CYCLES AND SIPS: One has to admire any city of any size that serves as the setting of two major events, events that are, for all accounts and purposes, pretty much on top of each other, time-wise. But we think Paso Robles is up to the task. The cyclists of the Amgen Tour of California cruise into the Central Coast on Thursday, May 19, which is Stage 5 of the tour. (The start and end points for Stage 5 are Seaside and Paso Robles, if you're following along at home.) That arrival, which includes not only the riders but the many fans and media following the riders, is large enough. But, only hours later, Paso Robles will kick off its 29th Annual Wine Festival, which will happen from Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22.
THE GRAND TASTING: There are several glass-focused goings-on during the three-day event, but the Grand Tasting in the Park will draw a good crowd. A good crowd generally likes to show up where some 80 or so wineries have set up booths, and there's music, and there are things to dine on. That's happening on Saturday, May 21, but interesting and educational to-dos can be found elsewhere on the schedule. Why do we think there may be a few toasts raised to the riders? Again, Paso, most impressive. Two big things over four big days. Few places are up to such a task.
