“Is it really almost August? How many beach trips can I fit in before school starts up again? Why is life so stinking unfair?” These are natural questions that flood the brain at the end of July (after all, we are way closer to the stresses of fall than most of us would care to admit). Before you panic, just remember: Summer ain’t over till it’s over, baby. Take the bull (or the sheep—in the case of Mutton Busting) by the horns and live it up. These wine-centric Paso Robles events should help you live your last summer days to the fullest.
BBQ like you mean it
When: July 22 from noon to 3 p.m.
What: Do you like your burgers pink and juicy in the middle? Me too. What about your wine? The scenic Oso Libre Winery tasting room is hosting a classic summertime barbecue bash for the release of its estate mourvedre rosé, and it promises to be a sizzlin’ good time for sure. On the menu: oak grilled estate burgers topped with cave aged gruyere, caramelized onions, whole grain mustard aioli, fresh baked brioche bun, and organic field greens. What can I say? When the “master of grilling” is chef Jeff Scott, you’ll truly want to kiss the cook!
Click here for mapping and directions to Oso Libre Winery
Get your jam on
When: August 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.
What: If you haven’t caught a live band this summer, you’ll want to stop by Rotta Winery for this epic explosion of flavor and funk. The Jammies band is known for eclectic covers, which span reggae, classic rock, and R&B. Did I mention you won’t pay a cover charge? Plus, Rotta Winery is known for its own array of diverse offerings as one of the oldest wineries in Paso Robles. From black monukka dessert wine to summer-approved zinfandels, refreshing rosé, and bold Paso blends, you’re sure to find a top 40 hit.
Click here for mapping and directions to Rotta Winery
Hit the fair
When: July 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
What: The California Mid-State Fair ends July 30, which means you still have plenty of time to eat your fill of deep fried candy bars, visit the farm animals, get your kid in on some mutton busting action, and maybe even try your hand at a few carnival games, too! Did you know that Paso wine is a huge part of the fair, in addition to rides and exhibits? The Central Coast Wine Competition offers up a great indicator of what you should be drinking this summer. This year, the Best White Wine was awarded to Eberle Winery’s 2016 Muscat Canelli, so we say start there! The competition features over 600 types of wines from more than 150 wineries, and winners will be showcased at the Paso Robles Event Center through the end of the month. Go for the gold! Want to taste the best of the best? Attend the Gold Medal Tasting and Wine Industry Awards event, where all the winners will mingle.
Click here for mapping and directions to the Paso Robles Event Center
Click here for mapping and directions to Eberle Winery
Reclaim date night
When: Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
What: Summer evenings in downtown Paso Robles only get hotter as the sun goes down. Enjoy a romantic seafood dinner at Fish Gaucho before hitting a few tasting rooms and you’ll feel like college sweethearts again. As the enchanted evening unfolds, you’ll be sipping on Tudor Wine’s iconic pinot noir, as elegant as they are exceptional. At Tudor Wines, fruit is selected from family owned vineyards and transformed into wine using traditional techniques, including small fermentations mixed by hand and French barrels aging. Ooh la la! Friday and Saturdays the tasting room is open till 8 p.m., so don’t miss your chance to rekindle a little summer loving.
Click here for mapping and direction to Fish Gaucho
Click here for mapping and directions to Tudor Wines, Downtown Paso Robles
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.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
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