Zinposium and Z After Party Provide Fun and Intimate Events
Every March, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance singles out zinfandel as the focus of an entire weekend of wine-related events during Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend. While the majority of the events happen at the wineries, there are two central events inviting wine lovers. One is Zinposium, which a zinfandel-focused seminar, that takes place on Friday, March 16 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom.
“This year our moderator is Wes Hagen, winemaker with J. Wilkes Wines, who will also double as a panelist with Joe Barton of Grey Wolf Cellars, Matt Glunz of Glunz Family Winery, Carl Bowker of Caliza Winery, and Eric Ogorsolka of Zenaida Cellars,” Wine Country Wine Country Alliance Communications Director Christopher
Taranto said. “Wes is known for his wit and humor, but also his overall intelligence of the wine industry. This seminar will be entertaining and educational on zinfandel and the Paso Robles AVA.”
Not long after the Zinposium ends, the Z After Party will take place at Paso Robles Inn. This event takes from place 8 to 10 p.m. and includes zinfandel tastings from 20 different wineries and dessert and cheese from eight different local businesses. While walking around the ballroom, tasting delicious wines and treats, the Darrell Voss Trio will also treat the attendees’ ears to live music.
“At Z After Party we have added a new element to the 20 wineries and eight dessert hosts sampling,” Taranto said. “Desserts will now also be available for purchase beyond the generous samples available. So attendees can take home a taste of the evening.”
Tickets to each event are $40 each, if getting tickets to both, save $10. No tickets will be available at the door, but can be purchased at PasoWine.com.
“Zinposium and Z After Party are fun and intimate events for people to get to know more about the region’s heritage variety in a small festival setting,” Taranto said. “Approximately 60 different wines from 20 producers will be available to sample, which may provide a roadmap to experience more of what these wineries offer through the weekend.”
Over the three days of the event, more than 100 wineries in the Paso Robles area will host events.
Summerwood Winery & Inn, 2175 Arbor Road in Paso Robles, will release its limited production 2016 zinfandel during the weekend and will pair artisanal chocolates with the wine.
ONX Estate Vineyard will host hour-long vineyard tours multiple times over the three days of ZinFest. The $15 ticket includes an off-road vehicle tour of the vehicle while getting an overview of seasonal developments in the vineyard, as well as stops at the vineyards serene hideaways.
“Festival weekends, including Zinfandel Weekend, are great ways to go out and visit the local wineries when they are hosting special activities that are unique to the weekend,” Taranto said.
August Ridge Vineyards will host spaghetti Western night on Friday, March 16 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The night will include a classic western movie, a traditional Italian dinner paired with the winery’s Italian varietals. Space is limited and tickets are $65 per wine club member or $75 per non-wine club member.
“Always plan for a designated driver,” Taranto said.
To view the list of events at the wineries, go to pasowine.com.
