Winery Run – September 14, 2013

MidCal MINIs is planning one of its favorite runs; the Morro Bay / Paso Robles Run. As in years past, the group of MINIs will head over to the coast by taking Highway 41 to the twisties on Highway 46 and then stop at Rotta Winery for some wine tasting.  The date has been set for September 14th with the band of merry MINIs departing the Starbucks at 41 and Shaw at 8:00 a.m.  The group will begin assembling at about 7:45 a.m. to coordinate the route and to set walkie talkies on the same frequency.  (These are important when traveling in a large group as it helps to keep us together, so don’t forget yours!)  We will arrive at the Winery at approximately 11:00 a.m.  Upon arrival, there is a $5.00 wine tasting fee and this year lunch will be a BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) unless we are able to set up a caterer or make arrangements to pick up sandwiches at a nearby Subway.  Food is still up in the air but updated information will be posted at it becomes known.  Watch this site for more information.  RSVPs will be needed no later than September 9th.

ROTTA WINERY

Rotta Winery, in Templeton California is located west of Hwy 101, just south of Hwy 46, at 250 Winery Road.  The group spends several hours at the winery and then it is every MINI for itself.  Several of the MINIs in the past have headed over to Cambria, Morro Bay, Hearst Castle and other nearby locations for the night and to take in some local sites and events, while others have heads back home.

Rotta Winery, founded in 1908 by the Rotta Family, is the only remaining family owned “original” winery in San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini, grandson to the Rotta Family and Mark Caporale of Napa, combined their talents to “bring back to life” the historic and rustic winery. Today, Rotta Winery, just as in days of old, specializes in premium red and white wines along with flavorful and distinct dessert wines. The 20-acre Rotta estate vineyard has 15 acres in Zinfandel and five in Cabernet Sauvignon. For now the Rotta label is focusing on red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Black Monukka– a dessert wine and Zinfandel Port. All of the fruit for the label is being sourced from local vineyards, especially those from the Westside.

As in the past, some of the MidCal members may travel on to nearby coastal towns to spend the night.  For this part of the event each MINI motorer is on their own to make travel and lodging arrangements.  Nearby communities are Paso Robles, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, Cayucos, etc.