Inside Paso Robles

Hey, You Got Your Art in My Wine!

With the newly-branded Art After Dark Paso event that happens the first Saturday of every month, downtown art galleries and an art-loving wine tasting room are giving you some great reasons to come out and stroll through downtown Paso Robles on your way to dinner or a nightcap.

The three art galleries who will be open late this Saturday to entertain you during Art After Dark Paso are Dale Evers Gallery, Heritage Gallery West and Studios on the Park. Here is a map to get you around.

One downtown tasting room, LXV Wine Lounge, is offering a wine experience to delight all the senses, read on:  

LXV Wine Lounge

LXV Wine Lounge’s expansion into the art world continues! The boutique wine label, already seeped in the artistic traditions of the Kama Sutra, is hosting artists from its very own wine club for Art After Dark Paso.

No other wine label antes up the passion for art as LXV does: from their Amy Butler-made wines, to the artists behind each vintage’s story; from the Lounge tasting room itself, to the unparalleled spice pairings…LXV creates a culture of ever-evolving conversations around what art is.  

For their first official artist showing this coming Art After Dark, Neeta & Kunal present the stunning photography of Dr. Bill Sima. Not only is Bill the very first wine club member of LXV, and an orthopedic surgeon with a thriving local practice, but his photography stands alone as award-winning.

Bill Sima's photography evokes a sense of magic

Photographs will be on display from 6pm-9pm at LXV’s Wine Lounge experience for Art After Dark Paso on Saturday, February 1^st. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the artist’s charity of choice: “His Healing Hands”, a Christian non-profit that provides medical mission trips to countries of great economic and health care need. Bill takes no monetary profit for himself, nor does LXV. 

 

About Art After Dark Paso:

Art After Dark Paso is held the first Saturday of every month, 6-9pm in the City of Paso Robles, California. This free, self-guided art walk promotes artists, galleries, wine tasting rooms, and other venues that showcase the arts.

Dates for 2014:

January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1 & December 6

For more information about the arts in San Luis Obispo County, go to www.artsobispo.org 

An explanation for the local cheese shortage

by Danika Reed 

All year long we have people coming into Vivant asking for local cheese.  Most are visitors to our beautiful area, and still some are locals.  Many are perplexed at the shortage of local cheeses this time of the year.  My standard answer when asked to explain the shortage is “the goats are pregnant”.  Not many ask further questions, seemingly uncomfortable with discussing such topics, so I thought this might be the best place to explain in further detail. 

In the cheese world we talk about terms like “farmstead” cheese, “artisan” cheese, and “commodity” cheese among others.  To understand these terms, we must first understand the animals that are producing the milk to make our glorious cheeses.

Local Farmstead Operations

In our region of the Central Coast of California, there are a select few “farmstead” cheese operations.  This is defined by the animals being raised on the same property (or farm) that the cheese is being produced.  Using this method, the animals, mostly sheep and goats here on the Central Coast, are grazing as much as possible, and fed other supplemental grains and forages when the natural grass doesn’t grow due to lack of rain.  

To produce milk, the female goats and sheep (and cows, and yaks, and buffalo, ok you get the idea) must be impregnated once per year and give birth.  After they give birth and the babies are allowed to feed from their mothers for a short time, they are weaned and their mothers begin milking.  Farmstead cheese makers will then begin a season of cheese making, which starts with what they call the “Spring Flush”.  Hence the name, in most farmstead cheese making operations, they begin milking in spring after the babies are weaned and continue until the moms need to be impregnated again in the fall. 

With all of that said, the question still remains, why don’t we have local cheeses this time of the year? While most of our milking stock dried up (stopped producing milk) in the fall, they are now pregnant and getting ready to give birth in the spring.  Most local farmstead cheese production was over in October.  That means most fresh cheeses were unavailable by mid-October, and any hard cheeses the cheese makers made early in the year are sold out by this time of the year. 

Year Round Cheese Producers

We do still have local cheeses that are being made year-round.  This is accomplished by buying milk from farms that are staggering “strings” of animals.  This means that farmers group the animals within their herd into strings of animals that will get pregnant at different times of the year.  This will allow them to milk a portion of their heard year round.  

When a cheese maker buys milk from another farm, not on the same site as his cheese making operation, he can no longer call it farmstead.  Depending on how much volume the cheese maker is producing and his production methods, he can still call his (or her) cheese “Artisan”.  So, during our harsh cold winters here on the Central Coast (ok I think it has actually been 75 degrees since October but we still wear jackets!!) we might not have a huge selection of local cheeses, but with spring just around the corner, we can look forward to an abundance of fresh cheese in just a few short months. Hang in there people: more local fresh cheese is just around the corner!!  In the mean time, we have hundreds of other cheeses in stock to meet your every cheese desire!  

Vivant is Moving!

Stay tuned as Vivant is moving in the next couple of months.  If you want to stay up to date with our new adventures, send your email address to [email protected] and I will add you to our newsletter list.             

 

Danika is a local girl who, armed with a degree in Dairy Science and Ag Business from Cal Poly, went out to conquer the cheese world.  Now, with nearly 20 years of experience in buying and selling cheese she shares her knowledge and passion for the fromage with us through her store and website in Paso Robles, CA at Vivant Fine Cheese.

Pairings in Paso: Balsamic Steak Rolls and Eberle Zinfandel

By Jennifer Knoll

For some silly reason I was thinking that since the holidays are over life would slow down a bit. Boy was I wrong...so back to reality.  With life being so hectic I turned to another source for some dinner time inspiration, Pinterest. At first glance this dish grabbed me. The bright fresh vegetables playfully peering out of the tender rolled steak caught my eye; a bundle of goodness. And better yet this recipe ended up being quite simple, affordable and healthful which meant it was dinner success. 

The wine pairing was a simple choice, a Paso Robles classic, Zinfandel.  Since I was going the classic Paso route I had to go all the way, straight to the roots, to the pioneers themselves, Eberle Winery. This Zin is full of brambly boysenberry fruit, a soft touch of smoke with gentle tannins and white pepper that perfectly complimented the robust balsamic glaze and slightly charred veggies.  

I served mine over a bed of simply sautéed greens. Happy January to me!

Balsamic Steak Rolls

1 pound skirt steak
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

1 small zucchini
1 carrot
1 bell pepper, red or yellow
3 green onions

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup beef broth
1 shallot, finely diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons butter

Cut the steaks into 3 by 5 inch pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cut the zucchini, bell pepper, carrot and green onion into matchstick size pieces, a little longer than the steak width. To make the sauce: melt the butter in a small pan on medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until soft. Add the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and beef stock. Allow the sauce to come to a boil and reduce to almost half. Turn the heat off and transfer to a bowl.

In the same pan (no need to wash it) add a touch of olive oil, turn the  heat up to high and toss in the carrots, bell pepper and zucchini (there’s no need to cook the green onion) and stir fry the veggies until slightly charred, transfer to a bowl.  Take a strip of steak and lay it with the short side towards you. Place a few of the veggies in the middle and roll the beef up over the filling, securing it with toothpick along the length of the roll. Repeat until all the rolls are assembled.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil, swirling to coat bottom. When hot, add beef rolls, seam side down, and pan fry for 2-3 minutes. Turn rolls and cook it on all sides in the same way.  Remove the toothpick and serve with the balsamic glaze sauce spooned over the top of each roll.

Jennifer Knoll is a lifelong resident of Paso Robles. Growing up in the wine business and being surrounded by farmers, she developed her serious fetish for wine and food.  She is the Assistant Tasting Room Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard. Please get permission before reproducing recipe.

 

 

 

ennifer Knoll is a lifelong resident of Paso Robles. Growing up in the wine business and being surrounded by farmers, she developed her serious fetish for wine and food.  She is the Assistant Tasting Room Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard. Please get permission before reproducing recipe. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/foodie/#sthash.JsLqlPaS.dpuf

First 2014 Paso Robles Rhone Rangers Varietal Series - Petite Sirah

Photo courtesy of Rhone Rangers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Experience a fun and educational varietal tasting that includes amazing Petite Sirah wines from 17 Paso Robles wineries. This is the first of a series of "Hot Tuesday Varietal Nights" put on by the Rhone Rangers that also inculdes live music, incredible cheese pairings, small bites and an educational area where you can extend your knowledge about this great Rhone varietal.

The host for the January Varietal Night is Niner Wine Estates located at 2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased here: http://petitesirahnight.bpt.me.

Don't miss this fabulous event!

 

About Rhone Rangers
The Paso Robles Chapter of the Rhone Rangers is dedicated to the education and promotion of Rhone varietals and Rhone blends to local trade, media, and consumers, and of Paso Robles as a top California region in the production of outstanding Rhone varietal grapes and wines.

 

 

 

Studios on the Park Unveils Latest Art Banner

Paso Robles' most popular art spot, STUDIOS ON THE PARK has a Mural Arts program that provides artistic work celebrating Paso Robles and the Central Coast of California through the unique visions of local artists. Periodically, murals change to showcase the talents and creative visions of local teen and adult artists location running along Pine Street near the corner of 12^th Street, and a new banner just went up. 

The newest entry, “Picking Quince In The Land of the Giants” by Joe Thomas, which debuted on Friday, January 17, stretches 40 feet long and features giant sunflowers growing from clouds and a “ballooned,” silhouetted figure reaching for a quince. The brightly colored artwork ties in the magical qualities of Thomas’ childhood memories associated with picking fruit on the farm. While conceiving the banner, Thomas reflected on his childhood memories: “when I was a child my grandmother told me, ‘if you love someone, you will cook for them … and if you grow your own ingredients, it becomes magical.’” The resulting imagery doesn’t disappoint, offering viewers of all ages wonderment through the senses.

Programs Director Sasha Irving says, “The banner serves as an exciting example of the convergence of Paso’s artistic and culinary worlds. It’s themes of food, farming, and personal expression through art, bring an uplifting splash of creativity to downtown. We are proud to offer ‘Picking Quince In The Land of the Giants’ as part of our Mural Arts Program.”

 

ABOUT STUDIOS ON THE PARK

STUDIOS ON THE PARK was founded in December of 2007 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a creative, educational, and transformational experience to enhance understanding and appreciation of the visual arts. STUDIOS ON THE PARK realizes its commitment by making the creative process available to the public through engaging and inspiring the community and its visitors with a unique open studio environment and arts education programs. STUDIOS features artists working in a variety of media, unique involvement opportunities for children and adults, and quality exhibitions by regional, national and international artists.

ABOUT JOE THOMAS

Joe Thomas is an artist and organic farmer who supplies produce to Artisan. He works and paints on his organic farm and vineyard, which is located in the east hills overlooking the city of Paso Robles. He is a resident artist at Studios on the Park where he can regularly be seen creating new works.

Celebrate Espirit Du Vin with Highway 46 East Wineries

Join the thirteen wineries of Highway 46 East this Saturday, January 18 for a fun night of wine and appetizers. Come celebrate Espirit du Vin, the Spirit of Wine, at Broken Earth Winery, stroll around the spacious tasting room and savor each pairing! Gourmet olives, olive oils, breads, pastries and more will be served by local chefs and artisans.

Mingle, taste, and savor the wine, cheese and gourmet appetizers at this really fun event. Vendor’s Include: Steins Catering, La Guardia’s Homemade, Krush Catering, Cowboy Ike’s Jam, Wine Country Olives, Paul’s Pizza, Super Natural, TheraBee Honey, Sara-Syrah Vinegars & Oils, and Blue Bird Photo booths.

Details

When: Saturday, January 18, 2014

Where: Broken Earth Winery

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Tickets are $30 per person or $45 per couple. For more information or to purchase tickets visit Highway 46 East Wineries.

 

 

Paso Robles Hotel Month: Stay Two Nights, Get Third Night Free in February

From a romantic couple’s wine country getaway to a gathering with the girls, Paso Robles Hotel Month lodging deals throughout February offer great savings for your special "after the holidays" getaway. From historic inns to quaint boutiques, stay two nights and receive your third night complimentary at the participating hotels. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary bottle of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and the additional amenities listed below.

Adelaide Inn - During "Paso Robles Hotel Month" guests will also receive a $5 per person coupon to locals' favorite Margie's Diner for breakfast each morning, complimentary afternoon cookies and wine tasting tickets to more than a dozen Paso Robles wineries. Call (800) 549-7276 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Black Oak - Guests receive a $5 discount voucher good towards breakfast at Margie’s Diner each day. Call (805) 238-4740 to book and ask for rate code "HM."

Courtyard by Marriot - Call (805) 239-9700 to book a room at this newly renovated hotel and ask for the "third night free promotion."

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Stay includes a full hot breakfast and free WiFi. Call (805) 238-6500 to book with our guest services staff.

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites - Luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel in Paso Robles Wine Country. Call (805) 238-2834 to book a room in February at this and ask for February Hotel special.

La Quinta Inns & Suites - During Paso Robles Hotel Month guests will receive a complimentary Artisan Series wine tasting at adjacent San Antonio Winery. Call (805) 239-3004 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

Paso Robles Inn - Renowned for their therapeutic mineral spa tubs, this serene getaway is surrounded by lush gardens, streams, koi ponds and majestic oak trees. Call for more information (800) 676-1713. Book online only by clicking here: bit.ly/PRIHotelMonth2014.

The Oaks Hotel - The newest hotel in Paso Robles offers a hot complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning and 10% off dinner at the on-site restaurant, Indulge. Call (805) 237-8700 to book and ask for the February Hotel Special.

For full lodging package details and disclaimers CLICK HERE. Also, check out Travel Paso's Facebook page to enter and win a Valentine's Getaway to Paso Robles. 

Paso Robles' Downtown Tasting Rooms

by Laura Gurreau

Paso Robles was recently recognized as Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. It was only a matter of time before our secluded small towns and comfy, laid-back lifestyle might be discovered by wine lovers from near and far. 

While most folks are focused on the 200+ wineries located in the hills of Paso Robles, I want to introduce you to the many gems located right on the Historic Downtown Paso Robles Square. Within literally 4 blocks of the square, over 13 tasting rooms await your discovery. Let me share a few treasures with you.

Anglim Wines:  I’m not usually one to show favorites, but I have no hesitancy in sharing my personal favorite with you – Anglim Wines. Perhaps it has to do with the fact they are located in the historic train station and off the beaten path (I love to share those little known finds)… but truthfully, Steven and Steffanie craft some of the best wines to be found in Paso Robles. They focus on Rhone varietals and blends, and also make a lovely Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. They make less than 2,000 cases a year, so don’t tell too many people about this insider find, or there won’t be enough wine left for us locals!

http://www.anglimwinery.com/

Parrish Family Wines: Another favorite I’ve recently discovered is Parrish Family Wines. The Parrish family has roots dating back to the original utopian-inspired community founded by E.G. Lewis – Atascadero.  Their story is fascinating in that it weaves way back to the King of California wines – Mondavi. I won’t spoil the story, but knowing what David Parrish accomplished in his early years with Mondavi will certainly entice you to try these wonderful wines. Their specialty: Cabernet Sauvignon.

http://www.parrishfamilyvineyard.com/

LXV Wines: I love the story of East meets West as LXV wines entices us to experience wines branded with the Kama Sutra. Sexy? No doubt. Catch them on the right day and you’ll be enchanted by a wine tasting that pairs their sensual wines with spices – yes! Spices are used to introduce the taster to the nuances of these lovely wines. This is a tasting experience of a whole new order. Enjoy!

http://www.lxvwine.com

A whole day or more can be planned to enjoy the food and wines of Downtown Paso Robles, all within walking distance! Consider a stay downtown (no need for a car) by taking the train into the Paso Robles Train Depot. It’s a different way to enjoy and discover the Paso Robles Wine Country.

For more information on the downtown wineries please visit www.downtownpasowineries.com.

About Laura: Laura Gurreau is the owner of Central Coast Food Tours. A longtime 'local', Laura shed her career as a management consultant to follow her passion for food and wine. She enjoys meeting the farmers, chefs, winemakers and artisanal food producers who make Paso Robles a premier destination for fine foods and delicious wines. Laura can be found sharing her 'finds' with guests of her Paso Robles,San Luis Obispo and Farm-to-Table Food Tours.

About Laura: Laura Gurreau is the owner of Central Coast Food Tours. A longtime 'local', Laura shed her career as a management consultant to follow her passion for food and wine. She enjoys meeting the farmers, chefs, winemakers and artisanal food producers who make Paso Robles a premier destination for fine foods and delicious wines. Laura can be found sharing her 'finds' with guests of her Paso Robles,San Luis Obispo and Farm-to-Table Food Tours. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/foodie/page/2/#sthash.P22PPVHW.dpuf

 

About Laura: Laura Gurreau is the owner of Central Coast Food Tours. A longtime 'local', Laura shed her career as a management consultant to follow her passion for food and wine. She enjoys meeting the farmers, chefs, winemakers and artisanal food producers who make Paso Robles a premier destination for fine foods and delicious wines. Laura can be found sharing her 'finds' with guests of her Paso Robles,San Luis Obispo and Farm-to-Table Food Tours. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/foodie/page/2/#sthash.P22PPVHW.dpuf

How Paso Robles is Celebrating Its 125th Anniversary in 2014

If you were fortunate enough to be in the downtown City Park in Paso Robles on New Year's Eve, then you know that this special community rang in 2014 with an enormous bang. The fireworks show and Glow in the Park event were top-notch and a fantastic ways to kick off a full year's worth of activities celebrating our 125th Anniversary. We have so much more in store to celebrate this milestone, including daily self-guided tours, events, a monthly newsletter, recipes and more!

Here are some of the ways you can enjoy Paso Robles and its rich history in 2014:

Upcoming Events - If you're even remotely familiar with Paso, you know that we love to throw a good party. Turning 125 has given us TONS of great reasons to celebrate, including Happy Birthday Paso Robles (March 11, 2014), a 125th anniversary-inspired Independence Day celebration (think watermelon eating contest and horse parade plus fireworks), an Old Fashioned Family Fun Day in the Park during Pioneer Day and much, much more. For a full list, go to the events page at   www.paso125.com

Historic Tours, Trails and Kids Scavenger Hunt - Any day of the week you can take one of these self-guided tours of the Paso Robles area to get a feel for the natural veauty and rich history of the area. We will also be launching an Historic Winery Trail, a Kids Scavenger Hunt (with prizes!) and even a Geocaching Tour of Paso Robles in the new year. The Historical Society has plans for a tour, there is a 12.5-mile Fun Run in the works and more. Stay tuned for details. 

 

Merchandise -You can find commemorative items, including the 125th Anniversary cookbook, hats, shirts, pins and coins at the following locations: PAso Robles Historical Society/Carnegie Library, Pioneer Museum, Friends of the Library Gift Shop, Chamber of Commerce and Pithy Little Wine Company (who will ship cookbooks nationwide).

 

If you couldn't be in the park on New Year's Eve, here is what you missed, courtesy of KateofAvila on youtube: 

Happy New Year from Paso Robles, California! Come join us in 2014 to help us celebrate our 125th Anniversary. For more information on the history of Paso Robles and all of the events planned to celebrate this milestone, go to www.paso125.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paso125. 

46 West Wineries are Throwing a Backstage Barrel Party!

by Sarah Leslie

What do you get when you take the magnificent wineries along Hwy 46 West in Paso Robles and add in the words Backstage and Barrel?  Well, you get to peek behind the curtain during the Backstage Barrel Weekend of course!

Forty-six West Wineries is a group of wineries nestled on the Westside of Paso Robles, with easy access from Hwy 46 West. This group offers a variety of wine styles and specialties that collectively demonstrate all the wonderful elements found in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Stop into any of the participating 46 West Wineries Saturday, December 28 or Sunday, December 29 and you’ll get the behind the scenes backstage tour. Meet the winemaker and taste wine right out of the barrel - before it hits the bottle! It’s really FUN and delicious. And it’s a chance to learn about the aging process of wine in a barrel. Who said learning can’t be FUN and delicious? For you inquisitive types, it’s your chance to ask all those questions about new vs. neutral, American vs. French vs. Hungarian…barrels of course.

Purchase a Backstage Barrel Pass for only $20 online. Please note that additional tasting fees may apply outside of barrel tastings. Along with the Barrel Pass you will receive a stylish commemorative wineglass to enjoy your behind the scenes barrel tastings at participating wineries all along Highway 46 West. Hope to see you there!

Photos courtesy of TravelPaso.com

Sarah Leslie is a marketing guru with Mental Marketing who loves to travel up Paso Robles looking for and tasting the best wines the area has to offer. When she's not enjoying the wine, Sarah can also be found behind the bar at Clayhouse serving it. 

 

 

 

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