What happens when 17 winemakers, a caterer with tri tip and barbecued oysters, and a dance-inspiring band get together with about 200 of their friends? The 46 West Wineries Summer Block Party, one of the best Paso Robles parties of the summer.
Three Magic Words
We looked at the wristbands being applied to attendees at the 46 West Wineries Summer Block Party at Four Lanterns Winery in Paso Robles. Did they foretell the future? If so, it was going to be a fun night.
In red letters on the white bands were three words. PARTY PARTY PARTY.
A Perfect Location
While it had been a hot day in Paso Robles, by the 6:30 start, the sun was heading west behind the trees and a soft breeze kept revelers comfortable all evening.
Held this year at Jackie and Steve Gleason’s Four Lanterns Winery, the event gathered a fun-loving crowd of about 200 under the shade trees and on the lawn of the historic property that got its start as an apple farm in the early 1900s. It transitioned to an herb farm and vineyard in the late 1970s. Since the Gleasons bought it in 2013, they’ve done many improvements to bring it fully into its place as a winery.
The Inspiration
Going strong for about 10 years now, this event is a celebration for attendees as well as member wineries of the nonprofit 46 West Wine Association.
“The Block Party, which used to be called West Fest, is a chance for the wineries to share their wines with people who enjoy them,” said Maribeth Jacobsen, co-owner of Doce Robles Winery, and one of the founders the Association.
“It also gives winery staff the opportunity to talk, catch up, enjoy dinner and music, and really celebrate what we all do,” she said.
Block Party How-To (it’s easy)
With prophetic wristbands attached and souvenir wine glasses and dinner tickets in hand, we joined the happy crowd.
Many were sitting at tables, and several had brought blankets or lawn chairs to get a good seat for the band. Some were already eating dinner; others were starting the evening with a glass of wine.
Of the 17 member wineries pouring during the Block Party, most were set up in two rows flanking the lawn. A few more were pouring inside the lovely barn-turned-tasting-room.
After making a reconnaissance circle around the winery tables outside, we got our first tasting from Midnight Cellars inside the tasting room. Then it was time to meet the team at Paso Catering and try their tri tip, barbecued oysters, salad, potatoes, and roasted corn.
Balancing plates on the railing near the bandstand, we waited for James Scoolis’ group Burning James and the Funky Flames to kick off the evening with music that drew a steady crowd of dancers.
From there, everyone had the same, simple agenda for the evening: tasting wines and enjoying the laid-back and completely relaxing environment of the Summer Block Party. We found one of the nicest things about this event was the ease: no long lines, no huge crowds, no pushy partiers. Just a positive group of people who enjoy the best of what the Central Coast has to offer. Wine, food, music. Fun.
More to Come
If you made it to this year’s event, what were your favorite memories?
If you didn’t make it, don’t despair. The 2018 Harvest Block Party, to be held at Dark Star Cellars on September 1, promises to be another enchanting evening.
Thank You!
The Flavor Team thanks the 46 West Wineries Association for creating the event, the member wineries for sharing your great wines (see full list below), Four Lanterns Winery for hosting at your lovely property, Paso Catering for the great food, and Burning James and Funky Flames for music that makes you smile (and dance).
If you liked this fun wine event, here are a few more not to miss along the Central Coast:
Wine Safari 2018 – Wine Tasting Gone Wild (with Animals)
Roll Out the Barrels: 3 days to Celebrate SLO Wine (updated 2018)
Barrels in the Plaza brings wine, education, food, and fun to SLO Wine Country (2017)
Block Party Participants
Paso Catering
Burning James and the Funky Flames
Castoro Cellars
Croad Vineyards
Dark Star Cellars
Doce Robles Winery & Vineyard
Donati Family Vineyard
Donatoni Winery
Four Lanterns Winery
Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines & Krobar Distillery
Hunt Cellars Winery
J Dusi Wines
Midnight Cellars Winery
Peachy Canyon Winery
Sextant Wines
Shale Oak Winery
Tooth & Nail Winery
Treana Tasting Cellar and Hope Family Wines