“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
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.
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