Weekend spotlight: Celebrate California wines

September 1, 2011

By KARLEE PRAZAK

September is California Wine Month, and that makes it a great time to enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many fine wineries the Central Coast has to offer.

In celebration of Wine Month, wineries in the area are offering specials such as two-for-one wine tasting, discounted prices and complimentary food pairings.  Participating wineries can be found across the county.

For those who prefer beverages made with more grains and less grapes, the third annual Brews and Bites will take place the first Saturday in September.

Put on by the San Luis Brewers Guild, the event promises to pair locally brewed craft beers with local foods for a fun, flavorful experience. The festivities will take place at the mission in San Luis Obispo and feature live music from local bands Funk In Public, Lakes and The Ragged Jubilee.

Participating breweries include Creekside Brewing, Firestone-Walker Brewing, Central Coast Brewing, and Tap It Brewing companies, among others. Tickets are $30 and include 25 four ounce tasting tickets and a commemorative pint glasses.

For those not drinking, entry is free.

For the first time ever, the Annual Paso Robles Classic Car Weekend will host a Sunday Poker Run on Sept. 4. The event will have participants tour through Paso Robles Wine Country to pick up randomly drawn poker cards at designated wineries. The final stop will be at LeVigne Winery where prizes will be awarded for the best hand, worst hand and more.

The Classic Car events runs Sept. 2 thru Sept. 4  and features three days packed with live music, barbecues and, of course, lots of  vintage vehicles — most of which can be seen cruising through downtown on the Friday Cruise or at the Saturday Car Show in the City Park.

Just up the coast, “America’s coolest small town” Cayucos will be hosting its own Labor Day weekend celebration with a Peddlers Faire.

Starting at 9 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. for three days straight, the Cayucos Creek Lot located between Harde Park and Ocean Avenue will be filled with merchants selling anything from handmade crafts to vintage collectibles.  To compliment the many booths of jewelry, antiques and clothing, there will also be food vendors from local eateries supplying snacks.