Second annual event highlights Cab Franc via educational presentations and tastings
November 13, 2023 (Paso Robles, CA) Wine enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon at the second annual Cabernet Franc Day in Paso Robles, slated for Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Cass Event Center, 7350 Linne Road in Paso Robles. The distinguished event showcases the remarkable terroir, diverse winemaking styles, and philosophies embraced by vintners around the world alongside the Cabernet Francs of the Paso Robles AVA.
Neeta Mittal, CEO, LXV Wines, serves as chair of the event, now in its second year. “Cabernet Franc embodies the archetype of an explorer in the world of wine,” shared Mittal. “It has adapted and thrived in various climates and terroirs across the globe, from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the cold reaches of Canada. It is versatile, and equally comfortable playing a supporting role in Bordeaux blends or standing alone in single-varietal wines, a testament to its adaptability.”
The educational and entertaining day begins at 10:00 AM, when attendees will taste a selection of Cabernet Francs from around the world, in conjunction with a presentation led by winemaker and wine educator Wes Hagen. Hagen will highlight six wine regions, including Luján de Cuyo (Argentina), Villanay (Hungary), Napa (To Kalon Vineyard), Bolgheri (Italy), Finger Lakes (New York), and Chinon (Loire, France). Leading growers, producers, and industry leaders gather to present in-depth insight into Cab Franc in Paso Robles with a panel discussion moderated by wine writer and journalist Matt Kettman. Joining Kettman on the panel will be Austin Hope, winemaker and president, Hope Family Wines, highlighting market economics; Chris Taranto, communications director, Paso Wine, discussing the wine industry’s impact on tourism; Bill Gibbs, proprietor, G2 Vineyards, on the topic of viticulture in Paso Robles; and Jeff Strekas, winemaker, on crafting Cab Franc.
The Grand Tasting commences from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Over 20 Paso Robles wineries will showcase their Cabernet Francs and blends featuring Cab Franc as a dominant grape. Chef Charlie Paladin Wayne worked with Mittal to curate a menu of passed appetizers designed to highlight the various expressions of Cabernet Franc. Additionally, an extensive grazing table inspired by the six wine regions highlighted in the seminar will be provided for guests to craft their own preferred pairings.
“In Paso Robles, we have warm climate conditions that ripen the pyrazines, and dramatic diurnal shifts with cooler nights to help preserve acidity and develop complex flavors. Our limestone stretches and environmentally conscious vignerons create an apt biome,” said Mittal. “We have the most optimal conditions to grow Cabernet Franc, and it’s a delight to share them.”
Participating Paso Robles wineries include Absolution Cellars, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Ancient Peaks, Brecon Estate, Calcareous Vineyard, Chateau Margene, Continental Wine Collection, DAOU, Dracena Wines, Field Recordings Winery, Four Lanterns Winery, Hope Family Wines, J. Lohr, JUSTIN, Le Vigne Winery, LXV Wine, Mid.Point Wine, Paris Valley Road Estate Winery, Tobin James Cellars, Union Sacre Winery, and Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery.
Media sponsors of the event are The Somm Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine. RIEDEL is the glass sponsor, while Parker Sanpei is the PR sponsor. Winery sponsors of the event are LXV Wine, DAOU, Brecon Estate, CV Wines, J. Lohr, and Hope Family Wines.
All access tickets are available for $165. This price includes access to the seminar, panel, Grand Tasting, and food pairings. Separate event tickets are available for the Grand Tasting as a standalone event, at $115. Tickets may be purchased via EventBrite by following this link. For more information on Cabernet Franc Day 2023, please visit https://www.cabfrancday-
