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 Paso Robles holiday events
Enjoy holiday cheer the Paso Robles way – with wine! Many Paso wineries are getting together for a handful of celebrations, beginning with a Holiday Open House on Friday, Nov. 30, from 4-7 p.m. at Adelaida Cellars. Presented by the Far Out Wineries of Paso Robles (a group of 16 wineries that includes such notable names as Justin, Tablas Creek, Opolo, Norman, and Pipestone), the Open House features a walk-around winetasting with appetizers, plus the opportunity to purchase a keepsake ornament and have it signed by all 16 wineries. The cost is only $16 per person and includes a card good for complimentary winetasting at any and all Far Out Wineries during the month of December. Call 805.237.0138 for more information, or visit faroutwineries.com.
On Friday, Dec. 7, the Highway 46 West Wineries Group presents its Holiday Friday Night Wine, Cheese and Crafts Evening. The group of 12 wineries will gather at Eagle Castle Winery from 6-8 p.m. to offer tastes of their award-winning wines. Cheese will be paired with wines, and baked goods will be available for tasting. Local wine-related crafts will be displayed and available to purchase. A mixed case of superb Westside wines will be raffled off at the end of the evening. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. For more information call 805.434.0319 or visit paso46westwineries.com.
The Paso Robles Vintners Association website has a complete list of holiday events at various wineries, as well as local lodging and dining options. For more information, visit pasowine.com.
Temecula wineries celebrate New Year’s Eve
Looking for a wine-themed New Year’s Eve bash? Make your way to Temecula, where a handful of wineries are hosting food-and-wine parties to usher in the New Year.
Thornton Winery presents Hollywood Nights, starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. Stroll down the red carpet and spend an evening being a star while enjoying a dinner that includes a jumbo crab tower, prime filet of beef, petite lobster tail, desserts and, of course, Thornton’s famous sparkling wines. The cost is $175 per person. For details, visit thornton wine.com or call 951.699.0099.
Down the road at Wiens Family Cellars, you can flash back to the ’80s at their New Year’s Eve Celebration, which starts at 7:30 p.m. and goes into the New Year. The menu includes tray-passed appetizers with paired wines, prime rib, oyster shooters, king crab legs, shrimp and more. The event includes live music by an ’80s cover band and dancing in the barrel room. Tickets are $160 per person. Visit wienscellars.com or call 951.694.9892.
Next door at South Coast Winery, the Vineyard Rose Restaurant hosts what they’re calling “a New Year’s Eve party of ethereal delights.” This includes dinner (Kobe beef carpaccio, Maine lobster ravioli, grilled tenderloin), dancing, and a balloon drop at midnight. Tickets are $120 per person. South Coast is one of the few wineries in the area that has on-site villas, so why not combine the New Year’s Eve party with an overnight stay. Call 951.587.9463 or visit wineresort.com.
Temecula has an array of lodging options that are a short drive from the wineries. Taxi service is available on New Year’s Eve, as is a wine shuttle.
For additional holiday information and a list of local wineries, jump online and visit the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association website at temeculawines.org.
Wine wonderland in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara wine country was profiled in the movie “Sideways,” but that film missed most of the wineries, an important component of Santa Barbara’s regional wine country.
Now’s your chance to explore the hidden jewels of wine country while shopping for the perfect bottle of wine during the Wine Wonderland Passport Event on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 8 of the best backcountry wineries: Foxen, Addamo Vineyards, Costa de Oro, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Rancho Sisquoc, Cottonwood Canyon, McKeon-Phillips and Cambria. Another 5 wineries will be pouring wine at Wine Cottage Bistro. Tickets are only $30 per person and include a logo glass. For details, call 866.480.5194 or visit smvwc.com.
Many other Santa Barbara County wineries hold holiday events in December. For details, visit the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Association website at sbcountywines.com. t
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