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THE SOLD-OUT PASO GARAGISTE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES CENTRAL COAST ARTISAN WINEMAKERS
O
n a 700-plus-acre equestrian farm in Paso Robles, over 40 high-quality, cutting-edge, small-production winer- ies—ones that produce fewer than 1,200 cases a year— poured their hard-to-find wines for trade and consumers. The dozen or so impressively manicured horse stalls at
Windfall Farms Stallion Barn were perfect utilitarian spaces that each proffered three different wineries—one of the most cleverly laid-out tastings I have ever attended.
I continue to take the stand that wines from California's Central Coast—especially those from garagiste producers—are among the most adventurous and dynamic being made today. The following wine mechanics deserve attention for having honed their skills to complete mastery and for keeping their race-ready releases tuned to perfection. These were my favorites from the event, and all are worthy of at least three smooches. ─Meridith May www.pasogaragiste.com
Mechanics by Meridith May / photos by Mike Magda
Stewart McLennan and Doug Minnick produced the first Paso Garagiste Festival this past November. It was so successful that plans are already underway for 2012.
Artisan wine producers kept up the pace at Windfall Farms, an equestrian ranch in Paso Robles, CA.
104 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012
