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Central Coast Wine Insider Blog

Central Coast Wine Insider Blog

Wine Club: 15 Reasons to take the Plunge and Join Today!

Wine Clubs: 15 Reasons to take the Plunge and Join Today!

 

Wine Club Benefits

Wine Club Benefits

1. Convenience –

What’s more convenient than having wines show up at your door on a regular basis? Not much. A wine club offers the convenience of having a variety of exceptional wines delivered to you or available to pick up on your next visit to the winery. 

2. Regular Delivery of Wines –

A wine club guarantees that a regular delivery of superb wine is delivered within a consistent time frame (usually monthly or quarterly shipping), without the burden of having to select each wine yourself. It’s a curated collection of wines from your favorite

winery. 

3. Try New Wines –

Who doesn’t like trying new wines? Sure we all have our favorites, but a wine club ensures that you are getting new and varied wines each shipment. It gives you a chance to find a new experience that you may have not have tried otherwise.

4. Larger Selection than at your local grocery or wine store –

Grocery stores usually have a nice selection of wines, but these are the same commercial wines that they know will sell. A wine club often provides a much larger and broader selection of wines than you would typically find in the store. This is done because the wine club curator has more flexibility to select unique, fun, or rare wines, and not be burdened with taking up expensive shelf space. Most wines available through clubs won’t be found in your grocery and store, unless you live close to the winery.

5. Broaden Your Horizons –

Wine Club-Special Perks

Wine Club-Special Perks

If you’re like many, you tend to stick to your tried and true wine varietals. It took a long time for a friend of mine to venture out from big, bold, cabs, but he took a leap of faith and really discovered that he likes Sauvignon Blanc & Riesling almost as much. With a wine club, it encourages you to broaden your horizons, and try new varietals you may never have even known you loved.

6. Perks of Joining a Wine Club –

Membership has it privileges, and joining a wine club is no different. Joining a Winery’s wine club will get you exclusive invitations to events, discounts on regular purchases, and more. You receive complimentary tastings on visits to the Tasting Room for you and your guests. This is just a few of the perks you can get.

7. You Get the Best –

By joining a wine club, you are putting your money in someone else’s hands to select wines for you. But this isn’t a bad thing. By letting professional select wines for you, you increase your chances of receiving a superior wine. The winery knows their wines like no one else, and you get the benefit! When your Winemaker or Wine Club Manager selects wines for the club, they have to be certain that it’s an exceptional wine that represents the best they offer. It’s good to know that someone who really know wine took the time to carefully try many wines to choose one that meets the club level expectations.

8. Excitement of New Delivery –

Remember how excited you got for Christmas as a child? Rushing down to open your gifts. A wine club is like that except it’s for adults and it happens more than once per year. When you join a club you have new wines to enjoy but also know that you have another shipment on its way to look forward to as well! 

Peachy Canyon, Beckett family

Wine club-behind the scenes access

9. First Look at New Wines –

One of the best perks of belonging to a wine club is first looks at new wine releases, limited production releases, and special offerings. Many times these wines are not even available to the general public at all. Wine Club membership will ensure you don’t miss out on these special wines.

10. Discounts on Regularly Priced Wine –

Wine Clubs offer discounts on regularly priced wine a few ways. Sometimes you are getting 3 wines for less than you would pay if you bought them individually, sometimes the wine is discounted for members only, and other times you get special offers on wines from the winery.

11. Select a Type of Club for your Preference –

Wine preferences is another great benefit. Clubs come in many shapes and sizes. Some clubs may be low cost, some may be for the seasoned collector, some may focus on a region, and some on a varietal. They key is, you can find a club that focuses on your favorites, or pick one that features wines you aren’t familiar with. Life is better with wine, and clubs are a tool for better enjoyment. Currently we feature 3 clubs to choose from.

12. Education –

One of the benefits of joining a wine club is the exposure to wine in general. Reading up on the wines you receive, you’re going to find out more about the winery, the vineyards, the regions, the varietals, and the vintage. And on and on. You’re also going to learn about yourself and your personal experience with wine. 

13. News Letter –

Most wine clubs offer a newsletter. Here you will find out about the comings and goings of the winery, the wine world, etc. Central Coast Wineries newsletters show wine club members were you can find out more about the wines featured, and what is going on in the Central Coast Wine Community.

  1. Make Friends who also enjoy wine –
15 Reasons to take the plunge and join a wne club today

Wine Club

I have made some incredible wine-loving friends at pickup parties, winemaker dinners, and other Wine Club events. These are awesome people who share your passion for wine and can be an amazing resource on expanding your wine experience. They can join you on your next wine adventure!

15. YOU GET WINE –

Probably the Number One benefit of joining a wine club… You Get Wine! IF that isn’t reason enough to join, I don’t know what is. So let Breakaway Tours take you for an adventure in Central Coast Wine Country, and start discovering for yourself!

To learn more about Central Coast WIneries and the amazing Clubs they offer visit: Paso Wine , SLO Wine , or Santa Barbara County Wines today!


Central Coast Bride Mixer at Tooth & Nail

Bride Mixer

The Castle

What a marvelous time at the Central Coast Bride Mixer!

Tooth & Nail Wines

Tooth & Nail Wines

Music, Wine, Food, seeing old friends and meeting new.  Thank you Tooth & Nail Winery for hosting. Can you imagine getting married in a CASTLE?! Well, now your dreams can be a reality. Breathtaking bites provided by Foremost Wine Co.

The venue was decked out beautifully with florals by Flowers by Kim. and sweet treats from Christine’s Cake Creations.

When planning a Wedding or Event on the Central Coast, Central Coast Bride is an amazing resource to find amazing local professionals who are the best at what they do.

Bride Mixer

Bride Mixer

Bride Mixer

Decor

Bride Mixer

Delicious Eats!

Whatever your Wedding dreams, the Central Coast is the ideal location and Breakaway can take you there! So, remember to include an amazing Wine Tour with Breakaway Tours & Events as part of your Wedding Weekend experience.


Wine Label Wins!

Wine label

Wine Label

The Best of the Best Wine Label

Wine Label News: It’s not often that I scoop Forbes. Alright, it’s never happened…..til now. Congrats to our local winery Tooth & Nail for being featured in this article in Forbes about their super cool wine label and the impact it can have on wine purchasing. I wrote about their imaginative labeling in my post on the winery last month. Check out the full spread in Forbes for this local mention along with some other creative gems!

Never underestimate the powerful impact an amazing label can have. Along with incredible wines, this winery consistently produces labeling that will be as fun to discuss as it is to drink!

 


Sips and Songs: Wine Events at Claiborne & Churchill Winery

C&Cfront

Wine Events

On the hunt for something fun to do on a Friday evening this summer? Looking to kick your weekend into gear? Happy Hour on the Central Coast has stepped up it’s game with Claiborne & Churchill ‘s Sips and Songs summer concert series. Relax on the garden patio and take in the views from the heart of Edna Valley. Boogie to the groove of local bands and artists. The best part – admission is free!! Seriously. C&C wines and food from local purveyors such as Bon Temps Creole Café , The Pairing Knife , Haute Skillet , and Taqueria Santa Cruz are available for purchase. Just 5 minutes south of downtown San Luis Obispo or 15 minutes north of Pismo Beach. You’re sure to see this SLO girl living it up a few times this summer!

Wine Events

Wine Events

Claiborne & Churchill Winery Presents:

SIPS & SONGS

Free Concert Series

Fridays 5:30-7:30

Jun 05    OCCASIONAL MUSTACHE

Jun 19    LOUIE ORTEGA

Jul 10    PRÓXIMA PARADA

July 24    DAMON CASTILLO

Aug 07    THE TIPSY GYPSIES

Aug 21    SOUL SAUCE

Sep 4    THE KICKS

Sept 18    JILL KNIGHT BAND

Oct 02    BOOMERANG BAND

Wine Events

Wine Events

FEATURED FOOD VENDORS

Bon Temps Creole Café

The Pairing Knife

Taqueria Santa Cruz

Haute Skillet


All the Right Elements : Tooth & Nail Winery

T&N3

Tooth & Nail wines popped up on my radar a few years ago.  Their creative naming and sure handed winemaking have put them on many local shelves and wine list to be sure.

For me, it was all about the labels. Created from hand carved wood blocks, they are creative, classy, whimsical ,and  just plain fun to look at. My husband and I quickly began referring to the wines by the art on the bottles – scenes including all the major elements : Air, Fire, Earth, Water…and Dragon? I know now that its their yummy Pinot Gris, but I will always love a good glass of ‘Dragon’.force-of-nature-pinot-gris__82305_1410645738_1280_1280

Last Friday a friend and I were looking with something new and fun to do with our Friday evening when I remembered hearing about a new event at Tooth & Nail Winery. A quick google and a phone call later and we were on our way to check it out.

Newly ensconced in their imposing castle off 46 West (the barely recognizable former home of Eagle Castle Winery), Tooth & Nail is doing it right. The décor has been re-designed with a streamlined look that is both modern and a bit sumptuous. Tufted leather sofas and gilt mirrors surround a huge fireplace. Think ‘Game of Thrones’ without all the murder.

T&N5

The outside space has been reworked with a mind to events and music. On Friday we were treated to a show by local band Proxima Parada. Give me a California soul band in mint green skinny jeans and I’m a happy girl.

T&N4

Food is being provided by Spencer Johnston’s Danior Kitchen. As a food/wine pairing geek, I was pleased to observe the thought and consideration that went into our provisions. I know Spencer sources everything locally, and the effort shows. The flavors were complimentary to a variety of the wines offered, so we weren’t locked into one specific pairing. Our favorites included the Burger, seasonal salad (white peaches were PERFECT), and the truffle fries.

Currently Tooth & Nail is offering Food on Friday evenings 5p-8p with live music, Saturday Lunch 12p-4p, and Sunday Brunch and Lunch 10a-4p. Call or check website to confirm Tooth & Nail Winery .

T&Nfood

We certainly lucked out with our Wine Steward Dakota. Not only knowledgeable and friendly, she was actually someone with opinions, which I love. I was able to let go of my list and be guided through wines that she obviously cared about. A few favorites include: Amor Fati Grenache 2011, Force of Nature Tempranillo 2013, Tooth & Nail ‘The Fiend’ 2012 (a T&N1Malbec/Syrah blend) and the newly released dessert Viognier Demi-Lune 2013. The tasting room is open 10-6 Weds through Monday (closed Tuesday).

Do yourself a favor and plan a visit today to check out all the wonderful things this Winery has to offer. Call breakaway-tours today to schedule your experience. And don’t forget to raise a glass of ‘Dragon’ to the Central Coast and all it has to offer!

 


Paso Robles is The Region to Watch

Paso Robles is The Region to Watch

WineEnthusiast Magazine names Paso Robles 2013 Wine Region of the Year

 

We’ve always known it: Paso wines are top-notch, Paso wineries are comfortable, inviting, and accessible, and Paso winemakers are among the most talented and enthusiastic in the world. Now WineEnthusiast Magazine is spreading the word in a big way, naming Paso Robles as it’s Wine Region of 2013.

“Wine regions far more famous than Paso Robles produce great wines, but few places exhibit the spirit and can-do positivity of this Central Coast appellation. It’s not easy for a wine region to reinvent itself, but Paso is doing it with flair.” -Steve Heimoff, WineEnthusiast Magazine link

So if you’ve not yet been to Paso Robles, better get here quick; if you have been here, plan your next visit soon. Paso Robles wineries are going to be jumpin’ in 2014!

And a hearty Congratulations to all wine industry professionals in and around Paso Robles! You deserve great success!

“Your glass is waiting … it’s full … of possibility” – Paso Wine Man


New Central Coast Wine Blog!

breakaway tours blogNew Central Coast Wine Blog!

Hello from Jill and everyone at Breakaway Tours! Here we are pleased to offer you all the latest information about our Scheduled and Specialty tours, local winery events and happenings, and educational tidbits from the heart of the Central Coast wine regions!

Here’s what we have planned –

Live in the Field – Video’s from actual wine tours! Be there with us as you see guests enjoying the wines of Paso Robles, Edna Valley, and Santa Ynez. Step on to your own virtual coach with our guides and get a first hand view of the experience!

Tour du Jour – First Dibs on New, Seasonal, and even One-time tour offerings, such as our specialty tour designed for the Paso Robles Wine Festival and our new monthly Benefit series (coming soon)!

Wine Tasting 411 –  Do you want to know how to taste like a pro? Do you already know the Six S’s of Wine Tasting? This series of informational posts will have you enjoying your wine tasting experience more than ever. Also planned – and in depth look at some of your favorite varietals.

What else would you like us to cover, as your eyes and ears from the Happiest Place on Earth? Drop us a comment below and then subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss a thing!

Cheers!

Jill