From blogs.babble.com - posted by Julievr, September 2, 2011

In celebration of California Wine Month, throughout September wineries, hotels and tour operators throughout the Golden State are offering affordable ways to experience wine country. If you’re looking to get a little extra out of summer and take advantage of a slower travel season, this is a great opportunity to explore California wine country. Deals and discounts for wine lovers during September – California Wine Month:

Rest of the story...

Great food and wine pairings are like the dynamic duo of any wine region, and it's no different in Paso Robles. First Crush is pairing up with Thomas Hill Organics on August 24 for Wine Wednesday at the popular downtown Paso Roble's bistro. Chef Julie Simon has created a fabulous three-course menu to serve along with our First Crush wines.

Julie is just one of Paso Roble's French connections to great cuisine. Her cooking was inspired by her family's culinary background in Southern France, and her enthusiasm for fresh, seasonal organic ingredients and her creative ability for unique pairings is a perfect match for Thomas Hill Organics and First Crush wines. Lowell and I will be there to talk about the wines and enjoy the dinner, which will be s erved from 5-9 p.m. The three course dinner with wine is $38.00/pp. Reservations aren't required but encouraged and there's a link to reserve your spot below or call (805) 226-5888.

MENU

Baked Maila Calms from the Wood Burning Oven with Wild Fennel and Lemon

2010 Spring Fling Robert Hall Vineyards Chardonnay

Salt Crusted Pork, Cannelini Beans, Heirloom Tomatoes, Garlic Confit

2008 Soul Mate

BLack Peppercorn Ice Cream, Red Wine Poached Pear, Chocolate Shortbread Cookie

2008 Menage a Trois

Make a reservation

Believe it or not, blue cheese isn’t just for dessert anymore. It pairs well with both red and white table wines and some of the best cheeses for pairing with table wines are born in the U.S.A.

I love wine and I love cheese. But what I really love is a great wine and cheese pairing so I’m also looking for excuses to come up with new ones. When I came up with the idea to create a Red, White & Blues party some people thought I was crazy. I had one cheese expert tell me “you can’t pair blue cheese with white wine.”

Well, I am crazy but don’t ever tell me I “can’t” do something! I sipped and sampled for several days so that I could prove the wine and cheese pairing experts wrong…and I did. So…this Fourth of July I am declaring my independence by hosting a “Red, White & Blues party and celebrating the freedom to pair whatever wine we want with blue cheese. But all in good taste, of course.

Through this experience, I learned a lot about blue cheese and came up with some great pairings. To learn more about blue cheese and my findings.

But the best part, I’m going to share the fruits (or in this case, cheeses) of my labor with you. This Sunday, July 3, join us out at the First Crush Wine Workshop for our “Red, White & Blues” party.  We’ll help get your 4^th of July celebration off with a bang! You can taste our great wines with some creamy cheeses (and other goodies) enjoy cool blues and have a great time.

A true blue tradition

Just like America, it is thought that blue cheese was discovered by accident. Fittingly, for our Fourth of July celebration, blue (or in some cases, bleu) cheese is mired in tradition and has a rich history. Gorgonzola is one of the oldest known blue cheeses but it is the British that have perfected and protected the high standards of blue cheeses primarily made from cow’s milk. Roquefort is said to have been invented in 1070 AD, but it wasn’t until the 11^th century that it received it acquired its blue veins that cheese lovers know and love.

The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail hosts benefit for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation

April 16, 2011 - RiverStar Vineyards - 12 to 4 p.m.

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. – April 5, 2011 – Wine lovers who want to kick back and enjoy a relaxing Earth Day while sipping wine in an intimate, country setting should go to the Bordeaux Blitz, April 16, 2011 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. The second annual fundraising event will feature 10 wineries and an olive oil company and raise funds for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. It will be held amidst the vineyards of the RiverStar Winery – located at 7450 Estrella Road in San Miguel, Calif. – along the beautiful rolling terrain of the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail

The Bordeaux Blitz is more than just a wine tasting. It’s an opportunity to taste more than 30 different wines from award-winning wines, sample olive oils, vinegars and seasonings from Terrace Hill Olive Company, and enjoy an educational wine tasting demonstration by First Crush. There will be live music by local favorites, Acoustify, a wild pig roast, artisan cheeses, delicious food, raffle prizes and more.

It’s also an opportunity for guests to support the thousands of members of an elite segment of the United States Military known as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to the foundation that is near and dear to the heart of owner/winemaker Leon Tackitt of Tackitt Family Vineyards. Tackitt spent 27 years in the Navy and served as an EOD Technician.

“The IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) fight is ongoing,” Tackitt said. “IEDs are responsible for the majority of the fatalities and severe injuries to our troops. This is a way to give back to our Wounded EOD Warriors and their families in the form of financial relief.”

EOD is a joint service military occupational skill, which means that EOD Technicians serve within the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force. The program is strictly manned by volunteer candidates. Personnel that choose this field are specially trained at the EOD School located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. On average, there are more than 7,000 brave men and women serving as EOD Technicians within the four services. The Technicians are responsible for disarming, rendering safe and disposing of a variety or unexploded military ordnance and terrorist devices.

The Bordeaux Blitz is hosted by the members of the Pleasant Valley Wine Trial. The annual event offers guests an opportunity to taste estate wines, as well as award-winning olive oil and enjoy some fun and friendly wine education in one convenient location.  Each winery will feature at least one red or white Bordeaux blend or varietal along with their other offerings.

Tickets for the Bordeaux Blitz are $25 per person in advance and $35 at the door. They are on sale online at www.RiverStarVineyards.com. Admission includes unlimited wine tasting, light appetizers, music by Acoustify, and a commemorative glass.

Guests are also encouraged to enjoy a beautiful drive through the Paso Robles wine country before or after the event. While enjoying expansive vistas of award-winning vineyards, visitors can stop by tasting rooms of the businesses located along the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. The organization is the newest group of Paso Robles Wineries and businesses joining together to provide visitors with one easy route to premium wine and olive oil tasting.

The Trail was formed in 2009 and includes ten wineries and one award-winning olive oil company. It is located in the beautiful rolling hills of San Miguel just East of Paso Robles and begins just minutes off Hwy 46 East, Hwy 101 North or Hwy 101 South. The businesses are:  First Crush Winemaking Experience, J & J Cellars, Locatelli Winery, Pretty-Smith Vineyards, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, RiverStar Vineyards, Silver Horse Winery, Tassajara Cellars, Terrace Hill Olive Co., and Villa San-Juliette Vineyard.

Follow the 12-mile trail, marked with directional signs, for an unforgettable day in the wineries and amongst the vines experiencing the warm hospitality, hand-crafted wines, and undiscovered values this small yet diverse group has to offer.

WINE & CHOCOLATE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!
By Becky

The only thing that's better than chocolate is wine and chocolate!

Like wines, there are many different types of chocolate.  Did you know that the cocoa content of the chocolate makes some chocolates the perfect partners for some wines. If you'd like to enjoy the exploration of this tongue-tantilizing treat, join us for our special Valentine's Day Art of Blending Workshop:  Perfect Partners.

In addition to teaching your palate how to taste and evaluate wines, you'll also have the opportunity to taste Bridgebrands chocolates that are specially prepared to pair with varietals. Bring that special someone and the two of you can sip some premium Paso Robles varietals, sharpen and please your palate while learning about the art of blending wine.  This Saturday's workshop also features a pairing of specially selected cheeses with our First Crush wines.

Sharing wine, cheese and chocolate with your lover while learning about wine...What more could a wine lover need for a perfect Valentine's Day?

For details about this special workshop, CLICK HERE!

Hey, all of you Crush Club members! Don't forget to whip out your Crush Club membership card to receive discounts from many of Paso Robles' great local shops and wineries.

Not only does your Crush Club membership give you 20% off of First Crush wines and events, it also gets you special rates on lodging from beautiful Paso Robles hotels and bed and breakfasts, free-tasting at some great Paso Robles wineries, and much more! Click here to see a full list of our great Crush Club merchant partners.

A few new members of our Crush Club partners are:

Thomas Hill Organics: Thomas Hill Organics offers delicious, farm-to-table cooking with many ingredients coming directly from the family's Thomas Hill Farm.  Crush Club guests will receive a complimentary wine tasting with the purchase of any entree.

J&J Cellars: Located just a short drive away from our wine workshop at Silver Horse Winery, J&J Cellars will grant Crush Club members a 10% discount off all wine purchases (excluding sale items)!

Emily's House: This beautiful, four bedroom, two bathroom vacation home is located in the heart of beautiful Paso Robles.  A short drive (or walk!) away from great food, shopping, and Paso Robles wineris, Emily's House is the perfect place to spend your Paso Robles get-away.  Owners Ken and Vicki Combs will offer Crush Club members special rates on their stay! Call (661) 288-2125 to make your reservation.

At First Crush, we like to share with our customers and guests all the best that Paso Robles has to offer.  Starting at $35 for a one year membership, the Crush Cub is the ideal way to explore and experience Paso Robles, and save!