Sometimes, there’s a lot more going on inside a bottle of wine than you might think. Even if it says “Cabernet Sauvignon” on the front of the bottle, there’s a good chance that the wine you’re about to enjoy has been blended with an entirely different grape altogether, like Cabernet Franc, or maybe some Merlot. But this blending practice isn’t intended to be an act of deception; it’s a way for winemakers to add their own personal touch and flavor to the wines that they help create, by highlighting a particular flavor or characteristic.

Blending wine is where the true art of winemaking comes into play. While every part of the winemaking process, from growing the grapes to filling the bottles, affect the final flavor of a wine, the blending process can be the most influential, and the most fun. This is because blending is actually more of an art than a science.

Do you know the different wine grape varietals that comprise a Meritage blend? Do you know when and why single varietals started appearing on American wine labels? And what’s the real difference between a GSM, SMG, or even a MGS?

You can learn the answers to these questions (and a whole lot more!) when you attend a First Crush blending workshop. Typically, winemakers are the only ones who get to make the wine, but at First Crush, we make it easy for you and your friends to get in on the fun. Our blending classes (newly dubbed “The Art of Blending Wine”) let you be a winemaker for a day, and create a wine tailored to your personal taste. These events are perfect for wine lovers of all wine-knowledge levels. They give you the chance to learn how different varietals affect how blends taste, pick apart the many nuances of a glass of wine, and much more!

This Saturday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. will be our last “scheduled” blending class for 2010. Don’t miss your last chance to experience the Art of Blending Wine, create and purchase your own custom blend, and have a blast with First Crush!

If you can’t make it to our blending workshop this Saturday, schedule your own! From now until December 31, blending classes are available by appointment for groups of four or more, Thursday – Monday from 11-5 PM at our new winemaking workshop out at Silver Horse Winery.  Call (805) 434-2772 for more information.

Wine Workshop: 2010 vintage Wrap-Up – Nov. 20, 2-5 p.m.

The 2010 vintage is a year that Paso Robles won’t soon forget. Unusually cool weather resulted in a harvest that fell behind schedule, and equally unusual harvest dates for the many different premium wine grape varietals grown throughout the Paso Robles region: Zinfandels were being harvest before Viogniers, and fruit is still coming in off the vines, even though it’s already the second week in November.

During a November 20 winemaking workshop, First Crush will look back at the 2010 vintage, and give you an inside look at some of the wines that we harvested, and the wines that we have in barrel. You’ll have the chance to meet with First Crush’s viticulturist, as well as be some of the first to taste our newly pressed 2010 wines straight from the barrel.

These are our last winemaking events until January 2011, so you definitely don’t want to miss them!

You can register online by visiting our online store, or by calling (805) 434-2772.

The Art of Blending Wine – Nov. 20, 11 am – 1 pm

Blending wine is truly an art form, and First Crush blending workshops have taken on a new name to reflect what blending is all about. Formerly known as our “Blending Workshop,” the Art of Blending Wine will guide you to a whole new appreciation of wine.

These blending seminars are a fun way to learn about the art of blending wine, sharpen your palate and gain a new understanding of why blending is an important process of making great wines. You’ll also taste some great Paso Robles wines and have the opportunity to purchase your custom blend and create a custom label for your wine that will be made from 100% premium quality Paso Robles wine varietals.

At our newly opened First Crush Wine Workshop, you’ll begin by learning how to evaluate a selection of base wines for aromatics, flavor, texture and aging characteristics. After learning the nuances of each wine, we’ll give you the tools that real winemakers use (graduated cylinders and Erlenmeyer flasks) and let you create several unique blends.

When you’re all finished, you can create your own custom label for your wine using one of First Crush’s beautiful templates, or you can unleash your inner graphic artist, and design your own! Custom wine is an excellent gift for friends, family, and co-workers, and is a big hit at holiday parties and dinner tables.

First Crush makes your custom winemaking experience simple, and fun! Don’t miss it! Includes wine and cheese pairing. (Approx. 2 hours.)

$40/pp, $32 for Crush Club members in advance. $50/pp at the door.  You can register by visiting our online store or by calling (805) 434-2772.

Don’t miss this great opportunity for a truly unique winemaking experience. Join us this Saturday, November 13 from 1-3 PM for our Roxo Port Cellars blending workshop.

Just in time for the holidays, you can create your own custom-blended port from Roxo’s great port varietals and put your own name on it! What a great holiday gift or crowd pleaser at those special holiday meals. This is also a fun way to learn about the art of blending wine, sharpen your palate or just gain an understanding of why blending is an important part of the winemaking process.

For this special event, First Crush will be teaming up with Roxo Port Cellars and their winemaker/owner, Jeff Steele to take you beyond the tasting room! Jeff will be rolling out barrels of FOUR of these different delicious port varietals: Touriga Nacional, Souzao, Tinta Roriz, and Bastardo. Then, Jeff and First Crush owner, Becky Zelinski, will help you craft your very own custom blend of premium, Paso Robles port!

Traditional, Portuguese-style ports are typically blended, and this time, you and your friends get to be the winemakers! We’ll also be serving port’s favorite pairings: a selection of fine artisan chocolates and cheese. This way, you’ll know exactly what to serve with your own, custom-made port at your holiday events and family gatherings.

Once you finish blending your port, you can really make it your own by naming and designing your own custom label for your wine. First Crush has a number of beautiful label templates for you to choose from, or you can create one that is completely your own design. Custom wine is an excellent for friends and family during the holidays, because there’s no better way to keep warm during the coming winter months than snuggling in front of a fire with a glass of premium Paso Robles port.

Register by visiting our online store, or calling (805) 434-2772.

Cost is $53 for Crush Club members, and $65 for non-members in advance. $75/pp at the door. Cost includes admission, wine tasting, chocolates and cheese pairings, and a souvenir bottle of your blend.