Vintage Paso — three days of vinous debauchery focused primarily on the Zinfandel variety — is scheduled this weekend in and around Paso Robles, Calif.
The “sub-title” or slogan associated with the event is, “Zinfandel and Other Wild Wines,” and the festival provides Zin lovers and wine lovers in general with an opportunity to sample the wares produced in one of California’s outstanding American Viticultural Areas.
According to organizers, more than 120 wineries will share their bottlings, offering everything from barbecues to chocolate pairings, and from vineyard tours to winemaker dinners.
Two special events that caught our eye are taking place at Vina Robles, the first on Saturday and the second on Sunday, running from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.
On Saturday, it’s a Bacon & Wine Pairing, as the winery matches five sweet and savory bacon bites with Vina Robles wines. As a winery spokesperson put it, “The one thing we all love more than wine is swine.”
Then on Sunday, a Cupcake & Wine Pairing will be featured, with those delectable mini cakes offering flavors ranging from citrus to spice… and, yes, everything nice.
There also will be entertainment each afternoon from 1 to 4, provided by local artist Nathan Towne.
Whether you try to visit as many wineries as possible, or pick just a few and embrace a more leisurely pace, Vintage Paso is worth checking out if you find yourself in California’s Central Coast region this weekend.
