It’s that time of year and the Alternative Tastes Wine Festival is getting better and better. For the third year in a row, festival goers will have the opportunity to sip and explore a bevy of rare, hard-to-find grape varieties that may soon be new favorites. Organized by Scott and Denise Schramm of CRUSH Vineyard in Paso Robles, the festival celebrates “diversity and innovation in California winemaking.”
Founded two years ago in order to celebrate Albariño and Tannat, the festival now includes a broad spectrum of off-the-radar white and red wines. Interestingly enough, this year, grape varieties with fewer than 1000 acres planted in California will have their day in the sun… and in your glass. Winemakers who have an adventurous spirit? Of course! Come for this grape experience and leave with new found knowledge.
This year, guests can be part of a fascinating educational seminar as well as the much lauded Grand Tasting and silent auction benefiting the Flag Foundation, a 501c3 public charity facilitating collaboration between horses and people. All charitable gifts fund the care of our herd and land.
Wine lovers, industry professionals, and adventurous palates alike are invited to experience a day dedicated to the varieties that may be hard to find—but are impossible to resist.
You’d like to explore white wines? Swirl, sip, and savor Albariño, Assyrtiko, Falanghina, Grenache Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Gewurtztraminer, Moschofilero, Picpoul Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Palomino, Orange Vermentino, Vermentino, Roussanne, and Vidiano. Red wine lovers will be intrigued with tastes of Alicante Bouschet, Cinsault, Counoise, Dolcetto, Gamay, Graciano, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Primitivo, Tannat, Tempranillo, and Valdiguie. Sure, you may have had these wines from the Old World, but those from grapes cultivated in Paso Robles and other regions in California? Here you go!
Check out the details and snag your tickets now.
Alternative Tastes Wine Festival Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Location: Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
Ticket Information for purchase HERE:
- Early Bird Grand Tasting: $50
- Early Bird Seminar + Grand Tasting: $75
- Designated Drivers: Free
- Upon checkout, use the bonus code GRAPE for $10 discount!
- For tickets, purchase HERE.
Alternative Tastes Wine Festival Event Highlights
- Blind Tasting Educational Seminar (11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) featuring industry experts Hal Schmitt (Volatus), Carl Bowker (Caliza / End of the Day), and Brenna Pratt (Midnight Cellars).
- Grand Tasting (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.) of rare white and red wines produced by Alara Cellars, Allegretto Wines, B2B Wines, Brecon Estate, Boutz Cellars, Bushong Vintage Co, CRUSH Vineyard, Caliza Winery, End of the Day, Gali Vineyards, In Due Time, Loma Seca, Lone Madrone, MEA Wine, Midnight Cellars, Moose Mountain Vineyards, Optio Vineyards, Parr Collective, Stiekema Wine Co, Tablas Creek, Thacher Winery, Tribeca Wine Co, Ulloa Cellars, Vinyl Vineyards, Volatus, Witch and the Warlock.
- Food for purchase provided by Quesadilla Gorilla and Baby Bear Biscuits to satisfy any cravings.
- Silent Auction, with proceeds benefiting Flag Ranch.
Founders Denise and Scott Schramm.
Treat yourself to a fascinating journey of overlooked wines at Alternative Tastes Wine Festival where all guests will have direct assess to the winemakers who craft them. I’ll see you there!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
