There's a party in the 'hood
Join a sizzling celebration of Paso's Wineries on Highway 46 West
By Kathy Marcks Hardesty[{
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If you’re looking for a great party to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, I know a bargain-priced winemakers’ dinner you won’t want to miss. Life on the Central Coast means there’s at least one wine celebration, festival, or barbecue going on every weekend along our wine trails. Most of the time there are several parties to choose from, much to the delight of wine lovers. But few wine producing regions can boast a party like the Highway 46 West Neighborhood Block Party that includes 16 wineries along Hwy. 46 West in Paso Robles.
They’re offering a gourmet barbecue dinner by the talented chef, Ryan Swarthout of Eagle Castle; live rock-and-roll by the local band, Stagefright; and an array of good wines from each of the 16 winery members in this group, plus a souvenir 46 West wineglass, all included at the ridiculously low tab of $25 per person. The member wineries include: Berardo Vineyards (formerly AJB), Castoro Cellars, Croad Vineyards, Doce Robles Winery, Donati Family Vineyard, Donatoni Winery (formerly Mastantuono), Eagle Castle, Fratelli Perata, Grey Wolf, Hunt Cellars, Midnight Cellars, Peachy Canyon, Rocky Creek Cellars, Rotta Winery, Veris Cellars (formerly JanKris), and Windward Vineyard. And with this list of wineries, you’ll find just about every varietal grown in Paso Robles, from Viognier and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
The Jacobsens don’t grow grapes for white wines because they think their site is too hot. That’s why they buy the Vermentino from another grower with a cooler site. “A lot of people remember us, too, because of our friendly German Shepherds,” she laughed, “Even if they can’t remember our name. Now, we have six seven-week-old puppies following their mother around the winery.”
Last February the Hwy. 46 West block party was held at Eagle Castle. This popular block party, held three times annually, always takes place at one of the 16 member wineries. This year at Doce Robles, extra parking will be available at Eagle Castle Winery. A free shuttle provided by The Wine Line will escort guests between the two wineries. For more information, visit docerobles.com or call 227-4766.
Maribeth Jacobsen said it’s best to order tickets ($25 each) in advance through brownpapertickets.com. If any tickets are available the day of the event, they will cost $30 at the gate. Note, the event usually sells out. Dessert will be prepared by Jacobsen who’s baking her “famous” and very popular triple chocolate brownies, which she says are delicious with Doce Robles red wines. “The wineries really pull together for this event. We created it to introduce people to the little mom-and-pop wineries on the west side.”
You can reach New Times’ Cuisine columnist at [email protected]
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