Monday's winery visits.

We went out of Paso on Airport Road  toward the Pleasant Valley wineries.  Our first tasting was at Graveyard Vineyards, located on Estrella Road, just up the dirt road from (of course) the Graveyard.  The tasting room is new and very nice.  The grounds will be awesome when they finish landscaping.  Two ladies were serving and went our of their way to make sure my 91 year old mother was comfortable.  The wine was good and reasonably priced.  Sounded like they have some fun pick-up parties

We were hoping to pick-up our wine at Tackett Winery but they are very small and only open on weekends.  So we'll have to go back, oh darn.

J & J Cellars on Ranchita Canyon was open and so we ventured in.  Cindy was our server and she was great.  We both felt their all the red wine was really good and very inexpensive.  We actually plan to go back and purchase a case of their Zin that was on sale at an unbelievable price.  The tasting room is really nice and roomy.  The grounds are beautiful, a nice place for a picnic.  We will be joining this club as they were so friendly and have many fun events and pick-up parties.

Our last stop was Vina Robles.  The winery was huge and beautiful.  There was an Art Gallery at this facility which was very nice.  The tasting room was roomy and busy.  Wine tasting was $7 and you got to keep the glass.  Wine was okay .

We learned today from Cindy at J & J the area known as the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail has a neat thing.  You can purchase a tasting fee deal that allows you to taste in all the wineries on the trail and keep the glass.

Wine Pick Up Party at Sculpterra

WOW!  The party was the best.
 Sculpterra grounds are beautifully landscaped and have wonderful big sculptures. Also in the tasting room there is some local artists work on display.  We plan to take our grandchildren to appreciate the fantastic art.  Many people when they visit bring a picnic, its a perfect spot to eat.  So be sure to stop by and see all as well as taste the great wine.
The food at the party was great.  We had mushroom sliders, duck carne asada tacos and many salads.  There wine was very good, we really enjoyed the cabernet.
The two men behind serving inside we recognized from previous visits, Kyle and dad Tom.  They are really personable and Tom looks like the hippy-dippy weatherman.  All the staff was helpful and friendly as were all the guests.
The music was good.  Now the best part came last, we were lead by Kyle to each statue where different musicians were playing different instruments.  Started with a bag piper coming to the first down the hill and ending with a group singing. Awesome entertainment and a great ending to a fun evening

Friday pick up party Opolo.

We had our pick up party at Opolo last night and it was a great time had by all on this beautiful warm evening..  The food (pizza, sandwiches, shrimp, etc) was really good.  We met a lot of friendly people enjoying the wine, weather and company.  The wine what can I say was great, especially the Mountain Zin and the Rhapsody.
Opolo is located in a beautiful vineyard, not only is there a tasting room but also a great Bed and Breakfast. There is an area on the top of a ridge where they have most of big their big events.  The view from there is beautiful.  They also the hiking trails through the vineyard.
 Opolo can be quite busy because it's popular for locals, good wine, great atmosphere and great events. The tasting fee is only $5.00 and the wine cost is very reasonable.  The servers are very friendly and helpful to us winers..