There’s electricity in the air and a buzz in the field as vineyard workers race day and night to pluck precious fruit at just the right moment of ripeness. Winemakers are busy with sorting, crushing, and pressing (and drinking quite a lot of beer while doing it). Yes, it’s that frenzied time again: Harvest on the Central Coast! This October 16 through 18, wineries across Paso Robles will celebrate this exciting season with winemaker dinners, fun musical events, art, and special tastings. Because when you live on the Central Coast, autumn doesn’t begin with pumpkin patches and scarecrows. It begins with the start of a new vintage!
Spa Indulgence at Shale Oak Winery: Sat. 10/ 17 – 11am to 5pm
We all know that the polyphenols in red wine are good for our health, but did you know that the byproducts of your favorite vintage—the skins and juices, especially—are amazing for your skin? Sink into a chair message complete with champagne foot bath, organic scrub, house-made mask, and re-wind reflexology foot massage courtesy of Vino + Therapy Mobile Spa. When your tummy grumbles, grab for a boxed lunch courtesy of Fig Good Food (choices include “The Frenchie” with fig chutney and brie or “The Tuscan” with sundried tomato and olive tapenade). For dessert, savor a sumptuous brownie bite! Live music by Robi Duganne and a jewelry showing by Silpada round out this chic afternoon. Of course, you’ll be sipping on delicious Shale Oak Wine, and if you like what you taste, you can take advantage of incredible fall case specials. Talk about self care!
Other Harvest events: Fri. 10/16 – Yard Art Show by Purple Thumb Notions.
For more information about Shale Oak Winery, click here!
Wood-Fired Pizza at Brecon Estate: Sat. 10/17 – 11am to 5pm
Taste through an eclectic mix of Bordeaux and Rhône styles with just a dash of Spanish flare during a harvest adventure that will satisfy your taste buds to the max. After a great year winning 32 platinum and gold medals, the whole team (which includes three fun-loving winery dogs) will be on hand to share the good vibes and pizza. Yes, you heard right—Brecon will feature the insanely yummy ‘za of Gypsy Flame, which uses only the freshest toppings, and cheese on their perfectly crisp dough. Spread out a blanket and cozy up to friends and loved ones under the majestic oak trees. Clear your schedule: Today, you’re just hanging.
Other Harvest events: Sun. 10/18 – Relax at Brecon with great wines, a picnic under the shady oaks, and fun games.
For more information about Brecon Estate Winery, click here!
Wine Discounts at Cayucos Cellars: Fri-Sun 10/16 -10/18 – 11am to 5:30pm
This quintessential family winery is all about creating a casual, fun and elegant tasting experience that invites every taster—from novice to advanced—to learn a bit about their native yeast fermentation and neutral oak barrel aging process. The winery is located in an old dairy barn nestled into the hills above scenic Cayucos and perfect for a leisurely afternoon of exploration and relaxation. Let’s face it, harvest might mean the start of fall, but it doesn’t necessarily mean “fall weather!”
For more information about Cayucos Cellars, click here!
Live Music at Four Lanterns Winery: Sat. 10/18 – 11am to 5pm
Groove to the sounds of local band Apple Blossoms, check out hand blown glass art demonstrations by Chris Barclay (and pick up a few pieces for yourself), and nosh on fine cheeses courtesy of Vivant Fine Cheese. If that isn’t enough good stuff for one afternoon, you’ll also be privy to Four Lanterns winery’s 2014 Whites and Roses and 2013 reds! A little bird has also let us know that a local food truck will make an appearance, but you’ll have to show up to find out just what you’ll be biting into. All in all, you’re in for a lovely day of food, art, music, and wine.
Other Harvest events: Sun. 10/18 – More live music is in store with tunes provided by Max Martinelli. Also get your hands on cheese and meat pairings. Glass demos will continue through Sunday.
For more information about Four Lanterns Winery, click here!
Lobster Boil at Sextant Winery: Fri. 10/16 – 10am to 5pm
Fall into fishy fun! Join Sextant for their Sixth Annual Lobster Boil Winemaker Dinner, an unbelievable feast under the stars at the winery’s estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Get your mitts on lobster, prawns, boiled artichokes, corn, and freshly picked fingerling potatoes (drooling over here). Of course, you’ll also enjoy a range of Sextant wines expertly paired to this seafood smorgasbord.
Other harvest events: Sat. 10/18 – Attend Sextant’s Fabulous Fiesta complete with carne asada tacos, rice, beans, and killer red or white ZINgria. On Sun. 10/18, cool off with Sextant Sexy Sundaes.
For more information about Sextant Winery, click here!
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com