Sacramento wine connoisseurs will be able to savor the diversity of Paso Robles' wine country April 19-20 as part of the 2010 Grand Tasting Tour. Winemaker dinners at local restaurants are scheduled April 19. Wine tasting will be held April 20. A preview retail testing is scheduled April 16.

Paso Robles is one of California's premiere wine-producing regions. Twenty-seven wineries and hospitality representatives will feature more than 150 wines during the two-day event. The tour was organized by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

"I think coming to the capital city is very special," Executive Director Stacie Jacob said in a phone interview. "I think many people come for other business purposes, but now we're coming to say we want to do more business here. It makes natural sense with the food scene in Sacramento."

She added that Paso Robles is close enough to drive to, being four and a half hours away, making Sacramento an important market in California she feels is overshadowed.

Preview retail testings will feature winemakers and representatives of select Paso Robles wineries. Woodland's Nugget Market at 157 Main St. will host a testing from 5-7 p.m. featuring wine from Four Vines Winery. Beyond Napa Wine Market at 2580 Fair Oaks Blvd. will host a testing from 3-7 p.m. featuring wine from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wine.

"(The retail testing) is a nice treat for some of our customers," Dave Cancilla, Beyond Napa Wine Market's manager, said in a phone interview. "It's great for them to meet some people from the wineries. I get a chance to get a winemaker to come here, bring some wine for my customers to taste, possibly create more customers and have some nice wine to show people."

When asked why he felt Sacramento was chosen to be a part of the tour, Cancilla replied:

"Because it's the capital, not only of the state but as the hub of the inland empire. You've got the Bay Area as one of the strong areas for wine, but Sacramento is becoming a cultural hub for people who don't live close to the water. (Our wine culture is) still in its infancy, and there's nothing better than getting in on the ground floor, so become part of the wine culture."

Winemaker dinners will be held at Grange Restaurant and Bar, Lounge On 20, McCormick & Schmick's and Mulvaney's B&L. As many as five Paso Robles wineries will be present at each dinner to showcase pairings of the region's wine with Sacramento cuisine. Times and pricing vary by restaurant.

"It gives people a unique, intimate experience to come, obviously have a great dinner, but also learn about the wines of Paso Robles," Jacob said.

The wine tasting will occur from 6-8 p.m. at the Sacramento Grand Ballroom located at 629 J St. Winemakers and winery representatives will offer tastings while the Sacramento Grand Ballroom provides appetizers.

"What makes (the tour) unique is it's Paso Robles wines," Cancilla said. "It's a roadshow. Things like this happen all the time. But for consumers, who face a shop with thousands of wines, it's kind of daunting sometimes. (Wine) is an experiential thing, so if you want to know wine, the only way to learn more is to become immersed in it. With this tour you can see a bunch of wine, ask questions and be in a fun atmosphere. Wine boils down to being a fun addition to someone's life."

Jacob stated that a positive result of the tour may include the regions becoming more familiar with one another.

"We want Sacramento to come experience our wine country," she said. "It's a nice balance as Sacramento's food scene becomes more and more sophisticated. We really believe Paso Robles wines have a place on the retail lists. We hope to do more business in your market."

Winemakers, representatives and winery staff will be present to speak about their wines and answer questions throughout the tour's events.

"The beauty of this is that 27 producers from one area are coming together to give you a taste of this region," Jacob said. "We're sending the winemakers and representatives, we're not just sending the sales representatives. You're going to be able to talk to a grape grower, a winemaker and other people involved in the process if you're interested."

A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

"We always believe when we come into a market, we want to partner with people who have like-minded causes," she said. "We believe in giving back to the community as we do within our own Paso Robles community. When we look at the times we're in and the needs out there, we just want to do our part."

The tour continues to the San Francisco Bay Area and Mid-Peninsula area April 21-23.

Ticket prices are $45 per person in advance, $55 at the door, cash only. 1-800-549-WINE. Event attendance is limited, so advance purchase is recommended. For more information, visit the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance's website.

Photos courtesy of Stacie Jacob and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Agnus-Dei Farrant is an intern for The Sacramento Press.

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