Event Details
Date & Time
Saturday, August 11, 2012
6 – 9 p.m.
Venue
River Oaks Hot Springs
800 Clubhouse Drive
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Judges
Presided over by a cadre of respected Food & Wine Judges.
Tickets
Tickets: $75/person
Reserved table for 8: $650
Designated Driver discount: $40/person
Entertainment
Back by popular demand: Julie Beaver & the Bad Dogs!
The talented Julie Beaver has been making audiences smile since she picked up her violin/fiddle at the age of five. Julie plays it all—from Bach to Blues to Bluegrass—and she sings with power and sensitivity. If you've never heard the Rolling Stones or Aretha Franklin on a violin, you'll wonder why no one thought of it before. www.juliebeavermusic.com
Hotel Packages
Shuttle Services
Do’s & Don’ts
Must be 21 to attend
Blankets & beach chairs are welcomed
Ice chests & dogs are not allowed
Free parking is available on-site
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 12th-Annual Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff be held?
On Saturday, August 11, 2012, at River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles, California.
What is the Cookoff address?
River Oaks Hot Springs
800 Clubhouse Drive
Paso Robles, Ca. 93446
You can get to River Oaks Hot Springs by turning from Hwy. 46 East (1 mile east of Hwy. 101 or 1 mile west of Golden Hill Drive) to Buena Vista Drive (the La Quinta Inn and the Martin & Weyrich tasting room are on each corner); turn north on Buena Vista for ¼-mile to Dallons Drive turn left and head northwest (Dallons Drive becomes River Oaks Drive) and follow the signs for about ¾-mile to River Oaks Hot Springs. For a map, go to the site’s homepage.
What are the Cookoff hours?
From 6:00 – 9:00 PM. We will be registering attendees a little prior to 6:00 PM. However, our event license does not allow our participating wineries to begin serving prior to the 6:00 PM starting time.
Who puts on the Winemakers’ Cookoff?
The Cookoff is an annual scholarship fundraiser staged by the Paso Robles Rotary Club. The Paso Robles Rotary Club (www.pasorotary.org) The Paso Robles Rotary Club was chartered 87 years ago and is part of Rotary International. Rotary Clubs focus on professional networking and local as well as global community service and education.
Who is the beneficiary of this fundraiser event?
All net proceeds from the Winemakers’ Cookoff are deposited into the Paso Robles Rotary’s Harlow Ford Scholarship Foundation. Annually, college and vocational scholarships of about $30,000.00 are distributed from the Foundation to deserving local Paso Robles high school students—Cookoff scholarships totaling about $350,000 have been distributed to date.
Who many wineries will be represented?
This is our 13th-Annual Cookoff and to date year we have 28 wineries taking part.
Is there Cookoff Title Sponsor?
Yes, again this year, Heritage Oaks Bank has been gracious enough to help underwrite our Winemakers’ Cookoff.
What kind of food can we expect?
The individual menus of the wineries are kept secret right up to the start of the event, but in the past we’ve had beef, lamb, pork, seafood and even vegetarian dishes. You can expect almost anything creative and gourmet, just don’t expect chili.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are: $75 each
Designated Driver tickets are $40
Where can I buy tickets?
See our Tickets page. Tickets are available online until about three days prior to the Cookoff (late online ticket purchases will be available in Will Call at the event). Ticket will also be available at the event.
Do you accept credit cards for ticket purchases?
Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discovery and American Express.
I’d like a receipt for my ticket as a tax-deductible deduction. How can I get a receipt?
That’s simple. Your ticket is your receipt and is complete with our Tax I.D.
Do you have senior citizen or group discounts?
No. Sorry, the Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff is a charity fundraiser. We attempt to make certain that proceeds are maximized. All net proceeds donated to the Harlow Ford Scholarship Foundation created to provide college and vocational scholarships to local high-school seniors.
Were ticket packages available?
They have been again this year for out-of-town guests. Accommodation-ticket packages have been available at ten hotels in Paso Robles and Atascadero as well as about 30 properties managed by Vacation Rentals of Paso Robles. Some of our participating Cookoff wineries are also offering discounts on Sunday at their wineries for holders of Cookoff tickets. For those participating wineries, attendees can check the printed event program or check with individual wineries at the event.
What should I wear?
The dress code is casual. However, the evening temperature in Paso Robles is cooler than you might expect. So, having a jacket handy would be wise. Promotional sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts and pullovers will also be for sale at the event.
Are their any souvenirs or mementos available?
Every regular admission receives a souvenir wine glass and everyone will receive a wine caddy tray. In addition, a variety of T-shirts, sweatshirts shirts and pullovers will be available for purchase.
Where do I park? Do you have room for my RV?
Free parking is provided onsite at River Oaks Hot Springs. Also, ‘for-a-fee’ discount shuttle will run to and from participating hotels to the Cookoff. Other shuttle (for more information, check our website for a list of participating shuttle services). Sorry, we just don’t have room at our event site for RVs.
I’m worried about drinking and driving.
Bring a designated driver with you. Designated driver tickets are available for $40 and designated drivers can still enjoy the great food and live music.
Can I bring my children or my dog?
We’re serving alcohol. So, all attendees must be at least 21 years of age. If your children are 21 or older, they’re welcome to attend, too. No dogs or coolers are allowed.
Can I bring my own wine?
No. Outside alcoholic beverages and coolers are not allowed at the event.
Can I bring a folding chair or a blanket?
Yes, absolutely, we encourage it.
Is there handicapped parking?
Handicapped parking will be available at the event and parking attendants will direct you.
Are there ATM’s at the event?
No, but we take most major credit cards for ticket purchases, and your ticket should take care of all of your food and wine requirements.
Where can I find out more information about the wineries?
Web links to participating wineries and sponsors are provided by clicking on their logo on our website, www.winemakerscookoff.com. Also, info about participating wineries and their menu items can be found in the event program handed out when you enter the Cookoff.
How do you select the winners of the Cookoff?
This event is somewhat unique in that winemakers are judged on their culinary talents and not their wines. There are two food award categories at the Cookoff. Judges’ Choice first-, second- and third-place awards are selected by qualified independent judges chosen from the culinary and wine industries. Judges sample the food and wine pairings prepared by the winemakers and make their choices.
People’s Choice first-, second- and third-place awards are chosen by event attendees who each receive three votes with their admission to cast for their favorite culinary creations. It is customary that some participating wineries will even try to “buy” attendee’s votes with some type of “bribe.” This feature is encouraged by Cookoff organizers and is always done in good-natured fun. It adds to the entertainment and unique character of the Cookoff.
Will there be live music at this year’s Cookoff?
Yes. This year we are featuring “Julie Beaver & the Bad Dogs” on the Winemakers’ Cookoff stage. Julie is a popular and talented jazz vocalist and fiddle player. Julie and her band are becoming much in demand on the Central Coast. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and grab a spot on the River Oaks Hot Springs’ natural amphitheater.
Can I use a still or video camera?
Generally, home video recording is not discouraged. Come on and have fun.