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PASO ROBLES | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEKPaso Robles Zinfandel Festival Features Classic American VarietalTickets are on Sale for the 17th Annual Festival, March 20-22The 2009 Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival, presented by the PasoRobles Wine Country Alliance, is slated for March 20-22. Tickets arecurrently available at www.pasowine.com. The weekend bringstogether a culmination of America’s classic heritage wine grape in threedistinct events – RESERVE, Paso Robles Wine Country Auction andGrand Tasting.Zinfandel vines were planted in Paso Robles beginning in the early1800s and continue to thrive today with more than 9% of the totalacreage dedicated to this variety. To many, Zinfandel is known asAmerica’s Heritage Wine Grape, a varietal as diverse as the Americanswho drink it. Enjoy this American classic at the all new RESERVEcomponent, featuring the region’s best Zinfandels held on the eve ofZinfandel Festival.RESERVE acts as the all-access Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival Pass.RESERVE ticket holders are invited to this intimate event from 4 to 6p.m. on Friday, March 20. This unique component will feature exclusiveZinfandel wines including reserve and barrel samples and will becomplemented by local Wine Country cuisine. Guests will also havethe opportunity to preview auction lots in advance of Saturday’s live20and silent auctions, a benefit that is only offered to RESERVE ticketholders.The Wine Country Auction held on Saturday features one-of-akindwine and lifestyle auction packages only available on the auctionblock. Unique and rare items including winemaker dinners, dinnerswith a Master Sommelier, special VIP tours, seminars and special largeformat bottles are up for bid. The Wine Country Auction is also theonly opportunity to taste and purchase the 2009 Zinfandel blend, acollaboration of the American spirit among Paso Robles winemakers,specially created by the 2009 blend master, Alex Villicana of VillicanaWinery. Directly following is the Grand Tasting featuring vast selectionsof Zinfandel and Zinfandel blends from more than 40 PasoRobles producers. Local chefs preparing local American cuisine at theGrand Tasting further tantalizes your taste buds completing thefestival experience.In addition to these marquee events, more than 100 areawineries will host an array of events allowing attendees from acrossthe nation to enjoy three days of wine tasting bliss throughout PasoRobles. Winemaker dinners, food pairings, seminars, open housesand special tastings are just a few of the activities in store.Zinfandel Festival brochures are available by calling 1-800-549-WINE, or for a full listing of winery activities visit the website atwww.pasowine.com/events/zinfandelfestival.php.All Zinfandel Festival tasting ticket packages include unlimitedwine tasting and a commemorative glass made by Riedel.• RESERVE - $120 – Friday RESERVE event – 4 to 6 p.m.Saturday Wine Country Auction – 4:30 to 7 p.m.Saturday Grand Tasting 7 to 9:30 p.m. – Advance purchase only• Wine Country Auction - $85Saturday Wine Country Auction – 4:30 to 7 p.m.Saturday Grand Tasting 7 to 9:30 p.m.• Grand Tasting - $60 – Saturday Grand Tasting 7 to 9:30 p.m.Tickets may be purchased online at www.pasowine.com. A limitedamount of Wine Country Auction and Grand Tasting tickets will beavailable at the door, provided they are not sold out. All tickets arelimited and advance purchase is highly recommended. Must be 21 orolder; photo identification verifying age will be required at time ofentry. For more information about the 17th Annual Zinfandel Festival,local hotel accommodations and restaurants, visitwww.pasowine.com.The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries,growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrallylocated between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’sCentral Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s fastestgrowing wine region. It encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acresand more than 200 wineries.www.WineCountryThisWeek.com