The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) continued its international momentum with a strategic European tour in early February 2026, highlighted by a first-ever trade-focused activation in Poland, followed by a strong presence at Wine Paris. The trip, made possible through an invitation from the Wine Institute and supported in part by USDA Market Access Program (MAP) funding administered through Wine Institute, underscores Paso Robles’ growing relevance in emerging European markets and its ability to connect with a highly engaged global wine trade audience.

The tour began in Poland, where the PRWCA was invited to present the Paso Robles AVA in Kraków and Warsaw, two cities with dynamic culinary scenes and increasingly sophisticated wine cultures. Poland represents a growing and influential market for California wines, supported by a robust community of sommeliers, importers, and wine professionals eager to explore new world regions.

The first event took place on February 4 in Kraków, hosted at the historic Grand Hotel, just steps from the city’s central plaza, the largest medieval town square in Europe. Remarkably preserved through World War II, Kraków offers a rich cultural backdrop, with a thriving restaurant scene that blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, an ideal environment for introducing Paso Robles wines.

The Kraków program featured a masterclass and walk-around tasting attended by 35 members of the local wine trade. Eight Paso Robles producers participated, including Epoch Estate Wines, Hope Family Wines, J. Dusi Wines, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, L’Aventure, McPrice Myers Wines, PIUS Wines, and The Blending Lab. The session was led by Christopher Taranto, Director of Trade Relations for the PRWCA, who guided attendees through the region’s diversity, terroir, and stylistic range.

The event was further elevated by opening remarks from Gretchen Cureton, Consul General at the United States Consulate in Kraków, alongside Jola Figurska of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. In her remarks, Consul General Cureton noted, “American wine producers have been at the forefront in winery culture for many years. Events like this showcase American ingenuity as wine producers share their latest techniques in wine innovation. Our interactions today allow our two countries to share new developments, techniques, and innovation in food culture.”

Building on the success in Kraków, the delegation traveled to Warsaw, where timing aligned with a significant cultural milestone: the 150th anniversary of the historic Bristol Hotel, founded by Polish statesman and composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who also holds deep ties to Paso Robles. The hotel’s anniversary celebration featured a special reception showcasing Epoch Estate Wines sourced from the Paderewski Vineyard, followed by a curated dinner where all eight Paso Robles producers presented their wines to an audience of dignitaries and VIP guests.

The Warsaw trade event followed, anchored by a fully subscribed masterclass with 50 seated attendees and additional trade professionals joining a three-hour walk-around tasting. The presentation was co-led by Christopher Taranto and Warsaw-based Master Sommelier Adam Pawtowski, whose engaging and conversational delivery resonated strongly with the audience. Winery representatives also played an active role in presenting their wines, which were exceptionally well received, reinforcing Paso Robles’ reputation for quality, diversity, and value.

The Poland activation also coincided with the continued development of the Wine Institute’s Capstone California education program in the market. Poland was one of the original launch countries for Capstone, and this visit included programming led by Master of Wine Bree Stock and Adam Pawtowski MS, further strengthening educational and trade engagement in the region.

Following Poland, much of the Paso Robles contingent continued on to Wine Paris, now one of Europe’s largest and most influential wine trade shows. With more than 60,000 attendees from 169 countries and over 6,500 exhibitors, the event provided a powerful platform to expand Paso Robles’ visibility on a global scale.

Within the California Barn, the PRWCA hosted a dedicated Paso Robles booth featuring four winery partners: Ancient Peaks Winery, J. Dusi Wines, McPrice Myers Wines, and PIUS Wines. The broader Paso Robles presence was amplified by neighboring producers with independent stands, including DAOU Family Estates, Hope Family Wines, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Robert Hall Winery (O’Neill Vintners & Distillers), Vina Robles (Martin Ray Wines), and War Room Cellars, along with additional representation through importers and collective portfolios.

Education remained a cornerstone of the PRWCA’s strategy at Wine Paris, with three consecutive days of masterclasses led by Christopher Taranto, each focusing on a distinct theme. Day one, A Study of Climate and Soil, provided a foundational overview of the AVA. Day two explored Paso Robles as a World Leader in Regenerative Organic Farming, featuring a collaborative presentation with Master of Wine Kryss Speegle and wines from five of the Regenerative Organic Certified Paso Robles producers. The final session highlighted The Power of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the region’s strength in one of the world’s most competitive categories.

While overall sentiment toward U.S. wines in certain areas of the exhibition reflected broader global dynamics, Paso Robles producers consistently reported positive, productive meetings with importers, buyers, and trade professionals. The region’s authenticity, quality, and collaborative spirit continued to resonate, reinforcing its position as a compelling partner in the international marketplace.

From establishing meaningful connections in Poland to reinforcing its presence at one of Europe’s premier trade fairs, the PRWCA’s February tour represents a strategic investment in long-term global growth. As emerging markets continue to evolve and demand for distinctive, high-quality wines increases, Paso Robles is well positioned to build on this momentum and expand its footprint across the international stage.