Info, observations, and other random stuff about San Luis Obispo County
This is a beautiful time of year here on the Central Coast. Wineries are spoiling us and booking great local musicians for casual as well as large events. Sculpterra Winery, for instance, has music every Sunday. Stillwaters Winery has music in their 100 year old olive grove once a month. Castoro Cellars hosts it’s annual ‘Beaverstock’ this coming 
weekend. Good music, beautiful scenery and a little vino……..what better way to spend a restorative day off!
Red Soles Winery on Oakdale off of 46 West has been doing more than just making great wine. They have done some pretty fun things with their beautiful new still, affectionately named ‘Patience My Dear’. They started with a wonderful brandy (made from grapes) concoction called California Hooch. This led to the creation of the yummy Limoncello which is infused with Meyers Lemons for 40 days and – of course – 40 nights. These clever and fun loving Red Soles folks have even
created some cocktails from their brews so stop by and be entertained! PS – the wines are fab also! www.redsoleswinery.com
I think that often a taste of wine isn’t really my objective when I visit a new winery. I simply love the beauty and setting of a well thought out winery and our little county has plenty of them to sample . There is a special, pampered feeling I get when I take a part of my day just to sit and sip and converse with friends. It’s a splurge, I admit but each new found winery has it’s own personality, views and garden……ah yes, the gardens! Restored and pampered is what I feel……ok, maybe the wine helps but what better way to take in the beauty of our natural setting.
Nothing better for those soft and special North County summer evenings than great music. Local talent can be found Wednesday evenings in Templeton Park, Fridays in Paso Park and Saturdays Atascadero is the place….all free! The Mid State Fair has a fabulous line up this year, as does Vina Robles Amphitheater if you are in the mood for bigger named groups. Wineries put together some great daytime, early evening entertainment. Most event details can be found at www.slohomepage.com/calendar/events or listed on individual websites. But spoil yourself and get out for some fabulous summer entertainment!!!
Wine tasting is fun but I hesitate to squander our beautiful Central Coast days inside. Happy to report that my recent oh-so-pleasant Sunday happened at Brecon Estate Winery. Our hosts Damian from Wales and Amanda from Australia make excellent wine plus they are impressively both ‘cavers’ and park rangers in their home countries. Absolutely loved their chic indoor/outdoor tasting area! “Aussies love to drink outside” Amanda reminds, so the setting is perfect Central Coast. We will definitely go back for the wine but also the lively conversation and soothing views of our ancient oaks and vines.
Quintessential
Love having more outdoor dining choices for our great summer evenings! Owners of Pappy McGregor’s just opened a new ‘Baja style’ Mexican food at the corner of 13th and Pine. They are focusing on fresh fish and vegetables much like you would see in Cabo or San Diego. That bar looks like it will be quite a lively place as well…..Tequila flights with over 85 to sample! I am going to try the ceviche but I bet my son’s is better! http://www.fishgaucho.com/
Historic Paso Robles Park hosts local artists and their amazing work over Memorial Weekend every year. This year, the Main Event is held on Saturday, May 24th with artists onsite, producing their work live and for sale. Also on display is an Invitational Exhibition where 20 artists will display their work. Something for everyone, there are Stilt Walkers – a amazing sort of living art display, sand castle making to participate in, hands on art projects and a petting zoo for kids, music plus food, beer and wine. Its a lively event where Paso shows off a bit and guests get to indulge in the visual out-of-doors in addition to ‘Studios on the Park’, our fun and engaging permanent artists gallery. There is also the Hearst Castle Art Tour and more. For more info go to http://www.prcity.com/PAF/
Red Soles Winery out off Highway 46 West on Oakdale Road is a beautiful little winery with warm and inviting owners and staff. Maybe it is because their motto is ‘living the dream’ but the atmosphere brings out the best in everyone as it always feels more like visiting a home than a business. Love their wines for sure…..my favorite summer white is ‘Heart and Sole’ and I LOVE that they are always cleverly thinking up fun names for their wines. Now they have started some yummy (potent!) distilled beverages like California Hooch and soon to arrive Temptation Limoncello – sipping this one will really going bring memories of a trip to Tuscany! www.resoleswinery.com
For the pet lovers out there…….San Luis Obispo County has put together a Pet Friendly Guide. For the link to this go to http://gallery.mailchimp.com/b0628bb247031f6d4c3b47709/files/PetFriendlyGuide.1.pdf. 
Humble but interesting beginnings as a hot springs resort, Paso Robles is 125 years old this month! El Paso de Roblas (quickly changed to Robles) was incorporated in March 11, 1889. Paso’s wonderful wine country has also been known for mud baths, almonds, cattle, wheat, apples and simply a great place to call home. Visit www.paso125.com for fun historical facts/timeline and to find out what festivities are planned.