Summer wine, music and more on California’s Central Coast

—Just in time to help kick off the first official week of the summer season, San Luis Obispo (SLO) Wine Country launches its 28th annual “Roll Out the Barrels” grand tasting celebration with a variety of events happening on June 21–23, all showcasing the fresh flavors of this intimate, cool climate wine region on California’s Central Coast.

“We’re excited to have Tonnellerie O bring a barrel toasting demonstration to the Barrels in the Plaza tasting; it’s adding a whole new experience for attendees to learn more about barrels, the toasting process and how that influences the wines,” said Heather Muran, executive director of SLO Wine Country. This year’s toasting demonstration will be lead by Quinn Roberts, Master Cooper for Tonnellerie O, from Napa, and will feature a wine and food pairing during the demonstration.

Barrels in The Plaza: Thursday, June 21 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Barrels in the Plaza is an opportunity to experience the latest flavors crafted by the winemakers, chefs and food artisans of SLO Wine Country. Set amid the charming backdrop of historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, this outdoor walk-around affair is all about savoring tailored food-and-wine pairings while enjoying live music 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, altogether offering more than 50 “tasting stops” for guests. Attendees will also enjoy live music from guitar and violin duo, The Cimo Brothers, and will feature an eclectic mix of latin, jazz, folk and rock stylings. During the event, SLO Wine Country will host two “pop-up tastings” lead by local winemakers, along with a barrel toasting demonstration by Tonnellerie O.

“These pop-up events give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, as well as connecting with local winemakers directly,” Muran said. “They can ask questions and learn more about the unique attributes that you can taste in the wines from our coastal region.”
The cost is $60 per person, and tickets may be purchased at www.slowine.com/events/roll-out-the-barrels.php

Passport to SLO Wine Country: Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23
Next, the weekend unfolds with Passport to SLO Wine Country, during which attendees may sip their way through SLO Wine Country’s picturesque tasting rooms while enjoying exclusive benefits. Passport holders may visit four wineries of their choice per day (eight total per Passport over two days).

“Our participating wineries have really stepped up to make this an amazing experience,” Muran said. “Offerings include barrel samples, vineyard tours, farm-to-table bites, sensory explorations, gondola rides, live music and special discounts.”

The cost is $75 per person for the Passport along with a $20 designated driver passport. A full schedule of activities and ticket purchasing can be accessed at www.slowine.com/events/passport-to-slo-wine-country.php

Accommodations
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 the City of San Luis Obispo will receive an all-inclusive ticket to both Barrels in the Plaza and Passport to SLO Wine Country for just $100. Attendees who book their stay and include their hotel information will also receive a complimentary bottle of wine packaged in a wooden commemorative box. This deal is available through https://sanluisobispovacations.com/roll-out-the-barrels/

Early Bird and bundle pricing
Now through May 31, an “early bird” deal offers both Barrels in the Plaza and the two-day Passport event for $130 per ticket. After May 31, Barrels in the Plaza will cost $60 per ticket and Passport tickets will be $75. Designated driver tickets are available: $30 for the Barrels in the Plaza event; and $20 for the two-day Passport event.
Complete event details and tickets may be found at www.slowine.com/events/roll-out-the-barrels.php