The Paso Robles Olive Festival brings everything we love (California olive oil, delicious food, artisan wine, and craft beer) to an all-day party that’s fit for the entire family. There’s a lot see, do, and taste, which is why we’ve picked our favorite festival highlights to help you make your must-see list!
What to Eat: The Olive Festival ‘s Culinary Row has grown bigger and better each year with elevated offerings from local chef’s, vendors and food trucks and there will be something to suit all tastes. For the most coveted treat at the fest however, you’ll have to stop by the We Olive booth. Our custom made olive oil ice cream is back again and being scooped up at the We Olive tasting bar and tent. Insider tip: If you can’t get enough of this cool EVOO treat, you’ll find take home pints available for sale at our flagship store just blocks from the festival.
What to Drink: Some of Paso’s best wineries will be on hand pouring their juice for discerning tasters. And if wine isn’t your bag, look for some of the Central Coast’s best craft brewers to have a host of taps on site as well. A word to the wise: Paso in August can be scorching, so stay hydrated, you have an important mission of tasting to complete!
EVOO – How to Taste: With so many of our favorite olive growers and producers gathered in one spot, there’s no way we could pick just one or two…or even three olive oils you should taste, but we can give you some professional tasting advice. Follow these simple steps (Swirl, Sniff, Slurp, and Swallow) to taste EVOO like a pro:
First, take that tasting cup of liquid gold and holding it in one hand, use your other hand to cover the cup while swirling the oil to release its aroma. Then, uncover the cup and inhale deeply as close to the cup as you can get. What do you smell? Are there strong aromas or mild? Next, slurp! Take a small sip and draw the oil into your mouth while pulling some air in as well. It should sound like you have poor table manners if done properly. The slurp factor allows you to spread the olive oil all over your palate and brings more air in to help open up those flavors. What do you taste? Lastly, swallow. Does it leave a burning sensation or go down smoothly? For more information on deciphering olive oil flavors and attributes, visit the About Olive Oil section of our website.
Party like a VIP: Take a break from the crowds, rest your feet and soak in some shade in our VIP tent, which is stocked with refreshing beverages, local wine and beer, and a spread of some of our favorite nosh. How do you get past the velvet rope? The VIP tent is reserved for Recipe Contest winners and Olive Oil Club Members. To learn more about the benefits of being a We Olive club member, visit our website.
Show off Your Skills: If you couldn’t get enough culinary competition with our Discover Cooking with California Olive Oil Recipe Contest, you have another opportunity to show off your cooking chops. Bring your own favorite olive-inspired dish to the festival between the hours of 9 am and 10 am on Saturday, August 17, 2013, to the downtown City Park Gazebo in Paso Robles, CA. Your best olive creation could net you a gift basket and the glory of being a champion, of course. Find the entry form here.
For the Younger Crowd: When your child tires of the endless eats and entertainment (although who can tire of Freckles the Clown?), the Olive Festival has slated all manner of crafts and activities to keep the younger set engaged. Think jewelry making or bag decorating for the accessory-inclined, Native American sand and rock painting for the cultural kiddo, and olive branch wreath-making and bug jar decorating for your outdoorsy adventurer. There are even toddler appropriate games in the form of a bean bag toss and Caterpillar Tunnel.
The Paso Robles Olive Festival
Saturday, August 17, 2013
10 am – 5 pm
Downtown Paso Robles City Park
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