Hello from Paso Robles!

Two weeks back I started sending out the word that we were planning to host our harvest party on the 21st of October. This notice was met with a deluge of responses from folks saying they were finding it impossible to reserve a hotel room in the city. In our desire to ensure that everyone who wants to attend the party can attend the party, we've decided that it's probably best to change the date. Please note...

Our Harvest Celeidh Will be Held
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28th
Noon until 4pm

We'll be celebrating the release of our last wines of 2006, which include many highly-rated/hard-to-get wines. Samples of some of our 2005 reds - in a word, 'killer' - will also be available for all. As for food? Well, he's back by popular demand! Chef Rick Manson of Chef Rick's in Santa Maria (www.chefricks.com) is returning to wow us with his Southern-inspired victuals.

Cost to attend is $35 per person, or free if you're a Club Celeidh Member.

Immediately prior to our party we'll be hosting two special tastings, each limited to the first 30 paid reservations. Here are the details:

9:30am - 10:30am at the Winery
AN AISLING RETROSPECTIVE: 1997-2005
Cost: $45 per person.

In celebration of the release of our 2004 Aisling Syrah, Mat has dug deep into his cellar and prepared the first-ever comprehensive tasting of every Aisling yet produced. This includes both bottled wines as well as a barrel sample of the 2005. Each participant will recieve fact sheets on the wines.

10:45am - 11:45am at the Winery
A NORTHERN RHONE RED WINE PRIMER
Cost: $60 per person.

Mat will lead participants through the wonders of the Syrah-based wines of the Northern Rhone. Examples of Côte-Rôtie, St. Joseph, Cornas, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage will be sampled and discussed. Informative handouts will be made available to all participants.

Given the limited seating for these two tastings, you must make prepaid reservations. We regret we cannot accommodate any walk-ins. For more information, or to make reservations, please call Jaime at the winery, or email her at jaime@garretsonwines.com.

This is sure to be a great day of fun, food and education. I hope that you will make every effort to join us!

With the date change, MLV and I will likely be able to make it with her parents in tow.

We will follow up with Jaime.