SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA—Just in time to help kick off the first official week of the summer season, San Luis Obispo (SLO) Wine Country launches its 26th annual “Roll Out the Barrels” celebration with a variety of events happening on June 23 – 26, all showcasing the fresh flavors of this intimate uber-coastal region on California’s Central Coast.
“As far as regional wine events go, Roll Out The Barrels is relatively small and focused,” said Heather Muran, executive director of SLO Wine Country. “It really reflects the artisanal nature of SLO Wine Country.”
The celebration is perhaps best known for its outdoor “Barrels in the Plaza” food and wine event happening on Thursday, June 23 on the grounds of Mission San Luis Obispo, in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. The evening features artfully prepared bites from area chefs and restaurants paired with wine tasting from SLO Wine Country’s member wineries. Attendees will also enjoy live music by the Damon Castillo Band and a complimentary photo booth courtesy of Kramer Events. Early entry tickets will include reserve and limited-release wines along with barrel samples of the 2015 harvest.
Next, the weekend unfolds with the Taste the Coast Collaborative Winemaker Dinner on Friday, June 24 at Claiborne & Churchill Winery. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a wine reception and continues with a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Brian Collins of Ember Restaurant. Each course will be paired with wines from Claiborne & Churchill Vintners, Peloton Cellars, Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, Verdad Wines and Tolosa Winery & Vineyards.
Finally, attendees to embark on Adventures in SLO Wine Country on Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26. “This is a chance to walk the vineyards, try barrel samples and enjoy tasting room open houses, live music, farm-to-table lunches and food pairings at participating wineries throughout our region,” Muran said.
Thanks to SLO Wine Country’s partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo and area lodging partners, anyone who books a two-night stay in San Luis Obispo will receive a 20 percent discount on tickets to Barrels in the Plaza. This deal is available through www.slovacations.com/rotb.
Complete event details and tickets may be found at slowine.com/events/roll-out-the-barrels.php.
In the San Luis Obispo Wine Country on California’s Central Coast—or “SLO Wine Country,” as locals call it—the Pacific Ocean shapes our culture, our terrain and our wines. Here, where our wineries boast an average distance of just five miles from the water, the prevailing coastal conditions are among the most pronounced of any wine region in California and beyond. Our ocean-cooled environment fosters unifying qualities that are native to the wines of SLO Wine Country. For details and wine tasting information, visit SLOWine.com.
