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
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.
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