Vineyard managers are mopping up the last bits of the 2014 #PasoWine harvest, winemakers are starting to think about catching up on their sleep, and barrels and tanks are bubbling with activity as the fruits of the labor in San Luis Obispo County slowly but surely evolve into wine. The respite between harvest and the holidays allows us all to look forward to…the upcoming Wine Tourism Conference in Paso Robles November 12-14, 2014!
Thursday Optional Wine Pairing Dinner Added
With the help of #WTC14 friend, Mallory Spann of the Paso Robles Downtown Winery Association, we have organized an optional wine pairing dinner at Second Press Wine Bar & Eatery on Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM. The restaurant is a 2 minute walk from the Paso Robles Inn and features a four-course meal paired with wines from the area. Cost is $65 including tax & gratuity. Seating is limited to 30 people and is available to registered conference attendees and their significant others. Tickets to this optional dinner can be purchased via this Eventbrite link. We will add a second dinner if the first sells out.
The Thursday dinner menu at Second Press Wine Bar & Eatery (810 11th Street, Paso Robles, 93446):
Pan Seared Scallop with Blood Orange Relish on a crispy Wonton (passed appetizer)
2012 Derby Pinot GrisCrispy Braised Pork Belly with Blackberry Vinaigrette and House made Kimchi
2010 Asuncion Ridge Pinot NoirGrilled New Zealand Lamb Rack with Smoked Mozzarella Grits, Rainbow Swiss Chard and Huckleberry Red Wine Sauce
2008 Grizzly Republic Gypsy NoirPetit Sirah Soaked Cherry Dark Chocolate Ganache Bar with Cherry Gastrique and Vanilla Ice Cream
2011 Clayhouse Petite Sirah
Wine Tourism Conference Lodging Update
As of October 23, there remains one (yes, one!) room left in the #WTC14 room block at the conference hotel, the Paso Robles Inn in downtown Paso Robles. This remaining room is going at the rate of $169 + tax. After our room block is sold out, the room rates go up. The Paso Robles Inn is this year’s conference hotel and will house all the conference content as well as the pre-conference Workshops.
There are a number of alternative lodging options in Paso Robles. #WTC14 Elite Sponsor, the Travel Paso Robles Alliance, lists a number of lodging options in the area on the Experiences section of their website.
Getting To and From Paso Robles
Paso Robles is located approximately mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. For those of you flying to the area, renting a car is probably the easiest transportation option. The drive from LAX (and nearby airports, which can be cheaper) is approximately 3.5 hours while the drive from the north ranges from 2.5 hours (San Jose) to three hours (San Francisco) to four hours (Sacramento). You might consider posting on our group Facebook page as the conference gets closer if you wish to share a ride with fellow attendees. Another option is to fly to the much closer San Luis Obispo airport.
Extend Your Stay in the Area
The Martin Resorts collection of premier hotels, which includes the Paso Robles Inn, is offering conference delegates discounted rates at area properties. Simply ask for the WTC rates when you book your room. Come to the region early or stay after to enjoy this beautiful and unique California region. For details, please visit this special Martin Resorts page for WTC Attendees.
Pre-Conference Workshops
This year’s Wine Tourism Conference offers four pre-conference Workshop options on Wednesday, November 12. These 3 hour sessions represent in-depth, hands on learning in a smaller environment. We still have room left to participate in these Workshops. The Workshops are open to registered attendees of the Conferences as well as non-registered attendees. You can choose to attend one session in the morning and/or one in the afternoon. Cost is $125 to participate in one and $200 to participate in two. Workshops offered:
Wednesday, November 12
8:30-11:30 AM
Creating Engaging Wine Country Events OR Creating and Growing a Wine Tour Operator Business– lunch on your own –
1-4 PM
Mobile Marketing OR Excelling as a Wine or Wine Tourism Association
Please visit this link for descriptions of each pre-conference Workshop
TO REGISTER:
1) If you are ALREADY registered for the conference OR would like to only attend one or two Workshops without registering for the conference, you can register via this link.
2) If you still need to register for the conference AND would also like to attend one or two Workshops, you can register via this link.
We look forward to seeing you in Paso Robles for the Wine Tourism Conference this November 12-14, 2014!