Alternative Tastes: A Festival of Unique Varieties

Celebrating Paso’s Unique Varieties, a two-day extravagant event makes its debut this June 7th & 8th, 2024 in Paso Robles with the Grand Tasting Experience taking place at Broken Earth Winery.

Presented by Brecon Estate and CRUSH Vineyard, the event features an estimated 30 local boutique winemakers pouring both Albariño and Tannat, two of the top trending varietals on the Central Coast. Alabriño hales from the Rias Baixas region of Spain and is exploding in popularity in the U.S. due to its crisp versatility and aromatic qualities. Albariño will be joined by Tannat, the enigmatic, deep-hued, luscious red wine, native to the nearby Pyrenees.

The concept was born out of the highly popular Tannat & Albariño special interest group tastings hosted by Brecon Estate. CRUSH Vineyard, focused on estate-grown Tannat, approached Brecon Estate with a proposal to help combine the events and throw the doors wide open to the public. Hence “Alternative Tastes” was born.

“Folks just love these focused wine tasting. Nowhere else can you deep dive into the next potential big thing! In future years, we may focus on other up-and-coming varieties to keep the festival fresh and interesting” said Damian Grindley, Founding Winemaker of Brecon Estate and the festival’s Co-Chair.

The festival takes place across two days and kicks off with a sunset alfresco VIP Dining Experience at Brecon Estate followed the next day by two in-depth educational seminars and a walkabout Grand Tasting at Broken Earth.

Tickets on sale now!