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For more information on this program, contact Jess Winters at (805) 979-3681
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VIP FIRST RESPONDERS BUYING PROGRAM Jess Winters, VIP FRP Manager | Call: 805-979-3681 | Email: jwinters@dchlexusofsantabarbara.com sanluisobispo.com
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Love at first sip. Experience every luscious, vibrant taste of Monterey County’s acclaimed Arroyo Seco region, captured in Arroyo Vista Chardonnay, from the limited production, artisan wines of J. Lohr Vineyard Series.
Š 2015 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA
J. Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center
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6169 Airport Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 805.239.8900 | 10am-5pm Daily
vineyard-driven | passionately made
j. lohr vineyard series
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R E D I S C OV E R YO U R
HIDDEN HARMONY Set on the Central Coast of California amidst 20 pastoral acres featuring lush vineyards, olive orchards and edible gardens, Allegretto Vineyard Resort offers guests an exceptionally joyful wine country experience surrounded by uncompromising beauty. Featuring 171 spacious guestrooms and suites, luxury boutique Spa Allegretto, a tasting room opening this spring and the exquisite seasonal menus of Cello Ristorante & Bar, guests of this Tuscan-style resort will revel in their newly rediscovered inner harmony.
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inside 14
New experiences at local wineries
Wineries are finding all kinds of new and exciting ways to make you want to visit. — BY SALLY BUFFALO
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Firestone Walker Brewery turns 20
With an eye on the future, this local brewery has big plans for growth and expansion. — BY SALLY BUFFALO
Craft ciders are bubbling on the Central Coast
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Local ciders are becoming almost as popular as craft beers and wines. — BY SALLY BUFFALO
DEPARTMENTS WINERY MAPS, TASTING ROOM LISTINGS AND MORE SLO County Brewpubs North County Wineries North Coast Wineries South County Wineries Santa Maria Valley Wineries Events Calendar THE LAST SIP: Cider pairing
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PLUS
46 Better mixers, better cocktails 48 Fresh meat makes house calls 52 58 Q&A about sparkling wines 54 60 What happens when wine ages 56 80 84 92 96 98 Paso Robles’ sub-AVA regions
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VINTAGES
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The Tribune, San Luis Obispo A Spring 2016 Publisher....................................................................................Tom Cullinan Editor......................................................................................... Sandra Duerr Art Director............................................................................ Kristi Marinelly Contributing Photographers......................Laura Dickinson, Joe Johnston, David Middlecamp Copy Editors................................... Victoria Billings, Christopher Dobstaff, Bryan Dugan, Kayla Missman, Amy Nuttter, Jennifer Robillard Research............................................................... Amy Nutter, Robert Shutt Custom Publications Editor.....................................................Carey Norton Custom Publications Assistant Editor .................................Monica Stevens
For information on advertising, call 805.781.7818 Vice President, Advertising..........................................................Valerie Vaz Media Managers......................... Lori Haynes, Sergio Holguin, Brad Koyak Media Specialists.........................................Cecilia Dominguez, Gina Grieb, Cathy Hoover Hedger, Kate Kessler, Patti Leos, Laura Lupini, Jennifer Perryman, Ray Riordan, Sally Warren ...............................................................................................................................................
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About the cover A lakeside vintage trailer is ready for a campout at Alta Colina Winery in Paso Robles. ............................................................
Photo courtesy of Alta Colina Winery
Vintages is an editorial supplement published by The Tribune, P.O. Box 112, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MATERIAL HEREIN MAY NOT BE REPRINTED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER.
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any residents — and tourists — no longer just want to taste wine when they visit the wineries in San Luis Obispo County. They’re looking for more personal experiences, whether it’s a behind-the-scenes tour, brunch, unusual wine and food pairings, overnight camping or even disc golf in the vineyards. Sandra Duerr, “It’s a way to share wine in a executive editor not-so-obvious manner,” Chris Taranto, communications director for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, told freelance writer Sally Buffalo. The wineries’ hope, of course, is to generate more wine enthusiasts, as well as enhance their knowledge of wine. Find out more by reading our cover story. Then keep turning the page to get a terrific update on Firestone Walker Brewing Co. as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Did you know that brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker founded the brewery in Los Olivos when they were both in the winery business? Now the 13th largest craft brewery in the nation, Firestone Walker produces up to 300,000 barrels a year. A multimillion dollar expansion underway is designed to increase that to more than a million barrels a year over the next two decades. That’s about the size of today’s Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Besides these informative stories, check out our coverage of: A Cider: A handful of hard cider operations have popped up in the county in the past few years, mostly from people with ties to the winemaking industry — and more are in the works. A Paso Robles’ 11 distinctive wine regions. A Artisanal producers: Local companies sell everything from cocktail mixers to meat delivered right to your doorstep. A A guide to local sparkling wines. A Comprehensive lists of the region’s 200-some wineries, now including the Santa Maria Valley, as well as local craft brewers. As always, we are proud to present Vintages, the leading wine guide in Central California that aims to inform, delight and serve as a useful reference. Tell us what you think of our stories and what you’d like to read in upcoming issues. Email us at vintages@thetribunenews.com or write to us c/o Vintages, The Tribune, P.O. Box 112, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-0112. Cheers! Sandra Duerr, executive editor The Tribune and sanluisobispo.com
Where can you experience fabulous wines along with true stories of the mafia?
Black Hand Cellars specializes in white & red wines which include Rhône & Bordeaux blends, Estate syrah and Dessert wine. Our grapes are from our property and surrounding vineyards on the West side appellation of Paso Robles. Our theme takes us back to the 1920’s during prohibition and mafia stories.
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GRAPEVINE
Wine Enthusiast gives Jerry Lohr ‘Legend’ status, picks Firestone as top brewery A Central Coast wine stalwart has earned a rare honor for his decades of dedication as a local brewery adds another trophy to its shelf. Jerry Lohr, the namesake of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, is only the third person to be named “American Wine Legend” by Wine Enthusiast magazine, which celebrated its Wine Star Awards winners in January as part of its annual “Best of Year” edition. Lohr, 80, who planted his first vineyards in Monterey County in the early 1970s before taking his wine-producing skills to Paso Robles in the late 1980s, has been celebrated for helping bring worldwide attention to the Central Coast wine community. He is being honored by Wine Enthusiast for his “energy, courage, groundbreaking vision and business acumen” and his “invaluable contributions to the industry,” according to J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. said in a news release Thursday. “What Robert Mondavi was to Napa Valley, Jerry Lohr is to the Central Coast, leading and elevating an entire viticultural region from Monterey to Paso Robles with perseverance, dedication and a passion for quality,” said Adam Strum, editor and
publisher of Wine Enthusiast, in a news release. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines owns more than 5,000 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County and Napa Valley, according to the company. Earlier this year, Lohr donated money and equipment to Cal Poly to help build a new teaching and research winery. At the time, the university did not disclose how much Lohr donated; however, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines recently said it was “a million-dollar pledge.” FIRESTONE WALKER NAMED ‘BREWERY OF THE YEAR’ Wine Enthusiast also honored Paso Robles beermaker Firestone Walker Brewing Co. as “Brewery of the Year.” The Central Coast favorite celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. “It’s an honor to share this distinction with Jerry Lohr and the other award recipients, and to spread the word about our home region,” Firestone Walker co-founder David Walker said in a news release. Wine Enthusiast said award winners were chosen “for their groundbreaking vision coupled with the courage to take risks and the skill to succeed.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRESTONE WALKER
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.’s limited edition XX Anniversary ale.
Firestone keeps turning out some of its traditional favorites, but it’s not afraid to shake things up. The brewery said it would begin phasing out three of its bottled specialty beers as it continues with expansion plans as a result of its 2015 merger with Duvel Moortgat USA. Firestone also released its “XX” Anniversary Ale, which consists of several barrel-aged Firestone beers blended with input from more than a dozen esteemed local winemakers. The Wine Star Awards celebration was Jan. 30 in Miami, according to the magazine. — MARK POWELL
SLO County wines make Wine Enthusiast’s best-buy lists
Turley zinfandel makes Wine Spectator top 100
SLO County wineries made a few appearances on end-ofthe-year best wine lists. Tangent’s 2014 Paragon Vineyard sauvignon blanc was named a Best Buy of 2016 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. The wine, from Edna Valley’s Niven family, sells for $13 and ranked 38 out of the magazine’s top 100 “budget-friendly gems” for its “classic and yet distinctive” aromatics and intriguing palate. Two Paso Robles wines made the publication’s Top 100 Cellar Selections, which lists best bets for wines that will evolve and mature over the next 5 to 20 years. Broadside’s
Wine Spectator magazine named one of Turley Wine Cellars’ Paso Robles zinfandels to its Top 100 Wines of 2016. Turley’s 2013 Ueberroth Vineyard Zinfandel ($48) came in at No. 20, the only San Luis Obispo County wine to appear on this year’s list. Ueberroth, planted in 1885, is the oldest of the winery’s zinfandel vineyards, which dot the state around Paso, Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and Amador County. It’s also the closest to the ocean, featuring head-trained vines planted on steep limestone slopes that produce high-acid wines. The list called the wine, rated at 94 points, a “potent red loaded with personality” that should drink well through 2028.
2013 Ephemera cabernet sauvignon, with a price tag of $125, came in at number 90, while Daou Vineyards’ 2012 Soul of a Lion cabernet, at $100, ranked 75th. Soul of a Lion, rated 95 points, was lauded for its “deep, lavish and creamy aromas,” with a recommendation to drink from 20182032. The magazine called Ephemera “an impressive addition” to the label’s more affordable options, with a deep, dense nose and energetic acidity that should drink well from 2017-2033. — SALLY BUFFALO
Broadside’s 2013 Ephemera cabernet sauvignon ranked 90 on Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Top 100 Cellar Selections for its deep, dense nose and energetic acidity. COURTESY PHOTO
— SALLY BUFFALO
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GRAPEVINE
PHOTO COURTESY OF NINER WINE ESTATES
The solar array at Niner Wine Estates provides all the energy needed to power the tasting room, winery, restaurant and water-reclamation system.
Niner Wine Estates is first SIP-Certified winery in California Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles is the first winery in California to be SIP Certified under an expansion of the sustainability program for vineyards and wines. Standing for “Sustainability in Practice,” the new winery certification examines several winery operation factors, including energy efficiency, water use, glass and paper recycling, social equity and financial sustainability. “This certification takes our sustainability to the next level,” Molly Bohlman, Niner’s pinot noir and chardonnay winemaker, wrote on the winery’s blog. All three of Niner’s vineyards — 212 acres in Paso Robles and Edna Valley — have been SIP Certified since last year, as have its wines. The estate also features solar panels that provide all the energy for its tasting room, restaurant, LEED-certified winery and waterreclamation system. The certification goes beyond infrastructure to include systems and practic-
es to protect employees and create a good work environment, Bohlman said. The SIP Certification program began with 3,700 acres in 2008 and now provides independent, third-party verification of sustainable practices for 40,000 vineyard acres around the state and 2 million cases of wine from 30 brands being sold internationally. Four other San Luis Obispo County wineries are among seven highlighted for their sustainable farming practices in the August/September issue of The SOMM Journal, a publication aimed at the hospitality industry. The article — proclaiming that the “common thread running through the most prestigious vineyards” on the Central Coast is SIP-Certified practices — details farming approaches and the resulting wines at Ancient Peaks in Santa Margarita, Halter Ranch in Paso Robles and Chamisal Vineyards and Niven Family Wines in Edna Valley. — SALLY BUFFALO
New book details local contributions to Rhône movement A new book features several SLO County winemakers and wineries. “American Rhône: How Maverick Winemakers Changed the Way Americans Drink,” by noted wine writer Patrick Comiskey, chronicles the rise of Rhône varietal wines in the United States, including key players and developments in San Luis Obispo County. Among them: syrah, grenache, viognier and others locally. “Patrick’s book is a real marker point for the American Rhône movement, which was on the fringes of the mainstream for so long but is now such an important part of the wine culture here 12 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
in the Central Coast,” said Jason Haas, partner and general manager of Tablas Creek Vineyard. Paving the path for the movement were wild leaps of faith in the early days by brave pioneers including Gary Eberle. In a chapter called “Syrah’s Proud Father,” Comiskey argues that modern American syrah may never have taken off without Eberle’s early plantings and advocacy. The book ($34.95), published by University of California Press, is available from the publisher and at Amazon.com.
NATHAN CARLSON/CENTER OF EFFORT WINERY
Center of Effort’s 2014 EFFORT pinot noir on a store shelf.
Center of Effort’s pinot ranked in top 100 wines of 2016 Center of Effort’s 2014 EFFORT pinot noir ($27) came in at No. 38 on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list of standout wines for 2016. “For the winery’s lower-priced offering, this is a stunner,” writes the magazine, which awarded the wine 94 points. “It was a really pleasant surprise,” winemaker Nathan Carlson said of the ranking. The wine is made in the same manner as the higher-priced Center of Effort line, with mostly native yeasts and some whole cluster fermentation, with just a bit less time in the barrel to bring it to market earlier: “It’s a little riper and more pleasurable to drink earlier,” Carlson said. The winery has sold out of the 2014 vintage, though it can still be found on store shelves. It released the 2015 vintage in October. The Edna Valley winery, located in the old Corbett Canyon facility, is owned by Bill and Cheryl Swanson. He is the retired chairman/CEO of Raytheon Co. — SALLY BUFFALO
— SALLY BUFFALO sa n lu iso b isp o .c o m
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LAURA DICKINSON ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Looking toward the Jussila residence at the top of the vineyard property at kukkula winery.
JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
LXV Wine offers a “spice pairing” — cheese and dried blueberries dusted with spice mixtures that are paired with its wines. DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Cow Parade entry titled “Daisy’s Dream” is featured at the Castoro Cellars tasting room. 14 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY WINERIES
For some wineries, it’s all new experiences Wineries throughout San Luis Obispo County have begun branching out from the traditional tasting. With hiking tours, camping retreats and disc golf courses, enthusiasts looking for a bit of adventure with their wine have plenty of options on the Central Coast. BY SALLY BUFFALO
Special to the Tribune
F
or a long time, the recipe for a successful winetasting experience was pretty straightforward: Friendly staff pouring good wine in a relaxing space, possibly with some snacks or gifts for sale. But today’s savvy consumers are seeking more unique, personal experiences, and many area wineries have responded, offering new, behind-the-scenes tours, in-depth tastings and creative ways to get customers more acquainted with the plants and plots of land that produce the wine they drink. “People dig it when they get to see how the winery works,” said Kevin Jussila, the owner and winemaker at kukkula in Paso Robles. “And we get to show them what we’re all about.” Many of these experiences aim to enhance a wine drinker’s knowledge of wine, but some appeal to the nonenthusiast as well, and may even turn new people onto San Luis Obispo County’s thriving wine scene. “It’s a way to share wine in a not-so-obvious manner,” said Chris Taranto, communications director for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Here are a few of our favorite new ways to tour, taste, stay and play at the region’s wineries. TOUR Boars and brunch at kukkula Tour companies taking visitors around to a handful of wineries
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LAURA DICKINSON ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Kevin Jussila, winemaker and owner of Paso Robles winery kukkula, has created a hiking tour on his vineyard. The tour leads through the grapevines and ends at his home at the top of his property. Jussila’s wife, Paula, meets participants at the end with a meal.
while arranging gourmet lunches and other add-ons has been a staple of wine country for many years. Recently, more wineries have begun offering their own tours, getting visitors up close and personal with the vineyards, the winemaking and often the winemaker. At kukkula, a small estate winery in the far reaches of the Ade-
laida district, a new hiking tour takes participants through the vineyard and into the owners’ hilltop home for brunch and a uniquely intimate experience. The tour, with no more than 20 participants, sets off from the winery at the bottom of the hillside vineyard and meanders up through the vines as owner/winemaker Kevin Jussila describes his
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PHOTOS BY LAURA DICKINSON ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Kevin Jussila, winemaker and owner of Paso Robles winery kukkula, speaks about the wine tasting as he swirls his glass.
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A kale and wild boar sausage frittata, fruit, croissants, crumb cake and yogurt is served at kukkula.
decadelong journey of transforming an old walnut grove into an organic, dryfarmed winery producing artisan Rhône varietal blends. With plenty of wildlife in the area, hikers may spot a jackrabbit bounding through the vines or golden and bald eagles flying overhead, and Kevin is sure to share his battles with the wild boars that roam the area at night, rooting destructively through the ground. After working up an appetite over the 400-foot climb, Paula Jussila welcomes the tour into the couple’s home, with architecture to match the striking 360degree hilltop views. An avid cook, Paula serves an inviting brunch of pastries, fruit, yogurt and homemade wine jelly. The menu may even feature the boar that Kevin traps and kills on the property in a hearty dish, such as savory kale and wild boar sausage frittata. Bellies full, the tour treks back down the road, past the olive grove that the Jussilas planted to make their Provençal field blend olive oil, and back to the winery. There, guests taste the fruit of Kevin’s labor: medleys of earthy, chocolatey syrah, spicy-yet-velvety counoise, spicebox grenache — the aromas and flavors all the more vivid after walking the ground from which they spring. Details: The three-hour “Experience kukkula” tour is offered March 19, May 21, Aug. 20 and Oct. 22 for $40. Best for active wine drinkers, the one-mile hike gains about 400 feet in elevation over uneven ground. Water-resistant hiking boots are recommended, as are a change of shoes for after the tour. Other touring options: For those who’d prefer a more leisurely experience, ONX Wines offers weekly, hourlong tours
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PHOTOS BY JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
The LXV Wine tasting room, where the winery offers a “spice pairing” with its wines.
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of its rolling Templeton Gap vineyard, with stops at scenic oases to taste the wine where it’s grown. $15, www.onx wines.com. Halter Ranch offers an indepth “Excursion Tour” that takes visitors around the sprawling property in a 1984 Land Rover, stopping at a few landmarks to sample wine, through the stateof-the-art winery and winding caves, before wrapping up with a visit to the modern tasting room. $45, www.halter ranch.com.
LXV Wine offers spice pairings to showcase how the wines accompany food and cooking.
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TASTE Spicing it up at LXV Some wineries offer a small cheese plate to accompany a tasting, others sell full charcuterie platters, and many will pull out a bite of dark chocolate to sample with a dessert wine. One Paso winery goes beyond these traditional pairings by throwing spice into the mix. The downtown Paso tasting room of LXV Wine, owned by Neeta and Kunal
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COURTESY PHOTO
These vintage trailers at Alta Colina winery are on the edge of a small lake.
Mittal, offers an exotic feast for the senses: vibrant blue walls, colorful daybeds topped with piles of plush pillows, seductive Indian music and alluring aromas of cardamom, rose hips and other spices. Most winemakers eschew smells, worried they’ll interfere with the aroma and taste of their wines, but with a culinary background, Neeta wanted to showcase how the wines accompany food and cooking. It’s less about the protein, she says, and more about the flavors and seasonings you’re using. That’s exactly what the by-appointment spice pairings aim to highlight. The Mittals start with a mild sheep’s milk cheese, which they dust with various spice blends to complement the vintage, varietal and season. Most every tasting includes a pairing with the family recipe for garam masala, a blend of over 20 brown spices used to warm up everything from vegetables to stews that Neeta’s mother sends over
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from India. For a Rhône-dominant blend, the LXV team combined rose hips, rose petals, cardamom, jasmine, cinnamon, sea salt and cocoa, a mix they described as well-suited to cream sauces. Neeta offers recipes or suggestions for each spice mixture, which are also sold in packets for $5. The pairing for a cab franc-syrah-merlot blend, with smoked tea, paprika, garlic, black pepper, fennel, sarsaparilla, rosemary and marjoram, for example, is perfect for a steak or paneer rub. To end on a nonchocolate sweet note, the Mittals pair their rich syrah with dried blueberries dusted with sarsaparilla, cocoa, vanilla and nutmeg, a combo that can be made into a sauce to accompany game meats. Details: Spice pairings, $20, offered by appointment only, so a staff member can walk you through the tasting. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursday to Monday. www.lxvwine.com.
Other pairing options: If traditional cheese and charcuterie are more your style, Le Vigne Winery has among the largest selections in the area, along with fresh-pressed paninis. More paninis, salad and dessert to accompany tastings are on the menu at AronHill Vineyards’ small bistro. Enjoy a seated tasting along with a meal from the full menu at Cass Vineyard and Winery, or hit the popular open-air Barton’s Kitchen Window for Chef Jeffry Wiesinger’s award-winning creations at Barton Family Wines. STAY Elevated camping at Alta Colina Between on-site bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals and guest cottages, dozens of wineries offer places for visitors to stay overnight. But those seeking a real connection with the land should check out the more rustic option offered at Alta Colina Wine’s new Trailer Pond. A stay at Alta Colina starts like any
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stay, bottle of wine, wine-andcheese tasting and catered breakfast both mornings. Weeknight stays are $250 per night with free wine tasting. 21 and over only. Book at www.tinkertin.com. Contact Tinker Tin directly for group and event rental details and options. Other options: For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Que Sera Syrah Vineyard Winnebago on www.airbnb.com for $90 per night. Or forget the trailers and camp the old-fashioned way at Pianetta Ranch & Winery, where you can pitch a tent among the vines. Pianetta accommodates groups up to 50 and will arrange tastings, tours, dinner and more. Book at www.hipcamp.com.
COURTESY PHOTO
The interior of this 1962 Aristocrat trailer has been updated with a cozy and vintage feeling.
other visit, with a stop at fatherdaughter Bob and Maggie Tillman’s tasting room off Highway 46 West. Sample the 130-acre estate’s organically farmed, handmade Rhône varietal wines, then grab a bottle or two and head up the steep, winding drive — past exposed hillsides revealing the fractured shale soil the vines root into — and up to a serene pond ringed by a half-dozen vintage trailers. Watch the sunset from the floating dock, 1,800 feet above sea level, surrounded by nothing but vines, hills and valleys in every direction. When it’s time to tuck in, snuggle into the trailer’s cozy bed and fall asleep to the calming lulla-
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by of the vineyard at night. Wake and prepare a fresh cup of organic Joebella coffee right in the trailer — lovingly restored and appointed in period detail by Tinker Tin Trailer Co. Take a hike among the vines, relax with a book on your shaded front patio, or schedule an outdoor yoga class and wine tasting on the hillside deck nearby. Prepare simple meals at the cute outdoor kitchen at the far end of the trailers, arrange for catered meals or head for a bite in town — only a 10-minute drive despite feeling a world away. Details: The weekend package for two, $750, includes a two-night
PLAY Tossing around the vines at Castoro Cellars You’ll find bocce ball, bean bag toss and other games dotting the lawns of tasting rooms around wine country, but rarely will you find a game that takes you straight into the vineyard itself. But that’s exactly what you can do at Castoro Cellars, where the Udsen family has created a disc golf course meandering through its Whale Rock vineyard. Not familiar with disc golf? The game features 18 holes, just like the club kind, but instead of hitting balls toward a tiny hole, you’re tossing small, Frisbee-like discs with the goal of landing them in chain-strung metal baskets. The family-friendly sport takes just minutes to learn, though like its namesake, can take a lifetime to master. Luke and Max Udsen, sons of Castoro co-founders Niels and Bimmer, are keen disc golfers themselves and alighted on the idea as a low-impact way to provide a fun diversion and get people better acquainted with the vines that Please see page 22
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DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Max Udsen putts in hole 17 while playing disc golf at the Whale Rock Disc Golf Course at the Castoro Cellars vineyard.
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make the wines. Each tee features a sign describing something about the surrounding vines, the land or Castoro’s history, along with a piece of ancient, petrified whalebone discovered when they planted the vineyard. The two-mile loop — covering much of the same ground used for the winery’s annual Beaverstock music festival — takes players past majestic old oaks, up hills with expansive views and into the far reaches of the sprawling property. Practice enough and you may even want to play in the annual Wine Down tournament. Details: Check in at the tasting room, rent some discs and play a round for just $5, wine tasting included. Or join the $60 wine and disc club for unlimited rounds, free tastings and a bottle of your choice. Find more information about the course at www.castorocellars.com. Other options: Bit more of a thrill-seeker? Try zip lining through
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Whale Rock Disc Golf Course in the Castoro Cellars vineyard.
Ancient Peaks Winery’s Santa Margarita vineyard with Margarita Adventures, which offers six zip lines and various packages perfect for adrenaline junkies. Go for a more mellow vibe at the shaded outdoor pool table at Chronic Cellars, or head to Kelsey See
Canyon Vineyards for a kid-friendly outing to feed dozens of wild peacocks roaming the property.
Sally Buffalo writes about wine, beer and spirits. Reach her at sallybuffalo@gmail.com or on Twitter@sallybuffalo.
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PHOTOS BY DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. co-founder David Walker at the Paso Robles brewery.
THE NEXT 20 YEARS
Amid expansion, Firestone Walker holds onto its craft beer roots 24 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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The Lion and Bear is a nod to the founders’ British (Walker) and American (Firestone) approaches. BY SALLY BUFFALO
Special to The Tribune
F
Firestone Walker Brewing Co., based in Paso Robles, is undergoing a three-year, $60 million expansion that will allow it to grow incrementally over the next couple of decades to more than 1 millon barrels a year.
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rom a vantage point atop the massive outdoor tanks at Firestone Walker Brewing Co., one can see the past, present and future of the Paso Robles brewery. The original building, the red-roofed old SLO Brewing Co. brewhouse with a 20,000-barrel capacity, runs down the center of the complex. Straddling both sides are pieces added over the years to bring annual production up to 300,000 barrels. Wrapping around that is a new three-year, $60 million expansion that’s setting the stage for Firestone — now the 13th largest craft brewery in the nation — to grow incrementally over the next couple of decades to produce more than a million barrels a year. (That’s about the size of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.) The expansion also will allow them to operate more efficiently. Instead of brewing six days a week, three shifts a day, they can return to a normal production schedule. “We got fed up expanding and then having to build on top of ourselves two, three years later,” said David Walker, who founded the brewery 20 years ago with brother-in-law Adam Firestone. “What we decided to do was build something that would last a generation.” Firestone enters its next 20 years under the umbrella of Belgian brewery Duvel Moortgat. A year and half into the acquisition, any concerns among Firestone fans that their hometown brewery would get swallowed up, corporatized or otherwise mucked with have largely dissipated. Firestone and Walker are still at the helm, directing the
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PHOTOS BY DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Brewmaster Matt Brynildson at Firestone Walker brewery in Paso Robles.
805 bottles move to cases on the bottling line at Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles.
vision and daily operations. Brewmaster Matt Brynildson is still brewing innovative, award-winning beers that have made him possibly the most decorated brewer in the country — an unmatched four-time winner of both the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup Brewer of the Year in the midsize category. With the boom in craft beer over the past decade, Firestone has grown its footprint as well as its brewing capacity. The Taproom restaurant opened to accompany the Paso brewery, and a Brewery Emporium offers beer and merchandise for purchase a few hundred yards down the road. Barrelworks opened in Buellton to house the growing barrel-aging and wild ale programs, as well as its own tasting room and restaurant. And the Propagator debuted last year in Venice, with a restaurant and brewery focusing on experimental beers, a new R&D arm to the more production-focused Paso brewery. But access to new capital from the Duvel deal doesn’t have Firestone eyeing satellite breweries on the East Coast or strings of taprooms around the state like some other craft breweries have pursued. The company prefers to focus on brewing high-quality beer for distribution rather than Please see page 28
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PHOTOS BY DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Testing at Firestone Walker brewery includes scientific and human taste testing.
continued from page 26 The DBA, or Double Barrel Ale, started it all for Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
operating a half-dozen pubs, Walker said. And focusing on growing the brewery’s Central Coast roots is far more appealing than trying to rebuild everything they do somewhere else, Brynildson added. The brand may be known far and wide, but Firestone still sells 80 percent of its beer in California, most of it within 200 miles of the brewery. “We have a great local following,” Brynildson said. “We’re so well-supported by the local community.”
FORGING AN INNOVATIVE BUSINESS The real original brewery was not in Paso Robles but Los Olivos, where Firestone was running the family Firestone Vineyards and Walker was growing grapes while working in Silicon Valley. They began brewing with the goal of integrating it into the winery, but it quickly became too complex. The pair broke off and formed Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and, in 2001, picked up Please see page 30
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Brewing and Fine Wine with Cal Poly Extended Ed
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Extended Education vintages | SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 29
Brewmaster Matt Brynildson at Firestone Walker brewery in Paso Robles.
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SLO Brewing Co.’s Paso brewhouse — along with Brynildson, its brewmaster, and other members of the brewing team still on board today. They carved out an early niche with Double Barrel Ale, made in the style of a true English pale ale by fermenting in steel tanks as well as oak barrels — something Brynildson said he didn’t believe until he saw it himself. For the first decade, though, the Firestone team was building as much of a market for its brewery as its brand. People didn’t know what craft beer was, and Firestone and other early craft brewers had to convince them that beer was about flavor and craftsmanship as much as refreshment and good times. “We felt for 10 years we were pushing, then all of a sudden a light switched, and consumers started to pull,” Walker said. “We’ve been hanging on ever since.” With 5,000 breweries across the country today compared with 300 when they began, Walker says Firestone is no longer the cool kid on the block. But the company has displayed a knack for getting out in front of industry trends. Barrel fermenting organically led to barrel aging, making Firestone one of the first craft breweries to delve into the Please see page 32
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DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Catch the series Firestone’s latest wide-release beer features a little fun for fans of its hoppy beers. Luponic Distortion is a revolving series highlighting experimental and unusual hops in a series that changes up the recipe every 90 days. “Hops are like the spices for brewing,” said brewmaster Matt Brynildson, who began his career as a hop chemist and supplier and still speaks and consults on the topic worldwide. Each release uses the same base beer, changing out just the hops to highlight the subtle flavor differences in each cultivar. Revolution No. 005, released in February, features hops from Washington’s Moxee Valley, for example, while past releases have used hops from South Africa, Germany and New Zealand. Brynildson often compares creating beer to writing songs. With most beers, the song remains the same. Luponic Distortion, he says, is his chance to jam. .................................................................................................................
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Concrete, done be+er
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DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Robert Rand, brewer at Firestone Walker in Paso Robles, tests wort.
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now-popular category, with 2,000 to 3,000 barrels on hand today at any given time. Union Jack, a bold, West Coast-style IPA, debuted just as aggressively hopped beers were coming into fashion, and Easy Jack followed soon after as consumers began seeking high-flavor, hoppy brews with lower alcohol content. The brewery offered something for almost every category of craft beer drinker: the Jack series for the hop-heads, barrel-aged strong ales for the highgravity crowd — which a group of winemakers gather each year to blend for an anniversary ale that’s sought after among collectors — and a continuous stream of one-off and special releases to satiate the beer geeks. Then came 805. 805 FUELS COMPANY’S GROWTH Walker refers to 805 — a light, blonde ale aimed at the more casual beer drinker — as both a giant monster and a gift from the beer gods, often in the same sentence. Appealing to a whole different, much larger swath of the population — 70 percent of beer sold in America is still industrial-produced lager, Walker said — 805 exploded, quickly becoming more than 50 percent of Firestone’s production and the No. 1 selling craft beer in California. “We’re blessed to have it, but it definitely forced us to grow faster than we intended,” Brynildson said. It sent the team two years ago in search of a financial partner to help pay
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for the massive investments needed to keep up with the volume. They met with banks, venture capitalists, investors and all the big brewers, but none felt like the right fit. Then they came across Duvel Moortgat, an almost 150-year-old familyowned brewery in Belgium with investments in a handful of breweries in the United States and Europe. Duvel became the majority stakeholder in Firestone, with Walker, Firestone and Brynildson as minority owners. It’s an arrangement that Walker describes less like an acquisition and more like a marriage, noting that Firestone actually brews more beer then Duvel does in Belgium. “They’re a high-integrity partner that will keep the brewery and vision running long after we’re gone,” he said. “We couldn’t ask for a better patriarch.” The only physical sign of the partnership — aside from a couple of collaboration brews — is the flurry of construction for the brewhouse expansion, which will feature a striking glass front along Highway 101 and a spacious, modern visitor center. While the project paves the brewery’s future, building it while continuing production has been a challenge, Walker said, akin to doing open heart surgery while running a marathon. For beer lovers, walking through the brewery is a bit like touring Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory — bottles clink along serpentine filling lines, cans whiz by on overhead conveyor belts, forklifts zip this way and that, with maze-like tunnels, catwalks crisscrossing at various levels, vats and tanks of all sizes and control centers that look like they could land a space shuttle. Near the heart sits a laboratory that appears capable of cracking the gene code. A dozen scientists conduct about 14,000 tests each month — 215 pieces of data on each batch of beer — in a strict quality control program unusual for a brewery this size. Just outside, brewery employees regularly stop by the sensory station, tasting beers in blind tests and rating them on a highly detailed flavor wheel under the supervision of a full-time sensory tech. It’s here, in the lab, the sensory station and the brewhouse, that the next generation of Firestone beers is being dreamed up, crafted and perfected.
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Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Headquarters: Paso Robles Owners: Majority: Duvel Moortgat NV of Belgium. Minority: Founders David Walker and Adam Firestone, brewmaster Matt Brynildson Employees: 450, about half based in Paso Robles Visit Firestone Walker www.firestonebeer.com 805-225-5911 1400 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles Sample the beers, order a pint or have a sit-down meal at the Taproom from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Or stop in the Brewery Emporium, 200 yards from the brewery on Ramada Drive, for samples or to pick up beer and merchandise from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A new visitor center will open and brewery tours will resume when brewhouse construction is complete. Visit www.firestonebeer.com for information on visiting Barrelworks in Buellton or the Propagator in Venice. .....................................................................................
Brynildson, dubbed “Merlin” by the Firestone community, has been largely mum about those beers. Luponic Distortion, the popular new revolving hop series, will certainly continue, as will the core Lion & Bear beers. They’ll be joined by a new four-beer series also playing on the partnership/ rivalry between the English Walker and Californian Firestone called Leo v. Urus, the first of which Brynildson said will be a double IPA, a refreshed version of the discontinued Double Jack. Regardless of brewery expansions or industry recognition, Brynildson said, what matters at the end of the day is that the beer tastes good. And there, he said he believes, Firestone is hitting its stride. “The beer gets better every year.”
Sally Buffalo writes about wine, beer and spirits. Reach her at sallybuffalo@ gmail.com or on Twitter @sallybuffalo.
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Career Opportunities on the Central Coast with the
DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOSPITALS ATASCADERO The Department of State Hospitals Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. The mission includes providing evaluation and treatment in a safe and responsible manner, seeking innovation and excellence in hospital operations, across a continuum of care and settings. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce. Atascadero is located half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the family friendly central coast of California. It is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings and many historical landmarks.
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JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
A mural by artist Adam Welch can be seen at Bristols Cider House in Atascadero.
Craft ciders bubble up Bristols Cider, owned by Neil Collins, used to be the lone local hard cider in San Luis Obispo County. But a handful have popped up in the past few years, with more in the works — mostly from people with ties to the winemaking industry. BY SALLY BUFFALO
Special to The Tribune
sanluisobispo.com
JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Neil Collins is the owner and cider-maker for Bristols Cider House, as well as winemaker at Tablas Creek Vineyard and his own label, Lone Madrone. He is seen here in January at Bristols Cider House in Atascadero. vintages | SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 35
JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Ap
Art by Adam Welch is displayed at Bristols Cider House in Atascadero.
L
ocally made craft ciders are bubbling up around San Luis Obispo County, spurred by a somewhat surprising bunch: winemakers. “Used to be, winemakers were all making pinot noir on the side, now they’re all making cider,” says Neil Collins, co-owner and cider-maker at Bristols Cider in Atascadero and the winemaker at Tablas Creek Vineyard and his own label, Lone Madrone. Bristols was the lone local hard cider for more than a decade, but a handful have popped up in the past few years, with more in the works — mostly from people with ties to the winemaking industry. Cider appears to have more in common with beer than wine — it looks more like beer, and it’s sold and
served more like beer. But making it is a lot like making wine, Collins says. “It’s fermentation of fruit juice,” he says. “Wine is basically grape cider.” But these aren’t the syrupy, sweet drinks many people associate with cider. Most craft cider-makers produce crisp, dry ciders, which customers are discovering as a refreshing alternative to wine or beer. Another reason for the drink’s recent bump in popularity? Many people consider it a fitness-friendly beverage, Connor Meznarich says. “They’re low sugar, most of them, and gluten-free,” says Meznarich, Collins’ first assistant at Bristols and now half the duo behind Jean Marie Cidery. “It’s a drink for active people.”
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JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
A pitcher and a flight of ciders at Tin City Cider Co. in Paso Robles.
Another draw, for both makers and consumers, are the endless flavor profiles afforded by using different apples, throwing in some spices or adding other fruits or juices. “Everyone’s doing different, interesting stuff,” Collins says. “It’s super cool to see.” Read on for the in-cider scoop on San Luis Obispo County’s cider-makers:
JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
BRISTOLS CIDER HOUSE Thirst inspired Collins’ cider endeavors. He just couldn’t find ciders like the ones back in his native England, so he began making them himself, starting with two barrels in 1994. Today, Bristols offers a publike tasting room — featuring
Andrew Jones, left, and Mikey Giugni of Tin City Cider Co. in Paso Robles. s an l u i s o b i s p o . c o m
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PHOTOS BY JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Above: Tin City Cider Co. in Paso Robles. Below: Bristols Cider House in Atascadero offers a publike tasting room — featuring eight ciders on tap as well as Lone Madrone wines — that’s often hopping with food, live music and a lively crowd.
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JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Some of the ciders from Bristols Cider House in Atascadero.
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Oregon, or order at www.lonemadrone.com.
eight ciders on tap as well as Lone Madrone wines — that’s often hopping with food, live music and a lively crowd. Both the ciders and the decor pay homage to Collins’ hometown, Bristol, as well as the port city’s more infamous inhabitants, Blackbeard and other legendary pirates. Collins’ focus is traditional English-style cider, though he’s not afraid to get creative with some smaller batches. Spent gin botanicals give Merry Hell a fragrant kick, brettanomyces yeast lend Skimmington a farmhouse-style flavor, and 50 pounds of beets tinge Mangelwurzel with a bright pink hue and earthy backbone. Other creations are hopped, aged in spirit barrels or “bottle conditioned,” re-fermented in the bottle to create natural carbonation. Try Bristols (www.bristolscider.com) by the taste, pint, bottle or growler at the Cider House, at 3220 El Camino Real in Atascadero, open 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. Find Bristols Original and occasional special bottlings — $9 to $20 for 500- or 750-milliliter bottles — at outlets from Ventura to Paso Robles, as well as
JEAN MARIE CIDERY One of the newest to the scene, Jean Marie Cidery was founded by Branden Welshons, the business brains, and Connor Meznarich, a former cellar master at Sans Liege Wines in Pismo Beach under Curt Schalchlin as well as Collins’ original assistant at Bristols — the first cider he ever tasted. Jean Marie’s aptly named first release, Training Wheels, is a funky farmhouse-style blend, while Mama’s Boy is injected with local honey, giving a spiced honeycomb finish to the tart green apple flavor. Welshons and Meznarich plan to continue playing with honey — which ferments in the bottle and adds a hint of sweetness — using varying types to coax different flavors from the cider in about a half-dozen experimental batches. Jean Marie’s ciders are sold in 375-milliliter bottles for $6 to $7 at about 20 spots around San Luis Obispo County, listed on their website at www.jeanmariecidery.com, along with newly added locations in Santa Barbara County. A cider club is in the works. Email jeanmariecidery@gmail.com to set up a tasting.
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JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
A selection of ciders for sale at Tin City Cider Co. in Paso Robles.
REEF POINTS Patrick Martinez developed a taste for the crisp ciders of Down Under while working at wineries in Australia and New Zealand, discovering that the dry, refreshing beverage complemented his thirst for adventure. Now cellar master at Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles, Martinez partnered with friend and fellow ocean lover Dane Jacobs to craft bottle-conditioned ciders from family-owned orchards in Paso Robles and Watsonville, up toward Santa Cruz. Their core cider, Kid Neptune, is fermented in a blend of stainless steel and oak barrels, giving it a bright nip of lemon and green apple. For smaller releases, they’ve played around with techniques such as increased carbonation for a zippy texture, malolactic fermentation for a softer, creamier feel, and aging in wine and spirits barrels to pull out berry and maple tones. Find Reef Points ciders, sold in 22-ounce bottles for $14 to $16, in restaurants, bars and shops throughout the county and up and down the coast. Order online at www.reefpointshardcider.com or join the Cider Club to get a
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20 percent discount on shipments of six bottles. Check out its blog for cider cocktail recipes. SEE CANYON HARD CIDER CO. Chris Lemieux, winemaker at the family Domaine Le Mieux label, got into cider-making by accident when his parents, Wayne and Karen, purchased a farm in See Canyon and began nursing an old apple orchard back to health. Lemieux made some cider for winery customers, and it took off. See Canyon’s flagship Classic is a smooth, refreshing semisweet field blend, while the bitey Boneyard, at 9 percent alcohol by volume, is bone-dry without sacrificing the apple flavor. Premium Dry is a sparkling cider made in the same “methode Champenoise” as sparkling wines — bottle-conditioned for two years and cellared an additional four years before release. To bring hop-heads into the fold, Lemieux created Triple Threat, dry-hopped with three West Coast hops that bring out citrus and tropical notes, as well as Piney the Cider, combining pine needle juice with the same hops as Russian River
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Brewing Co.’s iconic Pliny the Elder beer. Stay tuned for information on the reopening of the tasting space, which closed for some changes in the fall. In the meantime, find See Canyon Hard Cider (www.seecanyonhardcider.com) on draft and in 22-ounce bottles for $14 to $16 at a variety of stores and restaurants. Or order by phone at 805-706-0411. TIN CITY CIDER CO. Not just one but three winemakers are behind the popular new Tin City Cider Co. — Field Recordings’ Andrew Jones, Sans Liege Wines’ Curt Schalchlin and Scar of the Sea’s Mikey Giugni. The spirit of collaboration runs through the ciders. The trio partners with local farms for fruit for ciders such as the passion-fruit co-fermented Liliko’i. They’re working with nearby Wine Shine to make calvados, an apple brandy. And they teamed up with next-door neighbor BarrelHouse Brewing Co. to make the crossover Sour Blonde. They also bring techniques from brewing and winemaking to their ciders: Fermenting them in white wine barrels, adding hops and using both beer and wine yeasts, creating an effervescent, almost Champagne-like flagship cider. The airy, modern taproom — with or-
JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Tin City Cider Co. in Paso Robles offers an airy, modern taproom.
chard ladders hanging overhead, trivia and live music nights and apple juice boxes for the kids — is open 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Get tasting flights, pints and cans, bottles and growlers of whatever is on tap. Or sign up for the cider club at www.tincitycider.com, or find 500-milliliter cans of the original cider and some specialty bottles at area stores. Giugni also makes cider under his Scar of the Sea label. Order at www.scarofthe seawines.com or look for it in area stores.
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NOW HIRING CLASS A DRIVERS FOR CRUDE AND VACUUM! We have invested in cutting edge technology in every aspect of our business to ensure driver safety, optimal productivity and world class customer service. We are looking for Drivers that share our same values and want to be a part of our growing company!
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Brought to you by the
5
th
Annual
May
Saturday
TempletonPark Ó
Tickets are $35 presale, $40 at the door
Ó The Central Coast’s best wineries, plus breweries and cider producers pouring unlimited tastes, specialty food samples, food vendors, boutique shopping and live music by Joy Bonner.
New Picnic Area Bocce Ball Wine by the glass
Charcuterie, cheese & other snack selections
OPEN DAILY 10:30am - 5:00pm 1380 Live Oak Rd., Paso Robles - Westside www.WindwardVineyard.com 805-239-2565
sanluisobispo.com
This event is produced by the Templeton Chamber of Commerce
www.templetonwinefestival.com www.facebook.com/templetonwinefestival
(805) 434-1789
vintages | SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 45
PASO ROBLES SUB-AVA DESIGNATIONS
Why you should care about Paso Robles’ 11 distinct wine regions Adelaida, Estrella, Geneseo, Willow Creek, El Pomar: Exactly where are these areas and what do they mean in the world of Paso Robles wine? Here’s a primer on what the area designations are — and why they are important.
least 85 percent of the fruit comes from that AVA — meaning up to 15 percent can come from elsewhere. Q: So where are the best grapes grown? A: First, an AVA designation indicates nothing about the quality of grapes grown there. That being said, some AVAs may percolate to the top, quickly or eventually, while others build a reputation for a certain style or varietal over time. And perceptions may change as wine growers learn more about which varietals work best where and common characteristics shared by wines from a particular district. “Time will help us define what these districts really mean,” Taranto said. “It could be years down the road.” Ultimately though, he and others say, the sub-regions will help carve out distinct identities to a degree impossible in a single, sprawling AVA. Q.
BY SALLY BUFFALO
Special to the Tribune
I
f you’ve spent time in Paso Robles tasting rooms or wine shops recently, there’s a good chance you’ve heard talk of Adelaida, Estrella or Geneseo, or seen Willow Creek or El Pomar stamped on a label. If you were left scratching your head, you’re not alone. The federal government approved dividing up the massive Paso Robles American Viticultural Area, or AVA, into 11 smaller sub-AVAs in November 2014. But it’s only more recently that wineries, trade professionals and enthusiasts have really begun paying attention to the designations. Here’s a primer on the most important things to know about Paso’s 11 distinct wine regions. Q: We’ve got the Paso Robles AVA. Why do we need all these others? A: When the Paso Robles AVA was established in 1983, there were only five bonded wineries and 5,000 acres of vines. Now it’s home to more than 200 wineries and 32,000 vineyard acres sprawled about 30 miles north to south and 40 miles east to west. Before the new districts were approved, it was the largest unsubdivided AVA in the state — about three times the size of Napa, which has 16 sub-AVAs. With wide variation in soils, terrain and climate, the districts help consumers better understand the diversity within Paso Robles. Some areas get 30 inches of rain a year, some get 10. Elevations range from 700 to 2,400 feet. Soils vary draQ.
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matically, from sand, loam and silt in the Estrella River Basin to limestonerich calcareous soils to the west. “We know that growing conditions are the most important factors to what makes the wine of a region unique, gives it a sense of place,” said Chris Taranto, communications director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “This helps us talk about how unique everyone is.” Q: I’m at a winery in Templeton Gap but the bottle says Adelaida — what gives? A: A district designation on the bottle refers to where the grapes were grown — not where they were processed or the winery is based. So if a winery in Templeton Gap makes wine from grapes it purchased from a vineyard in Adelaida, it can label the bottle as Adelaida. Where a winery is located doesn’t tell you much about the grapes’ origin, unless they use fruit only from their estate vineyards. If a winery uses simply Paso Robles, or Central Coast, that means the grapes came from more than one AVA. To make matters more confusing, wineries can designate an AVA on the label when at Q.
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San Miguel District Lake Nacimiento
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San Miguel
Estrella District
Cholame 46
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Wellsona Whitley Gardens
Adelaida District
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Geneseo District
Paso Robles
Willow Creek District
York Mountain AVA
Templeton Gap District
El Pomar District
Templeton
Shandon
San Juan Creek
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Creston
(Not part of the Paso Robles AVA)
Atascadero
Highlands District
Creston District 58
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The 11 distinct wine regions of Paso Robles When the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in 1983, it contained just five bonded wineries and 5,000 acres of vines. Now home to more than 200 wineries and 32,000 vineyard acres, it was divided into 11 smaller AVAs in 2014.
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Santa Margarita
Santa Margarita Ranch
Paso Robles American Viticultural Area Los Padres National Forest
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San Luis Obispo maps4news.com/ŠHERE
ADELAIDA DISTRICT Rugged terrain spanning Santa Lucia slopes and foothills with lots of limestone-rich, calcareous soils, modest marine influence and high average annual rainfall of 25 inches. Wineries/vineyards: Tablas Creek Vineyard, Halter Ranch Vineyard, Justin Vineyards and Winery, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Daou Vineyards CRESTON DISTRICT A warmer region with less rain, about 11 inches per year, spanning a plateau at the base of the La Panza Range with fertile alluvial soils, granite and sedimentary rock. Wineries/vineyards: Chateau Margene, August Ridge Vineyards, Shadow Run Vineyards & Winery EL POMAR DISTRICT Old terraces and hills with rich, loamy soils, some calcareous rock and sandstone, moderate rainfall and strong marine breezes with heavy fog. Wineries/vineyards: Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery, AmByth Estate, Still Waters Vineyards ESTRELLA DISTRICT Rolling plains in the Estrella River Valley with deep, mineral-rich alluvial soils and high
sanluisobispo.com
BETH ANDERSON banderson@thetribunenews.com
day-to-night temperature variations of up to 40 degrees. Wineries/vineyards: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Le Vigne Winery, Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery GENESEO DISTRICT A warmer area of upfaulted hills along the Huerhuero-La Panza fault with low rainfall featuring alluvial soils along with older granite and gravel cementation. Wineries/vineyards: Eberle Winery, Robert Hall Winery, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, Cass Winery HIGHLANDS DISTRICT The warmest district in the region, with diurnal temperature swings over 50 degrees, at the base of the La Panza range with deep alluvial soil. Wineries/vineyards: Shell Creek Vineyards, French Camp Vineyards SAN JUAN CREEK A younger river valley with sand and clay loam soils in a warm, low-rain area with high temperature swings. Wineries/vineyards: Red Cedar Vineyard (which crosses into the Estrella district) SAN MIGUEL DISTRICT The footslope of the Santa Lucia range, covering
Salinas and Estrella river terraces, with a moderate climate, deep sandy loam and some clay loam. Wineries/vineyards: San Marcos Creek Vineyard, Locatelli Vineyards & Winery, Caparone Winery SANTA MARGARITA RANCH Spanning high mountain slopes of the ancient Salinas River bed and its current path, with a mix of alluvial soils and the highest rainfall in the region, at 29 inches. Wineries/vineyards: Ancient Peaks Winery TEMPLETON GAP DISTRICT Rolling slopes and broad terraces with a pronounced marine influence from ocean breezes and fog, decent rainfall and loamy soil with spots of calcareous rock. Wineries/vineyards: Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards, Castoro Cellars, Peachy Canyon Winery, Zenaida Cellars WILLOW CREEK DISTRICT A hilly region with a strong marine influence, rain between 24 and 30 inches a year, and lots of limestone-rich calcareous and loamy soil. Wineries/vineyards: L’Aventure Winery, Opolo Vineyards, Denner Vineyards, Rotta Winery, Niner Wine Estates
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ARTISANAL FOODS
Locally crafted cocktail mixers can make creating home cocktails a breeze BY SALLY BUFFALO
Special to The Tribune
F
ancy cocktails are a great way to celebrate almost any occasion — but the many ingredients, garnishes and bar tools required to make them can be daunting for home bartenders. Enter Root Elixirs and SLO Bitter Co., two locally crafted product lines that aim to make creating tantalizing home cocktails a breeze. “Cocktails should be fun, not intimidating,” SLO Bitter Co. co-owner Robin Wolf said. Root Elixirs’ nonalcoholic flavored sodas, created by longtime Granada Bistro bartender Dominique Gonzales, are designed to be added to your liquor of choice for an instant cocktail. “They have all the fresh citrus and herbs that a craft cocktail would have,” Gonzales said, plus carbonation so the drinks don’t get watered down. “It makes it so much easier to throw a cocktail party.” The flavors — strawberry lavender, ginger beer and grapefruit jalapeño — are versatile enough to go with clear and brown spirits, even beer, champagne or sake. Gonzales also offers recipes on her website. San Luis Obispo bars including Granada, Novo Restaurant and Lounge and Luna Red have used the Root Elixirs mixers — brewed in a process similar to beer without the fermentation — in some cocktails. They’re also available on tap at The Station in San Luis Obispo; sample the sodas on-site in cocktails and mocktails or take them home in 16-ounce refillable growlers. In December, Gonzales released 12ounce Root Elixirs bottles, available at the Station and Re:Find Distillery in Paso Robles. Re:Find’s neutral spirits make up the base of SLO Bitter Co.’s handcrafted bitters — highly concentrated alcohol flavored with roots, spices and other botanicals that most bartenders consider an essential element of a cocktail. Wolf and her husband, Matt Hanson, started out making the bitters for use in their own drinks at home.
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PHOTOS BY JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Root Elixirs founder Dominique Gonzales adds her strawberry lavender soda to sparkling wine for a Champagne cocktail.
“Matt and I weren’t finding the flavor profiles we wanted, so we started making our own,” said Wolf, who creates cocktails for The Hatch Rotisserie and Bar in Paso Robles. She also has a background in the wine business. A friend urged them to start selling the bitters. Wolf still cooks them up in small batches in the couple’s San Luis Obispo kitchen, which she described as resembling
an apothecary. With a seemingly endless array of roots, spices, herbs and citrus to play with, flavor profiles run the gamut. Charred cedar and blackstrap, which Wolf describes as “man-cave bitters,” is perfect for a smoky Manhattan or rye highball. Grapefruit chili brings a new dimension to margaritas and palomas. Lavender elevates gin drinks, while sarsa n lu iso b isp o .c o m
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Robin Wolf and Matthew Hanson hand craft bitters under the name SLO Bitter Co.
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They can now be purchased at Re:Find, The Station and Lincoln Market and Deli in San Luis Obispo, with more retail locations likely to follow. While Wolf said she hopes aspiring mixologists get creative with her products, making a cocktail can be as simple as
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squeezing a few drops of bitters in your favorite liquor. “Just add an orange peel, and you’ve got a beverage,” she said. Sally Buffalo writes about wine, beer and spirits. Reach her at sallybuffalo@gmail.com or on Twitter @sallybuffalo.
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saparilla evokes root beer and licorice. Rose and pink peppercorn can bring a feminine touch to variations on a Moscow Mule and other classic cocktails. “They’re a great tool to keep at the home bar,” Wolf said of the bitters. With intense flavors coming from just a few drops, “they bring out flavor complexities you otherwise wouldn’t have.” Wolf uses them elsewhere in the kitchen, too. The lavender, she said, is great for shortbread, while the charred cedar and blackstrap goes wonderfully on grilled vegetables. She also adds a couple drops to sparkling water. Until recently, SLO Bitter Co. bitters were found primarily behind the bar at cocktail hot spots including Granada, Hatch, Sidecar Cocktail Co. in San Luis Obispo and Fish Gaucho in Paso Robles, where Hanson manages the bar and cocktail program.
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WHY DIDN’T WE
DO THIS S Trilogy® is more than a place to live. It’s knowing you’re in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. And for many of our owners, they wonder why they ever put off making the move. Try something unexpected. Know your neighbors. Experience a true sense of community. Be part of something bigger. Once you’re here, you’ll understand why everyone is asking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
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Discover the difference today and enjoy lunch on us! Visit TrilogyLife.com/monarchdunes or call to book your appointment! Don’t forget to mention Vintages Magazine! Sales: Shea Homes Marketing Company (CalBRE #01378646); Construction: Shea Homes, Inc. (CSLB #672285). Trilogy at Monarch Dunes is a community for people of all ages. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Mon-
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SOONER? Real Trilogy owners Leann & Randy L. and Mark & Trina Z. sharing a lifetime of stories over wine they made themselves with other neighbors.
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ARTISANAL FOODS
Love meat? This SLO County company will deliver steaks straight to your door BY KATY BUDGE
Special to The Tribune
W
ith monthly deliveries of locally-raised meats right to your doorstep, the Larder Club offers service that’s a cut above. Jensen and Grace Lorenzen launched The Larder Meat Co. last April and made their first Larder Club deliveries in May. Many diners may remember the husband-and-wife team from their first restaurant — Papillon in Baywood Park, which was open 2006 to 2008. They operated the Cass House in Cayucos from 2008 to 2013. At both respected locations, the couple’s dedicated farmto-table approach celebrated Central Coast farmers and ranchers. “We hope to keep local meat here because we know who raised it and how they raised it,” Grace Lorenzen said. Her husband added that this approach “evokes a more sustainable way to be a consumer of meat, to be a responsible omnivore.” The task of developing a small-scale supply chain for local meats has several challenges, including establishing an acceptable price point that works for both producers and consumers. The most cost-effective way 52 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
to supply such meats is to purchase whole animals directly from producers, Jensen Lorenzen explained. However, that’s not a viable alternative for the average consumer. That’s where the Larder Club comes into play. It works much like a CSA program does for produce farms — by guaranteeing a demand for an end product. With that definite consumer base, The Larder Meat Co. can purchase whole animals, have them processed at a U.S. Department of Agriculturecertified butcher, and distribute the freshly frozen meats through the Larder Club subscriptions. Customers can sign up for a Larder Club share of about 10 pounds ($149 a month) or a larger box of 13 to 14 pounds ($199 a month.). Cuts will vary, but a sample shipment includes beef steaks, a whole chicken, ground beef and ground pork. (Each portion is individually packaged in plastic.) In addition, the Lorenzens include handcrafted extras such as spice rubs for roasts and breakfast sausage seasonings. “We want to give people the tools to work with the products,” Grace Lorenzen said. The sa n lu iso b isp o .c o m
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The Larder Meat Co. sources local, humanely-raised meats from local farms and ranches.
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couple is always happy to offer other cooking tips via email, and several recipe ideas are noted on the company website. Recently, the Larder Club began expanding its scope outside the monthly shares with occasional themed boxes. Supplies are limited, but customers don’t have to be regular subscribers to purchase a breakfast box with eggs, bacon and coffee, or a holiday ham box with a ham, sausage and bacon. Currently, the Lorenzens are working with a handful of local meat producers. Those include Rinconada Dairy in Santa Margarita, Stepladder Creamery in Cambria and Swan Family Angus, Adelaida Springs Ranch and Tablas Creek Winery in Paso Robles; one collaborator, Winfield Farms in Buellton, is owned by Grace Lorenzen’s aunt and uncle. “We’re always looking for more products and producers,” Jensen Lorenzen said. As the Larder Club continues to grow, “each individual producer will reach their comfort zone as to what they can pro-
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vide us,” he said. “But that’s the beauty of this system — we can have that conversation with them and adjust to their scale.” Granted, there are aspects of the Larder Club that won’t fit every household. Maybe the frequency of a monthly delivery is too often, or cooks want more specific cuts of meat, or the price is too high. However, The Larder Meat Co. concept is still one to be considered. “It’s really a call to action for consumers — this is how it works if you want to eat local proteins,” Jensen Lorenzen explained. “You know where your consumer dollars are going. This is really helping local ranchers, helping small family operations and keeping local ag viable.” Katy Budge is a freelance writer from Atascadero. Contact her at ktbudge@sbcglobal.net.
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ARTISANAL FOODS
A guide to sparkling wines in SLO County BY KATY BUDGE
Special to The Tribune
rush up on your bubbles knowledge B with Robin Puricelli, wine director at Lido at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Shell
Beach. A level 2 certified sommelier, she has been with Lido almost a year and a half.
Q: Could you give me an overview of sparkling wines? A: Sparkling wines have always embodied a sense of elegance, sophistication and celebration. However, the stigma of being pricey and pretentious have steered the wine consumer into often overlooking their value and versatility. “Bubbles,” as they are often referred to, are highly food-friendly, vast in style and experience and often a fantastic counterpart to a night out with friends and colleagues. The main types of sparkling wines are crémant and Champagne from France, cava from Spain, prosecco from Italy and sparkling wine from the United States. Q:
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Q: How does making a sparkling wine differ from the process of making a still wine? A: In a still wine, the yeasts consume the natural sugars of the grapes, and the byproduct is alcohol and released carbon dioxide (primary fermentation). When more sugars and yeasts are introduced, another fermentation must begin. What creates the bubbles is the secondary fermentation that releases more carbon dioxide but in a closed environment and the bubbles become trapped.
PHOTOS BY JOE JOHNSTON jjohnston@thetribunenews.com
Robin Puricelli is wine director at Lido at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Shell Beach.
Q:
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Q: Are there distinct stylistic differences between types of sparkling wine? A: A sparkling wine made in the methode Champenoise (Champagne method) — also known as methode traditionnelle (traditional method) or classic — will undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The bubbles, or “mousse,” created are more refined, creamy and add a softer mouthfeel. What’s so magical about Champagne is the seamless balance of the electric acidity, creaminess of the bubbles and the luscious texture. Q:
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Another popular trending style … is called pétillant naturel, or, “pet-nat.” Here the wine is bottled before primary fermentation is complete. Typically, the result is a more wild and rustic style that can be cloudy and unfiltered, but deliciously textured. What’s really exciting about pet-nats is that a few local producers (Sinor-Lavallee in Avila Beach and Scar of the Sea in Santa Maria) have succeeded with this method and delivered an exceptional product, but with very limited availability. Italian prosecco can deliver some of the best value bubbles and typically is made in the charmat method, where the secondary fermentation takes place in a large tank rather than the individual bottle. These should be consumed younger and can lack the complexity and texture of Champagne but are definitely great with mixers! Lastly, it’s safe to say those very inexpensive grocery store brands under $5
are made with forced carbonation, like a soda pop. This is that Champagne headache you’re scared of! Q: What are some terms consumers should know and look for when shopping for sparkling wines? A: There are some useful common terms that will enhance your buying experience. First, knowing if you like a dry style or a hint of sweetness will determine how you select your bubbles. A bottle labeled “brut” can be dry with a tiny touch of perceivable sweetness, “extra brut” is drier with barely noticeable sweetness, and “brut nature” is the driest with no sweetness and zero dosage. To confuse you more, “dry” on a sparkling bottle is actually sweeter than the brut. “Blanc de blancs” means white juice from white grapes, like chardonnay, where you get more brightness with lean and lively fruit. “Blanc de noir” means white juice from red grapes, like pinot noir. Q:
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Q: What are some of the best food pairings with sparkling wines? A: Of course, Champagne and oysters, but there are many other ways sparkling wines are amazing with all different types of food. Higher-acid bubbles can counterbalance the saltiness of fried food, the oiliness of fattier fish, or stand up to richer, creamier dishes all while cleansing and enlivening the palate. Rosés tend to have a bit more weight and pair well with the same type of foods. Depending on the sugar level (dosage), sparkling wines are always a match for spicy foods. (Pair) crémant d’Alsace with sushi and Asian fusion, cava with tapas and happy hour snacks, California sparkling rosé with a stinky cheese and French Champagne with Lido’s eggs benedict with duck confit and béarnaise sauce — and yes, that’s for breakfast! Q:
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Q: What are some options that are easy on the pocketbook? A: Any crémants are worth a try since they’ve been made in the traditional Champagne method. Spanish cavas are also made in this classic method and over-deliver for the price. California sparklers often emulate those of Champagne and are usually dry with delicious fruit expressions. My local favorites are from Laetitia (Vineyard and Winery in Arroyo Grande) — especially their Brut Coquard and rosé — and Baileyana (Winery)’s Blanc de Blanc and Sinor-Lavallee’s pet-nat, along with several Paso Robles producers experimenting with varietals outside of the classical pinot noir and chardonnay. Q:
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Katy Budge is a freelance writer from Atascadero. Contact her at ktbudge@sbcglobal.net. Robin Puricelli pours a sparkling wine.
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WINE NOTES
A reader asks: Why do wines change with age? BY DAVE MCINTYRE
The Washington Post
Q: Why does a 2-year-old wine tastes different from the same wine that’s 7 years old? A: As with many simple questions, there is no simple answer. Wine is alive. Its ability to age is what sets it apart from all other beverages. Beer goes stale over time. Soda goes flat. Liquor might not spoil, but then again, it doesn’t transform. Wine mimics our life cycle: It starts young, then matures into a more complete and harmonious drink, maybe even going through a brooding teenage phase before reaching its peak performance level. Eventually, it begins to decline and, ultimately, dies. That is one reason we romanticize wine, why it is expensive, exclusive and intimidating. This is one of those times I wish I had studied any of the many sciences that winemakers employ on a daily basis; in this case, chemistry. In an oversimplified nutshell: Red wine grapes have substances called phenols, especially anthocyanins in and near the skin and tannins in the skin, seeds and stems. Anthocyanins give color, tannins add structure. Winemakers try to enhance these phenols in the vineyard through reducing crop yields and other techniques, and in the winery by “cold soaking” the grapes before ensuring a slow fermentation to extract as much color as possible. Other decisions, such as whether to ferment the grapes with or without the stems, affect the tannin level in the finished wine. Oak barrels add their own tannins as the wines age. Over time, the phenols in the wine evolve. They combine until they can no longer remain suspended in the solution; then they fall out as sediment. The wine becomes lighter in color, from purple to ruby, to garnet and finally brown. As the tannins fade, the wine becomes less astringent and tastes sweeter. Many more factors are involved, of Q.
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course. An age-worthy wine should be low in pH (high acidity), secured from oxygen (good cork or other closures are important) and, most of all, stored properly. That’s why you see wine bottles lying on their sides in racks; keeping the wine against the cork prevents the cork from drying out and letting air into the bottle. Temperature is even more important, because heat speeds the aging process. So collectors invest in special wine refrigerators or expensive cooling units designed to keep a wine cellar at about 57 degrees. Extended summer power outages are their nemesis. Certain grape varieties have higher levels of phenols: Cabernet sauvignon, syrah and nebbiolo, for example, are considered to be especially age-worthy red wines. For white wines, the key components to allow extended aging are acidity and sugar. That’s why Rieslings, especially sweet ones, and Sauternes age magnificently over decades (again, if stored properly). White Bordeaux, typically blends of sauvignon blanc and semillon aged in barrel, will often age well for
decades. So why do wines taste different over time? The best will improve for many years, because they have the characteristics that help them mature. Cheaper wines, designed for everyday drinking, will fall apart if we keep them for even a few years. The way we treat the wines, through temperature and storage, is also key. As always, the best wine experience is a combination of the vineyard, the vintner, the occasion and, ultimately, the drinker. If you really get bitten by the wine bug and find yourself amassing a collection (buying wine is almost as fun as drinking it), you might want to invest in temperature-controlled storage to protect your investment. Or lower the house thermostat a few degrees and figure your wines will age a little faster than the vintage charts predict. If you can limit your purchases to the bottles you’ll drink over the next few weeks, you don’t need to worry about how the wines will age. But when you happen to come across a forgotten bottle in your basement or closet, pop it open. You may have discovered a treasure.
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Craft Breweries in San Luis Obispo County
Listings include only breweries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email jrobillard@thetribunenews.com and vintages@thetribunenews.com
NORTH COUNTY BarrelHouse Brewing Co. and Beer Gardens • 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles • 805-296-1128 • www.barrelhousebrewing.com • Open Mon-Thurs 2-8, Fri-Sat 11-9, Sun 11-8 • 20-tap tasting room featuring house brews and beer gardens
Dunbar Brewing Public House • 2200 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita • 805-438-4251 • www.dunbarbrewing.com • Open Mon-Thurs 3-10, Fri-Sat 1-midnight, Sun 1-9 • 14-tap bar featuring house brews and other craft beers; bottle shop
Dunbar Brewing Headquarters and Brewhouse • 22815 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita • 805-704-9050 • www.dunbarbrewing.com • Open Fri 4-6, Sat-Sun 1-5 • 6-tap bar featuring house brews and growler fills
Earth and Fire Brewing Co. • 825 Riverside Ave., Suite 1, Paso Robles • 805-270-2959 • www.earthandfirebrewing.com • Open Fri 4-9, Sat 12-9, Sun 12-6 • Tasting room with house brews
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. • 1400 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles • 805-225-5911 • www.firestonebeer.com • Main tasting room/visitor center: Closed until spring 2017; Restaurant: daily 11-9; Emporium (1649 Ramada Drive; tasters): daily 10-6 • Tasting room, restaurant, bar
Silva Brewing • 525 Pine St., Suite B, Paso Robles (Behind The Pour House) • www.silvabrewing.com • Wed-Fri 2-7, Sat-Sun 12-5 • Tasting room with house brews
Tent City Brewing Co. • 6760 El Camino Real, Atascadero • 805-460-6454 • www.mollypitcher.net • Open Tues-Sat 2-midnight, Sun-Mon 2-10 • 15-tap bar featuring house brews and other craft beers
Toro Creek Brewing Co. • 6760 El Camino Real, Atascadero • 805-550-7007 • www.torocreekbrewingcompany.com • Open Tues-Thurs 2-8, Fri-Sat 2-10, Sun 2-6 • Tasting room featuring house brews
SAN LUIS OBISPO Bang the Drum Brewery • 950 Orcutt Road • 805-242-8372 • www.bangthedrumbrewery.com • Open Sun-Thurs 2-10, Fri-Sat noon-midnight • Tasting room featuring house brews and beer garden BarrelHouse Speakeasy • 1033 Chorro St. • 805-296-1128 • www.barrelhousebrewing.com/locations-slo • Open Tues-Wed 3-10, Thurs-Fri 3-midnight, Sat 1-midnight, Sun 1-8 • 16-tap bar featuring house brews; bar located in basement, below barbershop
Central Coast Brewing Co. • 1422 Monterey St. • 805-783-2739 • www.centralcoastbrewing.com • Open Mon-Fri 12-9, Sat-Sun 11-9 • Tasting room with about a dozen house brews on tap
Libertine Brewing Co. • 1234 Broad St. • 805-548-2337 • www.libertinebrewing.com • Open Tues-Wed 4-9, Thurs 4-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun 11-8 • Restaurant and 76-tap bar of house brews and other craft beers and wine, as well as cold brewed coffee and kombucha
Metro Brew Co. • 1040 Broad St. • 805-439-4200 • www.metrobrewco.com • Open Wed 12 to 9:30, Thurs-Sat noon to 12:30 a.m., Sun 12 to 9:30 • Restaurant and bar with house brews and other craft beers SLO Brew • 736 Higuera St. • 805-543-1843 • www.slobrew.com • Venue: Tues-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun-Mon 11:30 a.m.-midnight;
restaurant: Sun-Mon 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Tues-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. • Restaurant and brewery with house brews, guests brews and a full bar
SLO Brew —The Rock Brewery & Taproom • 855 Aerovista Place • 805-543-1843 • www.slobrew.com/the-rock • Scheduled to open early March 2017 • Brewery, tasting room, tours, beer garden, pub food
Tap It Brewing Co. • 675 Clarion Court • 805-545-7702 • www.tapitbrewing.com • Open Sun 12-6, Tue 12-7, Wed 12-8, Thurs-Sat 12-10 • Tasting room and beer garden
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Listings include only breweries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email jrobillard@thetribunenews.com and vintages@thetribunenews.com
Craft Breweries in San Luis Obispo County
SOUTH COUNTY Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. • 1462 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande • 805-474-8525 • www.figmtnbrew.com • Open Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. • Taproom and restaurant Little Tree Brewing • 191 S. Oak Park Blvd., Suite 3, Grover Beach • 805-668-2038 • www.littletreebrewing.com • Open Fri 3-10, Sat 12-8, Sun 12-5 • Tasting room with several house brews ManRock Brewing Co. • 1750 El Camino Real, Suite A, Grover Beach • 805-270-3089 • www.manrockbrewing.com • Open Mon-Fri 4-10, Sat 1-9, Sun 1-8 • Tasting room with several house brews and other craft beers, and beer garden with wood-fired pizza oven
Pismo Brewing Co. • 500 Cypress St., Suite S2, Pismo Beach • 805-295-6200 • www.facebook.com/pismobrew • Open Mon-Thurs 2-7, Fri-Sat 11-9, Sun 11-7 • Tasting room with several house brews
Santa Maria Brewing Co. • 115 Cuyama Lane, Nipomo • 805-925-1555 • www.santamariabrewingco.com • Open Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight • Taproom with several house brews and pub food
NORTH COAST 927 Beer Co. • 821 Cornwall St., Cambria • 805-203-5265 • www.facebook.com/927BeerCompany • Open Mon-Sat 12-7, Sun 12-6 • Taproom with several house brews Libertine Pub • 801 Embarcadero, Morro Bay • 805-772-0700 • www.libertinebrewing.com • Open Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun 10-10 • Restaurant and brewery with 48 taps, including house brews and other craft beer and spirits
Three Stacks and a Rock Brewing Co. • 3118 Main St., Suite D, Morro Bay • 805-771-9286 • www.facebook.com/threestacksbrew • Mon, Thurs, Fri 5-9, Sat 12-9, Sun 12-8 • Taproom featuring house brews and other craft beer and pub food
Listings include only breweries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email jrobillard@thetribunenews.com and vintages@thetribunenews.com.
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North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
15 degrees c Wine Shop & Bar • 624 S. Main Street, Templeton • 805-434-1554 • www.15degreescwines.com • Open Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10 • Wine shop with tastings, gifts and edibles (F7, Page 60)
Aaron/Aequorea • 3050 Limestone Way, Paso Robles • 805-369-2037 • www.aaronwines.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5:30 or by appointment • Popular wines: petite sirah, pinot noir, riesling, viognier (Tin City, G6, Page 60) Adelaida Cellars • 5805 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 800-676-1232 • www.adelaida.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, zinfandel (C4, Page 60)
Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery • 2825 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-227-4191 • www.altacolinawine.com • Open daily 11-4 • Popular wines: grenache blanc, syrah, petite sirah, viognier (E4, Page 60)
Ancient Peaks Winery • 22720 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita • 805-365-7045 • www.ancientpeaks.com • Open daily 11-5:30 • Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, chgardonney, white blends (L6, Page 61)
Anglim Winery • 740 Pine Street, Paso Robles • 805-227-6813 • www.anglimwinery.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-6 and by appointment or chance • Popular wines: syrah, roussanne, grenache, viognier (M5, Page 61)
AronHill Vineyards • 3745 Highway 46 West, Templeton • 805-434-3333 • www.aronhillvineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: primitivo, cabernet sauvignon, dessert (E7, Page 60)
Asuncion Ridge Vineyards • 725 12th Street, Paso Robles • 805-237-1425 • www.asuncionridge.com • Open Sun- Thurs 12-6, Fri-Sat 12-8 and by appointment • Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, red blends, voognier (L4, Page 61)
August Ridge Vineyards • 8790 Highway 41 East, Creston • 805-239-2455 • www.augustridge.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: nebbiolo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, red blends (J7, Page 61)
B&E Vineyard • 10000 Creston Road, Creston • 805-238-4815 • www.bevineyard.com • Open Fri and Sun 12-4, Sat 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: merlot, cabernet sauvignon, red blends (J7, Page 61) Barr Estate Winery • 6950 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-835-7653 • www.barrestatewines.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: malbec, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, rosé (I4, Page 61)
Barton Family Wines (labels include Barton and Grey Wolf Cellars) • 2174 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles • 805-237-0771 •
www.bartonfamilywines.com • Open daily 11-5:30 • Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, grenache, zinfandel, red, white blends (E6, Page 60)
Bella Luna Estate Winery • 1850 Templeton Road, Templeton • 805-434-5477 • www.bellalunawine.com • Open daily 10-5 April-Oct, 10-4 Nov-March• Popular wines: barbera, red blends, tocai friulano (G7, Page 60)
Bianchi Winery • 3380 Branch Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-9922 • www.bianchiwine.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc (I4, Page 61)
Bodegas Paso Robles • 729 13th Street, Paso Robles • 805-237-3780 • www.bodegaspasorobles.com • Open Sunday 12-5, Thurs-Mon 12-6 and by appointment • Popular wines: albariño, red blends, rosé, dessert (L3, Page 61)
Brian Benson Cellars • 2915 Limestone Way, Paso Robles • 805-296-3838 • www.brianbensoncellars.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 Popular wines: syrah, primitivo, red blends (Tin City, G6, Page 60)
Brecon Estate • 7450 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-239-2200 • www.breconestate.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: albariño, petite sirah, syrah, white Rhône-style blend (C5, Page 60)
Brochelle Vineyards • 2323 Tuley Court, No.130, Paso Robles • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • 805-237-4410 • www.brochelle.com • Popular wines: cuvée, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, syrah (G4, Page 60)
Brochelle Vineyards • 6996 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • Open daily 11-5 • 805-237-4410 • www.brochelle.com • Popular wines: cuvée, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, syrah (C5, Page 60)
Broken Earth Winery • 5625 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles • 805-239-2562 • www.brokenearthwinery.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: riesling, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, viognier (I4, Page 61) Calcareous Vineyard • 3430 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-0289 • www.calcareous.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: cuvée, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, blends (E5, Page 60) 62 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Caliza Winery • 2570 Anderson Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-1480 • www.calizawinery.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-4:30 and by appointment. • Popular wines: grenache, syrah, primitivo, red and white blends (E6, Page 60)
Caparone Winery • 2280 San Marcos Road, Paso Robles • 805-610-5308 • www.caparone.com • Open Thurs-Tues 11-4 and by appointment • Popular wines: zinfandel, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, nebbiolo, (E2, Page 60)
Carmody McKnight Estate Wines • 11240 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-9392 • www.carmodymcknight.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sparkling (B4, Page 60)
Cass Winery & Vineyard • 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-1730 • www.casswines.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: roussanne, syrah, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon (J5, Page 61)
Castoro Cellars
1315 North Bethel Road, Templeton • 805-238-0725 or 888-DAM-FINE www.castorocellars.com • Open daily 10-5:30
The husband and wife team of Niels and Bimmer Udsen established Castoro Cellars in 1983 with the goal of producing world-class wines. Today the winery is run collectively by Niels, Bimmer and their two sons Luke and Max. Along with a wide array of award winning wines, Castoro hosts live music year-round, has an 18 hole disc golf course and monthly yoga classes amongst the vines. (F6, Page 60)
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North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Changala Winery • 3770 Willow Creek Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-9060 • www.changalawinery.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: syrah, malbec, zinfandel, blends (D6, Page 60)
Chateau Lettau • 840 13th Street, Suite G, Paso Robles • 805-238-6800 • www.chateaulettau.com • Open Sun-Mon and Thurs 1-5, Fri-Sat 1-8 • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, albariño, syrah (M4, Page 61)
Chateau Margene • 4385 La Panza Road, Creston • 805-238-2321 • www.chateaumargene.com • Open Fri-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, port, red blends (K8, Page 61) Chronic Cellars • 2020 Nacimiento Lake Drive, Paso Robles • 805-237-7848 • www.chroniccellars.com • Open daily 11 - 5 • Popular wines: petite sirah, grenache, red and white blends (F4, Page 60)
Clautiere Vineyard • 1340 Penman Springs Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-3789 • www.clautiere.com • Open Thurs-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: grenache, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, malbec (H5, Page 61)
Clavo Cellars • 315 S. Main Street, Templeton • 805-226-0174 • www.clavocellars.com • Open Thurs-Mon 12-5 • Popular wines: albariño, zinfandel, malbec, petite sirah (F7, Page 60) Croad Vineyards • 3550 Vinedo Robles Lane, Paso Robles • 805-226-9899 • www.croadvineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, petite sirah, grenache, syrah (E7, Page 60)
Cypher Winery • 3750 Highway 46 West, Templeton • 805-237-0055 • www.cypherwinery.com • Open daily 11-6 April-Oct, daily 11-5 Nov-March • Popular wines: zinfandel, grenache blanc, grenache, red blends (E7, Page 60)
D’Anbino Vineyards & Cellars • 710 Pine Street, Paso Robles • 805-227-6800 • www.danbino.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-6 • Popular wines: syrah, blends, cabernet blanc, rosé (M5, Page 61)
Dark Star Cellars • 2985 Anderson Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-2389 • www.darkstarcellars.com • Open daily 10:30-7 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, syrah, gernache, red blends (E6, Page 60)
DAOU • 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-5460 • www.daouvineyards.com • Open daily 11-4 by reservation • Popular wines: red blends, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, chardonnay (D4, Page 60)
Derby Wine Estates • 525 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles • 805-238-6300 • www.derbywineestates.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: pinot gris, grenache blanc, pinot noir, albariño (I4, Page 61)
Doce Robles Winery • 2023 Twelve Oaks Drive, Paso Robles • 805-227-4766 • www.docerobleswinery.com • Open daily 10-5:30 • Popular wines sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, barbera, zinfandel (F6, Page 60)
Donati Family Vineyard • 2720 Oak View Road, Templeton • 805-238-0676 • www.donatifamilyvineyard.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines pinot blanc, cabernet sauvignon, red blends, grenache (E7, Page 60) Donatoni Winery • 3225 Township Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-0620 • www.donatoniwineryandvineyards.net • Open Sat-Sun 12-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: zinfandel, grenache, sangiovese, barbera (E6, Page 60)
Dover Canyon Winery • 4520 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-237-0101 • www.dovercanyon.com • Open Thurs-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: zinfandel, port, merlot, syrah (D6, Page 60) Dubost Winery • 9988 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-8463 • www.dubostwine.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, viognier, petite sirah (B4, Page 60)
Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery • 1953 Niderer Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-4763 • www.dunningvineyards.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, grenache, cabernet franc (D5, Page 60)
Eberle Winery • 3810 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles • 805-238-9607 • www.eberlewinery.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, viognier, muscat canelli, barbera (H4, Page 61)
Écluse • 1520 Kiler Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-4999 • www.eclusewines.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-4 • Popular wines: zinfandel, syrah, viognier, cabernet sauvignon (F5, Page 60)
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Rancho Maria Golf Course Map not to scale
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North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
EOS Estate Winery • 2300 Airport Road, Paso Robles • 805-591-8050 • www.eosvintage.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, port, cabernet sauvignon (H4, Page 61)
Epoch Estate Wines • 7505 York Mountain Road, Templeton • 805-237-7575 • www.epochwines.com • Open daily 10-4 and by apointment • Popular wines: red and white blends, rosé (C7, Page 60) Falcon Nest Vineyard & Winery • 5185 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-0227 • www.falconnestwinery.com • Open daily 10-7:30 • Popular wines: zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah (I4, Page 61)
Field Recordings Winery • 460 Marquita Ave., Paso Robles • 805-503-9660 • www.fieldrecordingswine.com • Thu-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, blends, cabernet sauvignon (Tin City, G6, Page 60)
Four Lanterns Winery • 2485 West Highway 46, Paso Robles • 805-226-5955 • www.fourlanternswinery.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: picpoul blanc, viognier, syrah, red blends (E6, Page 60)
Fratelli Perata Winery • 1595 Arbor Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-2809 • www.fratelliperata.com • Open daily 10-4:30 • Popular wines: zinfandel, barbera, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon (F5, Page 60)
Frolicking Frog • 739 12th Street, Paso Robles (inside Siegel’s Jewelry) • 805-466-0779 • www.frolickingfrogwine.com • Open Thurs and Sat 1-5, Fri 1-6 • Popular wines: viognier, cabernet franc, red blends, cabernet sauvignon (L4, Page 61)
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars • 8331 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles • 805-238-1400 • www.glunzfamilywinery.com • Open daily 10-6 • Popular wines: syrah, zinfandel, red blends, petite verdot (J4, Page 61)
Graveyard Vineyards • 6990 Estrella Road, San Miguel • 805-467-2043 • www.graveyardvineyards.com • Op en Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: grenache blanc, zinfandel, merlot, cabernet sauvignon (H2, Page 61) Grizzly Republic Wines • 840 13th Street, Paso Robles • 805-237-1378 • www.grizzlyrepublicwines.com • Open Sun-Tues 12:30-6; Fri-Sat 12:30-7 • Popular wines: tempranillo, petite sirah, barbera, chardonnay (M4, Page 61) Halter Ranch Vineyard • 8910 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-9455 • www.halterranch.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: rosé, cabernet sauvignon, grenache blanc, red blends (B4, Page 60)
HammerSky Vineyards • 7725 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-239-0930 • www.hammersky.com • Open Thurs-Tues 11-5 • Popular wines: rosé, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, red blends (C5, Page 60)
Hansen Vineyard & Winery • 5575 El Pomar Drive, Templeton • 805-239-8412 • www.hansenwines.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, viognier, rosé (I7, Page 61)
Hearst Ranch Winery • 19215 Highway 46 East, Cholame • 805-238-9400 • www.hearstranchwinery.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: petite sirah, chardonnay, tempranillo, zinfandel (N4, Page 61)
Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery • 5070 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-238-2544 • www.hearthstonevineyard.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, syrah, roussanne, blends (D6, Page 60) Herman Story Wines • 1227 Paso Robles Street, Paso Robles • 805-237-2400 • www.hermanstorywines.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-4 and by appointment • Popular wines: grenache, blends, pinot noir (M4, Page 61)
Hidden Oak Winery • 4671 S. El Pomar Road, Templeton • 805-237-9315 • www.hiddenoakwinery.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petite sirah, zinfandel (I7, Page 61) Hug Cellars • 2323 Tuley Court, Suite 120, Paso Robles • 805-226-8022 • www.hugcellars.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: pinot noir, blends, syrah, zinfandel (G4, Page 60) Hunt Cellars • 2875 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-1600 • www.huntcellars.com • Open daily 10:30-5:30 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot, port (E6, Page 60) J Dusi Wines • 1401 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles • 805-226-2034 • www.jdusiwines.com • Open daily 11-5 Popular wines: pinot grigio, zinfandel, syrah, red blends (F6, Page 60)
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We all deserve to
Ms Behave
sometimes.
You’ve heard of Paso Robles Cab, but have you discovered its Petit Verdot? Introducing the inaugural vintage of Ms Behave Petit Verdot, a low production, Bordeaux-style wine following the tradition of our acclaimed Ms Behave Malbec. Inspired by history, fueled by Paso Robles’ unique terroir, and shaped by decades of winemaking experience.
Shop online and have our award-winning wines delivered direct to your door, or visit our tasting room.
PEACHYCANYON.COM | 1480 N. BETHEL RD, TEMPLETON | OPEN DAILY sanluisobispo.com
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North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
6169 Airport Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-8900 www.jlohr.com • Open daily 10-5
Enjoy incredible vineyard views while sampling J. Lohr Estates wines in our quaint tasting room that resembles an old schoolhouse. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff guide you through our wine portfolio. “At J. Lohr, we focus on flavor from vineyard to bottle.” Popular wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah (H3, Page 61)
J & J Cellars • 2850 Ranchita Canyon Road, San Miguel • 805-467-2891 • www.jjcellars.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: cuvée, barbera, merlot, zinfandel (I2, Page 61)
Jada Vineyards & Winery • 5620 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-226-4200 • www.jadavineyard.com • Open daily 11-4:45 • Popular wines: blends, rosé, cabernet sauvignon (D6, Page 60)
Justin Vineyards & Winery • 11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-6932 • www.justinwine.com • Open daily 10-4:30 • Popular wines: red blends, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, viognier (A4, Page 60)
Kaleidos • 3770 Willow Creek Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-0828 • www.kaleidoswine.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: syrah, blends, grenache blanc, viognier (D6, Page 60)
Kiamie Wine Cellars • 9750 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-8333 • www.kiamiewines.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: red and white blends (B4, Page 60)
kukkula • 9515 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles • 805-227-0111 • www.kukkulawine.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 or by appointment • Popular wines: blends (B3, Page 60)
Le Cuvier Winery • 3333 Vine Hill Lane, Paso Robles • 805-238-5706 • www.lcwine.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: malbec, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, red and white blends (E4, Page 60)
Le Vigne Winery • 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles • 805-227-4000 • www.levignewinery.com • Open Sun-Thurs 11-5, Fri-Sat 11-6 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, chardonnay, merlot (G3, Page 60) Levo • 2975 Limestone Way, Paso Robles • 208-631-1612 • www.levowine.com • Open Thu-Sun 11-4 and by appointment • Popular wines syrah, chardonnay, red blends (Tin City, G6, Page 60)
Locatelli Vineyards & Winery • 8585 Cross Canyons Road, San Miguel • 805-467-0067 • www.locatelliwinery.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-4 and by appointment • Popular wines: cabernet franc, red blends, muscat canelli, chardonnay (G1, Page 60) Lone Madrone • 5800 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-0845 • www.lonemadrone.com • Open daily 10:30-5 • Popular wines: red and white blends, dessert, cabernet sauvignon, ciders (C4, Page 60)
LXV Wines • 1306-B Pine Street, Paso Robles • 805-296-1902 • www.lxvwine.com • Open Thurs-Mon 12-7 and by appointment • Popular wines: viognier, red blends, syrah, rosé (M3, Page 61)
McPrice Myers Winery • 3525 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-1245 • www.mcpricemyers.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: viognier, syrah, blends (E4, Page 60)
Michael Gill Cellars • 4125 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-1668 • www.gillcellars.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: zinfandel, syrah, viognier, vermentino (D5, Page 60) Midnight Cellars Winery & Vineyard • 2925 Anderson Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-8904 • www.midnightcellars.com • Open daily 10-5:30 • Popular wines: zinfandel, merlot, port, charnonnay (E6, Page 60)
Mitchella Vineyard & Winery • 2525 Mitchell Ranch Way, Paso Robles • 805-239-8555 • www.mitchella.com • Open Thurs-Mon 12-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: chardonnay, grenache blanc, cabernet sauvignon, viognier (H4, Page 61)
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TM
Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars LINGER LONGER LOUNGE a smart and contemporary high-end wine lounge, olive oil tasting room, and guitar museum. The spacious, two-story wine bar and museum features more than 50 rare and custom one-off guitars. With an equally impressive variety Estate grown wines and Olive oils, located in the heart of the Central Coast of California’s fastest growing wine region, Paso Robles. The name Kramer has earned a solid
WINE LOUNGE OLIVE OIL GUITAR MUSEUM
reputation synonymous with quality and character, first with Kramer Guitars, now Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars! Lounge hours are Friday & Saturday 11-7 Private tastings available 805-238-0083
825 Riverside Avenue, #16, Paso Robles, CA 93446. www.garykramerguitarcellars.com 70 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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Four Lanterns is a family-run winery creating exceptional Rhone and Bordeaux style wines
OPEN DAILY 11AM TO 5PM Visit our 8th generation family-owned estate vineyard & winery near Templeton, California in the Paso Robles wine region. 5036 South El Pomar Rd., Templeton, CA
805.238.9940
Open daily 11-5pm. Thursday-Monday in the winter 2485 West Highway 46, Paso Robles 93446 fourlanternswinery.com 805.226.5955 ~
pomarjunction.com
Small family-owned estate winery, producing 1,400 cases annually, focusing on Italian varietals. A fa mily
Open Daily. April to October 10-5 • November to March 10-4 1850 Templeton Rd., Templeton CA 93465 • 805-434-5477
Mention this ad and receive 2 for 1 Tastings!
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boutique
w inery...
Award-winning wines with double Golds from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Great views! • Picnic area • Dog friendly Just 8 miles from Templeton Open Friday - Monday from 11 - 5 PM and by appointment. vintages | SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 71
North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Minassian-Young Vineyards • 4045 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-7571 • www.minassianyoung.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: blends, mourvèdre, zinfandel (E5, Page 60)
Mondo Cellars Winery • 3260 Nacimiento Drive, Paso Robles • 805-226-2925 • www.mondocellars.com • Open daily 11-5 April-Nov. , Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment Dec.-March, • Popular wines: red and white blends, pinot noir, chardonnay, primitivo (E3, Page 60)
Nadeau Family Vintners • 3860 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-3574 • www.nadeaufamilyvintners.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: pinot gris, viognier, tempranillo, zinfandel (E4, Page 54) Nichols Winery and Cellars (labels include Nichols, Silver Fox, Soleil & Terroir) • 4615 Traffic Way, Atascadero • 805-466-7278 •
www.nicholswinery.com • Open Mon-Thurs and Sun 11-5:30, Fri-Sat 11-8 • Popular wines: pinot blanc, pinot noir, merlot (G8, Page 60)
Niner Wine Estates • 2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles • 805-239-2233 • www.ninerwine.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, red blends, syrah, petite sirah (E6, Page 60)
Opolo Vineyards
7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-238-9593 www.opolo.com • Tasting Daily 10-5, Patio Daily 11-4
To visit Opolo vineyards is to take a step into an unforgettable experience. After an idyllic drive through vineyards and beautiful countryside, guests are welcomed into a tasting room full of culture and tradition, with an equally present sense of uniqueness and individuality. Be sure to join Opolo throughout the year for events celebrating wine, family and friendships made throughout the last 15 years. Follow on social media @opolowines or check the website for the latest events and offerings: www.opolo.com Popular wines: Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends, Albariño (C6, Page 60)
Oso Libre • 7383 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-238-3378 • www.osolibre.com • Open Wed-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, blends, viognier (C5, Page 60) Parrish Family Vineyard • 1220 Park Street, Paso Robles • 805-286-4028 • www.parrishfamilyvineyard.com • Open Sun, Mon and Thurs 1-5, Fri and Sat 1-7 Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, zinfandel, petite sirah, chardonnay (L4, Page 61)
PasoPort Wine Company • 95 Booker Road, Templeton • 805-239-2229 • www.pasoportwine.com • Open Thurs-Sun 11-5, Mon 11-4 • Popular wines: Touriga Nacional, chenin blanc, albariño, cabernet sauvignon (E6, Page 60) Paso Underground • 1140 Pine Street, Paso Robles • 805-237-0779 • www.pasounderground.com • Fri-Sat 1-7, Sun 1-5 and by appointment • Winemaker’s collective tasting room featuring Copia , Edmond August, Ranchero Cellars and Turtle Rock (M4, Page 61) Pear Valley • 4900 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-2861 • www.pearvalley.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: reds, whites, blends, dessert (H4, Page 61)
Peachy Canyon Winery
1480 N. Bethel Road, Templeton • 805-239-1918 www.peachycanyon.com • Open daily 10am-5:30pm
Peachy Canyon Winery was put on the map when their ‘Especial’ Zinfandel was named among Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the World” in 1992. Since then, the family-owned and operated winery has continued to rack up accolades for their Zinfandels, Bordeaux-style wines, and adventurous red blends - including their multiaward-winning Malbec, ‘Ms Behave’. The founding Becketts create wines focused on expression of unique terroir that are suited to all wine lovers, from the accessible Westside Zinfandel to their premium single vineyard series. Popular wines: Viognier, Red Blends, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel. (F6, Page 60)
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Cheers to living here! New homes in wine country!
Up to 2,312 sq ft / 3 beds & 3 baths / 2-car garages Priced from the low $400,000s FOR SALES INFORMATION: (805) 434-9318 / SALES@CCB1.NET COMMUNITY LOCATION: 221 N. MAIN ST IN TEMPLETON
CCB BRE #01266964
For more than 35 years, the nation’s finest vineyards have relied on New Holland Braud Grape Harvesters. That’s because New Holland’s top priority is preserving the quality of each and every grape for top-quality wine. Now that’s New Holland SMART. • Flexible SDC shaking system • Proven NORIA basket system • Four models — 9040M (141 hp), 9060L (151 hp), 9090L (175 hp), 9090X (175 hp)
Complimentary Wine Tasting Tours of our 16,000 sqaaure foot underground caves Wedding facilities Spectacular Vineyard views from the picnic deck
DEDICATED. UNCOMPROMISED. SMART.
Coastal Tractor 3050 Ramada Dr Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805)239-5772 www.coastaltractor.com
Corporate events
© 2015 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland Agriculture is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. New Holland Construction is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery • 3280 Township Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-9432 • www.pelletiere.com • Open Thur-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: viognier, zinfandel, syrah, other Italian styles (E6, Page 60)
Penman Springs Vineyard • 1985 Penman Springs Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-7959 • www.penmansprings.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, rosé, petite sirah (H5, Page 61)
Pianetta Winery • 829 13th Street, Paso Robles • 805-226-4005 • www.pianettawinery.com • Open Sun-Thurs 12-6, Fri-Sat 11-7 • Popular wines: red blends, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, barbera (L3, Page 61)
Pipestone Vineyards • 2040 Niderer Road, Paso Robles • 805-227-6385 • www.pipestonevineyards.com • Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: syrah, viognier, grenache, mourvèdre (D5, Page 60)
Poalillo Vineyards • 7970 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-238-0621 • www.poalillovineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, petite sirah (C5, Page 60)
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery • 5036 S. El Pomar Road, Templeton • 805-238-9940 • www.pomarjunction.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, merlot, red and white blends, sparkling (H7, Page 61) Powell Mountain Cellars • 3050 Blue Rock Road, Paso Robles • 805-434-8097 • www.powellmountaincellars.com • Open Fri 12-5, Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4 and by appointment • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, grenache, red blends, viognier (Tin City, G6, Page 60)
Proulx Wines • 5424 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-226-2800 • www.proulxwines.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, pinot noir, rosé, grenache (D6, Page 60) The Rabbit Hole • 1244 Pine Street, Paso Robles • 805-286-4692 • www.therabbitholepasorobles.com • Open daily 11-6 • Wine bar and tasting room for Rabbit Ridge Winery (M4, Page 61)
Rabbit Ridge Winery and Vineyards • 1172 San Marcos Road, Paso Robles • 805-249-0252 • www.rabbitridgewinery.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, red and white blends, moscato, sangiovese (F2, Page 60)
Ranchita Canyon Vineyard • 3439 Ranchita Canyon Road, San Miguel • 805-467-9448 • www.ranchitacanyonvineyard.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: red blends, sangiovese, zinfandel, grenache (H1, Page 61)
Rasmussen Vineyard & Winery • 100 Harvest Ridge Way, Paso Robles • 805-648-1234 • www.rasmussenvineyards.com • Open Sat-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, dessert, malbec, merlot (I5, Page 61)
Red Soles Winery • 3230 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-9898 • www.redsoleswinery.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, viognier, zinfandel, blends (E6, Page 60)
Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery • 4295 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-8884 • www.riosecowine.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, port, muscat, cabernet franc (H4, Page 61)
Riverstar Vineyards • 7450 Estrella Road, San Miguel • 805-467-0086 • www.riverstarvineyards.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: riesling, chardonnay, grenache rosé, zinfandel (H2, Page 61)
Robert Hall Winery • 3443 Mill Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-1616 • www.roberthallwinery.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: syrah, orange muscat, red and white blends, merlot (H4, Page 61) Rockin’ R Winery • 8500 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-835-8529 • www.rockinrwinery.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: blends (J4, Page 61) Rocky Creek Cellars • 8687 Apple Road Highway 46 West, Templeton • 805-238-1919 • www.rockycreekcellars.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: pinot noir, syrah, sangiovese (C7, Page 60)
Rotta Winery • 250 Winery Road, Templeton • 805-237-0510 • www.rottawinery.com • Open daily 10:30-5:30 • Popular wines: zinfandel, port, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay (E7, Page 60) Roxo Port Cellars at Chateau Margene • 4385 La Panza Road, Creston • 805-238-2321 • www.roxocellars.com • Open Fri-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: port-style red blends (K8, Page 61)
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The Castoro Experience
After 33 years in business, Castoro Cellars still strives to offer one of the most diverse wine country experiences around. It’s no secret they have been producing a wide variety of award winning wines for decades but for them the experience doesn’t stop at the bottle. From live music and disc golf to yoga and brunch they’ve got something for everyone. In 2014 Castoro debuted the Whale Rock Disc Golf Course and Ranch Tour, a roaring success. Played much like traditional golf, disc golf uses a disc in the place of ball and clubs. The intent of the game is to throw a disc into an elevated metal basket instead of a hole as in traditional golf. The setting growth oak trees,, vines and rolling g of the course is truly y stunning g with a variety y of old g g hills. One of the best things about disc golf is that it’s family friendly and if nothing else a great excuse to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature. Located a short distance from our tasting room, it’s the perfect way to break up the day and do something a little different. Another wonderful experience that has grown in the past year is the monthly yoga and brunch classes. These classes feature an hour long all-levels-yoga class followed by a delicious brunch and our Methode Champenoise sparkling wine. Guests are able to enjoy early access to the property and a serene setting for both yoga and the tasty experience that follows! In house Yogini, Lauren Harvey, teaches all classes, and they strive to utilize the best local food they can find. Reserving a spot in advance is strongly advised. Their most diverse offering of the year is Beaverstock, a two day music and arts festival in the vineyard that features talent from all over the country and activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy world-class music, art exhibitions, yoga classes, craft beer, delicious food and of course Dam Fine Wine! Set amongst a grove of old growth oak trees you really couldn’t ask for a better spo spot to enjoy this family friendly festival. Beaverstock benefits the local Templeton School District an and takes place the third weekend in September every year so mark your calendars, tell your friends and join us for an unforgettable time! The entire family is invited to come experience Castoro Cellars, open daily 10am to 5:30pm. 1315 N. BETHEL ROAD TEMPLETON, CA 93465 • USA CASTOROCELLARS.COM - 888.DAM.FINE
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North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
San Antonio Winery • 2610 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles • 805-226-2600 • www.sanantoniowinery.com • Open daily 10-6 • Popular wines: dessert, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sparkling (G4, Page 60)
San Marcos Creek Vineyard • 7750 North Highway 101, Paso Robles • 866-727-6946 • www.sanmarcoscreek.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, merlot, grenache rosé, red blends (F2, Page 60)
Sarzotti Vineyard and Winery • 180 Bella Ranch Road, Templeton • 805-226-2022 • www.sarzottiwinery.com • Open Thurs-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: syrah, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, blends (I7, Page 61)
Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden • 5015 Linne Road, Paso Robles • 888-302-8881 • www.sculpterra.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, viognier, merlot, port (I5, Page 61)
Seven Oxen Estate Wines • 1313 Park Street, Paso Robles • 650-704-9025 • www.sevenoxen.com • Open Sun-Mon 12-4, Wed-Sat 12-5 • Popular wines: Rhône-style and red blends, zinfandel, grenache, rosé (L3, Page 61) Sextant Wines • 2324 West Highway 46, Paso Robles• 805-542-0133 • www.sextantwines.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir (E6, Page 60) Shadow Run Vineyards & Winery • 2720 La Panza Road, Creston • 805-227-0554 • www.shadowrunvineyards.com • Open Fri-Sun 10:30-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: viognier, red and white blends, rosé, malbec (L8, Page 61)
Shale Oak Winery • 3235 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-4800 • www.shaleoakwinery.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: grenache blanc, viognier, rosé, zinfandel (E6, Page 60)
Stacked Stone Cellars • 1525 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-7872 • www.stackedstone.com • Open Fri-Sat 11-5, Sun 12-5 • Popular wines: Bordeaux and red blends, zinfandel (F5, Page 60)
STANGER Vineyards • 5225 Highway 41 East, Paso Robles • 805-238-4777 • www.stangervineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, port (K7, Page 61)
Starr Ranch Vineyard and Winery • 9320 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles • 805-227-0144 • www.starr-ranch.com • Open Sat-Sun
11-5 first two weekends of the month, by appointment • Popular wines: viognier, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, tempranillo (B3, Page 60)
Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery • 5940 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-1854 • www.steinbeckwines.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, viognier, zinfandel (I4, Page 61)
Still Waters Vineyards • 2750 Old Grove Lane, Paso Robles • 805-237-9231 • www.stillwatersvineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, viognier, red and white blends, syrah (I6, Page 61)
Summerwood Winery & Inn • 2175 Arbor Road, Paso Robles • 805-227-1365 • www.summerwoodwine.com • Open daily 10-6 • Popular wines: red and white blends, grenache blanc, viognier, cabernet sauvignon (F6, Page 60)
Tablas Creek Vineyard • 9339 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-1231 • www.tablascreek.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: Rhône-style red and white blends, dessert, grenache blanc, cabernet sauvignon (B4, Page 60) Tackitt Family Vineyards • 6640 Von Dollen Road, San Miguel • 805-467-9490 • www.tackittfamilyvineyards.com • Open Fri-Sun 12-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, gewürztraminer, dessert (I1, Page 61)
Taste in the Alley – Paso Robles • 1211 Pine Street, Paso Robles • 805- 286-4763 • www.pismowineshop.com • Open Mon-Sat 4-9, Sun 4-8 • Wine bar, wine shop and tasting room (M4, Page 61)
TH Estate Wines • 870 Arbor Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-2083 • www.thestatewines.com • Open Wed-Mon 11-4 • Popular wines: cuvée, grenache, pinot noir, red blends (F5, Page 60) Thacher Winery and Vineyard • 8355 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-237-0087 • www.thacherwinery.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, syrah, viognier, cabernet sauvignon (C5, Page 60)
Tobin James Cellars • 8950 Union Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-2204 • www.tobinjames.com • Open daily 10-6 • Popular wines: sauvignon blanc, moscato, syrah, chardonnay (J4, Page 61)
Tolo Cellars • 9750 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-226-2282 • www.tolocellars.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: cabernet franc, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, Rhône blends (B4, Page 60) 76 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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Inspiring Romance since 1958
SAN LUIS OBISPO MadonnaInn.com 805-543-3000
sanluisobispo.com
vintages | SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 77
North County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Tooth & Nail Winery • 3090 Anderson Road, Paso Robles • 805- 369-6100 • www.toothandnailwinery.com • Open Wed-Mon 10-6 • Popular wines: red blends, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo (E6, Page 60)
Treana & Hope Family Wines • 1585 Live Oak Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-4112 • www.hopefamilywines.com • Open Thurs-Mon 10-4 and by appointment • Popular wines: grenache, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon (E5, Page 60)
Turley Wine Cellars • 2900 Vineyard Drive, Templeton • 805-434-1030 • www.turleywinecellars.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, petite sirah (E7, Page 60)
Venteux Vineyards • 1795 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • 805-369-0127 • www.venteuxvineyards.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, syrah, cuvée (E7, Page 60) Via Vega Vineyard and Winery • 2378 Adobe Road, Paso Robles • 805-423-2190 • www.viavega.com • Open Fri-Sat 11-4, Sundays 11-2 and by appointment • Popular wines: malbec, cabernet sauvignon, red blends, syrah (H3, Page 61)
Villa Creek • 5995 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles • 805-238-7145 • www.villiacreekwine.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-4 and by appointment • Popular wines: red blends, Grenache, roussanne, cabernet sauvignon (D5, Page 60)
Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery • 6385 Cross Canyons Road, San Miguel • 805-467-0014 • www.villasanjuliette.com • Open Mon and Thurs-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: petite sirah, merlot, zinfandel, red and white blends (H1, Page 61) Villicana Winery & Vineyard • 2725 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-9456 • www.villicanawinery.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: viognier, merlot, syrah, zinfandel (E4, Page 60)
Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery 3700 Mill Road · Paso Robles · 805-227-4812 www.vinarobles.com • Open daily summer 10-6, winter 10-5 Winery Photo
Celebrating 20 years of premium winegrowing, Vina Robles is a family-owned winery with a Swiss lineage that specializes in balanced, ageworth wines that express their estate vineyards including Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. Offering lunch Thursday-Sunday, daily food and wine experiences, private events, and outdoor summer concerts. Popular wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, estate blends. (H4 Page 61)
Winery Logo
Vintage Cowboy Winery • 10 E. Pozo Road, Santa Margarita • 805-286-7172 • www.vintagecowboywinery.com • Open Sat-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: grenache blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel (M6, Page 61)
Vines on the Marycrest • 5076 Mustard Creek Road, Paso Robles • 805-237-0378 • www.vinesonthemarycrest.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, syrah, , red blends, viognier (E3, Page 60)
Whalebone Vineyard • 8325 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles • 805-239-9020 • www.whalebonevineyard.com • Open Mon-Fri 11-5, Sat-Sun 10-5:30 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, red blends (C5, Page 60) Wild Coyote Estate Winery • 3775 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles • 805-610-1311 • www.wildcoyote.biz • Open Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri-Sun 10-6 • Popular wines: zinfandel, merlot, syrah, red blends (E4, Page 60)
Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards • 1437 Wild Horse Winery Court, Templeton • 805-788-6300• www.wildhorsewinery.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: pinot noir, merlot, red and white blends, grenache (G7, Page 60)
Windward Vineyard • 1380 Live Oak Road, Paso Robles • 805-239-2565 • www.windwardvineyard.com • Open daily 10:30-5 • Popular wines: pinot noir (F6, Page 60) Zenaida Cellars • 1550 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles • 805-227-0382 • www.zenaidacellars.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, white and red blends, cabernet sauvignon (F6, Page 60)
ZinAlley Winery • 3730 Highway 46 West, Templeton • 805-238-0959 • www.zinalley.com • Open Fri-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: zinfandel, port (E7, Page 60) 78 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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The air is clean and the open space clears your mind. Atascadero is a town of simple pleasures – the sweetness of fresh honey, a pristine golf course nestled in the hills, the simplicity of a stroll in historic downtown. When you’re in Atascadero, you have access to a variety of beaches, breweries, cider, world-class wine and mountaintop views.
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888-55-VISIT
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North Coast Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Black Hand Cellars
766 Main Street, Suite B, Cambria • 805-927-9463 (WINE) www.blackhandcellars.com • Open daily 12-5
Black Hand Cellars specializes in white & red wines which include Rhône & Bordeaux blends, Estate syrah and Dessert wine. Our grapes are from our property and surrounding vineyards on the West side appellation of Paso Robles. Our theme takes us back to the 1920’s during prohibition and Mafia stories. Popular wines: syrah, cuvee, Rhône and Bordeaux blends (A4, Page 80)
Cayucos Cellars • 801C Main Street, Cambria • 805-995-3036 • www.cayucoscellars.com • Open Wed-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, blends (A4, Page 80)
Chateau Margene • 845 Embarcadero, Morro Bay • 805-225-1235 • www.chateaumargene.com • Open daily 12-7 • Popular wines: cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux blends (C7, Page 80) Cutruzzola Vineyards • 555 Main Street, Cambria • 805-927-2670 • www.cutruzzolavineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 Popular wines: pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay (A4, Page 80) Fermentations • 2306 Main Street, Cambria • 805-927-7141 • www.fermentations.com • Open daily 10-8 • Wine shop with tastings (B5,
Page 80)
Full Moon Tasting Room Wine Bar and Bistro • 10 N. Ocean Ave., No. 212, Cayucos • 805-995-0095 • Open Thurs-Sat 4-10, Sun and Mon 2-7 • Wine bar and bistro with ocean views (D5, Page 80)
Harmony Cellars • 3255 Harmony Valley Road, Harmony • 805-927-1625 • www.harmonycellars.com • Open daily 10-5; until 5:30 in the summer • Popular wines: chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, malbec (C4, Page 80) Hearst Ranch Winery • 442 SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon (at Sebastian’s General Store & Café) • 805-927-4100 •
www.hearstranchwinery.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, tempranillo, petite sirah, red and white blends (A1, Page 90)
Indigo Moon • 1980 Main Street, Cambria • 805-924-1259 • www.indigomoonrestaurant.com • Open Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 10-3 • Cheese shop with wines by the glass (B5, Page 90)
BrasAndSaws
Open Daily 11-5
Woodworking Designs • wine art &
S T I L L H O U S E
• handpainted signs • rustic art
3230 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: 805.226.9898 www.redsoleswinery.com Come for the wine, stay for the spirits
sanluisobispo.com
• custom orders
Visit: www.BrasAndSaws.com (805) 550-9000 BrasAndSaws@gmail.com
Handcrafted locally
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Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
North Coast Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Madeline’s • 788 Main Street, Cambria • 805-927-0990 • www.madelinescambria.com • Open daily 11-5 • Restaurant and wine tasting room (A4, Page 90)
Moonstone Cellars • 812 Cornwall Street, Cambria • 805-927-9466 • www.moonstonecellars.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon (A4, Page 90)
Morro Bay Wine Seller • 601 Embarcadero, Suite No. 5, Morro Bay • 805-772-8388 • Sun, Tues, Wed 12-7 and Mon, Thur-Sat 12-9 • Shop with tasting of regional and international wines (C7, Page 90)
Roxo Port Cellars • 845 Embarcadero, Morro Bay • 805-225-1235 • www.roxocellars.com • Open daily 12-7 • Popular wines: port-style red blends (C7, Page 61) Stax Wine Bar & Bistro • 1099 Embarcadero, Morro Bay • 805-772-5055 • www.staxwine.com • Open Sun-Thurs 12-8, Fri-Sat 12-10 • Wine bar with tapas, chocolates and local and imported wines (C6, Page 90) Stolo Family Vineyards • 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria • 805-924-3131 • www.stolofamilyvineyards.com • Open Thurs-Mon 11:30-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah, sauvignon blanc (B3, Page 90)
Twin Coyotes Winery • 2020 Main Street, Cambria • 805-927-9800 • www.twincoyotes.com • Open Fri-Sat 12-6, Sun-Thurs 12-5 • Popular wines: vermentino, tempranillo, merlot, cabernet sauvignon (B5, Page 90) Wine : Taste • 4056 Burton Drive, Cambria • 805-927-3700 • www.winetastelifestyle.com • Open daily 10-8 • Store with wine tasting (B5, Page 90)
ESCAPE COUPON PACKAGE Includes two dinner entrees & a bottle of House wine. Complimentary breakfast buffet.
Nightly entertainment in the Fireside Lounge 25 acres on Monterey pines & gardens Outdoor heated pool & spa
Stay 4/1 - 6/30/17
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Rooms from $149, Suites from $179
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Use Promo Code: VINT
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Reserve online at CambriaPinesLodge.com Or call 800-966-6490 and mention Vintages 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON AT CHECK-IN Limited number of packages available. Does not apply to groups. Excludes holidays, peak periods, and some weekends. Not valid with other discounts or promotions. Must mention this coupon when making reservation. Does not include tax. Expires 9/14/17.
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Vendors! Call to Book Space Today!
Tickets: $125 for FHC members | $200 for non-members
Call or email to reserve your tickets today! (805) 927-2138 Friends@FriendsofHearstCastle.org
We look forward to seeing you on the hilltop for this spectacular event! www.FriendsOfHearstCastle.org
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Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
South County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Alapay Cellars • 415 First Street, Avila Beach • 805-595-2632 • www.alapaycellars.com • Open daily 10:30-6:30 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, zinfandel, sparkling (B6, Page 84)
Autry Cellars
5450 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • 805-546-8669 www.autrycellars.com • Open daily 11-5
Artisan winemaker Steve Autry is proud to share with wine lovers his boutique winery featuring 16 varietals and Autry Cellars Brandy. Get an intimate sense of the winemaking process while enjoying spectacular wines & brandies in the tasting room or on the outside deck. Wines are also sold by the glass. Brandy tasting also available. Popular wines: flag ship Petite Sirah, Viognier, Malbec, Pinot noir (C3, Page 84)
Winery Photo
$
AUTRY CELLARS
Avila Wine and Roasting Co. • 53 San Miguel Street, Avila Beach • 805-627-1918 • www.avilawinecompany.com • Open Fri-Sat 1-7, Sun-Mon, Thurs 1-6 • Wine shop with wine bar and patio (B6, Page 84)
Biddle Ranch Vineyard • 2050 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-543-2399 • www.biddleranch.com • Thurs-Mon 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: pinot grigio, chardonnay, pinot noir, sparkling (C3, Page 84)
Central Coast Wines • 712 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo • 805-784-9463 • www.ccwines.com • Open Sun 11-6, Mon-Wed 11-7, Thurs-Fri 11-9, Sat 10-9 • Wine tasting bar and store (B2, Page 84)
Easy shopping for the finest San Luis Obispo County wine, food and SLO souvenirs! We ship nationwide | 805.544.4449 | www.CrushedGrape.com
Susan Clark Broker Associate REALTOR®
DRE# 01154453
Cell\Text: 805-674-1167 SusanClark@KW.com www.SusanClarkRE.com
Make the most of your home with the Comfort Sleeper Central Coast 350 James Way, Suite #130 Pismo Beach CA 93449
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
sanluisobispo.com
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South County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Baileyana, Tangent & True Myth
5828 Orcutt Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • 805-269-8200 www.nivenfamilywines.com • Open daily 10-5
In our Tasting Room, a repurposed Schoolhouse built in 1909, taste through a flight of five featured wines or buy a glass or bottle from over thirty different white, red, sparkling and dessert wines. Browse our enticing shop stocked with gourmet foods and charming gifts, or picnic outside and play bocce ball with views of the vines across the valley to the mountains. Popular wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (D3, Page 84)
Cerro Caliente Cellars • 831 Via Esteban, San Luis Obispo • 805-544-2842 • www.cerrocalientecellars.com • Open Sat-Sun 11-5 and by appointment • Popular wines: zinfandel, merlot, syrah, dessert (C2, Page 84)
Chamisal Vineyards • 7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-541-9463 • www.chamisalvineyards.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah, rosé (D4, Page 84) Claiborne & Churchill Winery • 2649 Carpenter Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-544-4066 • www.claibornechurchill.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot noir, port (D4, Page 84) Culton Wine Co. • 435 First Street • 805-439-3038 • www.cultonwine.com • Open Thurs-Sun 11-6 • Popular wines: red Rhône blends, grenache, petite sirah (B6, Page 84)
Edna Valley Vineyard • 2585 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-544-5855 • www.ednavalleyvineyard.com • Open Fri 11-6, Sat-Sun 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot (D3, Page 84)
®
Full Service Catering and Cakes from Splash Café Gourmet Catering Everything from BBQ to Lobster Bake 805-544-7567 • Heatherb.splash@gmail.com www.splashcafe.com/wedding_menu.php
Boxed Lunches for Wine Picnics Inludes: sandwich, cookie & fruit salad
Bu f fet or Plated Ser vice | Wedding C akes | De s ser t Bar s 86 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
Serving the finest seafood available, in a most casual style. We print our menu daily – visit www.crackedcrab.com
751 PRICE STREET
•
PISMO BEACH
•
773-CRAB (2722) sa n lu iso b isp o .c o m
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
South County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Filipponi Ranch
1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • 805-903-3567 www.filipponiranch.com • Open Thurs. - Sun. 11am-5pm
Nestled among the rolling oak-studded hills on the outskirts of San Luis Obispo is Filipponi Ranch. Come by and visit us in our new tasting room in the restored original ranch house built in 1890. You will be delighted by the beauty and history of the ranch while you enjoy our selection of fine wines. Follow us on Facebook! Popular wines: Chardonnay, Verdelho, Rose, Lorenzo (GSM Blend), Grenache, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. (B3, Page 84)
Kynsi Winery
2212 Corbett Canyon Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 • 805-544-8461 www.kynsi.com • Open daily 11-5
Kynsi is a genuine family run operation focused on producing distinguished wines from renowned Central Coast vineyards. The winery resides on a historic ranch in a charming and renovated old dairy in the heart of the Edna Valley. Visitors are welcome to experience their acclaimed wines in one of the most idyllic settings in the region. Popular wines: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Proprietary Red Blends, Pinot Blanc, Rosé & Chardonnay (D4, Page 84)
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South County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards • 1947 See Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-595-9700 • www.kelseywine.com • Open daily 11-5:30 • Popular wines: apple wines, chardonnay, zinfandel, muscat (A4, Page 84)
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive, Arroyo Grande • 805-481-1772 www.laetitiawine.com • Open daily 11-5 • Over 30 successful years
Since 1982, the Laetitia Estate Vineyard & Winery has produced elegant wines that champion the exceptional character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. The Tasting Room perches on a hilltop surrounded by Laetitia vineyards with picnic areas, bocce ball courts, and a walking trail - all with breathtaking ocean views. Live music featured every Saturday in the summer. Come out and enjoy. Popular wines: pinot noir, sparkling wines, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, syrah, Rhône varietals (D6, Page 84)
Luis Wine Bar • 1021 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo • 805-762-4747 • www.luiswinebar.com • Open Sun-Thurs 3-11, Fri-Sat 3-12 • Local wine, craft beer, cheese, lounge setting (C2, Page 84)
Madonna Inn Gourmet & Wine Shop • 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-784-2438 • www.madonnainn.com • Open Sun-Thurs 8:30-9:30, Fri-Sat 8:30-10:30 • Shop with wine tastings (B2, Page 84)
Picnic Areas » Bocce » Walking Trail » Ocean Views » Tasting Daily 11-5PM
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Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
South County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Monarch Grove Winery • 180 Highway 1, Grover Beach • 805-709-4875 • www.monarchgrovewinery.com • Open Thurs-Mon 12-6 • Popular wines: red blends, barbera, petite sirah, chardonnay (C6, Page 84)
Morovino • 468 Front Street, Avila Beach • 805-627-1443 • www.morovino.com • Open Sun-Thurs 12-5, Fri-Sat 12-6 • Popular wines: pinot grigio, sangiovese, riesling, red blend (A6, Page 84)
Peloton Cellars • 470 Front Street, Avila Beach • 805-627-1080 • www.pelotoncellars.com • Open Sun-Thurs 12-5, Fri-Sat 12-7 • Popular wines: zinfandel, pinot grigio, chardonnay, albariño (A6, Page 84)
Phantom Rivers Wine • 211 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande • 805-481-9463 • www.phantomrivers.com • Open Thurs, Sat-Mon 12-5, Fri 12-6 Nov.-May; Mon-Thurs 12-5, Fri 12-8, Sat 12-6, Sun 12-5 June-Oct • Popular wines: viognier, pinot noir, chardonnay (D6, Page 74)
Puffer’s of Pismo
781 Price Street, Pismo Beach • 805-773-6563 • www.puffersofpismo.com Open Tues-Thurs 4pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 4pm-12am Puffer’s of Pismo is your friendly neighborhood wine bar in the vibrant community of Pismo Beach. Puffer’s features fine local and international wines and beers, and a tasteful selection of small plates. Puffer’s also showcases the finest musicians in the region, offering a variety of performers and genres. The locals say Puffer’s is the place! Friends • Wine • Music • Memories (C5, Page 84)
Puffer’s of Pismo
FILIPPONI RANCH WINERY
Rustic Charm
Ranch Hospitality
Visit us in our Tasting Room Enjoy flavorful wines in a fun, friendly atmosphere! Open 11am to 5pm Thursday – Sunday 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo 805-903-3567 www.filipponiranch.com | www.facebook/filipponicellars sanluisobispo.com
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South County Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Sans Liege • 870 Price Street, Pismo Beach • 805-773-2770 • www.sansliege.com • Open Sun-Thurs 12-6, Fri-Sat 12-8 • Popular wines: grenache, red and white blends, chardonnay, pinot noir (B7, Page 84) Saucelito Canyon Vineyard • 3080 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-543-2111 • www.saucelitocanyon.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: grenache blanc, zinfandel, red and white blends (D3, Page 84) Sextant Wines • 1653 Old Price Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-542-0133 • www.sextantwines.com • Open Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat-Sun 10-5 • Popular wines: zinfandel, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir (C4, Page 74)
Sinor-LaVallee Estate Wines
550 First Street, Avila Beach, CA 93424 • 805-459-9595 Open Thurs - Mon, 12-6pm. Closed Tues & Wed
Sinor-LaVallee features Estate Wines from the beautiful Bassi Vineyard near Avila Beach, hand-crafted by local winemaker Mike Sinor. Enjoy wine tasting or wines by the glass at our Tasting Room in downtown Avila Beach. Popular wines: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay. (A4, Page 84)
Stephen Ross Wine Cellars
178 Suburban Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-594-1318 www.stephenrosswine.com • Open Thurs-Sun 11-5
Stephen Ross Dooley founded Stephen Ross Wine Cellars in 1994, with 19 barrels of wine. Over two decades later, and with about 200 barrels today, his passion for the artistry and science of premium grape growing and winemaking continues. His commitment to consistent, high quality winemaking has established him as an icon on California’s Central Coast. Situated in the Edna Valley, Stephen Ross focuses on ultra-premium, very small lot, single vineyard and estate pinot noirs, chardonnays, grenache and other cool climate varieties. (B3, Page 84)
Talley Vineyards and Bishop’s Peak Wines • 3031 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande • 805-489-0446 • www.talleyvineyards.com • Open daily 10:30-4:30 • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling (E4, Page 84)
Tastes of the Valleys — Pismo Beach • 911 Price Street, No. A, Pismo Beach • 805-773-8466 • www.pismowineshop.com • Open Mon-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-8 • Wine bar and shop (B7, Page 84) Tolosa Winery & Vineyards • 4910 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-782-0500 • www.tolosawinery.com • Open daily 11-6 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, sauvignon blanc (C3, Page 84)
Wolff Vineyards • 6238 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo • 805-781-0448 • www.wolffvineyards.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, riesling (D3, Page 84)
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PISMO BEACH INVITES YOU TO VISIT Special events happen all year round, showcased below are a few upcoming events but you’re welcome any time to come and enjoy our pristine beaches and charming downtown. With a variety of unique lodging options, gourmet dining and a rich wine region only a few miles away, you’re invitation is always open to join us on the coast. For more information or to book your stay visit us today at www.ClassicCalifornia.com.
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WINE WAVES AND BEYOND
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June 2-4, 2017
THE CLASSIC AT PISMO BEACH CAR SHOW June 16-18, 2017
For information on these & other great upcoming events visit www.ClassicCalifornia.com
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Santa Maria Valley wineries and tasting rooms
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Find us on sanluisobispo.com
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Santa Maria Valley Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Listings only include wineries with regular tasting room hours. We strive to be accurate. If there is an error in a listing, please email vintages@thetribunenews.com
Andrew Murray Vineyards • 5249 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos • 805-686-9604 • www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com • Open daily 10:30-5:30 • Popular wines: syrah, grenache blanc, petit verdot, cabernet franc (E5, Page 92)
Bedford Winery • 448 Bell Street, Los Alamos • 805-318-2107 • www.bedfordwinery.com • Open daily 11-5 • Popular wines: carignane, cabernet franc, gewürztraminer, grenache, syrah (C6, Page 92)
Ca’ Del Grevino Café & Wine Bar • 400 E. Clark Avenue, Orcutt • 805-937-6400 • www.grevino.com • Open: Tues-Thurs 3-9, Fri-Sat 3-10, Sun 12-6 • Popular wines: dolcetto, pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah (A4, Page 92) Cambria Winery & Vineyard • 5475 Chardonnay Lane, Santa Maria • 805- 937-8091 • www.cambriawines.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, viognier (C2, Page 92)
Casa Dumetz Wines • 388 Bell Street, Los Alamos • 805-344-1900 • www.casadumetzwines.com • Open: Thurs-Fri 12-7, Sat 11-7, Sun 11-6 • Popular wines: grenache, viognier, roussane, rosé (C6, Page 92)
Cnagy Winery • 145 S. Gray Street, Ste. 103, Orcutt • 805-286-7228 • www.nagywines.com • Open Wed-Thurs 1-5, Fri 1-7, Sat 1-6 • Popular wines: syrah, pinot blanc, viognier, pinot noir (A4, Page 92) CORE Winery • 105 W. Clark Avenue, Orcutt • 805-937-1600 • www.corewine.com •Open: Wed-Thurs 1-6, Fri-Sat 1-8, Sun 1-6 • Popular wines: Red Blend, grenache, White Blend, viognier, mourvèdre (A4, Page 92)
Costa De Oro Winery • 1331 S. Nicholson Avenue, Santa Maria • 805-922-1468 • www.cdowinery.com • Open: 11-6 daily, Fri 11-8 • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay (A1, Page 92)
Cottonwood Canyon Winery • 3940 Dominion Road, Santa Maria • 805-937-8463 • www.cottonwoodcanyon.com • Open: Thurs-Mon 11-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah (B2, Page 92)
Fess Parker Winery • 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos • 805-688-1545 • www.fessparker.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: Crockett, pinot noir, syrah, chardonnay, viognier (E5, Page 92)
Firestone Vineyard • 5017 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos • 805-688-3940 • www.firestonewine.com • Open daily 10-5 • Popular wines: chardonnay, Chairman Series, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir (E5, Page 92) Foxen Winery • 7200 & 7600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria • 805-937-4251 • www.foxenvineyard.com •Open: 11-4 daily • Popular wines: chardonnay, chenin blanc, pinot noir, syrah, Rhône varietals (D3, Page 92) Kenneth Volk Vineyards • 5230 Tepusquet Rd, Santa Maria • 805-938-7896 • www.volkwines.com • Open: Thurs-Mon 10:30-4:30 • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot (C3, Page 92)
Lucia’s Wine Co. • 125 E Clark Ave, Orcutt • 805-878-8952 • www.lucias-wine-co.com • Open: 12-8 daily • Popular wines: riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, sangiovese (A4, Page 92) Martian Ranch and Vineyard • 9110 Alisos Canyon Rd, Los Alamos • 805 344-1804 • www.martianvineyard.com • Open: Wed-Sun 11-5 • Popular wines: viognier, tempranillo, grenache blanc, syrah (D5, Page 92)
Municipal Winemakers • 425 Bell Street, Los Alamos • 805-931-6864 • www.municipalwinemakers.com • Open Thurs 2-7, Fri-Sat 1-8, Sun 12-7 • Popular wines: red blends, rosé, pinot noir, cinsault, cournoise, syrah (C6, Page 92) Old Town Market • 405 E. Clark Avenue, Orcutt • 805-937-5619 • www.oldtownmarket.net • Open: Mon-Sat 7a-9p, Sun 8-8 • Market with wine bar, craft beer, tastings (A4, Page 92)
Presqu’ile Winery • 5391 Presquile Drive, Santa Maria • 805-937-8110 • www.presquilewine.com • Open: Sat-Thurs 11-5, Fri 11-6 • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, syrah (B3, Page 92) Rancho Sisquoc Winery • 6600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria • 805-934-4332 • www.ranchosisquoc.com • Open: Mon-Thurs 10-4, Fri-Sun 10-5 • Popular wines: meritage, cabernet sauvignon, River Red, pinot noir, sylvaner (D3, Page 92)
Riverbench • 6020 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria • 805-937-8340 • www.riverbench.com • Open: 10-4 daily • Popular wines: pinot noir, chardonnay, sparkling wine, riesling (C3, Page 92)
Zaca Mesa • 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos • 805-688-9339 • www.zacamesa.com • Open: Sun-Thurs 10-4, Fri-Sat 10-5 • Popular wines: viognier, Z Blanc, chardonnay, syrah, Z Cuvee, Z Three (E4, Page 92) 94 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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NO MORE SAYING,
x e t n w e e b e y kend.” a M “ Let’s get together in Santa Maria Valley. Our pace of life is much like our growing season: slower, sustained, and never rushed. Named one of the “Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs” by the Travel Channel in 2016, our coastal climate and central location have drawn in dozens of amazing wineries and people have discovered what we knew all along: Santa Maria Valley has the best weather and terrain for growing grapes. “The Santa Maria Valley may well have the highest overall quality of grapes and wines of any appellation in California… It is an insider’s secret.” – Steve Heimoff, renowned wine critic
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH 17-19 Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend Winemaker dinners, open houses, food pairings, tours and seminars are among the events offered by Paso Robles wineries. Ticket prices and locations vary. 805-239-8463 or www.pasowine.com APRIL 1-2 Central Coast Orchid Show and Sale Head out on an orchid road trip! Tour a variety of orchid plants, watch demonstrations and visit plant doctors for valuable information. From 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at South County Regional Center, 800 W. Branch St. in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $6, children 12 and younger are free. 805-929-5749 or www.fcos.org APRIL 7 From The Barrel Celebrate the end of Prohibition with some of the finest bourbons, ciders and barrel-aged beers and live music from 7-10 p.m. at Santa Margarita Ranch at 9000 Yerba Buena Ave. Come dressed in your 1920s finest. Event benefits Woods Humane Society. Tickets are $85-$100. 805-591-8022 or www.firestonebeer.com APRIL 8-9 Wine 4 Paws Support your four-legged friends at wineries in San Luis Obispo County. Tasting fees and/or a percentage of purchases will benefit Woods Humane Society. No tickets are needed. For a list of participating wineries and more information, go to www.wine4paws.com Eroica California A celebration of wine, cuisine and vintage bicycles, Eroica California comes to Paso Robles via its sister city in Italy. A portion of event fees benefits Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. For more information, go to www.eroicacalifornia.com APRIL 22 Taste of Pismo Head to Dinosaur Caves Park for a springtime celebration featuring wine, food, music and more. Soak in the best view in town at the 1-4 p.m. event. Tickets are $35-$65. 805-773-4382 or www.tasteofpismo.com APRIL 29-30 Wildflower Show Fresh wildflowers collected from the Monterey County line to the Morro Bay Estuary, and from the coastal bluffs to the ridge of the Santa Lucia Mountains on display at Cambria Veterans Memorial Building at 1000 Main St. 805-927-2856 or www.ffrpcambria.org MAY 18-21 Paso Robles Wine Festival The four-day festival offers more than 140 events including winemaker dinners, barrel tastings and wine specials at individual wineries. On Saturday, May 20, more than 70 wineries will be featured at the Grand Tasting event in Downtown City Park from noon-4 p.m. Tickets are $50-$145. Prices for other events vary. 805-239-8463 or www.pasowine.com MAY 27
donna Inn Meadows in San Luis Obispo. From noon-5 p.m. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. for aficionado ticketholders.) Tickets are $35-$80. The festival is a benefit for Hospice SLO County. 805-544-2266 or www.california festivalofbeers.com Avila Beach Tequila Festival Join Los Lobos at the sixth annual festival featuring tequila in Avila Beach. The event is from noon-5 p.m. at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Drive. Tickets are $45 and include six tequila tastings; VIP admission is $100 and includes early entry. 800-595-4000 or www.ticketfly.com/venue/22193 MAY 27-28
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Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival Strawberry treats, food, arts and crafts, music and rides and games fill the downtown streets of the Village of Arroyo Grande on Memorial Day weekend. Admission is free. 805-473-2250 or www.arroyogrande village.org
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Wine, Waves & Beyond Surf and wine celebration with events at numerous venues throughout San Luis Obispo County. Ticket prices vary; proceeds benefit GleanSLO and Still Frothy. 805-556-3306 or www.winewavesandbeyond.com
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JUNE 3 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest This festival at the Paso Robles Event Center will feature 50 breweries, with samples from local eateries for food pairings and live music from noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $85-$200. 805-591-8022 or www.firestonebeerfest.com Paso Robles Olive Festival Bring the family for a day of olive-inspired fun. Olive tasting, cooking contests and more are celebrated in Downtown City Park from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. 805-238-4103 or www.pasoroblesdown town.org/downtown-calendar/paso-robles-event-olive-festival JUNE 4 Paso Pinot & Paella Festival Local chefs compete for the best paella to pair with Paso Robles pinot noirs at Templeton Community Park from 2-5 p.m. Event includes live music and dancing. Tickets are $75. Benefits local youth performing arts. 805-239-2565 or www.pinotandpaella.com An Afternoon of Epicurean Delights Stroll through the gardens of Chapman Estate in Shell Beach from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. while listening to music and enjoying samples from many of San Luis Obispo County’s restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and confectioners. Benefits CAPSLO. Tickets are $125. 805-5442498 or www.capslo.org JUNE 22-24 Roll Out the Barrels Roll Out the Barrels kicks off the summer with winery adventures and activities beginning with the Barrels in the Plaza tasting event in San Luis Obispo on June 22. Barrel samples and open houses are among the activities offered by participating tasting rooms. Ticket prices vary. 805-541-5868 or www.slowine.com
California Festival of Beers Raise a glass in honor of this annual regional brew fest. The festival features beers from dozens of breweries and live entertainment at Ma96 SATURDAY MARCH 11 2017 | vintages
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JUNE 23 Atascadero Mayors’ Winemaker Dinner Sponsored by Atascadero Kiwanis Club and the city of Atascadero, the annual dinner features a gourmet meal, winemakers and auctions. The event, at Atascadero Lake Pavilion at 9315 Pismo Ave., begins at 5 p.m. For tickets, go to www.AtascaderoKiwanis.org or email kiwanisatascadero@gmail.com. Tickets are $85, $500 per eight-person table (including two winemakers), $1,000 for a corporate-sponsored table. 805-466-2044 or www.atascaderochamber.org JUNE 24 Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival The wine tasting and fine arts festival with a bounty of food, wine and music raises money for Atascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo. At Atascadero Lake Park, 9100 Morro Road, from 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $60, $75 at the gate. 805-466-2044 or www.atascaderochamber.org /wine-festival JULY 8 Lavender Festival Event celebrates the lavender industry and features lavender producers from throughout San Luis Obispo County. Event includes seminars, music, samples and much more. At City Park in downtown Paso Robles, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. 805-238-4103 or www.pasoroblesdowntown.org/downtown-calendar/ paso-robles-event-lavender-festival JULY 19-30 Festival Mozaic Includes concerts in spectacular venues, classes, culinary events and more. Prices vary by event. 805-781-3009 or www.festivalmozaic.com California Mid-State Fair, Paso Robles The 12-day fair features carnival rides, games, livestock competitions, traditional fair food, live entertainment, concerts and more. At Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., from noon to midnight. General daily admission is $6-$10. 805-239-0655 or www.midstatefair.com AUG. 13 Winemakers’ Cookoff Central Coast wineries pair gourmet food with wines as they compete for coveted awards. The annual Rotary Club of Paso Robles event takes place at Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., from 6-9 p.m. Benefits local high school scholarships. Tickets are $45-$85. 877-755-7845 or www.winemakerscookoff.com SEPT. 2-4 Pinedorado Days, Cambria Since 1949, Labor Day weekend in Cambria has meant Pinedorado Days with a parade, barbecues, kids’ games, prizes, face painting, food booths, kiddie cars and an art show. Next to the Veterans Memorial Building at 1000 Main St.; most events free. 805-927-9903 or www.pinedorado.com SEPT. 9 Avocado Margarita Festival Festival celebrates eats from fresh-off-the-tree avocados paired with margaritas and beer on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. In addition to the eats, the event, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., includes live music and an array of vendors. Admission is $5 in advance, $7 at the gate; free for children 10 and younger. www.avomargfest.com s an l u i s o b i s p o . c o m
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THELASTSIP
Pairing cider with food? Try these ideas BY KATY BUDGE
Special to The Tribune
H
ard ciders are all the rage, and gone are the days when “cider” always meant cloying and sweet. At the core of most ciders’ current appeal is a dry, refreshing, glutenfree effervescence. But what are the cider house rules for pairing these beverages with food? That depends. “With such an incredible variety of great craft ciders on the market, what pairs with cider is not such a straightforward question these days,” said Neil Collins, co-owner of Bristols Cider in Atascadero and the winemaker at Tablas Creek Vineyard and his own label, Lone Madrone. “So it, of course, depends on which cider you are drinking. Is it hopped? Is it infused with a fruit? What yeast was it fermented on?” With apple ciders such as Bristols, Collins likes to pair those with a classic West Country farmhouse cheddar from his native Britain or any of the curries served at Bristols Cider on Thursday evenings. “The great acidity and brightness complement both the fat and sharpness of the cheese,” he said, “and with the curries, the freshness of the cider cuts well with the spice.” Collins noted that “another classic pairing is slow-cooked pork shoulder cooked in cider, but cider also lends itself very well to a lot of vegetarian cuisine.” At The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach, “we serve ciders that are dry and pair nicely with rich foods,” said co-owner Brooke Town. A sweet cider may not be as good with those foods, she explained. For example, “the Tin City Cider (from Paso Robles) is dry, crisp and briny, which is a lovely complement to our honey-glazed fried chicken,” Town said. “We also sprinkle fried rosemary on the chicken, which adds a fun complement to the cider as well.” Town added that with something such as The Spoon Trade’s smoked potatoes with lime aioli, “Tin City’s Cherry Saison
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PHOTOS BY DAVID MIDDLECAMP dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach pairs Tin City Cider with honey-glazed fried chicken and waffles.
Here, The Spoon Trade’s smoked potatoes with lime aioli are paired with Tin City Cider’s Cherry Saison — “a fun, tart way to cut through the richness of the potatoes,” says Brooke Town, co-owner of the restaurant.
is a fun, tart way to cut through the richness of the potatoes.” (Check out many local cider producers at the Central Coast Cider Festival on May 13 at the Atascadero Pavilion on the
Lake.) www.bristolscider.com www.thespoontrade.com www.tincitycider.com www.centralcoastciderfestival.com
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Indulge in a
Dionysus Experience Toast to Dionysus, the Ancient Greek God of Harvest and Wine, at Gardens of Avila Restaurant Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus feature a wide range of selections for everyone’s taste and budget. Enjoy the intimate dining room, lively lounge, and beautiful patios surrounded by Sycamores and Oaks. The wine list highlights the very best—and frequently hard to find—local wines crafted by Central Coast winemakers. Free Corkage on First Bottle of SLO County Wine Weekday Happy Hours | Wednesday Open Mic Sunday Brunch
Make It Even More Special with an Overnight Stay Escape to a stunning one-bedroom spa suite with private balcony, hot tub, and fireplace. The Resort is also the perfect location to host a wedding, retreat, girlfriends getaway, banquet, or indulge in an extraordinary massage or facial.
805.595.7302 SycamoreSprings.com 1215 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA
sanluisobispo.com
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