Winter has finally arrived here in the beautiful Paso Robles wine region.  The early-morning frosts started this week so the brilliant gold and orange blanket of vines covering the hillsides have given way to brown. Soon the leaves will drop from the vines and they will stand dormant until spring.

But even as the fall colors and life leave the vineyards, the rest of the region becomes awash with the sparkle  and excitement of the Christmas season.  Tasting rooms and downtown stores have donned their festive motifs.  It’s the perfect time to experience the winter magic of the Central Coast.  You can treat yourself to a vacation or weekend retreat while picking up some fabulous wine for gifts for friends and family.

Many wineries (including First Crush) host holiday open houses and downtown shops and tasting rooms are a fun way to sip and shop for Christmas. We invite you to join us for the First Crush Holiday Open House is Saturday, December 17, 2011 from 1-5 p.m.  Enjoy some tasty treats paired with First Crush wines, Becky’s cheese pairings and holiday recipe ideas and pairing suggestions.  We also have holiday merchandise and gift ideas on sale, and will be offering generous holiday discounts on our wines.

And while you’re here, here are some insider tips to make your season bright: visit our Crush Club partner – Vivant Fine Cheese – for Danika’s  fabulous cheese selections.  This is where we buy pir cheeses to pair with the First Crush wines, and Vivant gives Crush Club members 10% off purchases.  If you’re in Templeton and just want a quick but great sandwich, visit the Templeton Deli. They aren’t a partner but they’re a local gem. Don’t forget the Templeton Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. – noon. It’s heralded as one of “THE” best farmers markets in SLO County. For a hearty breakfast, check out our local favorite—Hoover’s Beef Palace in Templeton.  If you’re in Paso, there are lots of great breakfast spots, but Vic’s is a long-time local favorite and Chico’s is a relatively new, but popular kid on the block.

You can pick up some great port from Roxo Port Cellars in the Meritage Tasting Lounge downtown or take a beautiful drive out to Silver Horse or Cass Winery to try their new port wines. You can pick up some sparkling wine for your New Year’s celebration from our friends at Arroyo Robles or Tobin James.  Cass also has a new sparkler you can try.  All of these wineries are also Crush Club partners and offers discounts to Crush Club members.

When you get hungry, drop by Thomas Hill Organics and see what Chef Julie has on the menu for lunch or dinner.  Crush Club members get a free glass of wine with their meal.  The dining scene has changed a bit lately. Some of my favorite hot spots have closed and a few new ones opened. For elegant evening dining, visit the reliably good, Artisan or Robert’s on Pine Street.  Enjoy a cocktail at the Villa Creek Bar or design your own Bloody Mary and watch Sunday football at Pappy Magregor’s.

Each December in Paso Robles brings the Vine Street Victorian Showcase-- a spectacular exhibition of the Vine Street Victorian houses dresses up for the holidays.  The city practically comes to hault between 8th and 21st streets to allow families to view this awesome and entrancing showcase.  There are carolers, Christmas lights, characters, music and fun to be had by all.  Children can send their letters off to Santa, tell off old Mr. Scrooge, and they might even get a peek at that boisterous Grinch. 

This year marks the 25th celebration of this extravagant event and it's supposed to be a cold one. So bring your winter coats, your family and your Christmas cheer to Paso Robles to experience this one-of-a-kind showcase!

And after you’re all tuckered out from all of the tasting, shopping and sight-seeing, check-in to one of our partner hotels or bed and breakfasts.  Enjoy nightly wine receptions at La Quinta Inn & Suites, the in-door pool at the Holiday Inn Express, or a great breakfast at the Marriott or the Best Western.  Cozy up next to a fireplace at the Creekside Bed and Breakfast or enjoy the views at Belvino Viaggio.  If you want to enjoy the coast on your visit, stay with our friends at the Fog Catcher in Cambria.