Area Daily: Central Coast Wine Classic

Get your grape on at the 24th Annual Central Coast Wine Classic (July 10-13) – a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of California’s Central Coast.

Far from the maddening crowds of Napa and Sonoma, the Central Coast of California turns out an impressive list of highly-rated wines (equally as tasty as their northern neighbors) and the stretch from Paso Robles in the north to Santa Barbara in the south boasts world-class vineyards with a more laid-back vibe. Wine tasting here means driving along rural roads through rolling hills, sprawling vineyards and majestic oak trees, tasting at your leisure.

The 2nd week in July, the vineyards get together and host their annual food and wine fest which offers up a host of fun activities including a black-tie dinner at Hearst Castle, a rare and fine wine auction, and numerous wine talks, lunches and winery dinners.

We say: what more of a reason do you need to rev up the Mini.