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.

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.

 

 

 

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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New Years Eve Celebration

By Sarah Leslie

Turning 125 is not being taken lightly here in Paso Robles and this community is ready to celebrate in a big way.  

On December 31^st, a Gala Fundraising Dinner will set the festivities in motion.  Held in the historic Paso Robles Inn Grand Ballroom, this 4–course dinner is complete with ‘step-back-in-time’ décor and entertainment.  Those attending will experience a big band and historic dance performances along with a live auction and other surprises.  

Just across the street, the New Year’s Eve celebration continues in full force in Downtown City Park where Glow in the Park starts glimmering at 8pm.  This free family-fun event will take glow-in-the-dark to a whole new level.  We’re talking croquet, bocce ball, hula hoop, horseshoes, 4-square dancing and even bubble blowing – all throughout the park, all aglow in the dark.  Admission is free.  Parking is free.  There will even be a warming zone and therefore no reason to not be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Enjoy the music, food and…wait for it… fireworks at midnight. That’News right!  Fireworks at midnight.  for the first time ever  over Downtown Paso.

The community has big plans for this big year.  New Year’s Eve is just the kickoff for a year’s worth of 125th Anniversary fun.  Look for more fun Anniversary- themed activities throughout 2014, including a Historic Winery Tour, Westside Historic Homes Tour, 12.5-Mile Fun Run, Historic Women’s Day, a Scavenger Hunt for Kids, a Historical Geocaching Tour and so much more. More details are available at www.paso125.com.  

Photos courtesy of Paso Robles Historical Society

 

Sarah Leslie is a marketing guru for Mental Marketing and is also looking forward to her 125^th birthday. Everyone knows that drinking Paso Robles wine is an age preservative, right??? Sarah also has been seen behind the bar in Paso Robles tasting rooms such as Clayhouse and Pear Valley. Yup, she will live a long time. 

The Polar Express Comes to Paso Robles

by Tina Swithin

Written and illustrated in 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express has become a children’s Christmas classic that my family cherishes during the holiday season. The plot of the story involves a young boy who has lost his Christmas spirit and boards a train that magically appeared to whisk him away. To his astonishment, the train is headed for the North Pole and is filled with chocolate, candy and other pajama clad children. On this magical adventure, the boy receives a bell that can only be heard by the children who “believe." The gift of the bell and journey to the North Pole reignited the boy's belief in the spirit of Christmas.

“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.” – The Polar Express

Each year, my best friends and I, along with their children board the Polar Express in Paso Robles, California to experience the magic of the Christmas season. Paso Robles, you may be asking? Yes, each year, there is a special reading of The Polar Express which takes place on Le Vigne Winery’s historic Pullman train cars. Lots of pajama-clad children climb onboard to experience a special reading of The Polar Express. This is an unforgettable family tradition that is a holiday must-do for the entire family.

Join Le Vigne Winery for The Polar Express on December 15^th and 21^st with readings at 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm.

• Wine and cheese tasting
• Cookies and hot cocoa
• A visit with Santa Claus
• Children are encouraged to wear their favorite cozy PJs

Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults. All proceeds benefit the youth and families served by the Family Care Network.

Le Vigne Winery, 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, California

(805) 227-4000

www.levignewinery.com

 

Tina Swithin is a freelance journalist covering family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Tina writes for The Huffington Post, Examiner, Bay Area Parent Magazine and many others. Tina resides in San Luis Obispo, California with her husband, daughters and Standard Poodle.

Vine Street Victorian Showcase

by Melani Meister

Paso Robles offers a plethora of unique activities throughout the holidays! Discover the Teddy Bear Tea, view the beautiful lights that adorn the trees throughout the downtown City Park, visit Santa’s House and of course, enjoy the awe-inspiring Vine Street Victorian Showcase.  

 

One night every year, the city of Paso Robles closes down thirteen blocks on Vine Street to car traffic, while 10,000+ people roam up and down the street gazing at beautifully decorated Victorian houses. These festooned holiday-inspired homes are all part of the Vine Street Victorian Showcase that delights children, adults and families of all ages.

 

Join the party on December 14 at 6:00 p.m. for a multi-block holiday celebration on Vine Street in Paso Robles that includes a night of live holiday music, caroling, cookies and hot chocolate, and endless holiday festivities.

 

Along with the pretty lights and activities on the street, one of the main attractions is Ebenezer Scrooge who lives at the corner of 14th and Vine Streets. He is known to come out of his house yelling at attendees to stop all holiday cheer and leave him alone. His grouchy routine is a highlight of the night, leaving the crowd, especially the children, filled with laughter as they shout "Happy Holidays!" and "We love you!" to the confirmed humbug.

Come experience one of the longest-running holiday traditions in Paso Robles, the unforgettable Vine Street Victorian Showcase.

 For more information on this and other holiday events go to www.pasoroblesdowntown.org.

Photos courtesy of TravelPaso.com

Melani Meister is a marketing coordinator at Mental Marketing, and loves everything about the holidays - even Scrooge! Happy Holidays from Mental Marketing!

 

Adelaida's 2nd Annual Walnut and Wine Festival

by Melani Meister

During the 1940's, Paso Robles was one of the largest nut producing regions in the nation and this Saturday, December 7, Adelaida Cellars pays homage to this historic period at their 2^nd Annual Walnut and Wine Festival.

The festival will highlight Adelaida Cellars' 85-year-old estate grown, dry-farmed walnuts with delicious walnut-inspired bites paired with Adelaida wines, holiday music, olive oil tastings and more.

Discover these amazing local walnuts, just in time for holiday baking, from 10:00 to 5:00 pm on December 7th in the Barrel Room at Adelaida Cellars. Tickets are $10 and include small bites, eight wines, and the festivities. 

Hope to see you there! 

 

 

Paso Robles, Where Cowboys Wear Pink and Horses Go Bridleless

Friday, November 1 is the second annual and quickly-becoming-famous "East vs. West Bridleless Cup" held at the Paso Robles Event Center.

The event, thrown by the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, involves 8 of the most famous and proficient riders in the sport of Cutting, each representing a local charity organization. The riders are split into two teams (East vs. West) and each rider and his or her horse must compete on a horse without a bridle. 

Cowboys are notorious for their sense of humor and old-fashioned values and this event takes that premise to a jaw-dropping and heart warming level at the same time.

The PCCHA likes to give back any way they can and so they devised this hilarious event as a charity fundraiser. The riders will be auctioned off in a "Calcutta" format and the money raised will be split between the American Cancer Society and 8 local charities. To keep it interesting, the horses will not be wearing bridles, but they will be decked out in bright pink regalia, one equine competitor last year sported a bright pink bra custom made to fit its imposing physique.

The objective of cutting is for a rider and horse to enter a herd of cattle,  "cut" a cow from the herd and keep it from returning to the herd. Each rider has two and a half minutes to cut 2-3 cows and is judged on skill and style. In a normal cutting competition the rider is not allowed to use the reins to guide  his or her horse while cutting. In THIS competition, the horses have no bridle so each rider has to rely entirely on the  horses’ training to do the cutting for them.

Here are the teams and their chosen charities: 

East:

Clint Allen (TX) riding for Paso Robles Lions Club
Gary Gonslaves (TX) riding for Hearst Cancer Research Center
Matt Gaines (TX) riding for YMCA of Paso Robles
Adan Banuelos (TX) riding for PRHS Athletic Boosters

West:

Morgan Cromer (Templeton, CA) riding for Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association
Russ Westfall (Santa Maria, CA) riding for Loaves and Fishes
Ben Neasham (OR) riding for RISE (formerly the North County Women's Resource Center)
Brent Erickson (Wilton, CA) riding for Paso Robles Youth Sports Council

 

And here's a quick video from last year's event with West team captain (and Templeton local and recent NCHA Hall of Fame inductee) Morgan Cromer. Go team West!