Master Sommelier Shelley Lindgren Shelley Lindgren, owner and Wine Director of acclaimed SPQR and A16 restaurants in San Francisco, will be hosting an evening of food, wine and fun at the SummerWood Inn in Paso Robles. Shelley Lindgren and Chef Kelly Wangard of the SummerWood Inn worked together at the... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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 12th 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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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.... Continue reading

Enjoy these Lodging Deals throughout February 2014 Paso Robles, CA (January 3, 2014) - 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... Continue reading

Paso Robles is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in style this year with events, discounts, special historic tours and more! 2014 is the perfect time to visit this burgeoning wine region on California’s Central Coast. Nestled in the coastal mountain range of Central California mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco,... Continue reading

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:... Continue reading

First Saturday of the month art walk in Paso Robles Paso Robles is already well known for its award-winning wine, and now the city is emerging as a hub for the arts. The downtown boasts five fine art galleries, hosts numerous annual art events, and many tasting rooms and other... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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 31st, 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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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 2nd 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... Continue reading

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.... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

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... Continue reading

By Melanie Webber I first discovered Paso Robles and the Central Coast nearly 20 years ago, when a close friend moved to the area from LA and, like all who first experience its joys, I felt it was my special secret. As someone who spent a good part of my youth in Georgia, I was enchanted by the California version of Spanish moss weeping from grand oaks that gnarled across Paso’s golden hills, and that stooped their branches over rocky creeks. I had never seen it outside the South, but this was a kinder, gentler version, still mysterious, but plush... Continue reading