Thursday, August 20, 2015

Paso Robles Deeply Rooted in Fine Wines

They came for a re-visit to San Diego, some 35+ wineries from Paso Robles led by veteran cheerleader and Communications Director Chris Taranto, who has guided the message for Paso
wine country for as long as I can remember. Appropriately called the Grand Tasting Tour, it had some wineries that were seasoned and comfortable like Hope Family,

JUSTIN, Niner, Opolo, Tablas Creek and San Antonio . A short look around and some things were new like Alta Colina, Barr, Burbank Ranch, Venteux and the sensation of the show, Pianetta with its reboot of the fabled Jug Wine. But more about that later. If you’re new to the wine tasting regions in California, Paso Robles is located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the



Key Paso players Michael Geise of Hope Family Wines, and Chris Taranto
for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Central Coast.  It’s the 3rd largest wine region with about 200 wineries on 32,000 vineyard acres. Here, wineries have proven that with the unique climate, topography and soil, over 40 worldwide grape varietals can be grown and bottled.

Some wines to try:  Hope Family Wines Treana Red.  Their Viognier is a personal favorite, and this 2012 Red Blend of Cabernet and Syrah doesn’t disappoint either. ($45.).  Taste plum, cherry and spice.  Visit hopefamily wines.com. Now on to Pianetta Winery and their re-boot of the wine in a jug.  It’s Jug Wine 2013, with mostly Zinfandel, and some Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah. ($24.)


The Jug wine format returns, as displayed by Caitlin Pianetta of Pianetta Winery in Paso Robles.

“We wanted to create a fun, traditional style of wine and decided the best way would be in a JUG,” explained Caitlin Pianetta, President and owner. 2013 is the 7th vintage, and it sells in the tasting room and select stores.  See more at pianettawinery.com.

New Dates for San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
The largest wine and food festival in Southern California  returns for the 12th time.  The new dates are:  November 15th thru the 22nd. For those few who have not seen this extravaganza, it’s a star-studded classic that takes place at various locations in San Diego. The festival’s Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero Sat. the 21st will feature over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits from around the world, 70 local restaurants and the “Chef of the Fest Competition.” Ticket information is now available by visiting sandiegowineclassic.com, or by calling 619-312-1212.

Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents a flight of new release California wines Fri. and Sat. Aug. 28 and 29. Half glass pours on three prime brands for only $15. Call 760-653-9032 for times.

Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has its 5th annual Tastings Festival and Classic Car Show, Sat.
Aug. 29th from 1pm to 4pm.  You get lovely wines, cool beer, delicious food and live music for a $30. advance admission.  Phone 858-775-5788 for details.

Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula wants you to join them for a Primitivo Vertical Wine Tasting Dinner Sat. Aug. 29th starting at 6pm.  4 vintages poured with a 4 course dinner. $85. pp, $65. for club members.  Get the full story at 951-694-9892.

Capri Blu in Rancho Bernardo has a Taste of Veneto Italian Wine dinner, Wed. Sept. 2 starting at 6pm. From Pinot Noir to Amarone, these wines will pair perfectly with  a 4 course dinner led by Ossobuco Pork Shank.  Cost is $55. ea. RSVP at 858-673-5100.

The Palomar College Foundation and President’s Associates invite you to the 24th Annual Gala fundraiser benefitting Palomar College students and programs, Sat. Sept. 12th.  The event is at the
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad starting with a  5:30pm hosted reception and silent auction.  Highlights include: a 7pm dinner presented by Executive Chef de Cuisine Marc Therrien, to include the Comet Award and Inspiration for the Future; 8:30pm live auction and opportunity drawing; 9pm music and dancing.  Black tie and complimentary valet.  Pricing, reservations and more information about the event including sponsorship opportunities are available at Palomar.edu/foundation, or by calling 760-744-1150 ext 2735.

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