Those big, crowded wine events and fests are super fun, to be sure (#winetime!), but you may begin to crave a smaller shindig after two or three mega festivals (and one-too-many sunburns). Thankfully, you’ve got an insider pro to help you navigate the overwhelming wine waters. No worries, friend! This spring and summer, we’re here to help you enjoy more wines and way less lines. Ahhhhh….. Doesn’t that sound relaxing for your mind and your wallet? Avoid fest fatigue and attend one of these chill weekend wine events perfect for tasters in the know:
1. Bite into Burger Paradise at Lone Madrone
It’s like you’re at an awesome backyard party, only better. Lone Madrone’s Burger Sundays, helmed by the talented Chef Jeffrey Scott, are a love fest of gigantic, juicy burgers, happy dogs, friendly folks, and rockin’ live music. What could be more low key than that? That being said, these are not your uncle’s burgers. Chef Scott pulls out all the stops so you can experience the most authentically Paso Robles food experience under the sun. Choose your locally sourced “meat,” including Portabela mushroom, lamb, or beef, top with delectable sauces and accouterments, and gear up for a dance or two on the grass. Warning: You will be dancing by the time this shindig is through, so wear your most comfy cowboy boots!
When: Every other Sunday. Click here for dates.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/LoneMadrone
2. Attend the First Ever Albariño Summit at Brecon
While everyone else is headed to the beach, you’ll be quietly racking up cool points at an up-and-coming wine hot spot—and of course, you will be sipping excellent whites while doing so! June 13th Brecon Estate is hosting North America’s first-ever Albariño Summit, and it promises to be a refreshing experience, indeed. A gaggle of amazing 20 Central Coast wineries will be pouring the crisp varietal and you can even get your cork dork on with a seminar busting at the seams with enthused experts and winemakers. And I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet: the event will include live flamenco guitar and food pairings inspired by northwestern Spain! Mind blown, Brecon Estate. Way to do you.
When: June 13, 2016. Click here for tickets.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BreconEstate
3. Gather Around a Killer ‘Za at Opolo
Pizza. Wine. Friends. These three things alone are all amazing, but when you combine all three—that’s when the real magic happens. Grab a clutch of your best buds and hightail it to Opolo, where the wine is flowing freely and the wood fired pizza is always hot, fresh, and oh-so-cheesy-good! Picky friends that can never decide where to eat? These famous Paso pies are a total crowd pleaser, especially when topped with Italian sausage, basil, and fresh tomatoes—plus, you can order up a fresh salad or mezze plate, or order of oysters to share! Whether you’ve been meaning to catch up with your family or a few work pals, nothing ignites the party like Opolo.
When: Daily, 11 – 4 pm
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/OpoloVineyards
4. Go Rustic with Estate Angus BBQs at Oso Libre
If Paso Robles is one part wine country, one part cowboy country, then Oso Libre is the winery poster child! Here, world-class vines intermingle with estate-raised Angus beef…which, of course, you can purchase for your own grill! With 360 aces of pasture to roam, Oso Libre’s sustainably sourced steers are raised without hormones, corn feed, or stress (Yes, even the steers breathe easier in Paso Robles). Raised on grass and luxuriously finished with beer brewer’s mash, wheat, oats, barley, and molasses, you can also dig into this gourmet beef at one of the winery’s famously fun Estate Barbecues.
When: Check website here for upcoming barbecues. Join the Oso Libre Black Angus Beef Club here for 15-pound packages of meat sent to your door.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/OsoLibreWinery
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, 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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