The Marketplace
Prepare your palate for a grand tour of the Central Coast’s top wineries—from Monterey to Ventura—all in one stop. Arranged by sub-region, more than 100 wineries will pour their very best, paired with small plates from top chefs from the Central Coast and beyond. New for 2011, seminars at Winemaker Central in the main Marketplace pavilion.
Sunset Savor the Central Coast welcomes Washington State Wines, our 2011 guest wine region
Winemaker Central Seminar Stage
($20.00 reserved seat)
Saturday, October 1st
Paso Robles Crazy Blends
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to noon
Paso Robles winemakers are mixing grapes in new ways. These blends frequently defy categorization while delighting the senses and achieving a balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. At this seminar, Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider and Paso winemakers will lead you through a tasting of Paso’s unique blends.
Featured wines: Vina Robles, Niner Wine Estates, Clayhouse Wines, Thacher Winery, JUSTIN Vineyeards and Winery, Le Vigne Winery, L’Aventure, Roxo Port Cellars.
Washington State: Wine Tour of the Evergreen State
Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider selected Washington State as the guest region for this year’s Sunset Savor the Central Coast. Washington State is home to more than 700 wineries and more than 40,000 acres of vineyards. This fast-growing appellation produced the #1 wine in the world last year according to the Wine Spectator. Come find out way as Sara leads you through a tasting tutorial of one of America’s hottest appellations.
Cool-Climate Syrah: Taste the Difference
Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Winemakers throughout California’s Central Coast and beyond are experimenting with their Syrah vineyards by planting grapes in cooler locations. Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider will lead you through a tasting of some of California’s best cool-climate Syrahs.
Sunday, October 2nd
Central Coast Pinot Noir Shoot Out!
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to noon
The movie Sideways catapulted Pinot Noir to a frenzied level of popularity that continues today. Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider will lead a blind tasting of some of the best Pinot Noirs to be found on the Central Coast. This tasting allows you to become a wine judge for a day as you taste, side by side, some of the region’s best Pinots.
Paso Robles: Distinct. Different.
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Explore the distinct and different characteristics of the Paso Robles AVA, one of the West’s fastest-growing wine regions. From Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel to Roussanne and Viognier, the Paso Robles AVA encompasses many micro-climates, allowing the region to grow more than 40 wine varieties. Taste a selection of Paso’s finest as Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider and Paso winemakers lead you though a portfolio of wines from the Paso Robles AVA.
Featured wines: Still Waters Vineyards, JK Wine Company, Derby Wine Estates, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Castoro Cellars, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards, Ancient Peaks Winery, Ortman Family Wines.
Riedel Wine Glass Seminar
Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Learn how to honor your wine—from that special-occasion treasure hiding in your cellar to the humblest bottle—with the right glassware. Wine-glass expert Sylvie Laly will explain the nuances of pairing wine with the appropriate Riedel glasses. At the end of this seminar, each guest will take home a set of tasting glasses.
