New Paso Robles Wine Tasting Event Embraces the Up-and-Coming Wine Connoisseur

Tickets Now on Sale for CRAVE – A Paso Robles Wine Experience – Friday, October 24, 2008

PASO ROBLES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paso Robles comes to San Luis Obispo this October for a wine tasting that is sure to satisfy all your cravings! The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance announced today that tickets for CRAVE – A Paso Robles Wine Experience are now on sale. Research shows that the “millennial” generation (21 – 29) has a high interest in the appreciation of wine through tasting and education. CRAVE is a new spin on wine tasting that blends tradition with a hip tasting experience.

“Wine consumption among this age group is on the rise, and the Alliance recognizes a need to focus marketing programs on this group of wine drinkers”

CRAVE takes place on Friday, October 24 from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. at the Veterans Hall in San Luis Obispo (801 Grand Avenue). Nine different Paso wine varietal bars will be featured and paired with the finest fare of San Luis Obispo County. Over 55 Paso Robles wineries will showcase a single wine from their portfolio. The CRAVE experience is perfectly complemented by D.J. Flight, a frequent D.J. of Native Restaurant & Lounge, in a relaxed atmosphere. CRAVE attendees are encouraged immerse themselves in the experience and learn all there is to know about the different varietals presented. Varietal descriptors are readily available www.cravepaso.com and will be featured at the event.

There are approximately 70 million millennials, and according to the Wine Market Council Millennial Survey, 75% of this generation chooses wine as their choice beverage on a first date. “Wine consumption among this age group is on the rise, and the Alliance recognizes a need to focus marketing programs on this group of wine drinkers,” said Stacie Jacob, executive director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “CRAVE targets the next generation of wine consumers, educates in a fun way and positions Paso Robles as the choice wine region.”

Thanks to the Wine Wrangler, safe rides will be offered at various times throughout the night. Three drop-off spots include the Cal Poly Student Union, Laguna Shopping Center and Downtown SLO. Responsible tasting is also an important element of CRAVE. Practice of the Four S’s of responsible tasting -- swirl, smell, sip, spit -- is a valuable way for wine enthusiasts to experience and understand each wine from first to last taste. This practice will be encouraged and is essential to make the most of this Paso Robles Wine Experience.

Tickets are $40 presale and $50 at the door, and include an evening of unlimited tasting, food pairings, as well as a commemorative glass made by Reidel. Tickets may be purchased online at www.cravepaso.com or at 800.549.WINE (9463). Photo identification verifying age will be required at time of entry. Tickets are limited, and advance purchase is highly recommended. Free parking will be available at the Veterans Hall Parking lot. For a complete list of wineries participating, to purchase your ticket, or for more information about CRAVE, go to www.cravepaso.com.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s fastest growing wine region. It encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acres and more than 200 wineries.

For more information, visit www.pasowine.com.