Inaugural Winemakers' Cookoff

Hearst Ranch Winery and Jim Saunders take a respectable award for outstanding cuisine at the Paso Robles Winemakers' Cookoff

On Saturday, August 7, 2010 Jim Saunders, Hearst Ranch Winery partner went head-to-head in the spirited and entertaining food competition among local winemakers and chefs at River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles. Samples of Hearst Ranch Beef were specially prepared on the grill by Jim Saunders to pair with wines from the inaugural collection from Hearst Ranch Winery. Assisted by Lindsey Gannon of Hearst Ranch Winery Tasting Room and Aaron Dean of White Stone Meat Packing, Jim offered a palate pleaser of a crostini drizzled in local olive oil topped with Hearst Ranch Beef, caramelized onions, and blue cheese.

After serving over 600 crostinis topped with over 100 lbs. of beef, Jim landed a respectable “Judges Award” for outstanding cuisine. However, Jim’s eye was on the coveted “People’s Choice Award”, conceding that he was “out-bribed” by tee-shirts, beads, margaritas, and more. There is always next year Jim!

The Winemaker’s Cook-off is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paso Robles and has raised more than $300,000 in scholarships for graduating students from Paso Robles High School through the Harlow Ford Scholarship Foundation." Join Hearst Ranch Winery next year at the 13th Annual Winemaker's Cook-off, the most popular wine, food and music event in Paso Robles. It's always a sell-out.