September 8, 2004
Paso RoblesPaso Robles Wine Country is presenting its Harvest Wine Tour October 15-17, 2004 with winemaker dinners and special winery events.
Join the wineries as they celebrate the 2004 harvest. Special winery events will include tasting new releases, seminars, barbecues, live entertainment, winery tours, barrel samples, and more.
I visited the Paso website to sample some of the “goings on.” This week and next I’ll highlight some of the wineries I know and like.
Fratelli Perata
Friday, October 15, Fratelli Perata celebrates its 18th harvest and welcomes you to preview new releases from 10am to 5pm. Easy to find, just 1/2 mile north of Highway 46 W., on Arbor Road. Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17: Crush time is the best time to see a family winery in action. No appointments are necessary this Festival weekend. Open 10am to 5pm, 1595 Arbor Road, Paso Robles. (805) 238-2809. www.fratelliperata.com.
Tablas Creek
Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17, the winery holds an open house daily featuring tastings of its critically-acclaimed Rhone-style blends, including current and future releases. Join guided tours of their organic vineyard and vine nursery, visit the cellar and experience the art of blending: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with tours at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.). www.tablascreek.com.
On Saturday, the winery will offer tacos with secret recipe salsas from noon to 3 p.m.
I have visited Tablas Creek a number of times. A good friend who is a home winemaker has bought cuttings from their nursery for his vineyard. The tour of the nursery is particularly interesting I think. (805) 237-1231
Wild Horse Winery
Friday, October 15: Wild Horse Winery salutes the “Wines of the World” this Harvest season. “Kick off your weekend” with a complimentary tasting of unique wine varietals paired with cheeses from around the world. Library wines, barrel tasting, and house specials included. 11am to 5pm. Saturday & Sunday, October 16 and 17: Enjoy “Wines and Culinary Delights from Around the World” at Wild Horse this weekend. Experience a taste of Austria, Portugal, France, Spain, Australia, and more from their beautiful patio. Entertainment by Special Guest… $10.00 includes commemorative glass, wine tasting, and hors d’oeuvres. 11am to 5pm. (805) 434-2541. www. wildhorse.com.
For more information call (805) 239-8463 or visit the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association website, www.pasowine.com
Santa Barbara County Vintners' Event
And speaking of harvest, the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association will bite the bullet and do another "Celebration of Harvest" Celebration on Saturday, October 9. To savor and sample the edible delectables-both wine and food-call the Vintners’ Association at (805) 688-0881.
Bon appetit!
Wine lover and Santa Maria Times Wine columnist, Bob Senn, lives in the bucolic Los Alamos Valley and owns the Los Olivos Wine & Spirits Emporium.
