PASO ROBLES FESTIVAL FAQ
Can I buy wine to take home at the Festival Events?
No. Takeaway wine sales are not allowed under the rules of the ABC. However, we do hold a Silent Auction during the Saturday Grand Tasting filled with special lots donated by our Garagiste Wineries. Winners from the auction will be allowed to take home their winnings at the end of the event. This is the ONLY way to leave the building with wine…in a bottle. However, you must be present to win, as we are not allowed to ship wine once the Festival is over.
All of the proceeds from the Silent Auction go directly to The Garagiste Scholarship, which provides aid to select students enrolled in the Cal Poly SLO Wine & Viticulture Program.
Are Children Allowed at the Festival?
No. All festival events are 21 and older enforced by Alcohol Beverage Control. No children or infants are allowed to attend any festival event for the safety of all parties.
Are dogs allowed at the Festival?
Only Certified Service Animals are allowed in the buildings. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
What is the parking situation?
We highly recommend ride sharing or having a designated driver for all our events.
FRIDAY - Pavilion on the Lake, Atascadero
There is plenty of free parking in various lots around the Pavilion. A map will be shared with attendees in the days leading up to the event.
SATURDAY - Paso Event Center / Fairgrounds
A number of our Sponsor Hotels are within a short walk of the Paso Fairgrounds, which would allow you to enjoy the afternoon without having to worry about driving home. Please see our Paso Event Page for participants and deals.
Otherwise, we suggest carpooling, as the Fairgrounds charges $5 per car to park. Please do not leave anything valuable or obvious in your car that might be worth taking. The Festival nor Fairgrounds will be held accountable for theft or car damage incurred during the Festival.
Is there food provided at the Festival?
SATURDAY: Yes, there will be complimentary cheese & charcuterie plates available crafted by Vivant Cheese, along with free bottled water during the Grand Tasting from 1:30-4:30pm. VIP Attendees will also receive a boxed lunch crafted by local fave Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ directly following the morning Tasting Seminar. There will be other artisan vendors on hand with various food samples. This is NOT a food festival so unless you are a VIP / Weekend Pass holder we suggest you grab lunch before arriving at the Fairgrounds.
We do not cater to any specialized diet and cannot guarantee any food is free of allergens. Partaking in any food provided or sampled is at attendees own risk.
FRIDAY NIGHT: A French-inspired buffet dinner will be provided by Stein BBQ & Catering for all guests at the Rare & Reserve Tasting; however, we cannot accommodate any food allergies or restrictions at this event. There will be vegetarian options available.
ADA
All events at both the Pavilion on the Lake and the Paso Robles Event Center are ADA compliant and accessible.
What can I bring in? What if I left something behind?
No outside beverages are allowed into the Festival events. Bottled water will be provided for all guests. You may bring in snacks / a box lunch, if you wish. All events are walk around tastings without specified seating, so you will need to carry what you bring in. We suggest limiting your belongings to your ID, a credit card / cash (for Silent Auction payment) and perhaps a light jacket if you plan on attending the After Party.
There is NO official Lost & Found or coat check. The Garagiste Festival will not be held accountable for any items left behind.