Saturday, May 17, 2008
2008 Paso Robles Wine Festival
Paso Robles Downtown City Park

The classic combination of more than 90 wineries, over 400 world class premium wines, locally made wine country cuisine, lively conversation and a beautiful summer day is enhanced in this new twist on a 25 year tradition.  Like pairing your meal with a fine wine, the 2008 Paso Robles Wine Festival will combine the best wineries of Paso Robles with culinary accompaniments to create an event dish like no other.

HERE'S WHATS NEW FOR 2008...

WINE TASTING
Let your palate point the way through the park in search of your new favorite Paso Robles wine or stay true to those you know.  Either way you’re sure to have a good time discovering the distinct and different wines of Paso Robles in this unlimited tasting format.  Don’t forget to follow the 4 S’s of responsible tasting to truly get a flavor for the day – Swirl, Smell, Sip and Spit.  Use your official guide to mark your favorites and plan your Sunday day of case collecting from those that rose above the rest.

ARTISAN ALLEY
A little dash of locally grown, farm raised, sustainably created products from family run businesses will showcase their artisan foods for you.  From olive oil to abalone, breads to cheese, Lamb to Beef and everything in between this is a look, and taste, at some products we forget found their start in the country-side of California.  Special to Artisan Alley will be an author’s corner featuring book signings of wine country related readings.  Artisan Alley is brought to you by Saveur Magazine and Pasolivo Olive Oil.

DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN
We all know that the party always ends up in the kitchen.  This year we’re bringing the kitchen to the party.  Come witness culinary creations in the making and learn a thing or two for your home kitchen.  Culinary masters will be on hand dishing out their secrets to wine country cuisine.  The Demonstration Kitchen is brought to you by Idlers Home Appliance.

WINE EDUCATION
In partnership with the well respected wine publication, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the Paso Robles Wine Festival serves up two wine educational seminars.  Lead by West Coast Editor Steve Heimoff, this seminar will take a close look at what makes Paso Robles wines distinct and different.  Seminars will be held at a first come, first served basis with limited seating.  Wine Seminars are brought to you by The Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

REGIONAL FOOD MASTERS
Great wine begets great food and the Paso Robles Wine Festival is no exception.  Special attention is taken on what foods local vendors will be able to present and sell to accompany the premium wines served.  Build a picnic from the epicurean delights these vendors will sell and we’re sure you’ll go back for more.

LOCALS ONLY
Thanks to all who took advantage of this special offer for San Luis Obispo Country residents which expired on April 30, 2008. 
A staple ingredient to the successful Paso Robles Wine Festival recipe is the community of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County, without which this 25 year tradition could not be possible.  As a thank you to those in our community we invite you to take advantage of a new Locals admission that brings the Festival price to $45. Advance purchase only, offer good until April 30, 2008.

RESERVE ADMISSION
New for the 2008 presentation of the Paso Robles Wine Festival is the Reserve admission to the RESERVE event.  RESERVE is much like eating dessert before the main course or in this case, like a great event within an event.   On the eve of the Paso Robles Wine Festival, wineries will come together in the downtown city park from 4 – 6 p.m. to pour their exclusive reserve, barrel sample and library wines for a limited amount of wine enthusiasts.  You will also experience a taste from Paso Robles’ premium restaurants.  On Saturday, May 17, your Reserve admission entitles you to enter the Festival grounds one hour early and exclusive entry to the VIP Lounge located within the Pony Club at Hotel Cheval.  Reserve admission is $125.  Tickets are limited and only available by advance purchase.
 
PREMIUM ADMISSION
In 2007 we introduced the Silver Pass in commemoration of the 25th festival anniversary.  It was a resounding success that sold out weeks in advance, so we are bringing it back for 2008 with a new name – Premium.  The Premium admission allows ticket holders to enter the festival grounds one hour early, beginning at 1 p.m.  This limited admission is $75 and only available by advance purchase.

FESTIVAL ADMISSION
The Festival admission is like a good stock to any bouillabaisse; it’s the foundation of the festival and sets the structure for the day to come.  Entry begins at 2 p.m. and provides the wine enthusiast access to the tasting, vendor, picnic areas as well as artisan alley.  All ticket levels are entitled to this access and also receive a commemorative Riedel tasting glass.  Festival admission is priced at $55 and is the only ticket that is sold on the day of the event.  All tickets are limited and the Festival ticket does have the potential to sell out.

WINE ENTHUSIAST SAFTEY
A successful Wine Festival could not happen without our wine enthusiasts arriving and leaving safely.  For your safety – no pets, personal barbecues, outside alcohol, canopies, tables, or umbrellas.  Also, strollers will not be allowed past the entry gates.  The Paso Robles Emergency Services Department will be on hand to provide any emergent care should the need arise.   The enclosed space is a smoke free environment, please consider the palate of others and refrain from smoking within the confines of the park.

A QUICK GLANCE AT THE NEW TICKET LEVELS FOR 2008:

$125 RESERVE Ticket - advance purchase only - includes new Reseve tasting event on Friday, May 16, 4 - 6 p.m., early entrance at Saturday's event (1-5 p.m.) and a commerative Reidel glass $75 PREMIUM Ticket - advance purchase only - includes early entrance, unlimited wine tasting (1-5 p.m.), and a commemorative Riedel glass $55 FESTIVAL Ticket - advance purchase recommended - includes unlimited wine tasting (2-5 p.m.) in the designated tasting area and a commemorative Riedel glass LOCALS ONLY - advance purchase only - Special Price - $45 Festival Ticket - San Luis Obispo Country residents purchase tickets between February 1 - April 30, 2008 to receive this special discount (2-5 p.m.) $15 Designated Driver/Child Ticket - includes access to the event, four non-alcoholic beverages and a commemorative beverage container

Purchase Tickets Page

Back to Wine Festival Home Page