The Beatles arrived for the first time in the United States tomorrow, February 7, in 1964 starting the Beatlemania craze. British Invasion was here and the United States was mad for British pop culture.  On February 9, they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show which many consider the biggest moment in the history of popular music.

Meet the Brits who invaded the Paso wine region! Glenn Mitton and Paul Sowerby, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, and Ian Herdman, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, talk about the British Invasion and their own arrival in Paso Robles!

Where are you from in the UK? A small village in the very north of England called Brampton in the county of Cumberland.

The Beatles arrived in New York on February 7, 1964. How and when did you discover Paso Robles Wine Country? I came on a Business trip to Paso Robles in March 2008, I was a proprietor of an International Fine Wine Shop in the city near where I am from.

What Beatles song best describes your life OR time in Paso? “Here Comes the Sun”, I think that is fairly obvious.

Beatles song “When I’m 64” lyrics “When I get older losing my hair, Many years from now. Will you still be sending me a valentine, Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?” What bottle of Paso Robles wine do you want to receive on your 64^th birthday? Adelaida Cabernet Sauvignon Viking Vineyard, because it’s the only single vineyard, designated, named Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard in Paso Robles.

If you were to characterize each member of the Beatles as a wine, which variety would best fit John, Paul, Ringo, and George and why? Paul-Pinot Noir-smooth, elegant and distinguished, John-Mourvèdre-deep and mysterious, Ringo-Zinfandel-spicy and unruly, George-Cabernet Sauvignon-classic and noble.

What British word/saying do you wish more Americans would adopt or at least understand? Opps-a-daisy!

If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were to honeymoon in Paso Robles, what would you plan as their perfect day? Vineyard Tour (TTT) at Adelaida Vineyard & Winery, lunch at Thomas Hill Organics, wine tasting at RN Estate in the afternoon, tour and taste Saxum then dinner at Artisan.

Where are you from in the UK? Carlisle – the capital city of Cumberland in the North of England.

The Beatles arrived in New York on February 7, 1964. How and when did you discover Paso Robles Wine Country? In 1991, I moved from Orange County to be National Sales Manager at Justin Vineyards & Winery.

What Beatles song best describes your life OR time in Paso? Why?  Here Comes the Sun, as I love every new day here.

Beatles song “When I’m 64” lyrics “When I get older losing my hair, Many years from now. Will you still be sending me a valentine, Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?” What bottle of Paso Robles wine do you want to receive on your 64th birthday? I am a Pinot Noir lover at heart so Adelaida  HMR Pinot Noir.

If you were to characterize each member of the Beatles as a wine, which variety would best fit John, Paul, Ringo, and George and why?

John – Pinot Noir – Thinking person’s wine

Paul – Pinot Noir – Comes out of the left field for Paul the lefty

Ringo – Pinot Noir – Marches to his own beat

George – Pinot Noir – Religious experience “my sweet Lord ‘ & “makes my guitar gently weep”

England is known for fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, roast beef, tea time and more. Name some places in SLO County can you get a taste of home?  My house and Glenn’s house for a great Cuppa Tea.

What British word/saying do you wish more Americans would adopt or at least understand? Capital. Harkens back to the glory days of the Empire.

If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were to honeymoon in Paso Robles, what would you plan as their perfect day? I live up at Lake Nacimiento so take the dogs for a walk, go waterskiing, cuppa tea and then fishing.

Where are you from in the UK? The greatest part!! The North, or at least that’s what the Motorway signs say as you head up the M1.  Really it’s Corbridge (20 west of Newcastle).

The Beatles arrived in New York on February 7, 1964. How and when did you discover Paso Robles Wine Country? Back in the early 90’s when working in the Bay area for Mirassou (pre-Gallo) I bought some bulk wine, from a facility that touted itself as “Dam Fine Wine” – that sparked my initial interest in an area that I thought was only a lunch stop on a Hwy 101 drive.  It was not until 2005 that I finally made the move down.

What Beatles song best describes your life OR time in Paso? Why? Eight Days a Week, as there are never enough days in a week during harvest, and regardless of how you feel about it at the time, it’s always a labor of love.

Beatles song “When I’m 64” lyrics “When I get older losing my hair, Many years from now. Will you still be sending me a valentine, Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?” What bottle of Paso Robles wine do you want to receive on your 64^th birthday? J. Lohr Icon

If you were to characterize each member of the Beatles as a wine, which variety would best fit John, Paul, Ringo, and George and why?

John –  Asuncion Ridge 2014 Nefarious Red.  A wine much like John, many, many complex layers

Paul – J. Lohr 2014 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon.  A wine that will age as Paul has with exceptional elegance

Ringo – Brecon Estate 2013 Forty Two Red.  An inventive wine for an inventive drummer

George – Lone Madrone 2014 La Mezcla Roja Red.  A quiet wine that builds, as it lingers

England is known for fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, roast beef, tea time and more. Name some places in SLO County can you get a taste of home? Good tasty beer is what I once missed the most. Now, with the plethora of great breweries in the area, life is good! ????

What British word/saying do you wish more Americans would adopt or at least understand? Why aye Man and Howay the Lads!

If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were to honeymoon in Paso Robles, what would you plan as their perfect day? With the Prince’s aviation connection, start the day at the Estrella Warbirds Museum, then a county road trip to Brecon, Lone Madrone, and jaunt across the road to Adelaida Cellars!