Paso Robles Wine University
“From Terroir to Taste”

Learn winemaking, wine tasting and viticulture from
the vintners and growers of Paso Robles Wine Country.

If you want to join our e-mail list click here.

Tickets are $300 per person for the complete Paso Robles Wine University and can be purchased online.

Interested in taking a specialty course only? Please call 805-239-8463 for details.

Check back for the 2006 dates!

The Paso Robles Wine University is a three-day interactive event offering a series of courses led by winemakers and wine grape growers working in Paso Robles Wine Country. Wine enthusiasts will discover the distinct and different characteristics of this premiere California wine region. The weekend includes:

Courses specific to Paso Robles:
• Viticulture and Winemaking
• Vineyard and Winery Tours
• Wine Tasting Analysis.

In addition your program fee includes: • Welcome wine and cheese reception
• Grand tasting featuring more than 50 area wineries and appetizers
• Series of specialized courses
• Commemorative Riedel Glass
• Complete syllabus of course materials
• Grape vine
• Tote bag
• Continental breakfast and lunch on Sept. 10
• Paso Bucks – specials offered by local/area restaurants during weekend

The 2005 event offers two separate tracks – 101 and 201 – offering you an opportunity to advance your learning of California’s fastest growing wine region.

The 101 track is designed for guests who desire to experience the distinct and different characteristics of Paso Robles. You will learn the basics about the vineyards, winemaking, wine grape varieties and utilize that knowledge in tasting wine of the region’s primary varieties.

The 201 track (track 101 is a recommended prerequisite) is designed for guests who have a basic understanding of the region, but want to advance their knowledge. Discussions focus on the key decisions winemakers and wine grape growers make in the winemaking process from the vineyard to the glass.

Paso Robles Wine University Schedule:

Specialty Courses:

The Oak Factor in Winemaking — Understand how oak is used in the winemaking process and its influence on wine. Oak is sourced from a variety of places across America, France and even Hungary. Then the oak is made into barrels of all shapes and sizes. Explore how winemakers use oak to make premium wines.

Planting a Vineyard — Learn how viticulture experts plant a vineyard and the decisions involved in the process. You’ll walk through the necessary elements and discuss aspects from site selection, to choosing the appropriate wine grape varietals, to trellising, irrigation and harvest date. Taste the fruit and finished wine through a horizontal tasting.

Sustainable Growing Practices — You’ve heard the buzz word “sustainable”, but what does this mean in the vineyard? Experience how wine grape growers in Paso Robles are protecting the earth’s resources through sustainable farming practices and achieving quality grape production.

Branding the Paso Robles Wine Region — Learn about the power of branding and how marketing and design play a key role in providing a first impression of your product. Look at the basic elements of marketing and how consistent messaging, your design and the overall package set a product apart. Explore and discuss ways to best present a product through the power of branding.

Logical Approach to Wine and Food — Learn the dedication to the unconditional enjoyment of both wine and food. This program of taste the wine, taste the food, taste the wine will lead to an understanding of how various foods cause changes in your perception of wines. Knowing that, you can add some very simple ingredients to your food to balance them so you can continue to enjoy the wines you like.
Supply Fee: $10

Pairing Paso Robles Wines with Cheese — Find out the latest trends in wine and cheese pairing and how to best bring these flavors together. Taste how pairing certain flavors together can make for a most decedent wine and cheese experience.
Supply Fee: $35

Zinfully Zinfandel Tasting — Experience what 85-120 year-old Zinfandel vines can produce in this special Paso Robles Zinfandel tasting. Understand the characteristics old vines bring to a wine and how winemakers interpret these distinct qualities.
Supply Fee: $30

Blending the Paso Way — Taste through individual barrel lots with a Paso Robles winemaker and discover the art and nuances of blending. Grape varieties, vineyard lots and oak choices all influence the final blend. Understand the components and complexity of this fascinating process.
Supply Fee: $25

It’s in the Glass — Taste how the type of glass you use makes a difference as Riedel takes you through a sensory tour to demonstrate how the glass shape and style influences the enjoyment of wine. A set of four Riedel glasses are included as part of this session. Space is limited.
Supply Fee: $75

Compare Paso Robles Blends with Bordeaux Blends — You be the judge as you taste through a selection of Bordeaux wines alongside a selection of Paso Robles Bordeaux style blends to taste and compare the differences as old world meets new world wine styles. Local winemakers will walk you through the process to help you understand the distinct and different attributes of these two regions. Space is limited.
Supply Fee: $75

Compare Paso Robles Blends with Rhône Blends — You be the judge as you taste through a selection of Rhône wines alongside a selection of Paso Robles Rhône style blends to taste and compare the differences as old world meets new world wine styles. Local winemakers will walk you through the process to help you understand the distinct and different attributes of these two regions. Space is limited.
Supply Fee: $75