Eve's Wine 101

California’s Russian River Valley Winegrowers Announces Presenting Sponsorship of Pinot Forum, July 10-12, 2022

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FULTON, CALIF. (PRWEB) – An unrivaled opportunity for wine trade to explore the wines of one of California’s most lauded regions, Pinot Forum will return in Summer 2022. Presented for the first time by Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW), the immersive three-day series of tastings, seminars, and vineyard tours affords attendees an in-depth knowledge of the distinctive Pinot Noirs of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The event brings winemakers, proprietors, and growers together to offer a deep dive into the history and terroir of the region, demonstrate winemaking techniques and showcase the area’s incredible wines. Pinot Forum Presented by Russian River Valley Winegrowers will be held in-person from July 10-12, 2022.

For nearly twenty years, fine wine buyers from across the country have come to Pinot Forum for a hands-on education of Pinot Noirs and winemakers of this esteemed California growing region. This year, the partnership with Russian River Valley Winegrowers has allowed the event to enhance its programming and expand its roster of participating wineries. The addition of the Marketplace Grand Tasting, which will emphasize small wineries new to wholesale alongside artisan local food purveyors, provides even more context for the richness of the region’s food and wine traditions. Up and coming wineries will also pour, giving attendees a first taste at undiscovered brands.

“There’s no better way to experience this mix of highly regarded, well-known wineries along with new players. Between the comprehensive education and connections with winemakers, attendees will come away as experts in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, one of the most prevalent grape varieties in our northern California area,” said Jesslyn Jackson, executive director, Russian River Valley Winegrowers. “We’re proud to leverage our membership and community base to enrich the seminars, panels and events, and support the ongoing education programs. Pinot Noirs from our region are among the finest in the world, and we can’t wait to welcome our trade partners this summer.”

Other Pinot Forum Presented by Russian River Valley Winegrowers event highlights include master classes, vineyard walks complete with soil pits to highlight soil profiles from around the American Viticultural Area (AVA), farming discussions and winery production tours. The gala Grand Dinner and festive closing Bacchanalia also provide lots of quality time to connect with winemakers and like-minded wine professionals from around the country.

“I am excited to host Pinot Forum Presented by Russian River Valley Winegrowers in-person for 2022. We have even more wineries, wines, and winemakers eager to share what makes our home uniquely special. We are a collaborative group of friends, family, and coworkers who work and play together every day,” said Mari Jones, president, Emeritus Vineyards and chair of Pinot Forum 2022. “Our attendees become part of the history and fabric of the Russian River Valley every year. That’s what makes Pinot Forum different from other educational opportunities.”

Participating Wineries
Ancient Oak, Balletto Vineyards, Bob Cabral Wines, Cartograph Wines, Davis Bynum, Deutsch Family Wine, Domaine Della, Domaine de la Rivière, DNA Vineyards, DuMOL Winery, Emeritus Vineyards, Gary Farrell Winery, Hartford Family Winery, Joseph Jewell Wines, Joseph Swan Winery, Kanzler Family Vineyards, Kosta Browne, La Crema, Lando Wines, Marimar Estate, Martinelli Winery, Merry Edwards Winery, Patz & Hall Winery, Pellegrini Olivet Lane, Ramey Wine Cellars, Ron Rubin Winery, Scherrer Winery, Senses Wines, Siduri Wines, Three Sticks Wines, and Trione Vineyards and Winery. More program participants to be announced.

Application Details
The event is trade focused, and geared toward sommeliers, wine buyers, beverage managers, and fine wine retailers from across the country. Apply now through April 3, 2022, at http://www.pinotforum.com/apply. There is space for only 60 attendees; a lottery of qualified applications will be held, and selected applicants will be confirmed in mid-April. Acceptance into Pinot Forum includes lodging, meals, and all seminars, tastings and events.

COVID Protocols
The health and safety of all participants is a top priority. Pinot Forum will abide by all local and state ordinances in place at the time of the program.

About the Russian River Valley Winegrowers
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW) is a community of winemakers and farmers dedicated to producing exceptional wines that showcase the nuance and diversity of California’s Russian River Valley neighborhoods. Members are committed to being good stewards of the land and honoring the area’s rich farming heritage. Founded in 1994, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to driving awareness for its 200 members with marketing, sales and event initiatives that showcase the acclaimed Russian River Valley growing region and its outstanding cool-climate wines. For more information on the Russian River Valley, please email info@rrvw.org or visit http://www.russianrivervalley.org or follow on facebook.com/russianrivervalleywinegrowers, instagram.com/rrvwinegrowers and @RRVWinegrowers.

About Pinot Forum
Russian River Valley Pinot Forum began in 2003, with a mission to educate fine wine buyers about the distinctive characteristics of Pinot Noirs and winemakers of California’s Russian River Valley. Open only to members of the trade, the Forum consists of three days of seminars, tasting and on-site tours to select wineries and vineyards, with cutting-edge winemakers addressing the history of the area, terminology and terroir of the region. Participants are afforded an in-depth view of how and why the Pinot Noirs of the Russian River Valley are distinctive. Visit http://www.pinotforum.com to learn more.

New Vintages And Harmonious Melodies Bring Springtime Fun to Walla Walla

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WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Walla Walla’s panoramic Blue Mountains, springtime blooms, and verdant vines are calling.  The valley is abuzz with upcoming activities such as Spring Kick-Off Weekend, Spring Release Weekend, and live music at the newly launched Wine Country Amphitheater.

Spring Kick-Off Weekend, April 1 -3, marks the start of the 2022 wine season as vines emerge from hibernation. It’s the perfect time to taste, savor, and stock up on newly released rosés, whites, and valley reds. For oenophiles who can’t make it to Walla Walla in early April or for those who are looking for an excuse to return, Spring Release Weekend, May 6 – 8, continues the viticultural celebrations when winery and tasting room teams curate memorable experiences with live music, food, and wine pairings to showcase the latest releases. Visit the Walla Walla Valley Wine events page for a complete list of happenings.

“Walla Walla comes alive in spring as the temperatures rise, the vines wake up, and locals and visitors celebrate the changing of the season,” says Robert Hansen, executive director of Visit Walla Walla. “With marquee wine events, accessible outdoor recreation, and all the charms of downtown and the surrounding valley, it’s the perfect time to visit. “

The new Wine Country Amphitheater (capacity 5,000) will launch its first concert series collaborating with Wine Country Concerts in early summer. The amphitheater is located inside the Veterans Memorial Golf Course and within walking distance from downtown. Grammy-nominated ZZ Tops will kick off the season in June, the entire concert series line-up is coming soon but is set to include Grammy award-winning Maren Morris, country music star Aaron Lewis, and blues legend Bonnie Raitt. All tickets will be general admission lawn seating, and food and drinks will be available for purchase through onsite food trucks. For more information, visit  WineCountryConcerts.com.

Combine a wine tasting or concert series with some of Walla Walla’s other offerings for a truly memorable visit. Enjoy a show at the Gesa Power House Theater or experience Walla Walla’s history with a visit to Fort Walla Walla Museum. Explore the Stay & Play Golf packages featuring one of Washington’s top golf courses. And while Walla Walla has no shortage of delectable dining establishments, various Gourmet Grab & Go options are available for an impromptu picnic in the park.

To explore more or begin planning a visit to Walla Walla, visit wallawalla.org.

About Walla Walla:
As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, an abundance of easily accessible nearby outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course, the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines daily non-stop flights from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.

WoodCraft Bourbon Blender is Taking Craft Bourbon Back to Its Roots

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Cincinnati, Ohio – The innovators at WoodCraft Bourbon Blender have created a system that brings the custom bourbon of the 1800s to all bourbon lovers today.  This has translated into a new way of consuming bourbon by giving patrons what they want; their own personal single barrel bourbon by the glass or bottle.

Initial consumer and industry reaction has been so positive that the team is now franchising WoodCraft Bourbon Blender.  The first WoodCraft Bourbon Blender franchise, Barrels & Billets, opened its doors in Louisville, on the famous Whiskey Row, on February 23rd.

This exciting new bourbon experience where guests can blend, create and bottle their very own bourbon will complement Louisville’s thriving bourbon tourism industry by offering guests a fun and unique way to participate in the blending of their own personal bourbon.  Guests will blend with six award-winning WoodCraft bourbons which include a 200 Year Oak, European Oak, American Oak, Cherry Wood, Maple Wood, and Smoked Oak. During the experience, guests will learn the art of bourbon blending before the blending process begins. Once the blending experience is complete, guests can have their recipe bottled onsite.

The franchisee is the  Hillerich family – famous for their Louisville Slugger baseball bats.  They have a link to whiskey as the original family immigrant, J. Frederick, was a barrel maker.  They also have showcased years of expertise with consumer experiences such as their famous Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

“Some may be wondering why a sports and attraction company is getting into the bourbon business, but Barrels & Billets is actually a continuation of H&B’s long history of creating uniquely Louisville experiences for our fans and guests,” said John Hillerich, President & CEO of Hillerich & Bradsby Co.

Co-founders Doug Hall and Joe Girgash created the WoodCraft finishing system to offer everyone the ability to have their own custom bourbon.  Despite the chaos of Covid, they’ve worked through massive regulatory and production issues to make it possible for everyone to have their own bourbon again – one drink or one bottle at a time for a reasonable price. As Doug says, “Owning your own custom bourbon distillery is a ton of fun.  That said, you need to have patience as the process for regulatory approval is painful.”

It took three long years to turn this dream into a reality. Doug leveraged the invention skills from his other company, The Eureka! Ranch, and worked through the many challenges including those outlined below.

  • Working through state and federal rules and regulations
  • Teaching customers how to create their own custom bourbon recipes
  • Creating a way for the custom bourbon to have reliability so that it can be repurchased at later dates
  • Discovering a cost-effective system for creating individual bottles for the custom bourbon

The process is simple. Consumers can create their custom bourbon three ways:

  1. Enjoy a one hour blending experience, while learning about the art and science of master bourbon blending
  2. Work with a 2 minute Artificial Intelligence Bourbon Wizard
  3. Buy a custom Bourbon Blending Kit to do at home guided by an internet accessible video.

However, it doesn’t end here. Doug and Joe are constantly working on next steps.

They will continue to expand the franchising of the free-standing WoodCraft Bourbon Blending Machines in stores, as well as fractional franchising in over 20,000 distilleries, breweries, and wineries.  With a low investment, and small space requirement – franchisees can soon offer custom bourbon experiences and bourbon bottles to their clients.

They are also developing a way for a version of the blending machine to be available in bars and restaurants.  Additionally, they are building on their initial success of Dexter Bourbon and Noble Oak Bourbon and working to develop limited edition releases for franchisees to sell.  And, Doug, as a Canadian-American, is in talks to take the franchising of custom bourbon to Canada, and ultimately, around the world.

WoodCraft Bourbon Blending Franchising is currently not available in all states.  In keeping with Federal and State laws there is a disclosure process that must be followed.  To learn more, please visit www.BourbonFranchise.com

Wine Cab: the wine route by English taxi to discover the Bordeaux vineyards differently

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Each year in France, 10 million wine tourists come to discover some 10,000 cellars open to visits throughout the country.

But this success has a drawback: the circuits offered are all alike. Wine lovers have to do with soulless luxury sedans and signposted tours, without much originality.

It is because he had this experience when he moved to Bordeaux 12 years ago that Antoine Beucher decided to break the codes of the market. He invented a unique, deliciously atypical concept: Wine Cab, the wine route by English taxi.

Climbing aboard the mythical London “cab” means boarding in a car with a vintage look and a strong personality. Fitted out as a real tasting room, the famous Fairway FX4 seduces with its inimitable style and elegant line.

On Bordeaux lands, this English taxi allows you to live a unique experience, at the same time simple, convivial and authentic, to meet passionate winegrowers.

A slow life mindset to reinvent the iconic wine route

Wine Cab embodies a philosophy like the English taxi: the friendly driver offers tailor-made tours or in classic format, with beautiful addresses usually known to only “happy few” in the region.

Tastings in the car, innovative in Bordeaux, mark the spirits by their originality and their quality.

And so to make each lap unforgettable, each participant leaves with a souvenir road book with Polaroid pictures… so chic but without fuss !

The little Wine Cab plus : a welcoming guide in each area, who shares “house” secrets and offers tastings directly from the barrel or the vat.

         “Our Wine Tour concept is simply unique in the world!”

The Wine Cab assets

  • Health security: the English taxi is the only private transport vehicle with protective glass;
  • Private tours: tours take place with friends, couples or families up to 4 people
  • The possibility of creating your own wine (cellar master workshop)
  • Tastings in the taxi while driving;
  • A souvenir road book with Polaroid pictures

Unforgettable tours to satisfy all wine and authenticity lovers.

Wine Cab offers everyone the opportunity to live an exceptional and authentic experience around the best wines.

Zoom on a selection of 2 circuits not to be missed:

Organic wines: “happiness is in organic”

More and more winegrowers have made organic a philosophy and even an art of better living.

Wine Cab therefore offers an initiatory circuit to discover more structured, more aromatic wines, with more fruity and spicy notes, in short, naturally good (organic) wines!

On the program: 4 hours of discovery of the best wines produced by passionate and educationalists winegrowers driven by the desire to introduce this type of culture.

The circuit includes pick-up and drop-off at a hotel in Bordeaux, 2 visits with tasting in 2 “Organic” certified châteaux, 1 “countryside” tasting in the vineyards (or in the Cab in case of rain) and transport in an English cab by an English speaking driver.

As an option, it is also possible to provide accompaniment by an expert oenologist (+280€).

Price: from €132/person

The Wine of Women Winegrowers

Women often have a different outlook than men : they are more open to innovations, organic viticulture and biodynamics.

In Bordeaux, a few women are even pioneers in this field and their wines are very successful.

Wine Cab invites you to meet these passionate and fascinating women who give themselves up through their testimonies and their stories.

About Antoine Beucher, the founder

After studying at a journalism school (Institut Français de Presse) and obtaining a degree in Economics, Antoine Beucher worked as a host in a local channel in Toulouse and then worked for 30 years as the manager of an event agency.

Today, Wine Cab aims to publicize the Wine Tours organized in Bordeaux and to establish itself as the reference for vintage vehicle tours in the region. Moreover, beyond 10 people, the tours can also be organized in Combi, 2 CV, Cadillac…

Subsequently, Wine Cab will duplicate its concept in other wine regions.

To know more

French website: https://www.wine-cab.fr/

English website: https://www.wine-cab.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winecab/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winecab33/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-beucher-46910921/

Walla Walla’s L’Ecole N° 41 Winery Announces Woodinville Location

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WALLA WALLA, Wash. – L’Ecole N° 41, one of Walla Walla’s early founding family wineries, has announced their plan to open a new Woodinville Location in Wine Walk Row at MainStreet Property Group’s ‘The Schoolhouse District.’

Nearly forty years after their founding, the new location will be the winery’s first Western Washington location. The design of the new space will take inspiration from L’Ecole’s Historic Frenchtown Schoolhouse tasting room located in the Walla Walla Valley. Closer to the vital Puget Sound market, it will afford the winery the opportunity to welcome visitors to gather and enjoy their many internationally recognized bottlings, including winery-exclusive releases.

“We’ve long-considered expanding our flagship Walla Walla Valley location into the Seattle area, and particularly the Woodinville area. The new Schoolhouse District incorporates modern architecture built around a renovated historic schoolhouse building – soon to be occupied by a second location of Walla Walla Steak Co. The whole prospect felt serendipitous,” said Marty Clubb, L’Ecole’s Owner & Managing Winemaker. “We are looking forward to providing a L’Ecole experience in a totally new space, yet with a familiar feel. To design the space, we are working with Boxwood Architects and my daughter, Rebecca Clubb-Olson, as our design consultant.” He continued, “with the quality team behind The Schoolhouse District, including Angela Oliveri of First Western Properties, MainStreet Property Group, and R|Miller construction – we are confident that we will deliver on the promise of a truly unique visitor experience.”

Anticipated to open in June 2022, L’Ecole will kick off its opening with a month of new vintage releases and select library offerings pulled from their Schoolhouse cellar in the Walla Walla Valley. L’Ecole’s Vins de L’Ecole Wine Club members will also be invited to join a special grand opening event. Details may be found on L’Ecole’s website.

Housed in the historic Frenchtown schoolhouse depicted on its label, L’Ecole has earned international acclaim for producing expressive, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley vineyards. L’Ecole N° 41 has been recognized as Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits Magazine 15 times.

Abadía Retuerta is one of the most sustainable resorts in the world!

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Abadía Retuerta, one of the most sustainable resorts in the world, according to Green Globe

  • Green Globe is the worldwide certification of excellence that endorses the tourism industry’s green credentials
  • This recognition has only been awarded to 650 hotels in the world, just four of which are in Spain
  • This Green Globe certificate is the latest in a long line of awards granted to Abadía Retuerta, including the Michelin Green Star for the restaurant Refectorio, the Wineries for Climate Protection seal of approval, and the Family-Responsible Company certification

Eve’s article in Elite Magazine about the amazing Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine

Sardón de Duero, January 2022.- Abadía Retuerta, the five-star hotel and winery located in the Duero Valley, has been granted the Green Globe certificate, which commends the site as one of the most sustainable destination resorts in the world. A total of 650 hotels around the world have been given this recognition, just four of which are in Spain.

Green Globe is the worldwide certification of excellence that endorses the tourism industry’s green credentials. In order to gain this recognition, resorts must meet certain standards set by the organisation, with regards to aspects such as corporate social responsibility, conservation, and the responsible management of waste, energy and water.

Abadía Retuerta successfully passed the exhaustive audit, carried out independently and in situ by the international organisation, thanks to the sustainable practices implemented in all its work areas. They include the conservation of the site’s natural legacy, the ethical and sustainable management of resources, investment in renewable energies, caring for the surrounding environment, supporting local suppliers and their produce, cultivating a vegetable garden, engaging with social issues, reducing waste, and offering experiences related to nature. All of this has led to Abadía Retuerta being certified as a sustainable tourist destination.

This is the latest in a long line of awards and certificates that laud this destination of experiences as a truly sustainable resort. These include a Michelin Green Star for the flagship restaurant Refectorio, awarded in recognition of its focus on local and seasonal produce, as well the cultivation of as its own vegetable garden; the Wineries for Climate Protection seal of approval, granted by the Spanish Wine Federation for the ethical and sustainable management of both the winery and the environment; and the Family-Responsible Company certification, from the Fundación Más Familia, awarded for the “Responsible Choices” programme that includes flexible workspaces (i.e. working from home or elsewhere) as well as the investment in internal training (0.5% of total turnover) that Abadía Retuerta has brought in for its collaborators.

For Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta, “it is an honour for Abadía Retuerta to receive the Green Globe certificate, and to be named as one of the most sustainable resorts in the world. It is truly gratifying that our many years of hard work has been acknowledged in this way, in terms of our sustainable management and our vision for excellence in tourism, both of which we are strongly committed to achieving”. This award further highlights the destination’s commitment to sustainability, and Valero adds that “we will keep working with these aims, strengthening the policies we’ve already brought in, but also setting ourselves new challenges. These include our new “Plastic-Free” initiative for 2022, our Woodland Management Plans, and a more active contribution to the implementation of a circular economy, via renewable energy”.

A Sustainable Experience

Sustainability is one of Abadía Retuerta’s fundamental pillars, a view now shared by many tourists. Sustainability has gone from being a trend, to being a key aspect of travel. “Tourists no longer just restrict their search to the location, history or reputation of the destination. Today, they want to make sure that their getaways are sustainable and environmentally-friendly, with forays into nature. They also want to stay in places that champion the local culture and produce, while making as little environmental impact as possible”, notes Valero.

Abadía Retuerta is home to a rich historical and natural legacy, with a 12th-century church and over 700 hectares of land. It is renowned for its winemaking, gastronomy and first-rate hospitality, ensuring that it stands out as a leading resort of experiences, both nationally and internationally. Recently, it won a 2021 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award, as voted for by customers. It now aims to become the most sustainable destination for a relaxing getaway.

Napa Valley Wine Region Recognized for World Class Hospitality

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Visit Napa Valley and Napa Valley Vintners are pleased to announce seven regional winners of the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards.

“Napa Valley is a globally recognized leader in wine and hospitality providing luxurious accommodations, Michelin starred restaurants and incredible wine experiences. These awards of excellence highlight the world-class hospitality that Napa Valley is so well known for,” said Linsey Gallagher, President and CEO of Visit Napa Valley.

These seven Napa Valley businesses are recognized for their innovation and excellence in wine tourism. Each award given recognizes a service or offering that is unique, executed with excellence and has a positive impact on local wine tourism.

  • Accommodations: Carneros Resort and Spa
  • Wine Tourism Restaurant: Auberge du Soleil
  • Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Clif Family Winery & Farm
  • Architectures and Landscapes: BRAND Napa Valley
  • Art and Culture: Charles Krug
  • Wine Tourism Services: Napa Valley Wine Academy
  • Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Cakebread Cellars

Each year, the regional winners from each capital around the world are reviewed by a distinguished global panel and only one prestigious “Global Best of Wine Tourism Award” is awarded for each category.

Charles Krug has been selected for the Global Best Award for Art and Culture for their efforts to be the “Cultural Hub of Napa Valley” through their deep support of food, wine and the arts. As Napa Valley reopened in 2021, Charles Krug was home to Blue Note Napa for jazz concerts, Festival Napa Valley, Music in the Vineyards, Cochon 555/Heritage Fire culinary celebration, Charles Krug comedy shows, Napa Valley Film Festival and Cameo Theater drive in movies.

“We’re proud of the resiliency shown in our region during the incredible challenges our region has faced the last two years. Charles Krug is an excellent example of the spirit of community and innovation that is so strong in Napa Valley,” said Stacey Dolan Capitani, VP of Marketing for Napa Valley Vintners.

The Great Wine Capitals is a network of the nine greatest wine regions in the world.  Napa Valley is a proud partner in the organization along with Adelaide, South Australia; Bilbao-Rioja, Spain; Bordeaux, France; Cape Town-Cape Winelands, South Africa; Lausanne, Switzerland; Mainz-Rheinhessen, Germany; Mendoza, Argentina; Porto, Portugal; Valparaiso-Casablanca Valley, Chile and Verona, Italy

About the Napa Valley Vintners 

The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. Since 1981, the NVV has invested more than $200 million in its community to provide equitable access to healthcare and opportunity for advancement in children’s education. NVV is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.

About Visit Napa Valley

Visit Napa Valley® is the official destination management organization for Napa County. We promote the region as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image as a dynamic place to visit, live and work. Primary funding for our activities and programs comes from a Tourism Improvement District (TID) special assessment on lodging. Additional funding is provided through partnerships with visitor-serving businesses throughout Napa County.

Perlises Pick: Exploring the Paso Robles Area

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Much as one might want to, spending 24 hours per day at wineries is not a realistic option. So, here are some non-winery suggestions:

First, you’ll need a place to stay on your visit. Unlike when we first started visiting the area decades ago, Paso Robles offers a wide range of accommodations for every taste and budget. For a place that is right in the middle, both in pricing and proximity to wineries, we really enjoyed staying at the Oxford Suites. It is also just south of the center of town where the nightlife is. This is a fairly new hotel, and we were very pleased with the cleanliness and the amenities, such as the full hot breakfast and the manager’s reception in the evening. The breakfast is complimentary to all guests and the reception, while available to all, is complimentary to those who book their stays directly. There is a very nice fire pit in the back. But the best part for us was the hotel staff. Everyone was extremely helpful and cheerful – not a surly one in this bunch. We’d like to give a particular shout-out to Erin – she was outstanding. An added bonus was the practically private freeway entrance to head south on CA101 to Highway 46 W or Tin City.

Oxford Suites

www.oxfordsuitespasorobles.com

800 4th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446

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A while back, we reviewed San Luis Obispo County Wine – A World Class History [www.evewine101.com/2021/04/03/perlis-picks-san-luis-obispo-county-wine-a-world-class-history-book-review/]. Since then, we’d been eagerly looking forward to finally meeting up with co-author Libbie Agran, who is the founder of The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County (the Project). The Project has exhibits at various locations in the area, but its home is in the Paso Robles History Museum in the middle of Paso Robles City Park, with the showcase Wine History Gallery. We got there just in time for the end of the Celebrating Zinfandel exhibit, which was perfect for these Zinfans – the exhibit really brought back of lot of good memories. Hopefully, we will make it back in time to see the exhibit that replaced it: Celebrating Amphorae, which explores this ancient winemaking practice, including the area winemakers that are still using it. From Libbie: “You will love the Amphora Exhibit. We are near completion of our Documentary Film on the same subject. Patrick McGovern at the University of Pennsylvania, the famous archeologist who analyzes food and wine residues in clay vessels or shards found around the world, will be interviewed for the film which will be released next Spring. We are planning two Symposia in Paso Robles on Amphorae winemaking in 2022 in Paso Robles.

There will be winemakers from other countries including Georgia, Italy, and Armenia attending.” But again, the Wine History Project has exhibits all over town and you should check out the website for more information. Libbie brings an incredible amount of passion to this project and it is well worth your time. Also worth your time is the rest of the Paso Robles History Museum where you can learn even more about the area and its long history. Docents are very knowledgeable and helpful.

The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County

www.winehistoryproject.org

Paso Robles History Museum

www.pasorobleshistorymuseum.org

800 12th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446

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Getting away to Cambria for a respite from wine tasting (that is if you want one!) is always a fun trip. It is just a 25-minute drive on scenic Highway 46 W. Cambria is as quaint and busy as ever. This time, we took a side trip and left downtown Cambria for the beautiful trails of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. They have a wide range of easy-to-moderate experiences with stunning views of the crashing waves. We have been there at sunset a number of times and it takes your breath away. And it’s free – although donations are always welcome.

www.fiscaliniranchpreserve.org

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Finally, you gotta eat, right?

Our favorite restaurant in Paso and one of our favorites anywhere is Il Cortile. Michael hadn’t eaten pasta in months and knew if he was getting it anywhere it would be here. From appetizers of seafood zuppa and poached egg over white polenta to main courses of papparedelle with wild boar ragu and the branzino special, along with the great service and beautiful night sky, we were so glad to be back in Paso.

Il Cortile

www.ilcortileristorante.com

608 12th Street

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We’ve eaten many times at the original Black Cat Bistro in Cambria but this was our first time at its sister restaurant, Black Cat Bistro Too in Paso. It was the same great food and service we’ve come to expect. The pork belly appetizer was incredible and the entrees of duck breast and shrimp scampi were delicious as well. Our server Dancene took great care of us on the sidewalk patio.

The Black Cat Bistro Too

www.blackcatbistro.com

1218 Pine Street

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Roots on Railroad and The Backyard on Thirteenth provide a unique outdoor food (Roots) and drink (Backyard) combination that should not be ignored. Roots was founded by Chef Chris Beckett and his business partner Katie Castillo in early 2020. Chris had been founding chef for local faves Fish Gaucho and The Crooked Kilt. After an extensive career in in the industry, he wanted to open the “biggest-little restaurant in town.” The large Backyard beer garden provides a great complement of mostly local beers and wines to go with the food or just for sipping on their own. There are umbrellas for shade, tables and comfy lounges with ample seating

www.thebackyardpaso.com

1300 Railroad Street

www.rootsonrailroad.com

1304 Railroad Street

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Finally, we also really enjoyed our breakfast at the Hunter Ranch Golf Course on our way into town as well as lunches at Vivant Cheese Shop, Taste Craft Eatery, and Springside Restaurant. All these places provide great service, outdoor seating, and delicious food too.

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Visit the Santa Ynez Valley launches 2022 Midweek Membership Club, Jan. 5 through March 31

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(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — When it comes to travel trends for 2022, midweek is the new weekend. And when it comes to traveling midweek, nobody does it better or makes it more appealing than the Santa Ynez Valley. Case in point: the Midweek Membership Club from Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, which has been expanded for 2022 to include more participating partners and a longer promotion window, to go along with the character, charm, and vibe that visitors have come to love most about the indisputable heart of California’s Central Coast wine country.

“A special experience any day of the week, the Santa Ynez Valley is particularly appealing midweek when the bustle has quieted and the valley provides an even more relaxed respite to visitors,” says Shelby Sim, President and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “With the continued popularity of work-from-home and remote working, there’s never been a better time to visit. With the expanded Midweek Membership Club travelers now have even more reasons to come back to what they know and love most.”

Guests who book an eligible consecutive two-night, Sun-Thur stay from Jan. 5 through March 31, 2022, will receive five digital passes, each of which can be redeemed at participating locations for a wine tasting for two, or $20 credit at restaurants, retailers, and activity providers. Midweek Membership Club travelers will also receive club member pricing on wine purchases during their visit at participating wineries.

“It doesn’t take long to do the math and realize the value that this program presents, particularly when midweek hotel rates are already typically discounted from their Friday and Saturday night counterparts,” says Sim. “Yes, there are still deals to be had in travel. Yes, midweek is the new weekend. And yes, the Midweek Membership Club from Visit the Santa Ynez Valley is the very best of both.”

Midweek Membership Club passes cannot be redeemed for cash or applied toward gratuity, and are valid Sunday through Thursday only. For more information including a complete list of participating lodging properties, restaurants, wineries, and more, or to plan and book your Midweek Membership Club visit to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit www.visitsyv.com/midweek/.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:

Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with its own culture, vibe, and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops that colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

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2022 PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards  

Ampelos Cellars

Art Spot on Wheels        

Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe

Bob’s Well Bread at the Ballard Store

Brick Barn Wine Estate                 

Broken Clock Vinegar Works       

Community Clayworks   

Coquelicot Organic Estate

Crawford Family Wines 

Dana V. Wines   

First & Oak         

First Street Leather – Los Olivos

First Street Leather – Solvang      

Foxen Vineyard & Winery            

Grassini Family Vineyards            

Hitching Post 2 

Kalyra Winery    

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe

Lucas & Lewellen

Lumen Wines    

Pico Los Alamos

Plenty on Bell    

Renaissance Antiques

River Grill At the Alisal

Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours

Succulent Cafe 

The Baker’s Table

The Ultimate Escape Rooms       

Toccata Tasting Room