Garagiste Festival spotlights small-batch producers at sold-out event
Andrew Tucker and Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina and Chris Eberle of Détente Wines.
–The 9th Annual Garagiste Festival’s Grand Tasting on Nov. 9th was another exciting sell-out, and one for the books. With a couple dozen new exhibitors, the majority from Paso Robles, many initial vintages being poured, and lots of “old” Garagiste supporters pouring, attendees were treated to another great variety of the magic of the small lot Artisan Winemaker. And there was lots to be treated to!
Old friends and original Garagiste supporters such as Carl Bowker from Caliza were present. Pouring his estate wines, Carl was also starting to showcase his new label, “End of the Day,” available for tasting in Tin City.
Maggie Tillman (owner/sales & marketing), along with Cellar Master Andrew Tucker from Alta Colina were pouring a selection of their wines. It’s always a pleasure to see Maggie’s smiling face as she introduces wine to new people.
There was no shortage of long-time Garagiste supporters such as Greg and Pamela Martin from Seven Angels Cellars, Roger Nichols of RN Estate Winery, Mark Wasserman of Vinemark Cellars, Matt Villard of MCV and so many others who have made this event such a success.
And then there was quite a selection of new and “newer” exhibitors, pouring their liquid creations, among them was winemaker Skye McLennan, pouring a Rose at her first Garagiste under the Rebel Skye Wine label. Coincidentally (or not so coincidentally), this creative young lady is the daughter of Stewart McLennan, co-founder of The Garagiste.
Another new exhibitor was Trevor Iba & Chris Eberle (no relation to Gary Eberle) with their new Détente Wines. Among their selection was their first release 2018 Classified, a blend of Grenache and Pinot Noir. As Chris commented about the event and Detente: “I’ve done many consumer tastings before, and Garagiste was a step above, people really wanted to learn. The Détente was a hit, everyone loved it, and it’s such a fun wine.”
Also pouring in their first Paso Robles Garagiste Festival were Jean & Larry Rowe of Greyscale Wines, from Napa. They enthusiastically commented about the festival, saying: “This is our first Garagiste year, we have been at all of them, and we absolutely love the event, the people and love Paso Robles.”
Drew Nenow of Nenow Family Wines simply had a huge grin on his face as he poured a selection of his first vintage, commenting “For such a large event we still had the opportunity to connect with a lot of people and get our name out there. This was our first public pouring, and we were just floored by the response and the support.”
Steve Rogers of Elevage Jean & Larry Rowe from Greyscale (Napa)
Steve Rogers was attending his 6th Garagiste, but his first as a winemaker, introducing his Elevage label. Hardly able to contain his excitement of being on the other side of the table, Steve commented: “Being a new label, pouring in an area with such fantastic wines and winemakers, I felt humbled to share our wines with such an enthusiastic crowd.”
Riley Hubbard of Hubba Wines certainly is no newcomer to the Paso wine scene, being involved making wine with Dave McGee of Monochrome Wines, as well as being involved with other projects. Riley was pouring her label, Hubba Wines (which may also be tasted at the Paso Underground).
Natalie Brown of Willow Creek Collective, Gregg Rothberg from 13th & Third Wines (Don Burns, winemaker) and David Lasorda (yes, from that Lasorda family) was introducing Lasorda Family Wines, along with many others pouring their wines for the first time at the Garagiste Festival.
Vivant Fine Cheese, as always, put out a delectable charcuterie spread, in an inviting covered area where people could sit back, snack a bit, and socialize with other festival-goers.
From the time the doors opened there was a buzz and air of excitement that has become typical of the Paso Robles Garagiste Festival, bringing together good wines and exciting winemakers. With over 30 separate varietals being poured, plus many different blends, it is no wonder that this festival has been voted #1 Best Wine Festival In America by the USA Today 2018 Readers Choice Awards.
A special “thank you” to all of the wonderful supporters of the Garagiste Festival: Winemakers, vintners, exhibitors and attendees! Put next year on the calendar now so you don’t miss out on the 10th Anniversary Paso Robles Garagiste Festival, which is certain to be another sell-out and a fun time for all.
-Don Sonderling
