Snow in Paso? NBD. It is not like we were all standing outside in the freezing weather gawking at the little snowflakes as they touched down…and immediately melted.

Stormy Aftermath

But wait, there’s more!

Fall Veggies

September seems like an interesting time in the world of agriculture, especially on the Central Coast where the lines between seasons are often blurred. On this late September day it feels like summer but there are signs of fall in the air. (The weather on this day can fluctuate easily between the two seasons. Record high for September 21st: 106 degrees, record low: 38 degrees.) So, I decided to head to the Paso Robles Farmers’ Market, held each Tuesday in the City Park downtown from 3-6pm to see what is being grown locally this time of year.

But wait, there’s more!

What better way to start your morning than in the garden? Beth and I headed out of the office for a morning of vegetable harvesting at Steinbeck Vineyards’ Vineyards Growing Veggies project site. We met with Cindy Steinbeck Newkirk of Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery and, after a quick tutorial, we were off to work!

Straight off the vine - Beth's got a zucchini and a squash

But wait, there’s more!

As I arrive at Cass Vineyard and Winery at 10 am Friday morning, it occurs to me that it is a bit early to be visiting a tasting room.  I approach the bar and meet a petite, energetic woman with bright eyes and spiky red-brown hair; she is not opening wines, but rather gathering rolled up foam mats.  Yes, I am off to do yoga in the vineyard.
But wait, there’s more!

I thought I knew the D’Anbino Vineyards & Cellars folks. But my “aha” moment happened when my family’s three generations enjoyed the party at their Paso Robles tasting room – complete with a comedy act (long time friend Tony Russell who also handled some lead singing), fabulous cabs and syrahs, and a special appearance by the D’Anbino Family Band.

Carmine Rubino (half the name sake of D’Anbino) played bass and doubles as the winemaker. John Andrea (other half of the D’Anbino namesake) played a fab sax and puts his creative carpentry skills into place for various vineyard projects. Michael (John’s son) jammed on keyboards, and together with wife Sharon (who doubles as soulful singer), conceptualized and decorated their beautiful tasting room. Robert (Carmine’s son) handled percussion, and Grant (Carmine’s son-in-law) added his funky guitar skills to the band.

But wait, there’s more!