We came, we saw, we CAB’d.
If you’re not familiar with the CAB Collective please check this link here and read the “about us” page for the Paso Robles CAB Collective. Simply stated they are a group of Paso Robles winemakers that want to promote Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals FROM Paso Robles.
This last weekend was their 2nd annual event, last year it was held at Windfall Farms which is a very unique and picturesque venue but this year they switched it up. It was held at the River Oaks Hot Springs, which I must say is a pretty damn beautiful spot. We’ve been there many times for the Winemakers’ Cook-Off events as well as the Crush & Roll cigar events. It’s a big grassy area surrounded by trees, rolling hills, vineyards in the background, and a beautiful pond (or is that a mini lake?).
As you’ll see from the photos below it was not only gorgeous but it was set up very well. There didn’t seem to be a huge number of consumers there so it felt nice and open. Often times events can get overly crowded and inevitably you have those one or 12 knuckleheads that don’t understand proper wine event etiquette. I saw no issues on Saturday, seems everyone brought their common sense and kindness with them.
We tried many great wines from Clos Solene, L’Aventure, Le Cuvier, Red Soles, The Farm Winery, and a few others. I was slightly surprised as to the wine that stood out the most to me…the 2011 Robert Hall Cavern Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Nothing else to say other than it was fabulous.
My takeaway: I think the idea for this event is great. I’m always happy to see locals coming up with new ideas to promote Paso and what the renegade winemakers are doing. The main event has a fun, casual vibe to it. I believe the venue, River Oaks, has something to do with that. I’ve also been impressed with the growing list of participants in the Collective and I assume that will continue to grow. The only question I might have is what their ideal number of tickets sold is? As a new event it takes time to build but I would assume it will need more attendees to remain viable…but what do I know?
A big thank you to Parker Sanpei for getting us into this event and to the always awesome Megan and Brock for taking our child so we could do this. We’re in the midst of Paso Robles event season…hold on to your britches!
Hey Hoot! I think the reason for maybe a “slighter” crowd than hoped for was the price of the tickets? At $90 a throw, that’s $180 for a couple and that’s quite a bit for a tasting event. The VIP tickets were $150 so it’s my thought (and many friends that I talked to) that it was more buck for less bang??? Even with 28+ plus wineries pouring, you can only drink so much! Would be interested in seeing if you have heard the same thing?
Steve, great point. I’ve actually heard a lot about ticket prices for many events locally. Obviously we each have a different thought on what “expensive” is but for us we typically will not go to any event unless we are given media access. If we had to pay to get in to all the events we go to we’d be broke.
I had another reason for not going as well as I was missing my wingman (wing-woman???) with Clara down south for a memorial service and it’s not as much fun without her!!! Cheers!
Steve, I completely understand that. I VERY rarely go anywhere without Annie. 🙂
Hey Matt – great thoughts. I thought it was well put together and a great group of wineries. (Sorry I missed you). I think these events sometimes take a few years to figure what their sweet spot is – price, venue, target audience, etc. It’s always tricky trying to add yet another tasting in Paso, but that’s what we do! I will say the wines showed really well. I didn’t get a chance to tour the whole event, but was lucky enough to sample (and help pour the 1993 Eberle Reserve Cab. The ‘small’ things were great too -the live music and great cheese selections. The other nice hits were Clos Solene and Falcone… lots to choose from. As always, thanks for your thoughts….
Joel
Most definitely, Joel. I completely agree with your assessment. . I did not get to the 1993 Eberle and now I won’t sleep tonight!! LOL. Sorry we missed you, we were there for about 2 hours and left. Beautiful event though and love that facility!!
You didn’t get to the ’93 Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon? I’m so embaressed for you. Annie come live with me.
Gary…were you there? And yes, I am embarrassed for me too. Haha. I still remember your 1980 last year. Pretty cool to taste wines of that age from Paso.