New wine event spotlights unique varieties in Paso Robles
Note: Updated to include participating wineries
Co-chairs of the Alternative Tastes Festival. On the left are Denise and Scott Schramm, founders of CRUSH Vineyard, and on the right Brecon Estates’ founding winemaker Damian Grindley and general manager Rachael Fisher. Photo courtesy: Alternative Tastes Festival.
Tickets on sale now
– A new wine event, the Alternative Tastes Wine Fest: A Celebration of Unique Varieties, is scheduled for June 7 and 8, marking its inaugural appearance in Paso Robles. Organized by Brecon Estate and Crush Vineyard, the festival will feature around 30 local boutique winemakers pouring both albariño and tannat, two of the Central Coast’s emerging varietals.
Albariño, originating from Spain’s Rias Baixas region, has gained popularity in the U.S. for its versatile flavor profile and aromatic characteristics. Joining it is tannat, a deep-red wine native to the nearby Pyrenees.
Participating wineries:
- AbsoluVon Cellars
- AllegreXo Wines
- Barr Estate Winery
- Bodega de Edgar
- Brecon Estate
- Brij Wines
- Broken Earth Winery
- Bushong Vintage Company
- Cairjn Wine Cellars
- Castoro Cellars
- Crush Vineyard
- Emercy Wines
- End of the Day Wines
- I Brand Winery
- Kaleidos
- LaZarre Wines
- Lone Madrone
- Mea Wine
- Midnight Cellars
- Moose Mountain Vineyards
- Oso Libre
- Rava Wines
- Seven Oxen Estate Wines
- Shale Oak Winery
- Tablas Creek
- Ulloa Cellars
- Volatus Wine
The idea for the event stemmed from the success of tannat and albariño special interest group tastings hosted by Brecon Estate. Crush Vineyard, known for its estate-grown tannat, proposed merging the events to provide a broader experience for the public, resulting in the creation of “Alternative Tastes.”
“Folks just love these focused wine tastings,” said Damian Grindley, founding winemaker of Brecon Estate and festival co-chair. “Nowhere else can you deep dive into the next potential big thing! In future years, we may focus on other up-and-coming varieties to keep the festival fresh and interesting.”
The festival spans two days, starting with a sunset alfresco VIP Dining Experience at Brecon Estate on June 7, followed by two educational seminars and a grand tasting at Broken Earth the next day. For further information, follow @alternativetasteswinefestival on Instagram or email albarinosummit@gmail.com.
Tickets, priced from $65 to $110, are currently available for purchase, with Early Bird Pricing ending on April 30. Tickets can be obtained at https://my805tix.com/e/alternative-tastes/tickets.
The festival’s schedule includes:
- Friday, June 7: 5:30-8 p.m. – VIP Dinner Experience at Brecon Estate
- Saturday, June 8:
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Seminars: Tannat and Albariño, running simultaneously
- 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – VIP Early Access
- 1:30 – 4 p.m. – General Admission/Grand Tasting/Charity Auction
The charity auction will feature exclusive wines and wine country experience packages. All auction proceeds and net proceeds from the event will benefit the Paso Robles-based Flag Ranch, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing horses and promoting animal welfare.
