Clear your schedule and mark this event down with a big fat Sharpie. The Second Annual Harmony Wine and Beer Festival is back (Saturday, August 3 from 1-4:30 p.m.), it promises to be bigger and better than ever. The tiny town of Harmony, California has been lovingly restored in recent years, and the only thing it’s missing this summer is YOU. With so many events kicking off in and around Paso Robles Wine Country this time of year, it can be difficult to keep them all straight.
You’d be crazy to miss this one, though. Here’s five reasons to high-tail it to SLO County’s quirkiest town. Don’t let its famously small population (18, maybe 26 if you count the cows) fool you. You’re in store for a massively good time. P.S. you’ll want to get your tickets before June 16 to snag early bird pricing. This one’s sure to sell out in a big way!
1. Harmony’s Historic Past
What’s up with Harmony anyway? You may have heard whispers about this quaint road stop located north of Cayucos and south of Cambria off Highway 1. Perhaps you’ve seen photos of the hilarious Harmony sign, proudly emblazoned: Population 18.” The town of Harmony is known for its picturesque storybook feel, impossibly tiny post office, and—of course—Harmony Cellars, perched atop a nearby hilltop. Settled by Swiss farmers in the 1800’s, Harmony boasts a rich dairy heritage (it was home to Harmony Valley Creamery, a cooperative, which ran from 1901 to 1955). In the 1960’s, the town became known as an artist’s hub, and you can still find glass blowers creating their wares to this day. The creamery building also still stands, as does the cozy Harmony Chapel, where you can get hitched, if you’re feeling the urge. Strolling the grounds, you’ll soon find that every bit of sea glass tells a story. It’s a story you’ll want to explore—and revisit—for years to come.
2. Celebrate 30 Years with Harmony Cellars
Roll out the red wine carpet: 2019 marks Harmony Cellars’ 30th Anniversary! Join the Mulligan Family in celebrating this milestone occasion in style. Harmony Cellars offers award-winning wines and picturesque views of the surrounding coastal countryside (you’ve just got these views see it to believe). Established in 1989, owners Chuck and Kim Mulligan built their boutique winery to reflect the serene and unpretentious beauty of Harmony. Winemaking in the tiny town of Harmony is not new, and the tradition harks back to the late 1800s. Kim Mulligan’s great-grandfather, Giacomo Barlogio, was a founder of the old creamery cooperative and was famous for his homemade wine. Today the winery sits on a part of Giacomo’s original land holdings; land that’s been in Kim’s family for four generations. As a tribute to Kim’s heritage, Harmony Cellars produces a special reserve wine labeled “Grandpa Barlogio Zinfandel” that is available only in the Harmony tasting room. Be part of the history and be there when this historic winery turns 30.
For mapping and directions to Harmony Cellars Click Here
3. Diverse Tastings
More is more even in a one-cow town. Paso Robles Wine Country is a universe of flavor surrounded by a galaxy of epicurean stars. Indeed, SLO County as a whole is home to an impressive array of illustrious libations, including craft beer, wine and cider. At the Harmony Wine and Beer Festival, you need not choose just one region or microclimate. Enjoy them all (OK—not all, but you do get unlimited pours from a large breadth of local purveyors). Savor Harmony Cellars robust offerings—from buttery Chardonnay to crisp Riesling, spicy Zinfandel to a voluptuous Cabernet—as well as18 of SLO County’s finest wineries and breweries all in one enchanting locale. It’s not a storybook ending. This is real life!
4. Eats, Art, Music, and More
It’s not just about tasting (although it is totally about tasting). The Harmony Wine and Beer Festival will be ground zero for laid back summer fun, too. Groove to live roots music by The Chad Land Band, grab a snack or sweet treat from a local gourmet food truck (including ice cream from Harmony Creamery Scoop Truck), or pop into Harmony Glassworks and watch a gaggle of glassblowers create glittering wonders. Have you seen the red hot glass molded and shaped before your very eyes? If not, you’ll be entranced by this unique process, to be sure. Harmony Pottery offers up the perfect place to snag a souvenir: Take home lovely glass tableware of your own or swoop up some one-of-a-kind pottery. Yes—they’ve got decanters a plenty!
5. Give Back to the Community
It feels good to do good. This festival is a charitable event for Infant Essentials, a nonprofit organization created to provide the homeless, low-income, and under-served infants in San Luis Obispo County with diapers, baby wipes, formula, and other essential comforts that no infants should be without. In fact, the first ever Harmony Wine & Beer Festival was held in August 2018. Just shy of 600 festival goers attended and nearly $22,000 was raised for Infant Essentials. This cause is close to organizers’ hearts and you’ll leave knowing that you did more than sip and swirl.
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
cally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Treat yourself to the ultimate Paso Robles wine country experience by booking your stay at The Inn at Opolo Vineyards. Guests enjoy our luxurious, spacious rooms and all of the sensory pleasures of Paso Robles in one destination. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/oploVineyards
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals