Inside Paso Robles

Pairings in Paso: Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Paired with Vines on the Marycrest Syrah

By Sarah Leslie

Those who know me know that I don’t always get along with my kitchen. No one would ever use the words “cook” or “chef” to describe me. Sous chef? Maybe. But that hasn’t stopped me from seeking out the perfect food and wine combination and even I can pull off this month's Pairing in Paso.

This cold snap has clearly brought up an urge to hunker down and be cozy and cook comfort food. When I think comfort food I think meatloaf.  It doesn’t hurt that for all you Seinfeld fans out there that meatloaf was served for Festivus. And this is a festive time of year. But I digress…

For this meatloaf the special ingredient is bacon. I think we can all agree that bacon makes everything better. What’s even better is to enjoy the meatloaf paired with the wonderful Rhone varietal of Syrah. One of my favorites is the 100% Syrah from Vines on the Marycrest, 2011 vintage. This wine manages to be at the same time both bold yet delicate with tasty black raspberry and licorice that hold up against this bacon meatloaf beast. Enjoy the beast!

Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, medium, diced

1 garlic clove, diced

3 white button mushrooms, finely chopped

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 egg

¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce

3 tablespoons ketchup

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

1 pound lean ground beef

½ pound pork sausage, fresh (not in a casing)

¼ cup milk

6 slices bacon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and saute onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté 3-5 minutes until onions become soft.  Transfer onion, garlic, mushroom mixture into a large bowl and add all remaining ingredients except the bacon. With clean hands (and jewelry removed), mix all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Put the meat mixture in a broiling rack covered in tin foil. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf about 5 x 9 inches. Wrap the strips of bacon around the loaf crosswise overlapping them slightly and tucking ends under the loaf to prevent curling.

Bake at 400 degrees until it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160 degrees, 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Remove from oven, cover in foil and let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Sarah Leslie is a marketing guru with Mental Marketing who loves to cook alongside her husband, striving to find the next great food and wine pair-up.   When not donning an apron, Sarah can also be found behind the bar at Clayhouse serving up some delicious Paso wine.  

 

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! 

 

 

Win stocking stuffers and Discover Gift Ideas from Paso Robles!

This holiday season give the gift of the Central Coast! Enter to win an amazing bottle of wine compliments of the Paso Robles Wine Club, complimentary Wine Wrangler Wine Tours, Hearst Castle tickets, and holiday recipe cards. Weekly winners will be drawn through December 20, 2013. Enter on Facebook here! Or, enter to win  by signing up for our e-newsletter using promotional code Stockings2013.

Offering a festive Downtown filled with holiday lights, boutique shopping and unique galleries, Paso Robles is a great holiday destination featuring more than 250 wineries, numerous craft breweries, farm-fresh cuisine and a wide selection of accommodations. Visitors can purchase the perfect holiday gifts in Paso Robles or online - from that special bottle of wine to a wide array of hand-crafted items – check out the amazing gift ideas below!  

Vivant Fine Cheese Club – Many Cheeses if you Pleases!

sign up for their e-newsletter using promotional code Stockings2013. Click here to read more. - See more at: http://blog.travelpaso.com/#sthash.sIXYpidG.dpufOffering a festive Downtown filled with holiday lights, boutique shopping and unique galleries, Paso Robles is a great holiday destination featuring more than 250 wineries, numerous craft breweries, farm-fresh cuisine and a wide selection of accommodations. Visitors can purchase the perfect holiday gifts in Paso Robles or online - from that special bottle of wine to a wide array of hand-crafted items – check out the amazing gift ideas below!  Vivant Fine Cheese Club – Many Cheeses if you Pleases!

Sign up your friend for their amazing Cheese Club! Located in Historic downtown Paso Robles, Vivant Fine Cheese is the Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room, featuring premium local and imported handcrafted artisan cheeses paired with the finest Central Coast wine and beer. Experience what their cheese experts have in store to make your cheese tasting experience truly amazing. You can also try their "Wine Parings" and discover which wines pair best with cheese selections from Paso Robles and around the world. For more information visit their online store at www.VivantFineCheese.com.

Paso Robles Wine Club – Great Way to Get to Know Paso Wines

Become a member and enjoy premium award-winning wines from the Paso Robles Wine Region.  This wine club is a premium wine club for the aficionados who love Paso Robles wine, or want to know more about this fast growing region. It offers a diverse selection of quality Paso wines starting from $80 a shipment. If you want to learn more and taste fabulous wines from one of the fastest growing wine regions in the world, then this is the club for you. For more information visit the online store at www.BuyPasoWine.com.

General Store Paso Robles – the Ultimate Artisan Stocking Stuffer!

Paso-made fabulousness including a whole line of olive oil products and everyone’s favorite “Paso Chick” t-shirts. Joeli Yaguda, Erin Stuck and Jillian Waters are the proprietors of General Store Paso Robles, bringing a combined 25 years of experience in Paso Robles food, farm and retail. This dynamic three-some loves sharing their finds, from the Central Coast and beyond, with visitors, from local-made jewelry, food and pantry items to lots of odds and ends. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/General.Store.Paso.Robles.

Find an Amazing Cabernet Sauvignon to Suit Your Fancy

Along with Zinfandels, Paso Robles gained notoriety for its Cabernet Sauvignons. For some of Paso’s legendary Cabernet Sauvignons, check out Eberle, J.Lohr Vineyards, EOS Estate Winery, and Adelaida Cellars. For a list of wineries visit www.PasoRoblesCab.com.

Find Works of Art at Studios on the Park – Witness the Action

Discover art originals and prints, handmade designer jewelry, scarves and home décor at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles.  A unique open studio environment where you can witness the creative processes of over 40 local artists as they create their masterpieces, Studios on the Park offers classes, workshops and exhibitions. Proceeds support this non-profits goals to share the creative process with all including local children. For more information visit www.StudiosOnThePark.org.

Give the Gift of Paso’s Rhône Varietals – California’s Rhône Zone

Paso Wine Country is gaining popularity for their exciting Rhône varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Here are just a few wineries offering Rhône varieties: Robert Hall Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Linne Calodo, Halter Ranch, Clavo and Eberle Winery. For a complete list of wineries visit www.RhoneRangers.org/about/pasorobles.php.

Pithy Little Wine Company – So Clever

Located in the heart of historic downtown Paso Robles, they produce and sell fine California wines, olive oils, sodas and lifestyle products. The winery and mercantile is a great place to taste their collection of reserve wines, extra virgin olive oils and old fashioned cane sugar sodas while exploring a selection of California lifestyle inspired products for home and life. For more information visit their online store at www.PithyWine.com.

We Olive – Everything Olive Lives Here

For an urban olive oil tasting experience, head to We Olive in downtown Paso Robles to taste more than 30 specialty, extra virgin olive oils, both local and national, vinegars, olives, tapenade, olive oil-infused gifts sets, jams and more. Great gift ideas and corporate gift baskets. For more information and to visit their online store go to www.WeOlive.com.     

Craft Distilled Vodka and Gin from Grapes – Thirsty?

Paso Robles Craft Distilling, a micro-distillery, utilizes a unique distilling ingredient: premium Paso Robles grapes, a luxury that is normally too expensive for most distilleries to use in production. Paso Robles Craft Distillery applies the excess juice from its sister company, Villacana Winery, to its product, resulting in a high-end vodka and gin made with ultimate sustainability. For more information visit www.RefindDistillery.com.

Firefly Gallery - a Beautiful Boutique

Mother and daughter owners, Emily and Lauren, create holiday magic in their window displays and crafts throughout the store. They feature amazing books, linens, designer clothing, kid’s crafts and high end apothecary items. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/pages/Firefly/103839587506.

Brown Butter Cookie Company – Serious Cookies
Smell the brown butter sea salt cookies in downtown Paso Robles courtesy of the Brown Butter Cooking Company’s new location in the iconic Acorn Building at 12^th and Park Streets. The popular shortbread cookie company has opened the 1,300-square foot spot, complete with a storefront directly under the brick building’s acorn-topped clock tower.  For more information visit their online store at www.BrownButterCookies.com.

Sealed with a Kiss (SWAK) – Retro Cool
The popular store featuring retro, eclectic and, most of all, fun merchandise, has moved to Pine Street.  Treasure hunters will find more cool stuff in the new location, right in the heart of downtown with an entrance on Main Street. For more information visit www.SwakStuff.com.  

Sole Tree - a High-End Shoe Store

Owned by a young woman entrepreneur named Piper, this store is a dream come true for her. She had always wanted to open a shoe and accessories store in Paso Robles; and now she has! Specializing in all leather shoes from brands such as Born, Frye, Corso Como, Me Too and Kork Ease, as well as accessories and handbags, Sole Tree is the only high end shoe store in Downtown. For more information visit www.TheSoleTree.com.

AndBe Boutique – Wine Lifestyle Goods

This store showcases the Paso wine lifestyle with everything from jewelry to premium leather jackets and linens from all over the world.  Also the home of Paso Underground, a collective of small winemakers without tasting rooms. This group utilizes the store’s back patio as a collective space to pour their wines for patrons. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/AndBeBoutique.

Photos courtesy of TravelPaso.com.

 

Looking for that perfect, unique holiday gift? Why not add a little something for yourself by shopping in Paso Robles, CA. This artisan hamlet nestled in the coastal mountain range of central California, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is just a three-hour drive from San Jose, making Paso Robles a centrally located destination for holiday shoppers.

Offering a festive Downtown filled with holiday lights, boutique shopping and unique galleries, Paso Robles is a great holiday destination featuring more than 250 wineries, numerous craft breweries, farm-fresh cuisine and a wide selection of accommodations. Visitors can purchase the perfect holiday gifts in Paso Robles or online - from that special bottle of wine to a wide array of hand-crafted items - check out the amazing gift ideas below!

- See more at: http://www.travelpaso.com/cm/experience_paso_robles/winter2013.html#sthash.XrQCWKto.dpuf

 

Find Artisan Gifts, Amazing Wine & Cheese Clubs, Win Stocking Stuffers, and Celebrate the Holidays in Paso Robles - See more at: http://www.travelpaso.com/cm/experience_paso_robles/winter2013.html#sthash.XrQCWKto.dpuf

Find Artisan Gifts, Amazing Wine & Cheese Clubs, Win Stocking Stuffers, and Celebrate the Holidays in Paso Robles - See more at: http://www.travelpaso.com/cm/experience_paso_robles/winter2013.html#sthash.XrQCWKto.dpuf

Find Artisan Gifts, Amazing Wine & Cheese Clubs, Win Stocking Stuffers, and Celebrate the Holidays in Paso Robles - See more at: http://www.travelpaso.com/cm/experience_paso_robles/winter2013.html#sthash.XrQCWKto.dpuf

Artisan's Pumpkin Soup

by Tina Swithin

When planning a Thanksgiving menu for my family, it pays to have friends in high places. This holiday season, I’ve reached out to several of my favorite restaurants in Paso Robles and asked for their favorite seasonal recipes.  Last week, Chef Chris Kobayashi of Artisan in Paso Robles, shared his recipe for pumpkin soup and with everything at Artisan, it’s sure to be amazing!

Artisan Pumpkin Soup
4 White onions
1 Fennel bulb
1 Large piece ginger peeled
2 Celery stalks
8 Cloves garlic peeled
1 tsp turmeric
Pinch cayenne
½ Cup white wine
2-3 Large pumpkins (may substitute with squash)
3-4 Quarts chicken stock
1 Quart cream

Cut pumpkin in half, remove seeds, place on cookie sheet, rub with oil and salt and roast for 30-40 min in 350 degree preheated oven. Peel flesh, reserve.  Chop onions, fennel, ginger, celery and garlic. Add turmeric and cayenne and sauté together in a stock pot.  Deglaze pot with white wine.  Add chicken stock and pumpkin to stock pot and let cook 30-40 min on stove at a heavy simmer, stirring often.  Add cream and stir. Let cool slightly, but while still warm transfer to blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Yield:  16 8oz servings ~ 1 gallon

Enjoy!  

Tina Swithin is the Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Stuffing vs. Dressing, a Recipe and a Wine Pairing

By: Jennifer Knoll

In most homes, stuffing and dressing are used interchangeably to describe that savory mixture of bread, veggies and herbs that takes second seat at your holiday table. And for most their loyalty to either stuffing or dressing runs deep. But is there really a difference?

Classic dressings are most often roasted separately from and served alongside your main course, typically turkey. Although the recipe can be exactly the same as stuffing you have no worries of cross-contamination when preparing this dish. The key to a delectable dressing are the crisp bits of crunch you get on top and on the sides of the layers of bread that keep you coming back for more.

Stuffing, as the name indicates, is stuffed inside the cavity of a bird, be it a quail or turkey, and roasted inside. What this technique offers is the added benefit of all those tasty juices imparting flavor to your stuffing. But beware! This method does offer risk and you MUST see to it that your bird is cooked to a minimum temperature of 165 degrees. 

So choose your preferred method, stuffing or dressing, and let’s get on to the fun part – pairing a Paso wine with a new recipe…

Roussanne or a Roussanne blend, which we are fortunate to have many of in Paso Robles, is my first wine of choice for Turkey Day.  The best examples provide aromas of stone fruits (nectarine, pear, peach), wildflowers, Meyer lemon, herbal tea and flavors of honey and toasted nuts and pair perfect with roasted poultry.

A standout Roussanne for me is most definitely Kinero Cellars 2010 'Rustler’ from the James Berry Vineyard.  This unctuous and bright wine is made by superstar winemaker Anthony Yount, known for his cutting-edge whites and his role as winemaker at the acclaimed Denner Vineyards. 

One of my favorite fall/winter fruits are persimmons; gorgeous in color, firm with just a slight sweetness, they pair well with Roussanne and add a playful note to your holiday table. (Bonus note, you can also use them in salads or wrapped in prosciutto for a quick appetizer.)  Here they are cooked into a stuffing perfect for your holiday table. 

Persimmon Stuffing

4 tablespoons butter or olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 celery stalk, diced

6 slightly firm persimmons, peeled and cut into chunks

½ teaspoon salt

3 cloves crushed garlic

½ loaf of sour dough bread, cubed 

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Half a bunch of fresh chopped parsley

1 ½ cups chicken stock

In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter; add the onions and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions soften. Add garlic and persimmons, cook for 1 minute. Add salt and stock. Bring to simmer. Add bread cubes to a large mixing bowl and pour over the hot broth mixture. Add the fresh herbs and mix well. If the bread seems too dry more stock can be added. Taste for salt, and adjust if needed. Transfer to a buttered two-quart baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes, or until top is golden-brown and crispy. 

At my Thanksgiving table we call it stuffing although nothing is actually stuffed inside a bird. So to you and your family stuffed or dressed, many warm holiday wishes!

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

Holiday Shopping Sparkles in Paso Robles

by Tina Swithin

While I am not one of the brave ones who venture out on Black Friday, I do love to shop. One of my favorite places to do my holiday shopping is Paso Robles. Brimming over with artisan gifts, amazing wine and cheese clubs, along with a festive Downtown filled with boutique shopping, unique galleries and holiday lights, there is no better place to kick off the holidays.  

This year, Paso Robles is celebrating the holidays in style with giveaways such as wine,  Wine Wrangler Tours, Hearst Castle tickets and coveted holiday recipe cards.  Winners will be drawn weekly from November 8^th through December 20^th. 

Enter to win by signing up on FACEBOOK, or sign up for their e-newsletter using promotional code Stockings2013. Click here to read more.

If you haven’t had a moment to start your holiday gift list, I’ve taken the liberty of creating a list for you!

• Vivant Fine Cheese Club - Many Cheeses if you Pleases!

Sign up a friend or loved one for their amazing Cheese Club! Located in historic downtown Paso Robles, Vivant Fine Cheese is the Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room, featuring premium local and imported handcrafted artisan cheeses paired with the finest Central Coast wine and beer. Experience what their cheese experts have in store to make your cheese tasting experience truly amazing. You can also try their "Wine Parings" and discover which wines pair best with cheese selections from Paso Robles and around the world. For more information visit their online store at www.VivantFineCheese.com.

• Paso Robles Wine Club - Great Way to Get to Know Paso Wines

Become a member and enjoy premium award-winning wines from the Paso Robles Wine Region. This wine club is a premium wine club for the aficionados who love Paso Robles wine, or want to know more about this fast-growing region. It offers a diverse selection of quality Paso wines starting from $80 a shipment. For more information visit the online store at www.BuyPasoWine.com.

• General Store Paso Robles - the Ultimate Artisan Stocking Stuffer! 
  

  The owners of General Store Paso

Paso-made fabulousness including a whole line of olive oil products and everyone's favorite "Paso Chick" t-shirts. Joeli Yaguda, Erin Stuck and Jillian Waters are the proprietors of General Store Paso Robles, bringing a combined 25 years of experience in Paso Robles food, farm and retail. This dynamic three-some loves sharing their finds, from the Central Coast and beyond, with visitors, from local-made jewelry, food and pantry items to lots of odds and ends. For more information go to the General Store Facebook page.

• Find an Amazing Cabernet Sauvignon to Suit Your Fancy

Along with Zinfandels, Paso Robles gained notoriety for its Cabernet Sauvignons. For some of Paso's legendary Cabernet Sauvignons, check out Eberle, J.Lohr Vineyards, EOS Estate Winery, and Adelaida Cellars. For a list of wineries visit www.PasoRoblesCab.com.

• Find Works of Art at Studios on the Park - Witness the Action

Discover art originals and prints, handmade designer jewelry, scarves and home décor at Studios on the Park in Paso Robles. A unique open studio environment where you can witness the creative processes of over 40 local artists as they create their masterpieces, Studios on the Park offers classes, workshops and exhibitions. Proceeds support this non-profit's goal of sharing the creative process with all including local children. For more information visit www.StudiosOnThePark.org.

• Give the Gift of Paso's Rhône Varietals - California's Rhône Zone 

Paso Wine Country is gaining popularity for their exciting Rhône varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvédre. Here are just a few wineries offering Rhône varieties: Robert Hall Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Linne Calodo, Halter Ranch, Clavo and Eberle Winery. For a complete list of wineries visit www.RhoneRangers.org/about/pasorobles.php.

• Pithy Little Wine Company - So Clever

Located in the heart of historic downtown Paso Robles, this charming boutique produces and sells fine California wines, olive oils, sodas and lifestyle products. The winery and mercantile is a great place to taste their collection of reserve wines, extra virgin olive oils and old fashioned cane sugar sodas while exploring a selection of California lifestyle inspired products for home and life. For more information visit their online store at www.PithyWine.com.

• We Olive - Everything Olive Lives Here

For an urban olive oil tasting experience, head to We Olive in downtown Paso Robles to taste more than 30 specialty, extra virgin olive oils, both local and national, vinegars, olives, tapenade, olive oil-infused gifts sets, jams and more. Great gift ideas and corporate gift baskets. For more information and to visit their online store go to www.WeOlive.com.

• Craft Distilled Vodka and Gin from Grapes - Thirsty?

Paso Robles Craft Distilling, a micro-distillery, utilizes a unique distilling ingredient: premium Paso Robles grapes, a luxury that is normally too expensive for most distilleries to use in production. Paso Robles Craft Distillery applies the excess juice from its sister company, Villacana Winery, to its product, resulting in a high-end vodka and gin made with ultimate sustainability. For more information visit www.RefindDistillery.com.

• Firefly Gallery - a Beautiful Boutique

Mother and daughter owners, Emily and Lauren, create holiday magic in their window displays and crafts throughout the store. They feature amazing books, linens, designer clothing, kid's crafts and high end apothecary items. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/pages/Firefly/103839587506.

• Brown Butter Cookie Company - Serious Cookies

Smell the brown butter sea salt cookies in downtown Paso Robles courtesy of the Brown Butter Cooking Company's new location in the iconic Acorn Building at 12th and Park Streets. The popular shortbread cookie company has opened the 1,300-square foot spot, complete with a storefront directly under the brick building's acorn-topped clock tower. For more information visit their online store at www.BrownButterCookies.com.

• Sealed with a Kiss (SWAK) - Retro Cool

The popular store featuring retro, eclectic and, most of all, fun merchandise, has moved to Pine Street. Treasure hunters will find more cool stuff in the new location, right in the heart of downtown with an entrance on Pine Street. For more information visit www.SwakStuff.com.

• Sole Tree - a High-End Shoe Store

Owned by a young woman entrepreneur named Piper, this store is a dream come true for her. She had always wanted to open a shoe and accessories store in Paso Robles; and now she has! Specializing in all leather shoes from brands such as Born, Frye, Corso Como, Me Too and Kork Ease, as well as accessories and handbags, Sole Tree is the only high end shoe store in Downtown. For more information visit www.TheSoleTree.com.

• AndBe Boutique - Wine Lifestyle Goods

This store showcases the Paso wine lifestyle with everything from jewelry to premium leather jackets and linens from all over the world. Also the home of Paso Underground, a collective of small winemakers without tasting rooms. This group utilizes the store's back patio as a collective space to pour their wines for patrons. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/AndBeBoutique.

Tina Swithin is the Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Tina is also a Huffington Post contributor where she covers family travel and "hidden gems" in California. Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

Dining out for Thanksgiving? Here are 4 options in Paso Robles

Planning on dining out for Thanksgiving this year? There are a handful of Paso Robles restaurants who provide a warm, friendly place to spend the holidays with somebody else doing the cooking and clean up. The following restaurants will happily accommodate you on Thanksgiving, please call ahead for reservations to ensure you get a table.  

1. Artisan Paso Robles
843 12th Street
805.237.8084
www.artisanpasorobles.com

The acclaimed American restaurant by brothers Chris and Mike Kobayashi in the heart of Paso Robles is celebrating Thanksgiving with an inspired menu of traditional holiday favorites founded by Chef Chris Kobayashi’s personal dedication to showcasing the bounty of  foods produced on the Central Coast of California. Hours are 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

2. Paso Robles Inn and Steakhouse 
1103 Spring Street
805.238.2660
www.pasoroblesinn.com

A treasured local tradition for those dining out is the special Thanskgiving buffet served in the historic Grand Ballroom of the Paso Robles Inn (or the Steakhouse dining room, your choice.) Items include traditional holiday fare, seafood stations and more. Hours are noon-8:00 p.m. Reservations recommended. 

 

3. Panolivo
1344 Park Street
805.239.3366 
www.panolivo.com

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Thanksgiving with your choice of a $27 3-course prixe fix dinner, an a la carte menu or Thanksgiving to Go, with all the trimmings. Open 11:00 a.m to 8:30 p.m. and serving a Kids Menu all day. Reservations recommended. 

4. Odyssey World Cafe

1214 Pine Street
805.237.7516
www.odysseyworldcafe.com  

Join us Thanksgiving Day for a home style meal in a comfortable setting with great food, including: Traditional Roast Turkey,  Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberries, Stuffing and Pumpkin Pie. We're open Noon-7pm. Call for reservations.