Toast to your crazy uncle 

So, some of the people you're technically related to are coming into town for the holidays. I'm not saying this should cause you to drink, but at some point you probably will want to. Instead of making a scene and locking yourself in a closet with the cooking sherry, why not take the whole gang down to Calwise Spirits Co. in Paso Robles, where, on Saturday, Nov. 17, you can check out an open house celebration rife with boozy delights? This special event will feature free tours of the new distillery with behind-the-scenes looks at their fermentation, distillation, and aging practices as well as complimentary guided tastings of five fab spirits. Tours will begin promptly on the hour, every hour, between 12 and 5 p.m., so don't freak out about getting everyone in the minivan on time—that's not ever going to happen anyway. The shindig also marks the beginning of the distillery's new spirits and cocktail club, offering a subscription to recurring packages of exclusive releases and unique membership benefits (hello, world's best/easiest holiday gift). Speaking of holiday flavors, the distillery's newly released orange liqueur is perfectly crafted for winter-themed cocktails. Bottles will be available for purchase at a special discounted price, so grab a few for yourself, too. Feeling frazzled with a case of early onset holiday blues? Put down your nephew's slimy fidget spinner and enjoy craft cocktail specials paired with an updated seasonal small plates menu. Yum! Remember, you can always "unfollow" your crazy uncle's political rants on Facebook, but you cannot unfollow his face. Well, at least not in 2018. Here's to next year's technological advancements!

Located at 3340 Ramada Drive in Paso Robles. For more information, call (805) 369-2662 or go to calwisespirits.com. Δ

Hayley Thomas Cain loves all her uncles equally. She can be reached at [email protected].