon
VIN

CREST
NEAL S

PerCazo Cellars AJB Dark Star Jan Kris ON


Still Waters
E
YAR

HEARTHSTONE Red Soles Booker CASTORO CELLARS Victor Hugo


D

Jack Creek HUNT CELLARS Grey


Cambria Vines Wolf Lone VINFUZION
Dover Canyon Four Croad Madrone EL P
OM
AR
Pomar
AmByth Junction Sarzotti CAM
P8
L AS T B & E Vineyards
NDO

Linne Calodo AB
Clavo Cellars Estate
RY

Bassetti Vineyards LAS Loma Linda


NE

York Mountain Winery Croad Hansen Vineyards GreMark


WI

REDO

Zin Alley Sextant


VIN

(by appt.) Viheula Hidden Oak


INE
EL

IN

Venteux ALMO Stanger


MA

Rotta Turley
EYA

August
BETH

LUP

ND
AR

LA PANZA

YORK MT
ROSSI

N Jack Creek Donati


RD
VALLEY

Stephens Bella Luna Ridge


OM

TE
CRE

MP
LP

Family WILD HORSE


N. GREEN

46W LE
S. E

EK

Vineyard SANTA RITA Templeton TON


Rocky Laraneta Chateau
D
ON

Creek YM Margene
D CREEK

Harmony Cellars RA
Cellars 41E
OL

HOPPE’S GARDEN
BISTRO & FINE WINES
Cayucos
101
Santa Margarita
Cayucos Cellars
SAN
POZO VALLEY
41W MIG Ancient
To Morro Bay/ UE L R D Peaks
DW
RO R Frolicking Frog
San Luis Obispo OLD MOR 58
1

Aron Hill Vineyards


Not to Scale To San Luis Obispo (26 miles)
Santa Barbara (133 miles)

24 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | PASO ROBLES

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 25
Wine Tasting at
AVIL A BEACH

SOUTH HIGUERA ST
LO
S
Avila Beach is surrounded by gentle, sloping hills, which OS
OS
VA
define the harbor from the landward side. Three piers L LE
Y
RD
define the look from the oceanside; two are open to the San Luis
101

IN
QU
public. Guests enjoy leisurely strolls out over the water, Obispo
Where to go

JOA
and the pier-based restaurants, which always offer fresh

LLE
CA
seasonal seafood. Avila is also an active fishing harbor
with many fresh fish markets offering live crab, and fresh
WINE TASTING PER BACCO
CELLARS
seafood. AT
KELSEY
AVILA BEACH SEE CANYON

SE
EC
VINEYARDS

AN
Y

ONTARIO RD
ON
RD

RD
SAN LUIS BAY
BE
LLE
V
UE
ORC
HAR
D
SALISBURY
VINEYARDS
AVI
L AB
Avila Beach EAC
HD
RIV
E

DRIVE ALAPAY

EL
BEACH
AVILA

SAN MIGU
Morovino
1S
TS
T
CELLARS

LUIS
F RO
NT
WOOD ST 101

SAN
WINERY

26 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards – A Love Affair
When Dick Kelsey moved with his family from Mojave to Avila in old garage. The thought occurred to him that it sure would make a
1951, he had no idea that he would spend the majority of his life on nice winery building. No sooner did the thought form then he got a
the same twenty-six acres that his parents had bought for a mere call from an old friend. Leonard Cohen wanted to start making wine.
$4000. At age sixteen he had gone to work on a sport fishing boat out Was he game? Yes he was, but Delores had other ideas. “I was madder
of Avila Harbor. It was hard work, but Dick loved it. He also found than hell. In fact, I was in a snit about this for two years. What did
something else to like about the job. The boat’s owner had a thirteen- we know about wine? We are seafaring people, not farmers.”
year-old niece named Delores. One day, as he passed her on the road “I worked for my wife’s family nearly all my life and I just wanted
in his old pickup, Dick surprised himself with the decision that this to create something of my own. Also, my two boys, Richard and
was the girl he was going to marry. Keith, had started work in the tug boat industry. I wanted something
But he felt drawn back to Mojave. Working there, he kept thinking more for them. Now Richard has his own 160 acres of vineyard in
about that girl, though and they started to write one another. A stint Creston and Keith is helping clear new vineyards to increase the
in the Navy produced another separation and more letters. winery’s production. We have a real family business.”
Finally he came home and by now his girl had grown into a beau- And thankfully, Delores came around, too. “We put a lot of money
tiful woman of nearly twenty. They had hardly spent any time into this venture and a lot of hard work at a time when we were
together, though. Their entire relationship had evolved through letter supposed to be retired, but it has become the joy of our lives. We
writing, but Delores and Dick knew they were in love. They married keep busy, helping out in the tasting room and our customers have
and he went to work in her family’s tug boat operation business. After become like family. I love meeting people and watching them fall in
forty-one years, he finally retired. love with our wines.”
That’s when the trouble started. As Dick puts it, “I used to make Visit them at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, 1947 See Canyon
homemade wine. It was really bad. In fact, my friends and I dubbed Road, San Luis Obispo; open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more
it ‘Kelsey’s Vino Yucky.’ The last thing I ever imagined was that I’d information, call (805) 595-9700 or visit www.kelseywine.com.
own a winery.”
One day, however, Dick was sipping his coffee and staring at his

Wish You Were Here!


Oceanfront Wine Tasting
Unique gifts & apparel
Wines by the glass!
480 Front St. Avila Beach
805.595.9663
www.wildwoodwine.com
Open Daily 10:30-6:00

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 27
SAN LUIS OBISPO | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

LAETITIA WINERY
Schedule a Little Extra Time for This Stop
by Michael Cervin “Considering terroir and winemaking equally
Originally formed in 1982 as a U.S. exten- is essential in creating exceptional wine.”
sion of the well known French winery Cham- At about 50,000 cases of exceptional wine
pagne Maison Deutz, Laetitia Winery has and a well deserved reputation, the tasting
changed ownership since then, but more room keeps very busy, but the staff works effi-
importantly has changed their approach to ciently and with a great sense of humor to
wines. Just six miles south of Pismo Beach, accommodate everyone. With a diversity of
right off Highway 101, a visit to the tasting wines available to taste there is a budget and
room allows $10 for all tastings, which is a wine for every visitor. Bottle prices range
waived with a two-bottle purchase. Their two from $15 to $60.
tasting bars allow for a greater sense of room So stop in, taste some wine, sip a sparkler,
when sampling their wines and the soft play bocce ball, bring a picnic and stroll
yellow walls make it bright and airy inside. owned Pinot Noir plantings in California. The
through the demonstration vineyards and
With views to the vineyards on both sides of estate is comprised of just under 2,000 acres,
expand your knowledge of viticulture. “One
the highway and plenty of gift items for sale, with 620 acres currently planted to grape
of the greatest pleasures of my career has been
you might end up spending more time here vines. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted
watching visitors to our winery enjoy them-
than you had expected. Some people play on variety, with 420 acres under cultivation.
selves while they taste and discover our
the bocce balls courts and some simply picnic Chardonnay is the next largest planting
followed by Pinot Blanc, Tempranillo, Syrah, wines. I like seeing them celebrate life with a
at one of their many vineyard tables.
Laetitia Winery offers three distinct labels: Pinot Gris and a small amount of white Ries- glass of our Pinot Noir or Cabernet. For me,
Nadia (red and white blended wines), Barn- ling. But it is mostly Pinot Noir vines that this is one of life’s greatest gifts,” owner Selim
wood (Grenache, Cabernet, Merlot and port you’ll see from your car as you approach the Zilkha says.
from the remote vineyards located in Santa winery from either side of the highway. “We Laetitia Winery is open every day between
Barbara’s back country) and the Laetitia label feel our role in winemaking is to maximize 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., directly off Highway 101
which has a focus on Pinot Noir. In fact, with the distinct character of our vineyard and we between Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.
its three tiers: estate, reserve and single vine- believe in a strong link between vineyard and For tours and tastings schedules, call 1-888-
yard, Laetitia holds the largest privately winery,” says Winemaker/GM Eric Hickey. 809-VINE.

28 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | SAN LUIS OBISPO

Wine 4 Paws Fundraiser for Woods Humane Society


The second annual Wine 4 the wineries throughout San Luis participating wineries, your pass- profit animal welfare organiza-
Paws, a fundraising event for Obispo county with Wine 4 port will be entered in the raffle! tion that has served homeless
Woods Humane Society, will be Paws. To see a full list of partici- companion animals since 1955.
held at participating wineries “Last year, at our inaugural pating wineries and a free print- Aside from the hundreds of
throughout San Luis Obispo event, we raised over $6,000,” able passport/map, go to animals Woods cares for each
County on April 10th and 11th. Director Sarah Tomasetti said. www.wine4paws.com. Then, year, the organization maintains
Woods has partnered with “Last year’s event demonstrated head out to any, some or all of the partnerships with other local
Central Coast wineries to help how many wine lovers are pet participating wineries and private and county operated
lovers! We knew our wineries are mention Wine 4 Paws when you animal shelters in an effort to
raise awareness and funds for
provide the greatest amount of
Woods while promoting this amazing supporters of our four- taste and buy wine during the
good for the greatest amount of
beautiful wine region. legged friends, which is how we weekend of April 10-11. A
animals. Woods Humane Society
During this weekend, partici- came up with the idea. But portion of your sale or tasting fee
is also the only animal shelter on
pating wineries will donate a response we had from people out will be donated to Woods
the Central Coast with a fully
portion of their proceeds to wine tasting was inspiring, as Humane Society on behalf of the
operational spay and neuter
Woods Humane Society. Pet- well.” The event this year will wineries. suite.
loving wine drinkers can help our also include a free passport – Woods Humane Society, Inc. Woods is experiencing a 20%
four-legged friends by supporting with six or more stamps from is a locally owned private non- growth in all aspects of the
shelter on an annual basis. The
To Paso Robles
facility is funded soley through
POZO VALLEY
(26 miles )
Y
ST charitable gifts from the commu-
RE
LOS
OSO
SV M
O
NT
E
nity and the need is greater than
ALL
EY
RD ever for ongoing financial
SA

JO
NT

support.
OS

101
A

HN
OS

RO
A

SO
ER

SA
ST

For additional information,


GU

San Luis Obispo


AV
HI

ST
S.

contact Sarah Tomasetti, Director


BR
SH
AR

OA
M

ORCUTT
of Wine 4 Paws by email at
ST

PER UI
N Cerro Caliente Cellars
AQ TA
BACCO
LE
JO
Sextant Winery
NK
FA info@wine4paws.com or Steve
CELLARS L RM RD
CA TTI
TANK FARM RIG
HE Kragenbrink with Woods
Stephen Ross TOLOSA
SUBURBAN
Winery Baileyana and Tangent Vineyards
Humane Society at (805) 543-
WINERY
VACHELL

SE
E
KELSEY SEE Saucelito Canyon 9316 ext.19.
CA CANYON BUCKLEY RD
N
VINEYARDS BIDDLE RANCH
YO

EDNA VALLEY
N
RD

VINEYARDS Wolff Vineyards


Piedra Creek
EDNA

BY APPOINTMENT
Y RD
SAN LUIS BA Chamisal/Domaine
ONTARIO RD

RD

Sextant Alfred
SALISBURY COMING NOV. 09
Kynsi Rancho
VINEYARDS Claiborne
O
RC
Arroyo
Vineyards UTT
AV
ILA & Churchill BISHOP’S PEAK/ Grande
BE
AC
TIFFAN
Y RAN
CH TALLEY
RD

Morovino Alapay H
227 VINEYARDS
CO
ON

CA RB
WOOD WINERY ET
NY

RP T
Avila Beach 101 E
CA

CA

R
N

CE
LOPEZ D
TE

I
NYON RD

PR ES
R
CA
Y
NO

Shell Beach
NY
O
N

RD
K
AVE

PISMO
R

Pismo Beach
RD
PA

BEACH
DS

PHANTOM
K

NA
A
HIN

WINERY RIVERS WINE


O

AS
U

H
RD
CH HU
AN AS NA RD
BR
Ocean
CA
101
RK

MI
Pacific
BRID

NO
1 Arroyo Grande
OAK PA

O TRA
GE

C F FIC
IS
Grover Beach B
R
AV E.
G RAND
MAMA’S
MEATBALL LAETITIA VINEYARD
Oceano Barnwood Vineyard

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 29
SANTA MARIA | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

Chef Bradley Ogden to Judge Gourmet Gavel Award


at 6th Annual Taste for Justice – Santa Maria
Wine, Food, Beer, Silent and Live Auction and the low-income people and seniors have access to the civil justice
Gourmet Gavel Awards Chef’s Competition system – to secure safe shelter, adequate income, and protection
Legal Aid Foundation proudly presents 6th Annual Taste for from domestic violence and elder abuse. Clients are frequently at
Justice – Santa Maria and its accompanying Gourmet Gavel Awards risk of being beaten or abused, or in danger of becoming homeless
on March 6 at the Orcutt Brew Company (315 S. Broadway, through the loss of Social Security or disability benefits, housing
Orcutt). This year’s event will feature Chef Bradley Ogden as one of discrimination or unfair eviction. Offices are located in Santa
its judges. Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc.
Bradley Ogden has been inducted into the “Who’s Who of Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door and can be
American Cooking” by Cooks magazine. He has been named Best bought online at www.lafsbc.org/events/t4j-sm. Contact Niki
Chef California by the James Beard Foundation, one of the Great Richardson at (805) 963-6754 x 109 for tickets or sponsorship
American Chefs by the International Wine and Food Society, information.
winner of the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of
Achievement, and Chef of the Year by the Culinary Institute of
America. Ogden has appeared on the Today show, Good Morning,
To San Luis Obispo
America, AM/San Francisco, Dinner at Julia’s and the Discovery (32 miles)
1
Channel’s Great Chefs of the West series. Bradley Ogden the restau- ROE
MER
ED
rant in Las Vegas in Caesar’s Palace received the James Beard Award ON
OVA Roemer Way Self-Storage

R
N

SSE
MA
in 2004 for Best New Restaurant and his most recent endeavor is IN
BLO
McKeon- STO
WE
in our own backyard – Root 246 in Solvang. Philips LL

AY
Leadership Circle Sponsor is Mint Properties. Media sponsors ADW COSTA DE ORO
BRO

are Santa Maria Sun and www.CaliforniaWineryAdvisor.com. BET


TER Santa Maria
SK

AVI
A
YW

135
Wineries and breweries committed so far are The Brewhouse,
AY

Byron Wines, Cambria Winery, Core Wine Company, Costa de Oro, Addamo E
ON

Giessinger Winey, Hallauer Vineards, J. Kerr Wines, Lucas & Vineyards KENNETH
EPH

ION
AY

VOLK

SANT
MIN

Lewellen Vineyards, Orcutt Brew Company, Rancho Alamo Vine-


TEL

CLA
Core
GR

RK
VINEYARDS
DO

A MA
yards and Winery, Riverbench Winery, Rooney’s Irish Pub, Santa Wine Co. Cambria
Cottonwood
RIA
T
Barbara Winery, Santa Maria Brewery, Sculpterra Winery – Paso Canyon ME SQ
UE
SA RD U
Orcutt EP
Robles, Westerly Vineyard and William James Cellars. Food T
101 Byron
purveyors include Central City Market, Harry and David, Jovi’s
Delights, Thai Hut, Orcutt Brew Company and Trattoria Uliveto. River Bench Rancho Sisquoc
135
Proceeds benefit Legal Aid’s direct client services in the North Vineyards
FOXE

County. For 51 years, Legal Aid’s mission has been to ensure that Foxen Vineyards
N CA
NYO

Tres Hermanas
NR

1 Los Alamos
D

Zaca Mesa
ALI
SOS C A N Y O N Fess Parker
To Bedford Curtis Koehler
Lompoc (18 miles) Thompson FO
Solvang (34 miles)
XE

FIRESTONE
N CA YO N R D
N
STA
CA

ZA

154

101 To Los Olivos


To Solvang (11 miles)
(17 miles)

30 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | SANTA MARIA

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 31
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

Celebrate Earth Day and Relish in the Bounty


Tickets on sale now for 4th Annual
Earth Day Food & Wine Festival Weekend
Tickets are now available for the weekend activities for this year’s
Earth Day Food & Wine Festival Weekend on April 16-18. Unique
weekend activities include private barrel tastings, concerts, custom
picnics in the vineyard and vineyard tours from the Salinas Valley to
Santa Margarita. Whether you’re a foodie, wine lover or music enthu-
siast, these small, casual events offer something for everyone. The
main event, held on April 17th at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch,
allows visitors to celebrate Earth Day with more than 75 wine, food
and earth conscious exhibitors, hailing from Santa Cruz to Santa
Barbara.
The one-of-a-kind weekend festivities surrounding Earth Day will
be hosted by wineries and vineyards from the Salinas Valley to Santa
Margarita. The activity collection includes a rare private tasting at
Saxum in Paso Robles with acclaimed winemaker Justin Smith, a Keeping with the spirit and mission of this event, the organizers
winery tour and barrel tasting at Hahn Estates in Soledad, a vineyard have committed to host a zero-waste celebration. Guests will feel good
tour and a brunch at Halter Ranch about the minimal-footprint event
Vineyard of Paso Robles, and many with an extensive recycling and
more exclusive opportunities to composting program, plastic reduc-
explore the bounty of the Central tion policy, solar powered entertain-
Coast. Spaces for these activities ment stage, convenient countywide
are limited and must be purchased shuttle services and carpooling
in advance. initiatives utilized throughout the
The Saturday festival will boast entire weekend to reduce waste and
over 75 purveyors from Santa Cruz energy. As a result, in 2009 the Earth
to Santa Barbara who are Day Food & Wine festival generated
committed to sustainably only two bags of trash for over 1000
produced foods and wines. They guests.
will tantalize taste buds with Event tickets and weekend activ-
locally grown fruits, vegetables, ities range from $15 to $600
meats, cheeses, olive oils, hand- depending on event selection. To
crafted wines and more all in celebration of Earth Day. A complete purchase tickets, activity opportunities and to view the lineup for the
listing of exhibitors is now available online. 4th Annual Earth Day Food & Wine Festival, visit the website at
www.earthdayfoodandwine.com or call (805) 369-2288.
Raising a glass to Earth Day, the annual Earth Day Food & Wine
Festival celebrates a collection of dedicated growers, vintners, chefs
and food purveyors sharing their wares and mission with earth
conscious consumers. Gathered by the Central Coast Vineyard Team
(CCVT) a 501c non-profit organization, exhibitors and guests will
mingle with one another as they celebrate each participant’s hard
work and commitment to sustainable practices in the vineyards and
at home all in effort to protect natural and human resources.
Central Coast Vineyard Team is a 501 3 (c) non-profit grower-
group whose mission is to promote sustainable winegrowing through
agricultural research, education and farmworker outreach. Consisting
of a broad network of growers and wineries, CCVT and its members
have been addressing resource conservation for over 15 years. To learn
more about CCVT, please visit their website www.vineyardteam.org

32 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

8th Annual Cal Poly Wine Festival Weekend


Benefiting Cal Poly’s Wine and Viticulture Program support the Wine and Viticulture Program at California Polytechnic
The Cal Poly Vines to Wines club is gearing up to host the 8th State University, San Luis Obispo. Tickets will be sold for $65 VIP, $50
annual Cal Poly Wine Festival Weekend. The weekend will kick off on regular price, $45 student price, and $15 sober driver price are on sale
Friday, April 23rd with a barbecue and live auction for winemakers of now.
the attending wineries and Cal Poly alumni, hosted by the Vines to Last year’s event drew over 1,000 wine enthusiasts that included
Wines Club. The dinner will be held at the Cal Poly Arboretum where Cal Poly students and alumni. Nearly one hundred wineries attended
there is limited space for 200 guests and tickets will be sold for $50 the event from the Napa/Sonoma, Lodi, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo,
per person. and Santa Barbara regions. Local restaurants served delicious appe-
The Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, April 24th at Santa tizers while attendees tasted fine wines, bided on silent auction items,
Margarita Ranch in Santa Margarita, California. It is a student run and enjoyed local musicians.
event which will showcase many wineries from all over California, as The wine festival committee is currently seeking sponsors, donors,
well as local restaurants and caterers. The proceeds from the event and food vendors to participate in the festivities in the spring.

To Hwy. 101
To Santa Maria, 154 Santa Maria (32 miles)
Paso Robles, see page 18 Paso Robles (88 miles)

101
Epiphany
Daniel Gehrs
Saarloos & Sons Carhartt Winery
Longoria Consilience
Wild Heart Alexander & Wayne and Arthur Earl
Tre Anelli
GRAND AVE

Los Olivos Los Olivos Tasting Room Scott Cellars Brander & Domaine
Andrew Murray Silver Wines Santa Barbara
ALAMO PINTADO AVE ALAMO PINTADO AVE

REFUGIO
SAN MARCOS

CARINA CELLARS
D
N R

To Santa Maria Bridlewood


YO

Palmina Lompoc “Wine Ghetto” Coquelicot


CAN

1 154

EDISON
STOLPMAN
RD

E. CHESTNUT Fiddlehead Cellars Rusack


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Wine 101

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Melville
Beckmen Roblar
BASELINE
Winery
ALAMOPINTADO RD

Foley Estates Winery


Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyards
Blackjack
Lompoc 1
To Santa Barbara
Ballard
Lincourt Rideau
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Shoestring Casa Cassara
Lafond Hitching Post Presidio PA MISSION 246
SANTA ROSA AVE
PR
Lucas & Lewellen AK RK Gainey
Royal Oaks Kalyra
To Sanford Alma Rosa Mosby Lion’s Peak/Mission Meadow Winery Chumash
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CO
Hwy. 1 P E NH
ERD

Sort This Out AGEN Mandolina Casino


ATT

Alisal Cellars
5TH

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Bellissima Uncorked/Monsoon Cellars SantaYnez
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www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 33
SANTA BARBARA | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

Artwork by Patrick Shourds ‘Dreams of Consciousness’


New Exhibit at Carina Cellars – Through March
As a Santa Barbara resident, Patrick Shourds is never at at 2900 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos. The Tasting Room is open daily
a loss for inspiration from California’s natural beauty and dynamic from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. For more information, visit the website at
landscapes. Born and raised in idyllic Coronado, Shourds has enjoyed www.carinacellars.com or call (805) 688-2459.
living near the Pacific Ocean, and his passion for exploration and
nature are paramount as the subjects of his photography.
Objects from nature’s bounty line a window shelf in Shourds’ living
room – geodes, fossilized seashells, crystals – objects that remind him
of a peace he finds in nature. Yet in his photography, Shourds’ ability
to blend nature with the footprint of humanity transcends a mere
portrayal of objects and space, revealing the thoughts of the artist and
his relationship with the culture (or lack thereof) around him.
“I strive for a personal balance in life and reflect that balance – often
precariously at times - in my photographs,” said Shourds. “My goal is
to create images and illusions that cause the viewer to explore, ponder
and wonder.”
“Dreams of Consciousness” will be on display from February 1
through March 31, 2010 in the Carina Cellars Tasting Room, located

“Santa Barbara Courthouse Staircase” photograph

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Geisinger Santa Barbara Winery
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Stearns Wharf Vintners

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“I Madonnari 2008” photograph

34 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | VENTURA COUNTY

Oxnard Launches a New Adventure


– Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Tours
There is nothing more decadent than chocolate and cheese, and A wide variety of hotel accommodations are available ranging from
when the two are paired with wine – its pure indulgence! The Oxnard mid-priced rooms to oceanfront and seaside settings. For more infor-
Convention & Visitors Bureau invites visitors to indulge in delicious mation or to request a new Oxnard Visitor’s Guide, call 1-800-269-
wines, delectable chocolates and tasty cheeses on the new Wine 6273 or online at www.visitoxnard.com. For additional information
Chocolate & Cheese Tours. on the Wine Tours, Text: Winetour to 69852.
As part of the Ventura County Wine Trail, the new tours will be
offered every weekend. Visitors can come for the day or stay for the
weekend. Several of the hotels in Oxnard are offering Wine Tour
Hotel Packages, which include the Wine Chocolate & Cheese Tours.
The tours take place every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. and depart via Roadrunner Shuttle from the California Welcome
Center in Oxnard, 1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 135. The tours
include stops at Heritage Square – Rancho Ventavo Wine Cellars and
La Dolce Vita Restaurant, Herzog Wine Cellars, Cantara Cellars, and
Bella Victorian in Camarillo. The cost is $75 per person. Reservations
are required 24 hours in advance and can be made by calling the Cali-
fornia Welcome Center at (805) 988-0717. Online hotel reservations
can be made by visiting the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau’s
website at www.visitoxnard.com.
“We are so pleased to bring this exciting new tour option to Oxnard
and the surrounding areas,” stated Janet Sederquist, President & CEO
of the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are committed to
our wineries and are also supporting the Ventura County Wine Trail
by dedicating the cover of our new 2010 Visitor’s Guide highlighting
the new wine industry,” she added.
Ventura County is quickly emerging as a wine country destination
for visitors and locals alike. All of the wineries featured on the “Wine,
Chocolate & Cheese Tour” are members of the Ventura County Wine
Trail. Visit the website at www.VenturaCountyWineTrail.com.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Oxnard’s uncrowded beaches,
open agricultural fields and explore the many diverse attractions and
outdoor adventures that are unique to the area.
LAS POSAS RD

ARNEILL RD

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THATCHER AV
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Ojai
Casa Beverage 101
Barranca E DAILY DR
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Co. 150
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33
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N ELEVAR ST

Ojai Vineyard
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Cellars Oxnard Crush
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Old Creek (Opening Soo


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www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 35
WINERY LISTINGS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

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PASO ROBLES AREA Changala Winery – Paso Robles Fr-Su By Five Rivers Winery – Paso Robles By
3770 Willow Creek Road; 805-226-9060 11-5 Appt X X 8998 North River Rd; 805-467-0192 Appt X X
Adelaida Cellars – Paso Robles Daily 10-5
5805 Adelaida Rd; 805-239-8980, 805 239-8980 X X X Chateau Margene – Creston Fr-Su Four Vines Winery – Templeton Sum 11-6
4385 La Panza Rd; 805-238-2321 12-5 X X 3750 Hwy 46 West; 805 227-0865 Win 11-5 X X
AJB Vineyards – Paso Robles Weekends
3280 Township Rd; 805-239-9432 12-5 X X Christian Lazo – San Miguel Sa-Su Fralich Vineyard & Winery – Templeton By Appt
249 10th Street, Suite A; 805-467-2672 10-5 X X Private tastings at Paso Robles Wine Services; 805-434-1526 X X
Alta Colina – Paso Robles Th-Su
2725 Adelaida Rd; 805 227-4191 11-5 X X Fratelli Perata – Paso Robles By
Chronic Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su 12-5 1595 Arbor Rd; 805-238-2809 Appt X X
AmByth Estate – Templeton By 2020 Nacimiento Lake Dr; 805 237-7848 or by apt X X
510 Sequoia Lane; 805 305-9497 appt X X FS Cellars – Paso Robles Th-Mo
Cinquain Cellars – San Miguel By apt 1337 Vendels Circle; 805-226-8989 11-6 X X
Anglim Winery – Paso Robles Th-Mo 11-6 6404 Independence Ranch Pl; 805 400-5978 X X
740 Pine St; 805-227-6813 or by Appt X X Gelfand Vineyards – Paso Robles By
 Arroyo Robles– Paso Robles
Chumeia Vineyards – Paso Robles Daily 5530 Dresser Ranch Place; 805-239-5808 Appt X X
Daily 8331 Hwy 46 E; 805-226-0102 10-5 X X
739 12th St; 877-759-WINE 11-7 X X Graveyard Vineyards – San Miguel By
Clautiere Vineyard – Paso Robles Daily 6990 Estrella Road; 805 467-2043 Appt X X X
Asuncion Ridge – Paso Roble Su-Th 12:30-6 1340 Penman Springs Rd; 805-237-3789 12-5 X X
729 13th Street; 805 461-0675 Fr-Sa 12-8 X X Grey Wolf Cellars – Paso Robles Daily
Clavo Cellars – Paso Robles Mo-Sa 12-5 2174 Hwy 46 West; 805-237-0771 11-5:30 X X
August Ridge – Creston Fr 12-5
 Halter Ranch Vnyd– Paso Robles
8790 E. Highway 41; 805 239-2455 Sa-Su 11-5 X X 1101 Riverside Avenue; 805-226-0174 Su 12-4 X X
Daily
Austin Hope – Paso Robles Fr-Sa 10-4 Clayhouse Wines – Paso Robles Daily 8910 Adelaida Rd; 805-226-9455 11-5 X X
1585 Live Oak Road; 805 238-4112 Call X X 849 13th St; 805 238-7055 11-6 X X
HammerSky Vineyards– Paso Robles Fr-Su
B & E Vineyards – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 Croad Vineyards – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 7725 Vineyard Drive; 949 338-7813 By Appt X X
10,000 Creston Rd; 805-238-4815 or By Appt X X 3550 Vinedo Robles Lane; 805-226-9899 Th-Mo 12-5 X X X Hansen Vineyard – Templeton Fr-Sun
Baily Vineyard – Temecula Su-Fr 10-5 D’Anbino Cellars – Paso Robles Fri-Sun 12-6 5575 El Pomar Dr; 805-239-8412 11-5 X X
33440 La Serena Way; 951-676-9463 Sa 11-5 X X 710 Pine St; 805-227-6800 Closed Tu-We X X Harmony Cellars– Harmony Sum 10-5:30
Barrel 27 – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 3255 Harmony Valley Rd; 805-927-1625 Win 10-5 X X
Dark Star Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su
2323 Tulley Rd #110; 805-237-1245 or By Appt X X 2985 Anderson Rd; 805-237-2389 10:30-5 X X  Hearthstone – Paso Robles Th-Mo
Bassetti Vineyards – Cambria By 5070 Vineyard Dr; 805 431-0138 11-5 X X
Denner Vineyards & Winery – Paso Robles
1191 N. Green Valley Rd; 805-927-1925 Appt X X 5414 Vineyard Dr; 805-239-4287 Daily 11-5 X X Hice Cellars – Paso Robles By
Bear Cave Cellars – Paso Robles By 500 Linne Rd.; 805 610-1470 Appt X X
1227 Park St; 805-238-4329 Appt X X Derby Wine Estates – Paso Robles Fr-Mo
5620 Hwy 46 East; 805-238-6300 11-5 X X Hug Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su
Bella Luna – Templeton Fr-Su 2323 Tuley Rd; 805-226- 8022 11-5 X X X
 Hunt Cellars – Paso Robles
1850 Templeton Rd; 805-434-5477 10-5 X X Doce Robles – Paso Robles Daily
2023 Twelve Oaks Dr; 805-227-4766 10-5:30 X X Sum 10-6
Bianchi Winery – Paso Robles Daily 2875 Oakdale Rd; 805-237-1600 Win 10:30-5:30 X X
3380 Branch Rd; 805-226-9922 10-5 X X Donati Family Vineyard – Templeton Daily 11am-5pm
Corner of 46 West & Vineyard Dr; 805-238-0676 X X JUST OPENED!
Black Hand – San Miguel By
1735 Nygren Rd; 805-712-WINE Appt X X Donatoni Winery – Paso Robles Sa-Su 12-5 GREAT VALUES!
3225 Township Rd; 805-226-0620 Or By Appt X 2850 Ranchita Canyon, San Miguel
Booker Vineyard – Paso Robles Fr-Su Friday-Sunday 11am-5pm • 805-467-2891
2640 Anderson Rd; 805-237-7367 11-4 X X Dover Canyon Winery – Paso Robles Th-Su Come enjoy the friendly atmosphere
4520 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0101 11-5 X X in our tasting room
Brian Benson Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su while sipping on our latest releases.
2985 Anderson Rd; 805-296-9463 10:30-5 X X Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery – Paso Robles
Calcareous Winery – Paso Robles Th-Mo 1953 Niderer Rd; 805-238-4763 Th-Mo 11-5 X X  J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Paso Robles Daily
3430 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-239-0289 11-5 X X 6169 Airport Rd; 805-239-8900 10-5 X X
Eagle Castle Winery – Paso Robles Daily
Caliza Winery – Paso Robles Fr-Su 3090 Anderson Rd; 805-227-1428 10:30-5:30 X X X J. Paul Rosilez – Paso Robles Daily
 Eberle Winery – Paso Robles
2570 Anderson Rd; 805-237-1480 11-4:30 X X 4889 Dry Creek Rd; 805-226-0550 11-5 X X
Daily
Caparone Winery – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5 3810 Hwy 46 E; 805-238-9607 10-6 X X X Jack Creek Cellars – Templeton Fr-Su 11-4:30
2280 San Marcos Rd; 805-467-3827 By Apt X X X 5265 Jack Creek Rd; 805-226-8283 By Appt X X
 Carina Cellars – Paso Robles  Jada Winery – Paso Robles
Écluse Wines – Paso Robles Fr-Sa
Fr-Su 11-5 1520 Kiler Canyon Rd; 805 238-4998 By Appt X X Th 12-5

 Edward Sellers – Paso Robles


3525 Adelaida Rd; 415-309-2046 By Apt X X X 5620 Vineyard Dr; 805 226-4200 Fr-Su 10-5 X X X
Carmody McKnight Estate Wines – Paso Robles Th-Mo
1220 Park St; 805-239-8915 12-7 X X JanKris Winery – Templeton Daily
11240 Chimney Rock Rd; 805-238-9392 Daily 10-5 X X 1266 Bethel Rd; 805-434-0319 11-5 X X X
Cass Vineyards – Paso Robles Sa-Su 11-6 Eos Estate – Paso Robles Win 10-5 Justin Winery – Paso Robles Daily
7350 Linne Rd; 805-239-1730 Mo-Fr 12-5 X X 5625 Hwy 46 East; 805-239-2562 Sum 10-6 X X X 11680 Chimney Rock Rd; 805 238-6932 10-6 X X X
 Castoro Cellars – Templeton Daily Falcon Nest Winery – Paso Robles Daily Kaleidos – Paso Robles Th-Sa 12-8
1315 N Bethal Rd; 805-238-0725 10-5:30 X X 5185 Union Rd; 805-226-0227 10-7:30 X X 1032 Pine St; 805 226-2976 Su-Mo 12-5 X X
Cayucos Cellars – Cayucos We-Su 11-5:30  Firestone Vineyard – Paso Robles By Kiamie Wine Cellars – Paso Robles Th-Mo
131 N Ocean Ave; 805-995-3036 Closed Tu X X 2300 Airport Rd; 805-591-8050 Daily 10-5 X X 1111 Riverside Ave, Ste 102; 805 226-8333 11-6 X X

36 www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINERY LISTINGS

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Kukkula – Templeton By Per Cazo Cellars – Paso Robles By Summerwood – Paso Robles Daily
9525 Chimney Rock Rd; 805 227-0111 Appt 5325 Vineyard Dr; 805 227-4949 Appt X 2175 Arbor Rd; 805-227-1365 10-5:30 X X
L’Aventure Winery – Paso Robles Th-Su  Pianetta – Paso Robles Su-Mo-Th: 12-6pm  Sylvester Vineyards – Paso Robles Sum 11-6
2815 Live Oak Rd; 805-227-1588 11-4 X X 829 13th St; 805-226-4005 Fr-Sa 11-7 X X X 5115 Buena Vista Dr; 805-227-4000 Win 11-5 X X X
Le Cuvier – Paso Robles Fr-Su Pipestone – Paso Robles Th-Mo Tablas Creek – Paso Robles Daily
9750 Adelaida Rd; 805-238-5706 12-5 2040 Niderer Rd; 805-227-6385 11-5 X X 9339 Adelaida Rd; 805-237-1231 10-5 X X X
Linne Calodo – Paso Robles Fr-Su Poalillo Vineyards – Paso Robles By Tackitt Family – San Miguel We-Su
3030 Vineyard Dr; 805-227-0797 11-5 X X 18888 Willow Creek Rd; 805-238-0600 Appt 6640 Von Dollen Rd; 805 467-9490 11-5
Lion’s Peak – Cambria Daily Pomar Junction – Templeton Th-Mo Terry Hoage – Paso Robles By
4044 Burton Ave; 805-927-1450 11-6:30 X X 5036 S. El Pomar Dr; 805-238-9940 11-5 X X 870 Arbor Rd; 805-238-2083 Appt
Locatelli Winery – San Miguel Fr-Su Pretty-Smith – San Miguel Fr-Su
13350 River Rd; 805-467-3104 11-5 X X Thacher Winery – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5
8585 Cross Canyons Rd; 805-467-0067 1l-4 X X 8355 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0087 & By Appt X X
Lone Madrone – Paso Robles Daily Rabbit Ridge – Paso Robles We-Su
1172 San Marcos Rd; 805-467-3331 11-5 X X Thunderbolt Junction – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5
2485 Hwy 46 West; 805-238-0845 10:30-5 X X
2740 Hidden Mountain Rd; 805-226-9907 & By Appt X X
Madison Cellars – Paso Robles By Ranchita Canyon – San Miguel Fr-Mo 11-5
4540 Hwy 41; 805-238-9831 Appt X X 3439 Ranchita Canyon Road; 805 467-9448 X X Tobin James Cellars – Paso Robles Daily
8950 Union Rd; 805-239-2204 10-6 X X
Maloy O’Neill – Paso Robles Fr-Sa 10-5; Su 12-5 Red Soles – Paso Robles Mo-Sa 11-5
5725 Union Rd; 805-238-7320 Or By Appt X X 3230 Oakdale Rd; 805-226-9898 Su 12-5 X X Tolo Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Mo
9750 Adelaida Rd; 805-226-2282 11-5 X X
Martin & Weyrich – Paso Robles Su-Th 10-5 Rio Seco – Paso Robles Daily
2610 Buena Vista Dr; 805-238-2520 Fr-Sa 10-6 X X 4295 Union Rd; 805-237-8884 11-5 X X Treana Winery – Paso Robles Fr-Sa
1585 Live Oak Rd; 805 238-4112 10-4 X X
McClean Vineyards – Templeton By RiverStar Vineyards – San Miguel Fr-Mo
4491 S. El Pomar Dr; 805-237-2441 Appt 7450 Estrella Rd; 805 467-0086 12-5 X X Turley Wine Cellars – Templeton Daily
2900 Vineyard Dr; 805-434-1030 9-5 X X
Meridian Vineyards – Paso Robles Daily RN Estate Winery – Paso Robles By
7000 Hwy 46 E; 805-226-7133 10-5 X X 7986 North River Rd; 805 610-9802 Appt X X Venteux Vineyards – Templeton Fr-Su
 Robert Hall – Paso Robles
1795 Las Tablas Rd; 805-369-0127 10-5 X X
Midnight Cellars – Paso Robles Daily Daily Win 10-5
2925 Anderson Rd; 805-239-8904 10-5:30 X X 3443 Mill Rd; 805-239-1616 Sum 10-6 X X X Victor Hugo Winery – Templeton By
Rockin’ R Wine – Paso Robles Fri-Sun 2850 El Pomar Dr; 805-434-1128 Appt X X
Minassian-Young – Paso Robles Fr-Su
4045 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-238-7571 11-5 X X 8500 Union Road; 805 835-8529 11-5 X X Vihuela Winery – Paso Robles
Rocky Creek Cellars – Templeton Daily 840 11th St, Ste 104; 805-886-5400 X X
Mitchella Vineyard – Paso Robles Fr-Su 12-5
8687 Apple Rd; 805-238-1919 10:30-5 X X Villicana Winery – Paso Robles Th-Su
2525 Mitchella Ranch Way; 805 239-8555 or by appt X X
Rotta Winery – Paso Robles Daily 2725 Adelaida Rd; 805-239-9456 11-5 X X
Mondo Cellars – Paso Robles Sum 11-6 3750 Hwy 46 West; 805-237-0510 11-5 X X
3260 Nacimiento Lake Dr; 805 226-2925 Win 11-5 X X X Villa Creek Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Su 12-4
San Marcos Creek – Paso Robles 5995 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805 238-7145 & By Appt X X
Moonstone Cellars – Cambria Th-Mo 7750 North Hwy; 805-467-9260 Daily 11-5 X X
801 Main St, Suite C; 805-927-9466 11-5 X X Villa San-Juliette – San Miguel By
Sarzotti Winery – Templeton Sa-Sun 11-5 6385 Cross Canyon Rd; 805 550-0522 Appt X X
NadeauFamilyVintners – Paso Robles Fr-Su 180 Bella Rancy Rd; 805 226-2022 or By Appt X X
 Sculpterra – Paso Robles
3860 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-239-3574 12-5 X X Vina Robles – Paso Robles Daily
Fr-Su 10-5 3700 Mill Rd; 805-227-4812 10-5 X X
Norman Vineyards – Paso Robles Daily 5015 Linne Road, 888-302-8881 or By Appt X X
7450 Vineyard Dr; 805-237-0138 11-5 X X Vines on the Marycrest – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5
Sextant Wines – Templeton By Appt 5050 Mustard Creek Rd; 805 237-0378 & By Appt X X
Opolo Vineyards – Paso Robles Daily Crnr of Almond & S. El Pomar; 866-833-WINE X X
7110 Vineyard Dr; 805-238-9593 10-5 X X
 Orchid Hill Vineyard – Paso Robles
VINFUZION
Daily SILVER HORSE 2485 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles
1140 Pine St; 805-237-7525 12-6 X X WINERY
Open Friday-Monday 11-5:30 or by appointment
Ortman Family Vnyds – Paso Robles Daily 12-5 2995 Pleasant Road, San Miguel 805-238-0208
1317 Park Street; 805-237-9009 Fr-Sat 12-7 X X 805-967-WINE
Open Friday-Monday 11-5 Come partake at our blissful tasting room.
Oso Libre Winery – Paso Robles Thu-Mon Organic, Biodynamic – Fined over Gemstones
Come see what everyone is talking about!
7383 Vineyard Dr; 805 238-3378 11-5 X X
Vista Del Rey – Paso Robles Su 11-5
Parkfield Vineyards – San Miguel By Skyhawk Lane – San Miguel By 7340 Drake Rd; 805-467-2138 By Appt X X
70502 Vineyard Canyon Rd; 805-463-2316 Appt X X 1605 Commerce Way; 213-200-4661 Appt
Pasoport Wine Co – Paso Robles Fri-Sun 11-5 Whalebone Vineyard – Paso Robles Daily
Stacked Stone Cellars – Paso Robles Fr-Sa 11-5 8325 Vineyard Dr; 805-239-9020 11-5 X X
6996 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805 239-2229 or by appt X X 1525 Peachy Canyon Rd; 805-238-7872 Su 12-5 X X
Peachy Canyon Winery – Paso Robles Daily Wild Coyote Winery – Paso Robles Daily
Stanger Vineyards – Paso Robles Fr-Su 11-5
1480 N. Bethel Rd; 805-239-1918 11-5 X X 5225 Hwy 41; 805 238-4777 & By Appt X X 3775 Adelaida Rd; 805-610-1311 11-5 X X

Pear Valley – Paso Robles Daily Stephen’s Cellar – Templeton By  Wild Horse Winery – Templeton Daily
4900 Union Road; 805 237-2861 11-5 X X 7575 York Mountain Rd; 805-238-2412 Appt X X 1484 Wild Horse Winery Ct; 805-434-2541 11-5 X X
Penman Springs – Paso Robles Still Waters Vineyards – Paso Robles Th-Mo Windward Vineyard – Paso Robles Daily
1985 Penman Springs Dr; 805-237-7959 Fr-Su 11-5 X X 2750 Old Grove Ln; 805-237-9231 11-5 X X 1380 Live Oak Rd; 805-239-2565 10:30-5 X X

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com 37
WINERY LISTINGS | WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH

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York Mountain – Templeton Daily  Salisbury Vineyards – Avila Valley Sat-Sun 11-6 Riverbench Vineyards – Santa Maria Daily
7505 York Mountain Rd; 805-238-3925 11-4 X X 6985 Ontario Rd; 805-595-WINE Mon-Fri 12-5 X X 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-937-8340 10-4 X X X
Zenaida Cellars – Paso Robles Daily Saucelito Canyon – San Luis Obispo Daily Tantara Vineyard – Santa Maria By
1550 Hwy 46 West; 805-227-0382 11-5 X X X 3080 Biddle Ranch Rd; 805-543-2111 10-5 X X 4747 Ontiveros Lane; 805-938-5051 Appt
ZinAlley – Templeton Fr-Su Stephen Ross Wine Cellars – San Luis Obispo Sa-Su 11-5 By Apt Tres Hermanas Winery – Santa Maria Daily
3730 Hwy 46 West; 805-238-0959 11-5 X X 178 Suburban Rd; 805-594-1318 X X X 9660 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-937-8451 10-5 X X
Zoller Wine Styling – Paso Robles Mo-Th 12-8 Tangent Vineyards – San Luis Obispo Daily Zaca Mesa – Los Olivos Daily
525A Pine St; 805 226-9707 Fr-Sa 12-5 X X 5828 Orcutt Rd; 805-269-8200 10-5 X X 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-9339 10-4 X X
S A N TA M A RG A R I TA  Talley Vineyards – Arroyo Grande Daily LOS OLIVOS
3031 Lopez Dr; 805-489-0446 10:30-4:30 X X
Ancient Peaks – Santa Margarita Th-Mo Alexander & Wayne – Los Olivos Daily
22720 El Camino Real; 805-365-7045 11-5:30 X X Taste – San Luis Obispo Mo-Sa 11-9 2922 Grand Ave; 805-688-9665 11-6 X X
 Pozo Valley – Santa Margarita
1003 Osos St; 805-269-TASTE Su 11-5 X X
 Tolosa Winery – San Luis Obispo
Fr-Su Andrew Murray – Los Olivos Daily
2200 El Camino Real; 805-286-7172 12-6 X X Daily 2901 Grand Ave; 805-693-9644 11-6 X X
4910 Edna Rd; 805-782-0500 11-5 X X
SAN LUIS OBISPO Arthur Earl – Los Olivos Daily
 Alapay Cellars – Avila Beach Daily
 Wood Winery – Avila Beach Daily 2922 Grand Ave; 805-693-1771 11-6 X X
480 Front St; 805-595-9663 10:30-6 X X Beckmen Vineyards – Los Olivos Daily
415 First St; 805-595-2632 10:30-6 X X
Wolff Vineyards – San Luis Obispo Daily 2670 Ontiveros ; 805-688-8664 11-5 X X
Aron Hill Vineyards – Morro Bay Daily 11-6 6238 Orcutt Rd; 805-781-0448 11-5 X X X
845 Embarcadero Rd, Suite F; 805-610-5751 Win Th-Mo X X Brander Vineyard – Los Olivos Sum 10-5
S A N TA M A R I A / F O X E N C A N YO N 2401 Refugio Rd; 805- 688-2455 Win 11-4 X X
Baileyana Estate– San Luis Obispo Daily
5828 Orcutt Rd; 805-269-8200 10-5 X X Addamo Estate Vineyards – Old Orcutt Tu-Su Brophy Clark Cellars – at Los Olivos Wine Tasting Room
400 East Clark Ave. Suite A; 805-937-6400 11-7 X X 2905 Grand Ave; 805-929-4830 Daily 11-6 X X
Barnwood Winery – Arroyo Grande Daily
453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr; 888-809-VINE 11-5 X X Bedford Thompson – Los Alamos Daily Carhartt Vineyard – Los Olivos Sum We-Mo 11-5
448 Bell St; 805-344-2107 11-5 X X 2990A Grand Ave; 805-688-0685 Win Th-Mo 11-5 X X
 Carina Cellars – Los Olivos
Bishop’s Peak Wines – Arroyo Grande Daily
3031 Lopez Dr; 805-489-0446 10-4:30 X X Byron Vineyard – Santa Maria By Daily
5250 Tepusquet Rd; 805 938-7365 Appt 2900 Grand Ave; 805-688-2459 11-5 X X
Cerro Caliente – San Luis Obispo Fr-Su
831 A Via Esteban; 805-544-2842 11-5 X X Cambria Winery – Santa Maria Daily Consilience – Los Olivos Daily
5475 Chardonnay Lane; 805 938-7318 10-5 X X 2933 Grand Ave; 805-691-1020 11-5 X X
Chamisal/Domaine Alfred – San Luis Obispo Daily
7525 Orcutt Rd; 805-541-9463 10-5 X X  Costa de Oro – Santa Maria Th-Su 11-6 Coquelicot – Los Olivos Su-Th 11-5
1331 S. Nicholson Ave; 805-922-1468 Closed Mo-We X X 2884 Grand Ave; 805-688-1500 Fr 11-6, Sa 10-6 X X
Claiborne & Churchill – San Luis Obispo Daily
2649 Carpenter Canyon Rd; 805-544-4066 11-5 X X Core Wine – Orcutt We-Su Curtis Winery – Los Olivos Daily
 Edna Valley Vineyard – San Luis Obispo Daily
145 S. Gray Street, Ste 103; 805 937-1600 11-6 X X 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-686-8999 10-5 X X
2585 Biddle Ranch Rd; 805-544-5855 10-5 X X Cottonwood Canyon – Santa Maria Daily Daniel Gehrs Winery – Los Olivos Daily
 Kelsey See Canyon – San Luis Obispo Daily
3940 Dominion Rd; 805-937-VINE 10-5:30 X X X 2939 Grand Ave; 800-275-8138 11-6 X X
1947 See Canyon Rd; 805-595-9700 11-5:30 X X X Curtis Winery – Los Olivos Daily Epiphany Cellars – Los Olivos Daily
5249 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-686-8999 10-5 X X 2963 Grand Ave; 866-354-9463 11:30- 5:30 X X
Kynsi Winery – Arroyo Grande Th-Mo
2212 Corbett Canyon Rd; 805-544-8461 11-5 X X Fess Parker – Los Olivos Daily Fess Parker – Los Olivos Daily
 Laetitia Vineyard – Arroyo Grande
6200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-1545 10-5 X X 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-1545 10-5 X X
 FirestoneVineyards – Los Olivos  Firestone Vineyard – Los Olivos
Daily
453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr; 805-481-1772 11-5 X X Daily Daily
5000 Zaca Station Rd; 805-688-3940 10-5 X X X 5000 Zaca Station Rd; 805-688-3940 10-5 X X X
Morovino – Avila Beach Th-Mo
550 1st St; 805-627-1443 12-5 X X Foxen Vineyard – Santa Maria Daily Great Oaks Ranch – at Wine Country in Los Olivos
 Per Bacco Cellars – San Luis Obispo
7200 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-937-4251 11-4 X X 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 X X
Daily
1850 Calle Joaquin Rd; 805-787-0485 11-5 X X X IO Vineyards – The Bench in Los Olivos Th-Mo J Wilkes Wine – at Wine Country in Los Olivos
2367 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805 938-7365 11-5 X X 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 X X
NOW OPEN IN THE VILLAGE  Kenneth Volk Vineyards – Santa Maria Daily John Kerr Wines – at Los Olivos Wine Tasting Room
OF ARROYO GRANDE 5230 Tepusquet Rd; 805-938-7896 10:30-4:30 X X X 2905 Grand Ave; 805-688-7406 Daily 11-6 X X
211 East Branch Street
Sun-Mon, Thu 11-5 • Fri-Sat 11-7 Koehler – Los Olivos Daily Koehler – Los Olivos Daily
805-481-WINE (9463) 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-693-8384 10-5 X X 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-693-8384 10-5 X X
Enjoy exceptional hand crafted wines that showcase the best fruit Labyrinth – at Old Mission Wine Company in Solvang Lane Tanner Wines – at Los Olivos Tasting Room
from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. 2717 Aviation Way; 805-268-4155 Daily 10-5 X X 2905 Grand Ave; 805-688-7406 Daily 11-6 X X
Piedra Creek Winery – San Luis Obispo McKeon-Philips – Santa Maria Daily Longoria Wines – Los Olivos Daily
6425 Mira Cielo Dr; 805-541-1281 By Appt 2115 S Blosser Rd; 805-928-3025 11-6 X X 2935 Grand Ave; 866-759-4637 11-4:30 X X
 Pismo Beach Winery – Pismo Beach Daily Ovene Winery – Santa Maria (Tasting Room: See Solvang) Oak Savanna – at Andrew Murray Tasting Room in Los Olivos
271 B Five Cities; 805-773-WINE 12-5 X X X 2717 Aviation Way; 714-420-2525 By Appt X X 2901 Grand Ave; 805-693-9644 Daily 11-6 X X
Rancho Arroyo Grande – Arroyo Grande Rancho Sisquoc Winery – Santa Maria Daily Qupé Wine – at Wine Country in Los Olivos
591 Hi Mountain Rd; 805-474-0220 1st Saturday of the month 11-5 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-934-4332 10-4 X X 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-968-9699 Daily 11-5 X X

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WINE COUNTRY THIS MONTH | WINERY LISTINGS

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Saarloos & Sons – Los Olivos Daily Sanford Winery – Lompoc Daily Imagine Wine – Santa Ynez Daily
2971 Grand Ave; 805 688-1200 11-5 X X 5010 Santa Rosa Rd; 805-735-5900 11-4 X X 3563 Numancia #103; 805-688-1767 10-5 X X
Silver Wines – at Wine Country in Los Olivos SOLVANG Kalyra Winery – Santa Ynez Mo-Fr 11-5
2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-963-3052 Daily 11-5 X X 343 North Refugio Rd; 805-693-8864 Sa-Su 10-5 X X
Au Bon Climat – at Taste of the Valleys Su-Th 12-8
Scott Cellars – Los Olivos Th-Mo 1672 Mission Drive; 805 688-7111 Fr-Sa 12-10 X X Roblar Winery – Santa Ynez Sa-Su 10-5
2933 San Marcos Ave, Ste 101; 805-570-0048 12-5 X X 3010 Roblar Ave; 805-686-2603 Mo-Fr 11-5 X X
Blackjack Ranch – Solvang Th-Mo
Star Lane – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 2205 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-455-1412 11-5 X X
Sunstone – Santa Ynez Daily
2445 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 X X 125 Refugio Rd; 800-313-9463 10-4 X X
Blair Fox Cellars – at Cabana Tasting Room in Solvang
Solpman Vineyard – Los Olivos Daily 1539 Mission Dr; 805-686-9126 Daily 11-8 X X
S A N TA BA R BA R A
2434 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-688-0400 11-4 X X D’Alfonso Curran – Solvang Win Su-Th 11-5, Fr-Sa 11-6
Three Saints – at Wine Country in Los Olivos 1557 Mission Dr; 805 688-3494 Sum Su-Th 11-6, Fr-Sa 11-7 X X Carr Vineyards – Santa Barbara Daily
2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 X X 414 N. Salsipuedes St; 805-965-7985 11-5 X X
East Valley - at The Olive House in Solvang
Tre Anelli – Los Olivos Daily 1661 Mission Dr; 805 686-5159 Daily 10-5 X X Coastal Winery – Santa Barbara Daily
2923 Grand Ave; 805-686-3000 11-5 X X End of State St; 805-962-2100 11-7+ in sum X X
Honeywood/Olde Mission Wine Co.
Verdad Wines – at Wine Country in Los Olivos Tasting room for Honeywood, Michael Grace and Ovene Winery Jaffurs – Santa Barbara Fr-Su
2445 Alamo Pintado Ave; 805-686-9699 Daily 11-5 X X 1539 Mission Dr, #Unit B, Solvang Daily 819 East Montectio St; 805-962-7003 11-5 X X
805-686-9323 9:30-5:30 X X
Wild Heart Winery – Los Olivos Th-Mo 12-6 Giessinger – Santa Barbara Mo-Th 12-7
2933-C Grand Ave; 805-688-7386 Sa 11-7 X X Lincourt Vineyards – Solvang Daily 212 State St; 805-568-0820 Fr 12-7:30 Sa-Sun 11-8 X X
1711 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-688-8554 10-5 X X
Zaca Mesa – Los Olivos Daily Kalyra Winery – Santa Barbara Mo-Th 12-7
6905 Foxen Canyon Rd; 805-688-9339 10-4 X X Lions Peak Vineyards – Solvang Daily
1659 Copenhagen Dr; 805-693-5466 11-6:30 X X 212 State St; 805-695-8606 Fr-Su 12-8 X X
L O M P O C / B U E L LT O N Kunin Wines – Santa Barbara Daily
Lucas & Lewellen – Solvang Daily
Alma Rosa – Buellton Daily 1645 Copenhagen Dr; 805-686-9336 11-5:30 X X 28 Anacapa St, Suite A; 805-963-9696 11-6 X X
7250 Santa Rosa; 805-688-9090 11-4:30 X X Municipal Winemakers – Santa Barbara On
Mandolina Wines – Solvang Daily
Ampelos Cellars – Lompoc Sat 11-4 1665 Copenhagen Dr; 805-686-5506 11-5:30 X X 28 Anacapa Street; 805 598-1896 weekends X X
1633 West Central Avenue, 805-736-9957 By Appt X X
Margerum – at Taste of the Valleys Su-Th 12-8 Santa Barbara Winery – Santa Barbara Daily
Babcock Winery – Lompoc Daily 1672 Mission Drive; 805 688-7111 Fr-Sa 12-10 X X 202 Anacapa St; 805-963-3633 10 - 5 X X
5175 E. Hwy 246; 805-736-1455 10:30-4 X X
Michael Grace – at Old Mission Wine Company in Solvang Summerland – Summerland Tue-Sun
Casa Cassara – Buellton Mo,We,Th 12-6:30 1539 Mission; 805-686-9323 Daily 9:30-5:30 X X 2330 Lillie Ave; 805-565-WINE 11-6 X X
291 Valley Station Dr; 805-688-8691 Fr-Su 11-6:30 X X
Ovene Winery – at Old Mission Tasting Company in Solvang Oreana Winery – Santa Barbara
Clos Pepe – Lompoc By 1539 Mission; 714-420-2525 Daily 9:30-5:30 X X 205 Anacapa St; 805-962-5857 Daily 11-5 X X
4777 East Hwy 246; 805-735-2196 Appt
Presidio Vineyard – Solvang Daily
1603 Copenhagen Dr, 805-693-8585 11-6 X X Westerly Vineyards – Santa Barbara Daily
Dierberg Estate/Star Lane/Three Saints – Lompoc 28 Anacapa St, Suite A; 805-963-9696 11-6 X X
1280 Drum Canyon Rd; 866-652-8430 Daily 11-5 X X Rideau Vineyard – Solvang Daily
1562 Alamo Pintado Rd; 805-688-0717 11-4 X X Whitcraft Winery – Santa Barbara Daily Fri-Sun 12-4
Fiddlehead Cellars – Lompoc Fr-Sa
36A S. Calle Cesar Chavez; 805-730-1680 Mon-Thu call X X
1597 E. Chestnut Ave; 805 742-0204 11-4 X X Royal Oaks – Solvang Tu-Sa 11-7
Flying Goat Cellars – Lompoc Th-Sa 1651 Copenhagen Dr; 805-693-1740 Su-Mo By Appt X X Wine Cask Alliance – Santa Barbara Daily
1520A East Chestnut Court; 805 736-9032 11-4 X X 813 Anacapa St; 805 966-9463 11-7 X X
Rusack Vineyard – Solvang Daily
Foley Estates – Lompoc Daily 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd; 805-688-1278 11-5 X X VENTURA COUNTY
6121 East Hwy 246; 805-737-6222 10-5 X X Shoestring Winery – Solvang Fr-Su Bella Victorian Vineyard – Camarillo We-Th 11:30-7
Harrison-Clarke – Lompoc By 800 East Hwy 246; 800-693-8612 11-4 X X 2135 E. Ventura Blvd; 805-383-8800 Fr-Sat11:30-8,Su11:30-4 X X
805-686-0850 Appt X X Sort This Out Cellars – Solvang Daily Camarillo Custom Crush – Camarillo Sat-Sun
Hitching Post Wines – at Hitching Post Restaurant in Buellton 1636 Copenhagen Drive; 805-688-1717 10-5:30 X X 300 S. Lewis Rd, Ste C; 805-484-0597 11-5 X X
 Cantara Cellars– Camarillo
406 East Hwy 246; 805-688-0676 Daily from 4pm X X Uncorked/Monsoon Cellars Fr-Sa 12-9pm
467 Alisal Rd Ste 2; 805-693-8000; Solvang Su 12-6 X X Weekends
Huber Vineyards – Lompoc Sa-Sun 11-4 126 Wood Rd, Ste 104; 805-484-9600 11-5 X X
4892 Hapgood Rd; 805-736-3854 & By Appt X X Wandering Dog Wine Bar – Solvang Daily
1539 Mission Dr; 805-686-9126 11-8ish X X Casa Barranca – Ojai Wed, Thu, Sun 12-6
Ken Brown Wines – Buellton By 208 E. Ojai Ave; 805-640-1255 Fri, Sat 12-8 X X
70 Industrial Way; 805-448-3791 Appt S A N TA YN E Z
Herzog Wine Cellars – Oxnard Sun-Fri
Lafond Vineyard – Buellton Daily Artiste – Santa Ynez Daily 3201 Camino Del Sol; 805-938-1560 Call for hours X X
6855 Santa Rosa Rd; 805-688-7921 10-5 X X 3569 Sagunto St; 805-686-2626 11-5 X X
Melville Vineyard – Lompoc Daily Bridlewood Estate – Santa Ynez Daily Old Creek Ranch Winery – Ojai Valley Daily
5185 East Hwy 246; 805-735-7030 11-4 X X 3555 Roblar Ave; 805-688-9000 10-5 X X 10024 Old Creek Rd; 805-649-4132 11-5 X X

Mosby Winery – Buellton Daily Buttonwood Farm – Santa Ynez Daily Ojai Beverage Co. & Tasting Rm – Ojai Daily
9496 Santa Rosa Rd; 805-688-2415 10-4 X X 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd; 800-715-1404 11-5 X X 655 E. Ojai Ave; 805 646-1700 10-9 X X
Palmina – Lompoc Th-Su Gainey Vineyard – Santa Ynez Daily Rancho Ventavo Cellars – Oxnard Fri-Sun 11-6
1520 East Chestnut Ct; 805-735-2030 11-4 X X 3950 East Hwy 246; 805-688-0558 10-5 X X X 1741 S. A Street, 805 483-8084 Monday Holidays X X

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