Grand tasting to showcase wines from France, Spain, Argentina, California and more

NORTH COUNTY — Calling all Central Coast wine lovers — a rare array of international wines is set to be uncorked at the “Wines of the World” grand tasting on Jan. 14, wowing local palates with the flavors of Germany, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Argentina, France and Paso Robles.

It all takes place at Atascadero’s Pavilion on The Lake. Early entry ($125; 5:30 p.m.) and general entry ($95; 6:30 p.m.) tickets are still available at WineSpeakPaso.com. Admission includes tastings from more than 40 wineries as well as light gourmet bites from local chefs and purveyors.

“This is a chance to taste amazing wines from around the world alongside some of the best wineries on the Central Coast,” said Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, co-founder of Wine Speak Paso Robles, which is hosting the event. “As far as local wine tastings go, there is nothing like it.”

Featured international vintners will include Laura Catena of Catena Zapata, Argentina; Emanuel Kemiji, MS of Clos Pissarra, Priorat, Spain; Lionel Faury of Domaine Faury, Rhône Valley, France; Jenna Fields of The German Wine Collection; Lorenzo Scarpone of Villa Italia; Fran Kysela, MS of Kysela Pere Et Fils Importers; and Ayesha Trump of D’Ouro Vino.

This intimate tasting will also feature a “who’s who” of local wineries, including Booker, DAOU, Denner, Epoch, L’Aventure, Law, Saxum and others. In all, more than 40 wineries will be on hand to share their finest vintages. Featured food purveyors will include El Compadre, Thomas Hill Organics, 15C, The Range, Just Baked, Back Porch Bakery and Dark Nectar Coffee.

The “Wines of the World” grand tasting is part of the larger Wine Speak Paso Robles event, which returns to the Paso Robles wine country for its third year on Jan. 14-16.

Wine Speak is a trade-focused event showcasing an all-star cast of master sommeliers, wine industry leaders and hospitality professionals, all of whom rub shoulders with wine lovers at two signature public tastings — the “Wines of the World” grand tasting as well as the “BYOB Dinner” on Jan. 15.

For a complete schedule and tickets to Wine Speak 2020, visit WineSpeakPaso.com.