Raise a wine glass
Winemaking is a team sport: Donated grapes and community spirit will again come together for Talley Vineyards’ ninth annual Mano Tinta revolving artist label competition. Over the years, this charity wine has showcased a rainbow of colorful labels—all symbolic of the vineyard worker and their craft. Want to try your hand? The competition is open to the general public and will be on display for public viewing and voting in the Talley Vineyards tasting room in Arroyo Grande (public voting begins March 26 through April). Local artists of all ages and levels of experience are encouraged to submit their artwork by March 17 (for more information, email lindsey@talleyvineyards.com). Good luck, artists! … The Paso Robles wine country community recently recognized winemaker Paul Hoover of Still Waters Vineyards for his outstanding contributions toward the success of the Paso Robles wine industry. As the 2016 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year, Hoover will be honored at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gala. Congrats are in order!
Ripe ideas
Oink oink, nom nom: Ever think about buying into a whole pig share? You might want to contact Beewench Farm in Shandon, which is currently offering up delicious bacon and every other cut you could dream of off their sustainably farmed hogs (go to beewenchfarm.com to order) … Let it flow: Attend an olive oil release party at Olivas de Oro in Creston this March 4 with lunch, live music, and tasty ranch products to devour (olivasdeoro.com) … Castoro Cellars in Templeton is hosting a Spring Detox retreat this April 9 featuring an hour-long yoga class, guided meditation, fresh detoxifying juice, clean lunch, private wine tasting, massage, and a crafty class on how to make your own bath salts with the help of Vino Therapy (so cool!). Want in on this heavenly multifaceted spring health re-set? Go to castorocellars.com and sign up.
Grape expectations
Pinot-more, please: Do you love pinot noir? El Lugar Winery is popping the corks off plenty of vineyard designate pinot bottles as well as many limited production wines during an open house this Feb. 18 through 19 (Swing by the Santa Maria-based tasting room and try them all from noon to 5 p.m.; ellugarwines.com) … Sip, sip hooray! Also on that Saturday and Sunday, nibble a local cheese and charcuterie plate crafted by the folks at Fromagerie Sophie paired with Stephen Ross wine (Order tickets at stephenrosswine.com. There are only 40 plates available for the whole weekend!) … Picnic time: The Experience Kukkula Tour, led by co-owner/winemaker Kevin Jussila, starts with a hike through his hillside vineyard located in the Adelaida District of West Paso Robles, where guests can drink in views of the organically dry-farmed ranch as they hike past vines and olive trees. After working up an appetite and savoring 360-degree views of the property, feast on a locavore brunch. End the whole shebang, tasting special estate and allocated wines (kukkulawine.com; spring picnic dates are Feb. 18, March 19, and May 21).
Send your most bodacious, buttery bites to hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
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