Enjoy a Wine Festival Weekend in Paso Robles
Central California Wine Tastings, Golf Tournament and Dinner Events
Apr 18, 2009
The 27th annual Paso Robles Wine Festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond to sample some of the premium California wines of the region. The area is home to over 110 wineries, from major national distributors to small family owned boutique vintners. The Spring Wine Festival brings out the best of the season and most of the wineries offer special wine paired dinners, tastings and tours of the facilities. This popular event offers an opportunity to visit a Central Coast wine region during the pleasant, warm spring season. Held between Friday, May 15 and Sunday, May 17 events take place both in downtown Paso Robles and at the many wineries surrounding the region.
Paso Robles continues to develop a reputation for producing quality red wine varietals such as Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet. Whites are also produced and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varietals win awards from many of the local vintners. The warm days and cool nights provide an ideal climate for wine production and the spring season is the optimum time to celebrate before the onset of the hot summer weather.
Paso Robles Wine Festival Events
Dozens of wine tasting and food pairing events happen throughout the weekend but the largest group of vintners congregate on Saturday, May 16. Over 85 wineries participate in a Grand Tasting event that takes place in the center of the city area at Downtown City Park. The $75 premium advance ticket purchase for Saturday, May 16 includes unlimited wine tastings from 1 – 5 p.m., entrance to the event grounds, and a complimentary glass. A $55 ticket purchase limits the tasting times from 2 – 5 p.m., everything else is included.
Throughout the region, wineries open their doors to visitors. This is the season where the premium wines are poured and visitors have an opportunity to sample some of the lower production vintages. Some of the smaller, family owned boutique wineries located off Highway 46 sell through their facilities and do not have national distributions. During the May Wine Festival event, they offer an open house atmosphere and an opportunity to taste wines that are not easily found on the market but are of exceptional quality.
In the Town of Paso Robles
Along with the numerous first class wineries in the region, Paso Robles is developing a reputation for fine California cuisine. Both casual and elegant dining can be found within walking distance of the City Park and main event. Dozens of wine tasting bars line the downtown streets and offer a selection of the many local vintages along with snacks, Spanish style tapas and dessert treats.
Golf Tournaments at the Wine Festival
Paso Robles’ Hunter Ranch Golf Course, (805)237-7444, sits on a pristine hilltop location surrounded by rows of vineyards. Every year as part of the Wine Festival events, a golf tournament in the form of a golf scramble. This year’s game takes place on Friday, May 15.
Where to Stay in Paso Robles
In town, the historic Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street (805) 238-2660, is a full scale hotel in an Old West style directly across from the park. The Hotel Cheval, 1021 Pine Street (805) 226-9995, is a lovely newly renovated intimate hotel in the central downtown area. Several motel chains also service the area. For a truly romantic wine tasting weekend, the Villa Toscana B&B, 4230 Buena Vista Drive (805)238-5600, lies outside of town in the vineyards and offers a Mediterranean retreat atmosphere.
The surrounding hillsides of Paso Robles still have a touch of green from the winter rains. The vineyards are getting their leaves and the warm spring days make this area not only a delightful place to experience first class wine tasting but a scenic spot for picnics and weekend getaways.
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