The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) will host the CRAVE wine tasting event which includes unlimited tastings from 38 Paso Robles wineries, music from the rock band TROPO and food from several local restaurants and cafés.
Unlimited wine tasting is scheduled for Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Veterans Hall in San Luis Obispo.
Communications coordinator for PRWCA Meagan Callahan said this is its 3rd year putting on the CRAVE event.
“We expect to have anywhere from 400 to 500 guests attend this years event,” Callahan said.
Based on previous years, the event is popular with the public. Callahan said they expect to have approximately 50 volunteers, eight employees from PRWCA and about 40 winery employees to conduct the tastings.
Each year PRWCA tries to make the event even better than the year before.
“We have many enhancements this year including four new wine bars focused on industry trends, new design and layout, live band TROPO and a few other surprises,” Callahan said.
Agricultural business senior and Cal Poly Vines to Wines president Kela Driggs said she has been looking forward to this event since she heard about it last year. She said she would have attended, but she was still underage.
“I heard the event is a lot of fun, classy and a nice opportunity to dress up,” Driggs said.
According to Driggs, the Paso Wine Association is in close contact with Vines to Wines and she has heard nothing but great things for this year’s event.
“(I am excited) to try a lot of new wines from wineries I haven’t had the chance to visit yet,” Driggs said.
Emily Birsinger is a wine and viticulture junior and volunteer this year at the CRAVE event. She said she heard about the event through Vines to Wines and through staff from Cass Winery where she works.
“I hope to meet a lot of people in the industry and talk to them about the local wines,” Birsinger said. “The reps from the wineries want to teach people about their wines and I love working events where the guests get involved.”
However, Birsinger is not 21 yet, so she said her participation in CRAVE will most likely consist of setting up tables, serving food, talking with guests and meeting new people and fellow wine enthusiasts.
“It is so frustrating trying to break into the wine industry when I am not allowed anywhere near the wine,” Birsinger said. “So until then, I try to get as involved as I can so that when I do turn 21 I will have established a foundation.”
Birsinger encourages everyone to come and check out the wines this area has to offer. She said there is a lot to learn and the makings for a great time.
In order to ensure a safe environment for consuming alcohol, Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle Company will provide sober rides throughout the evening.
CRAVE’s website presents the slogan “CRAVE Wine. CRAVE Food. CRAVE Music. CRAVE Paso. (And Remember to) Swirl, Smell, Sip, Spit — Please taste responsibly.”
CRAVE is an event for people 21 and over and a photo ID will be required for entrance, no exceptions.