Grapes, ripe and glistening, are dropping off the vines. Well, more like they are being pulled off the vines, as thousands of vineyard workers work from sunup to sundown to craft the next great vintage. Mother nature can only do so much before man and woman must step in. Now, we must work! All across Paso Robles, you’ll see the fruit of this labor making its way into the fermentation tank, barrel and bottle. Take time to celebrate all the toil that goes into every last drop of Paso Wine with these 5 festive harvest events. Eat, drink, and high-five your nearest vineyard worker. Will all this hard work be worth it in the end? I think you know the answer.
1. Robert Hall Winery Pork Roast
Ready for a whole hog ho-down? Join Robert Hall Winery for a Harvest Festival Dinner to oink home about! This Saturday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m., Captain Mark Tognazzini from Dockside in Morro Bay will be smoking up some bodacious baby back ribs, sausage, and pulled pork sliders along with an array of seafood: oysters, crab cakes, shrimp tacos and more. With barrel tastings, specialty wine flights and live music by Grammy Award winner Louie Ortega, you’re going to be as happy as a pig in mud.
Mapping and Directions to Robert Hall Winery
2. Rotta Winery Fire Dinner
Your mom told you not to play with fire—and we tend to agree. That said, Rotta Winery has a way of making us break all the rules. Join the iconic Paso Robles Winery for a supper that crackles with intrigue and mystery! Rotta’s Fire Dinner kicks off Saturday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. with all the sparks and grilled meats you might expect, but with a twist. While you might be used to Central Coast tri-tip, you’ve never had Argentinean Asado prepared this perfectly. Chef Spencer Johnston of Danior Catering has joined forces with Rotta winemaker Cristian Tietje to create a delicious, fiery experience. Strike the match. It’s on!
Mapping and Directions to Rotta Winery
3. Lusso Della Terra Cellars Winemaker Dinner
Summer is for sandwiches. Fall is for feasting! Belly up to a real deal winemaker dinner with all the elegant accompaniments of a royal banquet this Saturday Oct. 20 at Lusso Della Terra Cellars. A sparkling wine reception sets the tone, followed by a three course dinner paired with sumptuous wines. Yes, dessert will also be paired, so save room to linger long after the final meal is served.
Mapping and Directions to Lusso Della Terra Cellars
4. Opolo Harvest Party
Harvest is a spectacular time to visit Paso Robles Wine Country, but it might just be the very best time ever to scoot over to Opolo! Every year, the winery hosts an epic harvest dinner and grape stomp that attracts visitors from far and wide. That’s right. You too can roll up your jeans and stomp up a storm a la I Love Lucy. That’s not all! The Friday, Oct 19 event (which runs from 5:30-9:30 p.m.) also features folk dancing, lamb roast and world famous Opolo wine. Surrounded by vineyards on their hilltop hangout, you’ll be ready to relocate to Paso Robles by sundown.
Mapping and Directions to Opolo Winery
5. Fiesta at Sculpterra
Color us excited, piñata or not! A live Mariachi band, authentic Mexican food and flowing wines can spell only one word: Fiesta! From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, join the winery for an action-packed flavor adventure. Siesta not included, although you might want to take your own!
Mapping and Directions to Sculpterra
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
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