matt, Author at Hoot n Annie

Book: ‘The Mad Crush’ and a Q&A with the Author

April 10, 2015 matt 2 Comments

A friend of mine (Kevin) recently sent a tweet out to me about how he read “The Mad Crush: A Memoir of Mystic Vines and Improbable Winemaking” by Sean Christopher Weir and said it was a good one to check out. Next thing I know Sean tweeted to me that he would send me a copy. The … [Read more...]

Press Release: CABs of Distinction Grand Tasting To Showcase Wines Perfected In Paso Robles

April 9, 2015 matt Leave a Comment

Every now and then, we're privy to some pretty cool news about the Paso Robles wine scene. Here's just another update on the CAB Collective coming up in May. If you like Cabernet Sauvignon, and why wouldn't you, you just might want to check this event out. … [Read more...]

Two Different Types of People

April 7, 2015 matt 8 Comments

Recently, while in the Portland, Oregon airport waiting to fly to San Jose, Annie and I got to experience two different types of people. One was the type that was taking care of dozens of other people, largely by herself, and doing it with an outstanding attitude and the other … [Read more...]

Travel: Our Trip To Portland, Oregon

April 6, 2015 matt 2 Comments

We recently took a trip up to Portland, Oregon but this trip was a bit different. This was the first big trip, as in having to get on a plane, we didn’t take Sammy on. We’ve left him with really good friends overnight before but this was the first three night trip away and it … [Read more...]

Q&A with Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina – Part 2

April 3, 2015 matt 3 Comments

Happy Friday folks and welcome to Part 2 of my Q&A with Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina Winery. If you missed Part 1 you can catch that here. Have a great Easter weekend. … [Read more...]

April 1st Isn’t Very Funny to Me

April 1, 2015 matt 9 Comments

I was looking at my calendar to check dates of certain wine events coming up now through the end of April and of course my eyes stopped when I saw April 1. In doing a double take at that date I was unsure at first but quickly realized that is the anniversary of my grandfather’s … [Read more...]

Earth Day Food and Wine Festival

March 31, 2015 matt Leave a Comment

You have probably heard my talk about Earth Day Food and Wine Festival before and guess what, it’s that time of year again. This event, put on by The Vineyard Team, is without question a premier Central Coast event. If you have never attended you are missing out on one of the … [Read more...]

Q&A with Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina – Part 1

March 28, 2015 matt 7 Comments

Anyone that knows of Alta Colina knows that they are making some of the best wines in the Paso Robles area. They are just one of those places that has it all: great wine, small production, talented winemaker, and a truly fun and down to earth group of people. … [Read more...]

Best Restaurants in Paso Robles?

March 17, 2015 matt 12 Comments

Many months ago I had posed this question on three different Facebook pages that I run: “If someone came into Paso Robles from out of town, which restaurant would you refer them to for a great meal?” As usual, some of the answers didn’t make sense to me (you’ll see why when you … [Read more...]

Tasting Room Etiquette

March 12, 2015 matt 14 Comments

We were recently driving in the car and had the radio on. It was tuned in to 92.5 The Krush here in San Luis Obispo County and it happened to be while David Wilson of Grape Encounters Radio was on. We were catching the last segment in which he was chatting with Sara Schneider … [Read more...]