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
October 18-19
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
October 18
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
October 18-19
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
Grab your Austin Hope and Treana wine tasting COUPON
4. Stomp: Roll up your pants at Opolo
October 18
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
Grab your Opolo wine tasting COUPON
5. Feast: Belly up to the Eberle Wine Caves
October 18
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.
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