It’s that time of year again, it’s time to Garagiste! This will be the 3rd annual event (coming up November 7-10) and it has quickly, as in warp speed, reached start status as events go. There is no aspect of the event that I find to be lacking and I say that with no bias even though I’m on the Board.
What is a Garagiste?
The co-founders, Doug Minnick and Stewart McLennan, had an idea to bring together garagiste winemakers/wineries in Paso Robles to show the outstanding talent in this area. The participating wineries make 1,200 cases of wine or less, most of them are far less, and only a very small handful even have a tasting room…therefore, attending this event gives you an opportunity to sample wines that you are very unlikely to otherwise.
The Garagiste Festival is one of those triple threat events…great people, amazing wine, and a phenomenal venue in Windfall Farms. Beyond all that cool shiz, the Garagiste Festival uses the proceeds to support young winemakers at the Wine and Viticulture Program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo…we’ll need wine in the future right? So why not support the up and comers now?
Be sure to check out the schedule here, it’s now become a four day festival with different things to check out. Also, as with any event, a big thank you to the sponsors which you can see here, and last but not least, here’s the list of this year’s participating wineries.
There are several wineries I’m looking forward to checking out this year, as usual, along with many others we are already familiar with. You can check out our previous blog posts on the event from 2011. As much as I love many of the BIG GUYS (larger Paso wineries) I really think these garagiste winemakers are a passionate and unique group of people. I must say, I love the dynamic here in Paso Robles, that we can have wineries that make tons of juice alongside these folks that are making less than 1,200 cases a year.
So what about you…do you prefer the big guys, the garagiste wineries, or all the above?
Cass Winery Chef, Jacob Lovejoy at Garagiste Festival
Ranchero Cellars at the Paso Robles Garagiste Festival
The Name is Brown, Stillman Brown
Janell Dusi is in the Paso Garagiste House
Garagiste Winemakers Rock Paso at Sold Out Festival
We had such great time last year. I think it’s one of the best wine tasting events in Paso Robles. We are really looking forward to going back this year.
Scott, for sure. Love this event. Such a great venue and wines you don’t normally get to try. 🙂
Thanks for the great summary and support of Garagiste, it’s one of my favorite events of the year.
Hopefully people will notice the expanded venue, with pourings now on Friday afternoon, evening as well, with a separate group of Garagistes. (You can only pour at one or the other.)
Two Shepherds will be pouring its Russian River Valley Rhones Friday at the two events, look forward to seeing everyone again this year!
cheers!
Awesome, William! I wish we were going to the one you are pouring at but unfortunately we can only go to so many things due to the little dude. Hope it goes well.
No worries Matt, family comes first! I am excited to be a part again this year, and delighted they showcased us in one of the blog posts. (Thanks so ,much for the ReTweets btw.)
http://californiagaragistes.com/uncategorized/get-the-dirt-from-william-allen-of-two-shepherds/
At least pouring Friday means I get out from behind the table and can taste Saturday and will look for you guys there!
William, it sure does and yes, the blog post was great. I’m sure we’ll see you Saturday in that case. Good luck Friday!
Does anyone know if there’s a shuttle from Paso to Windfall Farms?
Mark, I will check and respond back on here.
I am looking for transportation home too…. anyone know of anything?
Patti and Mark, very sorry for the delay but I don’t think there is any transportation unless you plan it on your own. Hope you find a way.