Maggie Cameron pours selections from Justin Vineyards and Winery

April 11-13

Cultivate your roots and come out for the 8th Annual Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend in San Luis Obispo County. From April 11-13, get the low down on all of the favorite award-winning wines and get the dirt on all the favorite local producers.

On Friday, there’s an exclusive Farm-to-Fork event at one of the region’s historic vineyard properties – Justin Winery & Vineyards. Saturday’s Main Event at Castoro Cellars will have gatherers celebrating the roots of the local food and wine scene, and Sunday will allow visitors to “Wine Down” with a few more intimate events. All in all, it’s a weekend of truly authentic experiences!

Main Event – Castoro Cellars Meadow

The keystone occasion of the 2014 Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend will be held in the Meadow at Castoro Cellars in Paso Robles, a new and very scenic venue. Over 200 food producers, award-winning wineries, and area chefs will cultivate an array of tempting tastes made with seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, artisanal cheeses, local olive oils, and even some Central Coast chocolate. Food pairing for every winery ensure guests won’t go hungry even if after getting’ down to the live music all afternoon. Come ready to have a great time in a casual setting, but remember it’s a working vineyard with uneven ground and while plenty of cover is provided, keep in mind that it’s an outside event – it’s Earth Day after all!

Some parents bring their kids along while others prefer to make a grownup date out of the afternoon – pack those diapers out…they do count against the overall trash weight. Kids under 10 are free, but over 10 they’ll need a Designated Driver ticket for $40 which will get them all of the food they want along with a few non-alcoholic drinks.

Zero waste event

The Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend’s main event organizers are commitment to host a zero-waste event; in past years, less than two pounds of trash was generated for over 1,400 visitors! The sound stage is powered by the sun, compliments of Pacific Energy Company.

The food provided by local chefs and farmers is served on and with recyclable and compostable plates, bowls, forks, and spoons. Appropriate disposal containers, provided by Paso Robles Waste & Recycle, are accessible throughout the event and Guerilla Gardeners is on site, managing the recycling and compost project.

What about all that food waste?  Engel and Gray and Harvest Blend Compost are proud to compost the material into quality compost to build healthy soil. With a plastic reduction policy, guests are asked to drink water from their commemorative wineglass.

Guests can help with the event’s low traffic commitment – Luxury Coaches provided by Silverado Stages available for $10 – $15 per person depending on pick up location. Return times from Castoro Cellars vary beginning at 4:45 p.m. thru 5:30 p.m. Parking is limited at the event and available for $25 per car on a first-come, first-serve basis – ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED.

Organizers

The Earth Day Food & Wine Weekend is a benefit event that supports farmworker education and sustainable ag research conducted by the Vineyard Team, a 501c (3) non-profit organization. The Vineyard Team is a collaboration of growers, wineries, consultants, researchers, and natural resource professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable winegrowing on California’s Central Coast.

Mission Statement

The Vineyard Team works to identify and promote the most environmentally safe, viticulturally and economically sustainable farming methods, while maintaining or improving quality and flavor of wine grapes. The Team will be a model for wine grape growers and will promote the public trust of stewardship for natural resources.

Farm to Fork, Friday

Limited to 50 participants to protect intimate nature of event

$75 per person. Purchase tickets online at earthdayfoodandwine.com or call (805) 466-2288

Main event, Saturday

Premiere Admission begins at 1 p.m. and is strictly limited to just 250 guests –purchase a table for $750 which includes seating for 8 ($170 savings), early entry, and a tote filled with goodies for everyone. Purchase tickets individually for $115 which includes seating and the tote.

General Admission begins at 2 p.m.; it sells out every year; advance purchase recommended by February. Purchase before the event for $75 or $250 for a four-pack ($50 savings).  All General Admission pricing is $10 more at the gate.

Designated Driver tickets are available for $40.  All General Admission pricing is $10 more at the gate.

Purchase tickets at earthdayfoodandwine.com or call (805) 466-2288

Weekend Wine Down, Sunday

Events hosted throughout the Central Coast.  Tickets are all purchased separately. See event schedule on earthdayfoodandwine.com