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GracieGirl

I'm a Coloradoan who loves all that our beautiful state has to offer... more
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vineyard.jpgWine Tasting in California's Central Coast

If you've never gone wine tasting before, California's Central Coast is a wonderful area to start.  There is a multitude of great wineries in the area and unlike Napa or Sonoma, they offer a level of warmth and casualness that I believe is somewhat lost in Northern California.  For one, the price is right - most offering tastings in the $5 to $10 range depending on the vintages you wish to sample, and some wineries even offer tastings for free!  Compared to the costly (upwards of $20 for a tasting), the Central Coast is a bargain especially when it's common to hit 4-6 wineries in a day!  That money is better spent on a wine to take home and enjoy.

Paso Robles


The Paso Robles Wine Country is one of the fastest growing vineyard and winery regions in California with the number of wineries in the area more than doubling from 1993 and now. Over 25 different varieties of grapes are grown near Paso Robles and there are over 100 wineries.

Every year in March, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (a non-profit organization dedicated to promotion and education of the area's wine country) hosts the Zinfandel Festival, during which Zinfandel makers and enthusiasts come together for a night of wine (of course...), food and celebration of the state's heritage varietal.

Each year in May, Paso Robles holds an annual Wine Festival which attracts visitors from all over the state, and features wines from nearly all of the over 100 local wineries as well as local cuisine.

Books & Guides to Central Coast Wineries

Before you go, be sure to plan ahead - especially on the wineries you would like to visit while in the beautiful Central Coast.  If possible, plan to visit the wineries on weekdays -- you'll avoid the weekend madness and because your hosts aren't so busy, you'll receive the absolute best service!

Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles Wine Country Map And Guide (Kitchen)

Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles Wine Country Map And Guide (Kitchen)
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles Wine Country Map And Guide. Wineries & vineyards throughout the area from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles, with winery ad...more
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California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide (Sunset Field Guides) (Book)

California Wine Country: A Sunset Field Guide (Sunset Field Guides) (Book)
This user-friendly and highly discerning Field Guide focuses on the Golden State's most popular and newsworthy wine regions--from Napa Valley to the Central Coast to fast-grow...more
Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $19.95
Lowest Used Price: $4.35 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)
Lowest New Price: $5.99 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)

The Grape Escapes: The Best of Paso Robles Wineries & Tasting Rooms (Book)

The Grape Escapes: The Best of Paso Robles Wineries & Tasting Rooms (Book)
Easy To Use Informative Saves You Time & Money THE GRAPE ESCAPES is your ticket to a fun-filled and successful Paso Robles Wine Tasting Adventure! Whether you are a tasting...more
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $16.00
Lowest Used Price: $13.71 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)
Lowest New Price: $13.12 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)

California's Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles (Book)

California's Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles (Book)
Nearly two million people visit Central Coast wineries each year, drawn to the breathtaking scenery and stellar wines of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Due in part to...more
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $22.95
Lowest Used Price: $5.37 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)
Lowest New Price: $5.37 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)

Signature Dishes - Wine and Food of California's Central Coast Wineries (Book)

Signature Dishes - Wine and Food of California's Central Coast Wineries (Book)
Signature Dishes Takes a behind-the-scenes look at the winemakers of the California Central Coast, offering not only their best recipes, but the wines they sugggest to accompany...more
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $18.95
Lowest Used Price: $2.25 (as of 12/4/2008@7:47 PM)

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Gifts and Gadgets for the Wine Enthusiast

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener (Kitchen)

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener (Kitchen)
At the touch of a button, the Oster Wine Opener easily opens up to 30 bottles on a single charge. The stylish and ergonomically designed soft-grip handle will fit into the palm of...more
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $24.99
Lowest New Price: $18.54 (as of 12/4/2008@7:48 PM)

Vacu Vin Wine Saver Extra Stoppers, Set of 4 (Kitchen)

Vacu Vin Wine Saver Extra Stoppers, Set of 4 (Kitchen)
Wine should breathe a little, but not overnight. Putting an end to the oxidation process, which turns a favorite Merlot into vinegar, is easy with the Vacu Vin Concerto Wine Saver...more
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $9.99
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John Cleese - Wine for the Confused (DVD)

John Cleese - Wine for the Confused (DVD)
Wine is confusing…overwhelming even. So where do you start if you want to learn more about it? Join John Cleese on an entertaining and personal look at the world of winemaking and...more
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $19.98
Lowest Used Price: $8.75 (as of 12/4/2008@7:48 PM)
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Haier HVUE12ABB 12-Bottle Wine Fridge W Led (Kitchen)

Haier HVUE12ABB 12-Bottle Wine Fridge W Led (Kitchen)
12 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Fridge with Electronic Control LED Display. Features: Ultra Quiet Thermo Electric Cooling; Double Pane Insulated Glass Door With Black Trim; Recessed...more
Average Customer Rating: 3.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $170.30
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Murder Mystery Party - A Taste for Wine and Murder (Toy)

Murder Mystery Party - A Taste for Wine and Murder (Toy)
Host a deadly delicious evening for fellow wine lovers! Invite 6 to 8 friends to help solve the murder of Barry Underwood, a local vineyard owner. Suspects include Ralph Rottingra...more
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $24.99
Lowest New Price: $14.64 (as of 12/4/2008@7:48 PM)

Late for the Sky Wineopoly (Toy)

Late for the Sky Wineopoly (Toy)
Wine Opoly Game by Late for the Sky. Pop the cork off any gathering with WINEOPOLY! Players buy favorite wines, collect bunches of grapes and trade them in for decanters. Sounds e...more
List Price: $24.99
Lowest New Price: $22.48 (as of 12/4/2008@7:48 PM)

Wine Enthusiast Guide 2004 For Palm & Pocket PC (Software)

Wine Enthusiast Guide 2004 For Palm & Pocket PC (Software)
Mobile companion for choosing, evaluating, managing, and enjoying wine Up-to-date reviews, ratings, and details for 10,000+ wines worldwide Comprehensive wine glossary with over...more
Average Customer Rating: 1.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $24.99
Lowest Used Price: $22.74 (as of 12/4/2008@7:48 PM)

Ultimate Wine Guide {Ft. Oz Clarke} : Develop Your Wine Tasting Skills, Select The Perfect Wine For Every Occasion, Improve Your Knowledge Of Wine Regions, Grape Varieties, Vineyards & More (Video Games)

Ultimate Wine Guide {Ft. Oz Clarke} : Develop Your Wine Tasting Skills, Select The Perfect Wine For Every Occasion, Improve Your Knowledge Of Wine Regions, Grape Varieties, Vineyards & More (Video Games)
Develop Your Wine Tasting Skills Select The Perfect Wine For Every Occasion Improve Your Knowledge Of Wine Regions, Grape Varieties, Vineyards & More
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CASHMERE (PASHMINA) SHAWL, REGULAR size from CASHMERE PASHMINA GROUP, IN 55 VIBRANT COLORS (Apparel)

CASHMERE (PASHMINA) SHAWL, REGULAR size from CASHMERE PASHMINA GROUP, IN 55 VIBRANT COLORS (Apparel)
Unfazed by the scientific age, pashmina shawls are hand spun the same way it has been done for centuries. The hairs are gathered from the Himalyan goat called Hircus, which lives ...more
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Wines of the World Gold Edition (Software)

Wines of the World Gold Edition (Software)
Feel at home in the epicurean world of fine winesThe grassy scent of a Gewurztraminer, the spicy layers of a Merlot - enter thelush world of wines and winemaking, where you will l...more
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MasterCook 5.0: Food & Wine (Software)

MasterCook 5.0: Food & Wine (Software)
If you strive to throw dinner parties in the style of Martha Stewart or even if you're just trying to better organize your weekly shopping and cooking routine, MasterCook: Food an...more
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Riedel O Cabernet/Merlot Wine Tumblers, Set of 2 (Kitchen)

Riedel O Cabernet/Merlot Wine Tumblers, Set of 2 (Kitchen)
As Claus Riedel first revolutionized stemware thirty years ago so has his grandson Maximilian taken the benchmark shapes of Riedel Vinum and revolutionized stemware for the next g...more
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Riedel Wine Series  Cabernet/Merlot Glass, Set of 4 (Kitchen)

Riedel Wine Series Cabernet/Merlot Glass, Set of 4 (Kitchen)
The Wine Line, Riedel stems to use anytime, all the time. Why settle for boring everyday stemware, when you can experience the sensuous pleasure of Riedel so reasonably priced. A ...more
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Spiegelau Vino Grande Chardonnay Glasses, Set of 6 (Kitchen)

Spiegelau Vino Grande Chardonnay Glasses, Set of 6 (Kitchen)
These are the wine glasses you'll pull out every night for dinner, as well as on those special occasions. Their shape enhances the aromas and flavors of any wine. They are durable...more
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews)
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Vino 2 Black Picnic Backpack 4025 BK (Kitchen)

Vino 2 Black Picnic Backpack 4025 BK (Kitchen)
Make the leather Vino 2 two bottle wine tote the newest addition to your travel itinerary.A must for the ardent wine connoisseur, this bag really transports two bottles in well-pa...more
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Leather Double Wine Tote Bag (Apparel)

Leather Double Wine Tote Bag (Apparel)
A must for the ardent wine connoisseur, this case regally transports two bottles in well-padded splendor. Leather shell with a convenient carrying handle and zip around design, co...more
Average Customer Rating: 3.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $99.99

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Shop for Wines and Supplies!

You may think it's odd that I included a few chocolatiers in a list of stores about wine.  If you're already a fan of Port, you know why.  If you ever have a chance to taste a nice Port, take one sip, eat a bite of chocolate, and then take another sip.  You'll be amazed at the change in the taste of the Port - such a wonderful combination of flavors!

Godiva®

Godiva®
Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. is one of the creators of the world's most elegant, hand-crafted chocolates. Godiva offers a superb and delicious selection of truly fine chocolates that contain high quality ingredients such as premium cocoa beans and dairy butter, as well as feature unusual textures and natural flavors. A box of mouth-watering Godiva chocolates makes the perfect gift for any occasion.

To receive your automatic cash rebate from Godiva, simply click on our SHOP NOW button shown a...

My Wines Direct

My Wines Direct
My Wines Direct wants buying, serving and drinking wine, to be a fun, easy and enjoyable experience. At My Wines Direct they enhance your wine enjoyment with expertly chosen wines from small undiscovered vineyards, as well as offering a limited, carefully selected number of wines to eliminate confusion. My Wines Direct provides you with outstanding wine values and makes wine buying easy, reliable and convenient.My Wines Direct gives you the knowledge to experiment, and the confidence to discover...

Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast: Become a wine connoisseur with everything from wine, glasses, decanters, accessories and even wine cellars!

Products include: wines, spirits, accessories, books, wine clubs, travel, white, red, white wines, red wines, dry wines, sweet wines, holiday gifts, gifts, merlot, champagne, bubbly, cabernet, bordeaux, zinfandel, chardonnay, french wines, italian wines, kosher wines, rare wines and desserts.

Wine.com

Wine.com
WINE.COM is a leading online wine retailer and wine gifting service provider. WINE.COM offers premium fine wines, gourmet products and related accessories, as well as lifestyle wine clubs, and distinctive individual and corporate wine gifts, all conveniently delivered to your doorstep. WINE.COM offers a vast selection of unique domestic and imported premium wines, as well as a selection of hard to find collectors wines and affordable everyday wines. WINE.COM has a flavor for every palate.

Hickory Farms

Hickory Farms
Hickory Farms: A tradition in gift giving with beef sticks, cheeses, meats and desserts to indulge in.

Products include: cheese, fresh fruit, desserts, sweets, nuts, seafood, premium steaks, gourmet foods, gift baskets, christmas gifts, chocolate, petit fours, and cheesecake.

Hotel Chocolat

Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat is a British owned multi-channel retailer of real authentic chocolate. Hotel Chocolat has a beautifully presented assortment of top quality chocolate products, developed in-house with chocolate recipes sourced from the leading chocolatiers. Hotel Chocolat offers their products through catalogs, as well as their retail stores and web site. Visit HotelChocolat.co.uk and immerse yourself and your senses in superb chocolate, made with wholesome ingredients by artisan chocolatiers.

Richart Chocolate

Richart Chocolate
Richart Chocolates is your online shop for gourmet French chocolates. Richart Chocolates selection of gourmet chocolates and gifts give chocolate lovers an experience of unforgettable pleasure. Richart Chocolates seeks the finest flavors and ingredients to create collections that celebrate nature’s most satisfying and aromatic flavors. Each taste sensation is the product of a cherished family chocolate making tradition. From the cocoa bean to the almond, hazelnut, pistachio and fresh fruit, Rich...

Swiss Colony, The

Swiss Colony, The
The Swiss Colony company is one of the largest direct marketers in the United States. The Swiss Colony has grown not only in the cheese and food gift sector, but also in general merchandise. The Swiss Colony is pleased to present their unique line of delicious cheeses, savory meats, and tempting European-style pastries, along with some of the hottest new products for your home. At The Swiss Colony you’ll receive quality products at affordable prices and friendly service too.

To receive y...

zChocolat.com

zChocolat.com
They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but we believe it just might be French Chocolate instead. zChocolat gourmet chocolates finely crafted by the finest French chocolatiers. The chocolate is divine, and the presentation is elegant. Send a luxury chocolate gift to your family, clients, or loved ones. Each chocolate is carefully crafted, and there is just as much attetion paid to the display. Send your gifts in a variety of beautiful boxes. Make a statement with your next gift by ...

Mikasa

Mikasa
Mikasa: Always entertaining! Your source for dinnerware, stemware, flatware, crystal, and giftware.

Products include: silverware, flatware, dinnerware, stemware, barware, serveware, home décor, gift certificates, wedding gifts, service plates, clocks, candle holders, picture frames, and crystal serveware,

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No time for a trip? Have wine shipped FREE!

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Tips on Wine Tasting

Sideways Clip for Wine Presentation

Wine Tasting Tip

Tips on Choosing and Tasting Wine

How to Taste Wine

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Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

Beautiful Scenery, and even Better Wine!

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Paso Robles Websites

Castoro Cellars
Home of "Dam Fine Wine"
Opolo Vineyard
Nice vineyards, great wines
Justin Vineyard
The ISOSCELES is phenomenal!
Tobin James Cellars
“Paso Robles in a Glass”
Firestone Vineyard
Always worth a visit
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Find out all you need to know about Paso & it's wineries at this informative site.

For Wine Enthusiasts


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marcb said:

Gorgeous - timeto go to CA-  actually you can't beat Santa Barbara

September 30, 2007 9:30 PM