AMGEN, Tour of California Bike Race

For the second time in three years, Stephen Kroener has been asked to make a commerative blend for the Amgen Tour of California Bike Race that takes place this month. Stage 5 of this race will start in Seaside, CA and will finish in downtown Paso Robles, CA on May 19th. Steve has been asked to put together a blend that reflects the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area and its community. This year the wine is a blend of two grape varietals: Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both grape varietals have a significant impact in the Paso Robles region and are the focus of numerous wineries in the area. The blend is fruit forward, well-balanced with acidity and tannin, and a great food wine. It will be handed out as a gift to the team riders, sponsors, and organizers of the race. There is also a 9 liter trophy bottle that will be awarded to the winner of the Stage 5 race. This trophy weighs 60 pounds, holds the equivalent to 12 bottles of wine, and is beautifully etched with the logo for this Stage of the race. Starting the first week of May, you can catch all the hype about this wine and the race on local radio and television broadcasts. But if you are a true fan of wine and racing, come to downtown Paso Robles May 19th and check out the action for yourself!