27th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival This Weekend: May 15 - 17

Although the "marquee" event for the annual Paso Robles Wine Festival happens on Saturday, May 16, when more than 90 wineries gather to pour their best in the quaint Paso Robles Downtown City Park, SLO County locals know that, arguably, the best part of the weekend is Sunday, when area wineries fire up their barbecues, and throw open their tasting room doors (even wider than usual).

From one tasting venue to another, along the beautiful back roads of the Paso Robles/Templeton wine country, the festive, sun-drenched parties are seemingly everywhere on "Wine Fest Sunday."

Here's what just a few wineries have in store this weekend:

Clautiere Vineyard
- Friday: Join us for a casual paella dinner paired with our new release, 2004 Grand Rouge, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. $25/pp; complimentary/members. We'll be offering 50% off this estate blend all weekend!
- Sunday: Join us for our famous flame-licked chipotle burgers served with our 2004 Syrah, complimentary with your tasting from 1 - 4 p.m. mmMMM Scrumpdeli-o-cious!
[1340 Penman Springs Road, Paso Robles, 237-3789, Weekend Hours: 12 - 5 p.m., clautiere.com]

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
- Friday: Last year was so much fun we're doing it again! We'll rock and roll to the sounds of The House Red Band while enjoying Cahoots delicious barbecue. 6 - 8 p.m. $55/pp; $45/Club. Reservations required.
- Saturday: Join us at the Park or at the Wine Center where Club Members may tour our facility at 10 a.m., 12 or 2 p.m., then enjoy a VIP tasting of our limited and pre-release wines. No reservations needed.
- Sunday: Want to play Winemaker for the Day? Then our blending session conducted by J. Lohr winemaker Steve Peck is for you! We'll start with brunch at 10 a.m. $55/pp; $45/Club. Reservations required.
[6169 Airport Road, Paso Robles, 239-8900, Weekend Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p. m., jlohr.com]

Jada
- Friday: We're celebrating our one year anniversary Italian style with new releases, appetizers and barrel samples. For LLWC members only. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Reception with live band, Italian appetizers, great wines and surprises!
- Saturday: Our one year anniversary celebration continues with a salute to Jack's Italian heritage. Italian appetizers, new releases, barrel samples, chocolates, music and more! $15/pp; $10/LLWC members.
- Sunday: Last day to celebrate Jada's one year anniversary with us. Jada wines paired with yummy Italian appetizers, new releases, barrel samples, music, fun staff and more! $15/pp; $10/LLWC members.
[5620 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, 226-4200, Weekend Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., jadavineyard.com]

L'Aventure Winery
- Friday - Sunday: Please join us for an open house tasting of our new 2007 vintage estate wine releases. L'Aventure Estate Cuvée, Cabernet Sauvignon and Estate Roussanne are handcrafted wines, made in a family cottage winery setting. Limited quantities of each will be for sale at the winery.
- Saturday: Winemaker dinner where Stephan Asseo will present and discuss his 2007 vintage estate wines and speak about the vintage at Paso's new Thomas Hill Organics. Chef Antanas Sadunas will craft small plates to accompany each wine. Please call 805.239.3415 to reserve. $120/pp; $100/Wine Club members. Limit 50.
[2815 Live Oak Road, Paso Robles, 227-1588, Weekend Hours: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., aventurewine.com]

Martin & Weyrich Winery
- Friday: Traditional Italian feast at beautiful Villa Toscana. Live entertainment, appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, dessert and Martin & Weyrich Italian varietals. 6:30 p.m. $60/pp; $50/Wine Club. Reservations required.
- Saturday: Your favorite concert venue is back at Martin & Weyrich's Vineyard Amphitheater! Featuring Guitars & Saxes, $40/pp; $35/Wine Club. Barbecue and wine additional. Gates open 6 p.m. Concert 7:30 p.m. Call for tickets.
- Sunday: Stop by our tasting room to enjoy premium Italian wines and the famous Weyrich Family barbecue! Great case specials, barrel samples and more. Browse our Italian Marketplace or have a picnic on our patio!
[2610 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, 238-2520, Weekend Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., martinweyrich.com]

Opolo Vineyards
- Friday: Join us on top of the world at our gorgeous westside vineyard for an incredible, multiple course dinner paired with delicious Opolo wines. $110/pp; $90/Wine Club. Call to make your reservations today.
- Saturday & Sunday: While everybody (including Opolo's David Nichols) is at the Park, we'll be holding a party of our own out on the tasting room patio. Enjoy carne asada and carnitas tacos, whole roasted lamb, beans, salad and all the fixings!! $10/pp; complimentary/Wine Club. No reservations required.
[7110 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, 238-9593, Weekend Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., opolo.com]

Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery
- Friday - Sunday: Get your vibes here at Rio Seco where fine wines and friendly people make your visit to wine country memorable! Talking wine, food, and baseball - no politics or religion allowed! Tom's famous smoked olives and barbecued munchies along with great discounts and super sales all weekend! Welcome to our world!
- Sunday: Serving the best of the Wild Boar barbecue with all the fixin's! 1 - 4 p.m. $20/pp; $15/Club Rio. Great music by one of Paso's favorite bands "Sideroads!" New releases and lots of fun! See you at the barebcue pit!
[4295 Union Road, Paso Robles, 237-8884, Weekend Hours: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., riosecowine.com]

For more information on the Paso Robles Wine Festival, visit pasowine.com

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