Our weekly Events Wire newsletter is your guide to Central Coast concerts, arts, and local happenings—delivered every Friday.
Credit: IMAGE COURTESY ATASCADERO ART TOUR
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 15 – 17 THE 27TH ANNUAL PASO ROBLES WINE FESTIVAL: If you’ve attended this popular tasting you know it draws a friendly crowd who love Paso Robles’ wines. The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) adds something new and fun during this festival. This year, they’re offering a new service: bring your used wine corks to the “Sip the Good Life” booth on Saturday for recycling and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a premium wine country package, courtesy of Justin Vineyards. There’s also a demonstration kitchen featuring local chefs, and Artisan Alley to showcase Paso’s artisanal olive oils, cheeses and more.
Friday through Sunday, individual events are happening at 140 wineries (including L’Aventure) along Paso Robles’ wine trails, providing great wines and foods, live entertainment or seminars, and winemakers’ dinners; prices vary.
City Park features the Reserve Tasting Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. showcasing 50 wineries and a new wine auction, $125 per person. Saturday afternoon the premium tasting in City Park from 1 to 5 p.m., $75 per person, has more than 90 wineries, wine country cuisine, and live music. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at pasowine.com. Tickets will be available at the door from 2 until 5 p.m. for only $55, or $45 for locals with proof of address.
New Times What was the impetus for Atascadero Art Tour, now in its second year?
Heather Young Curry, organizer I had been wanting to do an event like this and after talking with the owners at the ARTery, and after I moved into a location where I could show my work and other work. It was a perfect gallery space and prompted me to start the art tour with other businesses.
New Times How did last year go?
Credit: IMAGE COURTESY ATASCADERO ART TOUR
Young Curry It’s a great event for the community and for artists. And last year it was very encouraging because this is a grass-roots event and artists from all over the county participated.
New Times How should people organize their evening so they can take full advantage of all the art stops along the route? Young Curry It’s not only a downtown event, because some of the locations aren’t within walking distance —like K-Jon’s and the Green Acres Lavender Farm. I suggest starting at those locations first. Then come downtown, eat at a restaurant, and then hit all the businesses, which will also have wine and refreshments. Some places will have live music.
Credit: IMAGE COURTESY ATASCADERO ART TOUR
New Times Who are you excited about seeing at this event?
Young Curry I really like Carla Cary; she’s 12 years old.
New Times How has the community reacted? Atascadero?
Young Curry Very good, everyone is very happy we are having this event. It’s a great night out.
Christy Heron can be reached at cheron@newtimesslo.com.
