matt, Author at Hoot n Annie

Paso Robles: Loo Loo Farms

April 14, 2015 matt 2 Comments

I recently had the chance to chat with Seth and Zina Engel about what’s been going on at Loo Loo Farms and as I suspected, a lot. It seems a farmer’s life is never lacking in chores. My hope is to bring you a Q&A with them pretty soon so you can learn more about them…but for … [Read more...]

Another PSA About Litter

April 13, 2015 matt 2 Comments

Quite some time ago I wrote a blog post (and provided photos) about the litter problem in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. The problem has not gotten any better. Here are some thoughts and questions that come to my mind: … [Read more...]

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...]