Road Scholar : Home
A Culinary Adventure On California's Central Coast

Program Number: 19867RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/14/2013 - 4/18/2013; 6/9/2013 - 6/13/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/17/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Paso Robles, California
Price starting at: $899.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Food & Wine Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 10; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience the beauty and bounty of California’s Central Coast, a renowned region of estate vineyards, organic farms and artisan food makers. Bring your palate to a feast of wines and foods from the earth and sea. From the press room of an olive farm to a cheesemaking session at a goat dairy, meet local growers, winemakers and chefs, learn about their farming practices and taste the harvest of their efforts.




Highlights

• Visit local wineries for a primer on Central Coast winemaking.
• Explore a boutique farm and enjoy a “farm-to-table” meal.
• Observe firsthand the workings of a live oyster farm in Morro Bay and enjoy a final meal and cooking demo by Chef Andre.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to four blocks on dirt roads, in vineyard. Access oyster boat via ramp and dock.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Paso Robles

Paso Robles is a jewel in the crown of California’s Central Coast. Located on the Salinas River north of San Luis Obispo, the city is one of California’s most rapidly growing premium wine regions. This increasingly vital industry has given rise to several premier wine and gastronomy festivals that attract visitors from all over the world.
Accommodations
Paso Robles Inn, a historic property, is the hub of downtown. Peaceful setting with lush gardens, Koi ponds, streams, oak trees.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Andre Averseng
André Averseng met his wife Cristina at the South Pasadena Culinary School, where André was a founding teacher and Cristina headed the marketing and admissions efforts at the school. Realizing the power of their combined skills, they formed Dining with André in early 1998. Their exciting approach to the restaurant and catering business enjoyed rapid growth, and they soon moved their residence and business to Paso Robles, bringing the charm of Provence cafes to California’s Central Coast.
 
Cindy Newkirk
Cindy is a fifth generation California farmer and the president of Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery, where she works alongside her parents, husband, son and daughter-in-law. She enjoys giving participants an educational look at wine and a working vineyard. In addition to the wine business, Cindy is passionate about her philanthropic venture, Vineyards Growing Veggies, through which Steinbeck Vineyards devotes part of its land to growing produce for local food banks with the help of volunteers.
 
Sandra Diamond
Sandra Diamond, managing director of the North County Farmers’ Markets, wears many hats as she navigates the future of local farmers at local farmers’ markets. With a rich, proud history of selling produce for over 28 years in San Luis Obispo County, the association provides fresh, local produce to the public, schools, restaurants and local community groups such as senior centers and food banks.
 
Katy Budge
Katy Budge has more than 20 years of experience writing about the wine and food of California’s Central Coast. The author of a weekly food column, she contributes articles on wine and spirits to several monthly publications and websites, including a food column highlighting the cuisine of San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast Magazine, and Vintages Magazine, a wine magazine for the Central Coast. Katy also serves as a judge for numerous wine and food competitions, and is a member of Slow Food USA, San Luis Obispo Chapter.
 
Kris Penick
For over two decades, Kris Penick has shared her love and knowledge of the Central Coast of California lifestyle with guests and visitors to the area. She has utilized her education in nutrition and experience in the wine industry to create educational programs that unveil the flavors of this unique area. As a former director of public relations for a California winery, Kris has developed a multitude of industry and consumer events. She launched an ambitious educational wine program, the Paso Robles Wine University, and has overseen events for wine associations and commercial wine competitions. Now the owner of her own company, Kris welcomes groups of all sizes and interests to the Central Coast of California.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Paso Robles Inn
  Paso Robles CA 4 nights
 Paso Robles Inn
Type: Inn
  Description: The historic Paso Robles Inn is located in downtown Paso Robles in the heart of the beautiful Paso Robles wine country. Conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California's Central Coast, the Inn has been a premier location for California getaways for over a century. Its central location is less than a five minute stroll to wine and olive tasting rooms, restaurants, wine bars and lounges, and boutique shops. Surrounded by over 200 local wineries in the Paso Robles wine region, the Paso Robles Inn is the perfect place to stay on your wine tour getaway.
  Contact info: 1103 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446 USA
phone: 805-238-2660
web: www.pasoroblesinn.com/
  Room amenities: Traditional guest rooms feature either one King bed or two Double beds and overlook the Inn’s gardens or City park. In-room amenities include double vanity bathroom, microwave, compact refrigerator, wet bar, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker with Seattle’s Best Coffee, pay-per-view movies, and high-speed Internet access (Ethernet cable). All Traditional Guest Rooms are non-smoking. Wireless Internet connection is available in the lobby, Steakhouse and Executive Boardroom.
  Facility amenities: Lush gardens with live Koi ponds, running streams and majestic California Live Oak trees create a peaceful setting for a relaxing retreat. A full-service destination, the Paso Robles Inn features an outdoor heated pool and spa, premier Steakhouse and Lounge, and 1940's diner-style Coffee Shop. Wireless Internet connection is available in the lobby, Steakhouse and Executive Boardroom.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Based on room availability Call the hotel directly for additional-night rates which will be based upon hotel availability. Identify yourself as part of an Road Scholar group and mention your program's start and end dates.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Based on room availability Call the hotel directly for additional-night rates which will be based upon hotel availability. Identify yourself as part of an Road Scholar group and mention your program's start and end dates.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program registration is in an assigned area at the Paso Robles Inn from 3:30-5:00PM. Inquire at front desk for the location. Orientation begins at 5:30PM with a Farm to Table Dinner served at 6:00PM. You will be staying at Paso Robles Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Please arrange your transportation to allow you to stay for the final class and discussion which will end at approximately 11:00AM. You will be staying at Paso Robles Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. On the enclosed Participant Information Form, please indicate to us the name of your roommate/traveling companion. Also let us know if you are traveling with other individuals and wish to be assigned a room near them. Photo ID
  Parking availability:
Complimentary parking is available at the Paso Robles Inn.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Paso Robles CA
  Nearest city or town:  San Luis Obispo
  Nearest highway: Situated along highway 101, Paso Robles is located 230 miles north of Los Angeles and 210 miles south of San Francisco. It is 70 miles west of Interstate 5.
  Nearest airport:  Paso Robles Municipal Airport, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, Fresno International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Paso Robles CA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Fresno Airport (FAT) to Paso Robles

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

N/A
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2+ hours from Fresno to Paso Robles 
 

Distance:

 

116 miles from Fresno Airport to Paso Robles
   

Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport is located about 116 miles ENE of Paso Robles and is the closest international jet airport to Paso Robles. Best option is to rent a car in Fresno and drive to Paso Robles. All major car rental agencies are located at Fresno airport. For further airport information, visit www.fresno.gov/DiscoverFresno/Airports/default.htm or call 1-800-244-2359.
 

Paso Robles/ Amtrak

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Paso Robles Inn
phone: 805-238-2660

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

No charge
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

3 to 4 minutes walk; 1-minute drive 
 

Distance:

 

3 blocks or 0.35 miles from Amtrak station to Paso Robles Inn
   

Amtrak rail service is available to Paso Robles on the Coast Starlight route. A small Amtrak station is located at 800 Pine St., Paso Robles, CA 93446. Call hotel upon arrival for free shuttle service, if available. Otherwise, it's an easy 3-block walk from the station to the hotel. For Amtrak Info: Call 1-800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com

 

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
RIDE ON Shuttle
phone: 805-541-8747
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx. $85 but call for current price quote
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

About 40 minutes from SBP airport to Paso Robles Inn 
 

Distance:

 

About 33 miles from SBP airport to Paso Robles Inn
   

SBP is a small regional airport with limited daily service provided by United. Car rentals are available at SBP. Airport shuttle service is provided by RIDE-ON Transportation of San Luis Obispo County. They recommend advance reservations (2-3 days ahead) and would like to have your flight number when you make the arrangements. For more information, visit http://www.ride-on.org/ You may also call a taxi: Surf Cab at 805-441-9555, http://surfcabco.net, or North Country Cab at 805-296-2315.
 
Driving Directions
  From Bakersfield to Paso Robles Take Hwy 99 North for approximately 17 miles to Hwy 46 West. Drive approx. 90 miles on Hwy 46 West towards Paso Robles. Merge onto US-101 South via the ramp on the left. Drive less than a mile and take 16th St. exit. From 16th St., turn left on Riverside Ave. Take the second right onto 13th St. Drive about 0.3 miles and turn left onto Spring St. The Inn is on the right at 1103 Spring St., directly across from the City Park.
  From Fresno to Paso Robles Take Hwy 41 South from Fresno to the merger with Hwy 46. Merge onto Hwy 46 West and drive approx. 19 miles towards Paso Robles. Merge onto US-101 South via the ramp on the left. Drive less than a mile and take 16th St. exit. From 16th St., turn left on Riverside Ave. Take the second right onto 13th St. Drive about 0.3 miles and turn left onto Spring St. The Inn is on the right at 1103 Spring St., directly across from the City Park.
  From Los Angeles to Paso Robles Take US 101 North to Paso Robles. Exit at Spring St. and proceed north towards downtown Paso Robles, approx. 0.7 miles. The Inn is located on the left at 1103 Spring St., directly across from the City Park. ALTERNATE: Take I-5 North to Hwy 46 West and drive about 19 mi. towards Paso Robles. Merge onto US-101 South via the ramp on the left. Drive less than a mile and take 16th St. exit. From 16th St., turn left on Riverside Ave. Take the second right onto 13th St. Drive about 0.3 miles and turn left onto Spring St. The Inn is on the right at 1103 Spring St.
  From San Francisco/Bay Area to Paso Robles From San Francisco and No. California, take the 101 Freeway South towards San Jose and Salinas all the way to Paso Robles. Take Exit 32 (Spring St). The Paso Robles Inn is on the right at 1103 Spring St.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals
(Sunday, April 14)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into Paso Robles Inn after 3:00PM.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session before dinner.

ORIENTATION: Begins before dinner. We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

 Dinner: Farm to Table Dinner on the patio at the historic Paso Robles Inn

Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants.

 Evening: CROSSING POINTS: Participants introduce themselves to the rest of the group.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.
   
Accommodations: Paso Robles Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Boutique Farm/Oyster Farm in Morro Bay/Wine & Appetizer Pairing at Dinner
(Monday, April 15)

Note: In order to participate in the visit to the live oyster farm in Morro Bay, one must be able to access the oyster boat via a ramp and a floating dock.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Paso Robles Inn
 Morning: CLASS: Shopping Farmers Markets

Sandra Diamond, of North County Farmers Market, talks about the trend of small high quality farms catering to restaurants, farmers markets and specialty stores. Shopping farmers markets, farm stands and local grocers will be explored.

 Lunch: Lunch is provided under the shade of California oaks at Wind Rose Farms.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Wind Rose Farms

Boutique Farmers invite you to their fields to share their passion for farming unique heirloom varieties for chefs, markets and people who love fresh from the farm flavors. Sustainable, organic and biodynamic philosophies of farming will be explored as well as the daily challenges of farming on a small scale for high quality produce.

FIELD TRIP: Oyster Farm Tour in Morro Bay

Explore the Morro Bay and Oyster Farm during a tour through the estuary with a brief history and close look at many species of wildlife that call the estuary home. Upon arrival at the Oyster Beds the unique 'Farming' process will be explained while you experience the first hand workings of a live oyster farm. During your tour learn how to prepare oysters and taste oysters. Giovanni DeGarimore, owner of Giovanni's Fish Market, will talk about local sustainable fishing practices and invite you to a wine and oyster tasting at Stax.

 Dinner: Chef Andre joins Parrish Family Vineyard with a wine & appetizer pairing at their downtown bistro restaurant. Dinner will follow at Paso Terra Restaurant with wine for sale by Parrish Family Vineyards.
   
Accommodations: Paso Robles Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Steinbeck Vineyard, Eberle Winery and J. Lohr Winery
(Tuesday, April 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Paso Robles Inn
 Morning: CLASS: Winemaking on the Central Coast: The History, People and Geography

Review the diverse regions of San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles and learn about the types of grapes that dominate the area. You will take away an understanding of California wine regions and what is in a bottle of California wine by reading the label.

FIELD TRIP AND HANDS ON EXPERIENCES: Wine Grape Growing at Steinbeck Vineyards

Meet one of Paso Robles' pioneer wine grape-growing families. During your vineyard visit, learn about wine growing, vineyard practices, planting a vineyard, conservation efforts, organic vs. sustainable, soils, water, and the challenges of nature in wine growing.

 Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the caves at Eberle Winery, a well known winery producing wines from a variety of regions on the Central Coast.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP AND HANDS ON EXPERIENCE: Wine Making at Eberle Winery

A brief tutorial on the art of wine making is supported with a winery tour and wine tasting.

J. Lohr Winery: Wine Production on a Large Scale

Go behind the scenes on a tour of a large red wine-making facility. Identify California wine regions during a tasting of J. Lohr wines.

 Dinner: Dinner and evening on your own. The Farmers Market in Downtown Paso Robles City Park is open until 6:00pm.
   
Accommodations: Paso Robles Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Field trips to Sheep and Goat Dairy Farm and Creamery/Olive Oil Farm
(Wednesday, April 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Paso Robles Inn
 Morning: CLASS: Farmstead and Artisan Cheese Making

Danika Gordon, proprietor Vivant Fine Cheese talks about cheese making, artisan & farmstead cheeses.

FIELD TRIP: Rinconada Dairy

We will tour a sheep & goat dairy and cheese-making room, and explore the process of cheese making with award-winning cheese maker Christine McGuire. Founder of the second, licensed sheep cheese dairy in California, Christine produces farmstead sheep cheese. Inspired by Spanish Manchego, Christine's Pozo Tomme has won numerous awards and set her apart as a superior cheese maker across the globe.

 Lunch: Lunch stop Santa Margarita
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Olivas de Oro Olive Company

Olive oil production and tasting are explored on a beautiful olive ranch with trees over 100 years old.

 Dinner: Central Coast barbecue dinner at the Loading Chute in Creston
   
Accommodations: Paso Robles Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Buying Fresh/Independent Departures
(Thursday, April 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Paso Robles Inn
 Morning: CLASS: Embracing Buying Fresh and Local in Your Community

This wrap-up conversation will include adopting ways to enhance your life style by supporting your local producers and merchants. Websites and books will be shared with a look at future food trends by a local food and wine author and publicist.

HOTEL CHECK OUT: This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed our Paso Robles Culinary program and will join us for other rewarding adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Paso Robles CA Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce
1225 Park Street

Paso Robles, CA 93446

Phone: (805) 238-0506

Website dedicated to Paso Robles with extensive information about wineries, lodging, restaurants, recreation and festivals and helpful information about the area, including a directory of local business, a detailed Destination Guide, and relocation information. For additional information, visit www.pasorobleschamber.com/

  San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference
811 El Capitan Way, #200

San Luis Obispo, California 93401

Order a free Visitors Guide to San Luis Obispo County on this website. For additional information, visit www.sanluisobispocounty.com/visitors/

  City of Paso Robles
1000 Spring Street

Paso Robles, CA 93446

Toll Free: 888-988-PASO (7276)

Learn more about the beautiful Paso Robles wine country. This website is packed with gorgeous photos of the area and inside tips on where to go. For additional information, visit travelpaso.com

  Paso Robles Main Street Association
Downtown Paso Robles Information 835 "D" 12th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (Located on Norma's Way / Alley Side) 805-238-4103 For additional information, visit www.pasoroblesdowntown.org
  Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
530 10th Street

Paso Robles, CA 93446

805-239-8463

Learn more about the Paso Robles wine trail at this webiste. For additional information, visit www.pasowine.com

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Cheese Primer


Author: Steven Jenkins


Description: If you want a fascinating food book, say Cheese Primer. For 20 years, Steve Jenkins has led the way in upgrading the quality of cheese sold at fine food stores in the U.S. Finally, in this volume, he shares his encyclopedic knowledge. Jenkins tells all about cheesemaking at the commercial as well as the artistic level. Generously punctuated with maps and photos, the book includes all kinds of historical and other relevant information. Jenkins seems to describe every kind of cheese made in the U.S. and Europe, including when to eat them, how and with what. His passion and blunt opinions make it easy to travel the 548 pages of this book if you have even the smallest interest in cheese. The guide to pronunciation is particularly helpful.



A A Companion to California Wine: An Encyclopedia of Wine and Winemaking from the Mission Period to the Present


Author: Charles Sullivan


Description: Charles Sullivan's A Companion to California Wine: Encyclopedia of Wine and Winemaking fills an oenological-reference niche that has up till now been lacking a suitably comprehensive and scholarly effort. An A-to-Z compendium of wine-related entries ranging from Acacia Winery to Zinfandel, the Companion to California Wine covers 750 wineries and more than 100 wine-grape varietals, delivering useful explanations for tourists and wine-tasters, plus well-researched historical context for wine scholars, history students, and the idly curious.



Eating Local: The Cookbook Inspired by America's Farmers


Author: Janet Fletcher


Description: In the visually stunning yet practical cookbook Eating Local, author Janet Fletcher and the kitchen experts at Sur La Table not only show you how to use more fresh ingredients in your everyday cooking, they also bring you closer to the family farms where the ingredients are grown and to the idealistic people who grow them. With 150 recipes featuring a wide range of fresh ingredients, Eating Local also highlights 10 community supported agriculture projects around the country. These progressive farms provide inspiration for all who want to cook more wholesome meals using ingredients from their own foodshed.



How to Cook a Wolf


Author: M.F.K. Fisher


Description: Written to inspire courage in those daunted by wartimes shortages, How to Cook a Wolf continues to rally cooks during times of plenty, reminding them that providing sustenance requires more than putting food on the table. M. F. K. Fisher knew that the last thing hungry people needed were hints on cutting back and making do. Instead, she gives her readers license to dream, to experiment, to construct adventurous and delicious meals as a bulwark against a dreary, meager present. Her fine prose provides reason in itself to draw our chairs close to the hearth; we can still enjoy her company and her exhortations to celebrate life by eating well.





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