Big crowds turn out for 40th annual Paso Wine Fest’s Grand Tasting
The Paso Wine Fest returned for its 40th year this weekend, featuring 115 wineries, seven distilleries, food vendors, artists and music all centered around the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
The event, which has grown from 17 wineries in its inaugural year in 1983, was once again held at the Paso Robles Event Center after outgrowing the Downtown City Park, where it was located for much of its history.
New this year were 12 large Signature Winery Experiences highlighting what makes each special and including immersive tasting bars, artistic installations and other fun activities.
“Our experience today is a lovely experience,” said Sean Walter, assistant winemaker at the Shale Oak Winery booth. “I think everyone is out here having a great time celebrating Paso … and everybody here is happy.”
Sabrina Cascigna and Phi Markendorf traveled from Bakersfield to attend the wine festival.
“Oh my gosh, we’re gonna come every year!” Cascigna said. “This is our first time. Every year we’ll be here!”
In addition to the Grand Tasting, the Paso Wine Fest also featured winemaker dinners on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as a variety of special events at individual wineries across the North County, including a drag brunch at Cass Winery, yoga in the vineyard at Ancient Peaks, tacos and music at Summerwood, e-bike tours at Justin Vineyards & Winery, the Killer Dueling Pianos at Bianchi Winery and a crab feed at Opolo.
“I love the options of wine tasting, the friendliness of the all the pourers, and the weather is great,” said Dianne Zapasnik of Visalia. “It’s a beautiful day, and we’re only two hours away.”
Robin and Kevin Mulvehill of Simi Valley also enjoyed their experience in Paso.
“We’ve had a total blast,” Kevin Mulvehill said. “We’re trying wineries that we’ve never been able to try before. The people have been great and we love the wine and the weather has been phenomenal.”
Not all of the attendees traveled from out of town.
“I’m predominantly a red (wine) girl,” said Jae Deshields of Paso Robles. “Actually, I’ve been here in Paso for two-and-half years, and this is my first wine fest. Enjoying it. I’ll definitely be back!”
