There’s a reason the word “harvest” strikes joy, fear and excitement into the heart of Paso Robles winemakers and their hardworking staff. It’s now or never. The moment of truth. “Go-time.” Once ripeness occurs, there is no looking back. The fruit must be picked, the clusters must be crushed and someone’s got to man the tasting room while all the bustling commotion is going on. There’s a feverish and festive pace in Paso Robles Wine Country, and the celebratory parties are equally boisterous. After all, it’s only healthy to let off a little steam when you’re spending twelve hour days in the vineyard or barrel room! Join in on this historic moment so that you can proudly say, “I was there” for Paso’s new vintage (even if you’re just drinking the wine, not making it). Expect more than 140 unique events unfolding across the entire region for Harvest Wine Weekend Oct. 18-20, including dinners, concerts and behind-the-scenes tours. Take your pick! Just don’t be late. Like the perfect balance of sugar and acid, harvest waits for no one.
1. Pair: Savor a feast fit for harvest at JUSTIN
This pairing is picture perfect. Celebrate another vivacious vintage with JUSTIN, where world class wine is paired with the most sensational seasonal fare. This iconic Paso Robles winery dates back to 1981, with the planting of JUSTIN’s first estate vineyard. What started as a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends has expanded in acreage and dreams, including a restaurant and chef’s garden. Experience the winery’s traditional Old World methods—like hand-harvesting and small-barrel aging in French oak—blended with New World technology. Pull up a chair to their upcoming Harvest Festival Dinners, slated for Oct. 18-19. Enjoy a farm fresh meal with your wine and perhaps even stay at the JUST INN, a unique boutique hotel surrounded by vines. Come hungry, stay happy!
Quick mapping and directions to JUSTIN
2. Sip: Embark on a barrel tasting at Peachy Canyon Winery
What’s developing in those mysterious oak barrels? Find out at Peachy Canyon Winery in Paso Robles, where you can get an early taste of their forthcoming 2018 vintages during a barrel tasting on October 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Founded by Doug and Nancy Beckett in 1988, Peachy Canyon has long been praised as a producer of award-winning wines that exemplify respect for terroir and dedicated winemaking. Zinfandel has long been Peachy Canyon’s flagship varietal — often with multiple vineyard designates in production. These wines range from elegant and restrained to fruit forward, each an exemplary call to its own terroir. Now, you can taste some of those famous zins before they are unleashed on the world. How cool is that?
Quick mapping and directions to Peachy Canyon Winery
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3. Dine: Nosh in the vines at Austin Hope and Treana Tasting Cellar
Swirl your wine in the vineyard where it was grown at Austin Hope and Treana Tasting Cellar this October 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Paso Robles winery. Savor every detail during a lush outdoor vineyard dinner where you’ll learn how the family farmed land, California sun, and cool ocean breezes nurture incredible grapes. A benchmark of Paso Robles wine since 1996, Austin Hope and Treana Tasting Cellar is known for crafting Rhone and Bordeaux wines that shine with dynamic flavor and grace. We’ll toast to another year of that!
Quick mapping and directions to Austin Hope and Treana
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4. Stomp: Roll up your pants at Opolo
Drink, dance and be merry—very, very merry indeed! Opolo may be equally known for its elegant wines as its fun-loving events. Never experienced a shindig up on the hill? Now is the very best time to experience Opolo’s warm hospitality. Head to this action-packed Paso Robles winery on Friday Oct. 18 for a Harvest Festival Dinner and Grape Stomp of epic proportions (and a taste of their iconic Mountain Zinfandel). Among grape stomping, Serbian folk dancing, and fabulous Opolo wine, you’ll also dine on fresh oysters to lamb. Jump on in, the wine is fine!
Quick mapping and directions to Opolo
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5. Feast: Belly up to the Eberle Wine Caves
Explore the limits of flavor within the cool, scenic ambiance of Eberle Winery’s wine caves. This longtime local favorite continues to celebrate its impressive 40-year legacy of winemaking in Paso Robles, bringing back one of founder Gary Eberle’s favorite chefs for this mouthwatering menu. On October 18, belly up to Eberle’s Harvest Festival Winemaker Dinner, featuring gourmet plates created by cookbook author Lou Rook III of Annie Gunn’s in Chesterfield, MO. He’s famous for combining classic French techniques with “New Italian” finesse. Eberle is famous for crafting the smooth, bold fruit forward reds that put Paso Robles on the map! What are you famous for? Discuss with your table mates and see how new friends are made, Paso Robles style.
Quick mapping and directions to Eberle
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This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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