Biz Buzz: Paso’s wine country exposed
Its wineries are growing in popularity thanks to exposure in some major publications tool goes here T he Paso Robles wine country has gotten a lot of exposure recently with at least eight features in state, national and international publications in the last three months.
The combined exposure of the region in the magazines: Sunset Magazine, Bon Appetit, Westways, Cottage Living, Decanter, In the Mix and Lucid
reached an estimated 8.5 million readers during the months of August, September and October, said Chris Taranto, spokesman for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, a vintners’ association for north San Luis Obispo County.
Sunset Magazine, which is distributed to an estimated 1.2 million, declared Paso Robles “The Most Exciting New Wine Region” in its September edition.
The magazine also highlighted the region this October as one of the state’s major “Big Red” producers.
Bon Appetit, which reaches more than one million readers, called Paso Robles second only to Durham- Chapel Hill, North Carolina as the “foodiest” small town in the country, Taranto said.
The October issue of Cottage Living Magazine has a seven page Paso Robles presence highlighting the journalist’s experience during his visit as well as recipes, wine picks and their suggestions when traveling to the area.
Such coverage helps the region market its wares without having to pay an equivalent of nearly $800,000 in advertising, he added.
—Melanie Cleveland
Event raising funds to help disabled kids
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo will hold its annual Holiday Boutique to benefit Jack’s Helping Hand today.
The local nonprofit organization helps children with illnesses and disabilities by providing treatments, services, equipment and transportation that are not provided by other sources or that exceed family financial capabilities.
The event is set for 7:30 a. m. to 6 p. m. today, featuring appetizers at 5 p. m. and raffles throughout the day.
For information, call Jan Wilson at 546-7601, Ext. 4033.
—Tonya Strickland
Talleys donate to new cancer care center
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital’s Coastal Cancer Care and Diagnostic Center recently received a $4,000 donation from the Talley Family.
The Talleys promised to donate $1,000 from each of the first 15 sales from its South County development Las Ventanas, and the recent donation represents four home sites sold.
Brian Talley presented the check to Dan Cashier, Hospital Foundation chairman; and Bill Racine, vice-chair. Also present was Ryan Talley, who sits on the foundation board of directors.
—Tonya Strickland
Paso candy store marks milestone
Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, at 840 11th St. in downtown Paso Robles, celebrated its one-year anniversary last Sunday.
The first 1,000 people to visit the store were given a free Wonka-brand chocolate bar.
The event also featured children’s games, face painting and balloon animals.
—Tonya Strickland