Many wine lovers have lamented the shuttering of the beloved Hospice du Rhone event held for many years in Paso Robles. Attracting vintners and wine lovers from all over the world, the multi-day get together was one of the best wine events on the West Coast. Both growers and lovers of Rhone-style wines are not the type to go gently into that good night however. And the organization known as Rhone Rangers has been happy to step up and offer more opportunities for wine lovers to get their Rhone on.

To wit, the Rhone Rangers of Paso Robles are putting on a shindig down in their home town in February. It’s a full day in celebration of Grenache, Syrah, Roussanne, Marsanne, and all the other grapes that make the Rhone so great. It begins with a seminar, continues with lunch, and then the end of the day offers an opportunity to taste wines from every member of the Paso Robles chapter of the Rhone Rangers organization.

If you live on the Central Coast, or you’re looking for a nice way to spend a Sunday, I highly recommend the event.

Paso Rhone Rangers Tasting
February 16, 2014
10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Broken Earth Winery
5625 Highway 46 East
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tickets for the seminar and lunch are $85, and seminar/lunch attendees receive free entry into the Grand Tasting. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are just $35. Only 400 tickets to the Grand Tasting are available, so this event is likely to sell out. Buy your tickets online in advance.

My usual tips for such public tastings: go with food in your stomach and after a good night’s sleep; wear dark clothes in the event of unforeseen splashes; drink lots of water; and spit out most of the wine so you can remember what you liked the next day.