For the second yr, I attended The Garagiste Competition held in Paso Robles Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th on the Paso Robles Occasion Middle. Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the competition kicked off with a uncommon and reserve “No Repeats” tasting on Friday night at Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero. Though I didn’t attend, it seemed to be “an epic occasion” by these with whom I chatted the next day.
The extremely anticipated VIP tasting seminar, “1500 Instances & a Plan(e) The Gary Eberle Story: A Journey Throughout the Vintages with an Authentic Paso Pioneer” started Saturday morning on the Occasion Middle. Moderated by Garagiste Competition Co-founder Stewart McLennan, the seminar explored with Gary his winemaking journey – from his discovery of meals and wine in New Orleans within the late Sixties, to starting his personal vineyard in 1979, producing simply 1500 instances (like a real garagiste), then piloting his personal aircraft throughout America to advertise his wines – to how he grew his vineyard into the Paso legend it’s at this time. This yr marks the forty fifth anniversary of the discharge of Eberle’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon and Eberle’s vineyard was not too long ago topped 2024 Vineyard of the 12 months by the Central Coast Wine Competitors. And let’s face it, when Gary Eberle speaks, individuals hear.
The Grand Tasting that adopted the tasting seminar on Saturday featured an array of Paso Robles’ small manufacturing wines produced by over 50 progressive winemakers. Happily, I used to be capable of have a media VIP go with my +1 in an effort to have early entrance at 1pm. And (coming as no shock who know me), we stayed till the top at 5pm, as did others. The various crowd included loads of representatives from the over-21 set of Gen Z to wine lovin’ Boomers, all of whom have been from not solely California however from states on the East Coast, South and Midwest. My commentary was that The Garagiste Competition has an attraction to a broad vary of wine lovers who’re able to “assume out of the field.”
After all, each competition has a chance to proceed the enjoyable, and The Garagiste Competition was no exception. The all the time widespread, ‘it takes a lotta beer to make nice wine’ Maintain It Rockin’ After Get together with meals and dwell music started at 5:30pm. What a weekend!
For individuals who are scratching their heads questioning the that means of “garagiste,” right here you go! Garagiste (garage-east) is a time period initially utilized in Bordeaux area to “throw some shade” on rogue small-batch wine makers who usually labored of their “garages” (something thought-about not a chateau). These renegades shunned the “guidelines,” however now it’s a motion to highlight unimaginable wines discovered all through the world. In america, the primary Garagiste Festivals started in 2011.
Over 200 Wines Are Poured on the Garagiste Competition
On the threat of inflicting a little bit of FOMO, distinctive wineries poured have been a various array of glowing, white, crimson, rose wines. Over 200 wines, together with uncommon blends, single varietal wines, glowing wines, and extra, from over 25 completely different grape varieties, have been accessible for tasting in the course of the weekend. Indisputably, bookmark this occasion for subsequent yr.
Paso Robles wineries that poured have been: Absolution Cellars, Arbuckle Ridge*, Bella Luna Property, Boutz Cellars, Buckaloose Wines, Bushong Classic Firm, Cairjn Wine Cellars, Ciento Cellars, Concur Wines, Creek Lower Wines*, Cutbow Wines*, DENO Wine, Diablo Paso, Dubost Vineyard, El Vinero Wines, Ella’s Winery, Emercy Wines, Finish of the Day Wines, Etnyre Wines, Hayseed and Housdon, IIWII Wines, Kaleidos Vineyard, Kiame Wine Cellars, Loom Wines*, Marin’s Winery, MCV Wines, Nenow Household Wines, Quench + Mood Wines, Crimson Door Ranch, Seven Oxen Property, Sinor-La Vallee, *Slouch Hat Wines, Songs Wines, Staysail Cellars, Steinbeck Vineyards, Stilson Cellars, Tolo Cellars, Torch Cellars, Tribeca Wine Co.*, TW Fermentation Co, Ulloa Cellars, Ultima Tulie, Vigo Cellars, Zanoli Wines, and Zobeto Wines. (The * indicated first-time wineries on the occasion.)
Though there was a lot wine from which to decide on, a few of my favorites (in no specific order) observe. Take a look at the wineries for your self by following the hyperlink offered and buy a couple of bottles.
Fragrant, Racy White Wines
Finish of the Day Wines 2023 Albarino ($30) all the time has my title on it with its balanced profile, racy acidity, floral, apple peel and tropical fruit notes. Manchego cheese and marcona almonds with this Albarino are all you want on the finish of the day (See what I did there?). Carl Bowker is Winemaker.
Cairjn 2023 Vermentino from Duas Terras Winery ($42) provides snappy acidity, stone and citrus fruit notes and a lingering end. Pair with grilled shrimp atop your favourite salad. Andy Neja is Winemaker.
IIWII 2022 Picpoul Blanc from the Willow Creek AVA ($65) is all the time a superb selection due to its refreshing acidity, shiny citrus aromas and flavors and its capacity to pair with my favourite “snack,” uncooked oysters! Phil LaMontagne and Cyril Pujadas are Winemakers.
Autry Cellars 2021 Viognier from Nonetheless Waters vineyards ($39) boasted shiny floral and citrus aromas, a spherical mouthfeel and just-right acidity. Sip by the pool or within the afternoon with an excellent ebook. Steven P. Autry is Winemaker
Boutz Cellars 2023 Moschofilero (Greek White Varietal) ($38) is a stunning and welcome addition to the Garagiste lineup. I liked this daring wine with spice, floral aromas, and hints of citrus on the palate. Grilled calamari, please! James and Manoli Boutzoukas are Winemakers.
Advanced, Flavorful Rose and Crimson Wines
Crush Winery 2023 Tantric from the Crush Winery ($34) is a tart, broad rose of Tannat. Loads of vibrant acidity, savory notes and crimson fruit flavors, this can be a gutsy, meals pleasant rose to not miss. Pair with mates and Thanksgiving. Denise and Scott Schramm are Winemakers.
Nenow Household Wines 2022 Elevens ($58) is a fancy and balanced Rhone mix of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. Notes of blackberries, tobacco, earth and wealthy crimson fruit create an unimaginable mix that’s mouthwatering with any shish kabob you toss on the grill. Drew Nenow is Winemaker.
Steinbeck Vineyards 2018 Zinfandel ($55) is an Previous World type of Zinfandel with lush fruit, average acidity and gentle tannins. Cue the burgers! Bryan Widstrand is Winemaker.
T.W. Fermentation Co. 2019 Merlot ($64) is a textured, broad Merlot with average acidity and agency tannins that present a basis to notes of black cherries, earth, flint and darkish fruit compote. Seize a bottle and invite your pals for a couple of s’mores across the bonfire. Paul Quinn and James Schreiner are Winemakers.
Stilson Cellars 2021 The Return GSM ($45) continues to be certainly one of my favourite Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre selection. Aromas and flavors of baking spice, wealthy cherries and vanilla are lifted with average acidity and structured tannins. This wine is ideal on a crisp and funky fall night paired together with your favourite beef stew (thanks, Grandma for the recipe!) and crusty baguette. Cole Stilson is Winemaker.
There’s no arguing that The Garagiste Competition is a spot to find new wines from up-and-coming winemakers who pour their very own wines. We’re capable of be taught fascinating tales, have a good time the wine trade with every sip and have a blast doing all of it! This yr, the non-profit Garagiste Festivals profit the Cal Poly SLO Wine and Viticulture program. I’ll see you subsequent yr in Paso Robles for The Garagiste Competition 2025!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
