The Cork Dorks: A Weekly Update – Paso Wine vs Sancerre + Swiftonomoics

Leave it to Taylor Swift to break the internet and the wine world. Here’s what happened: Swifties spotted a bottle of French Sancerre sitting on a studio desk in Taylor Swift’s Disney+ docuseries—and boom. Within hours, that wine? Completely sold out across the U.S. It’s the latest example of what people are calling “Swiftonomics”—anything she touches turns into gold… or in this case, crisp, refreshing white wine. Sancerre is a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley and I asked Chris Taranto of Paso Wine to find us some local wines with a similar vibe. And, lucky for us, Paso Wine has Krista Smith on staff who just so happens to be a Swiftie. Don't miss Paso Wine's BlendFest on the Coast this February followed by Paso Wine Fest in May. For SLO County residents, get your $99 Locals Only Ticket for the Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting on May 16th. In person only with proof of residency both the Paso Robles Chamber and SLO Chamber thru February 28th. Find the full schedule and info at PasoWine.com The Cork Dorks: A Weekly Update presented by United Staffing Associates. UnitedWeStaff.com
The Cork Dorks: A Weekly Update – Hope Family Wines + Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Big news in Paso Wine Country as Hope Family Wines kicks off 2026 as the Official Wine of Vina Robles Amphitheatre! Plus, lots of recent and new milestones and projects including regenerative organic farming conversation, a new estate vineyard in Creston, The Artists of Hope on Park and the launch of Hope Provisions with estate honey and organic truffle production and more. Dive into the conversation with us! And, find more at hopefamilywines.com. The Cork Dorks: A Weekly Update presented by United Staffing Associates. UnitedWeStaff.com
Paso Wine Hour: Thibido, Ecluse, Field Recordings and Grand Tasting Tickets!

We had some fun with @pasowine + @thibidowinery + @eclusewines + @fieldrecordings this week!
Suzanne chats Laetitia Wines Renewal Project

Owner/Winemaker, Eric Hickey, and Director of DTC, Kasey Helt stopped in as Laetitia Vineyards and Winery announced a comprehensive vineyard renewal project that will remove and replant its existing estate vineyards, marking a significant milestone in the winery's evolution. This bold investment is aligned with the vision of the new ownership team that acquired the property in 2024 – to make Laetitia the destination where people celebrate life’s important moments with wines worthy of every occasion, large or small. This multi-year initiative will replace the estate's aging vines, which have reached the end of their productive lifecycle. The replanting will emphasize Laetitia’s heritage as a sparkling wine house, with traditional sparkling varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier taking center stage, alongside additional yet-to-be-determined varieties representing the traditional grapes of Champagne. This forward-thinking approach reinforces Laetitia's commitment to quality and preserves its future for generations to come. During the replanting process, the winemaking team will work with neighboring vineyards to source premium fruit that meets Laetitia's quality standards and continue crafting exceptional Laetitia wines. About Laetitia Laetitia produces premium estate wines that showcase the exceptional character and diversity of California's Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. Established in 1982 by a respected French Champagne house, the brand carries on the traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Laetitia is known for its commitment to sustainability, community, and quality. The Laetitia tasting room is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at www.laetitiawine.com and @laetitiawine.
Krush Lounge: Hot Tina + Lady Fest 12/13/25

New Krush Lounge with Hot Tina podcasting now with an encore on air this Sat 12/13 @ 10a! These ladies rock with the fierce attitude and killer instincts of punk, adding a unique touch of creativity that only this group of women can bring. They’re “Hard Wired (Weird)”, super “Sweet” and ready to “Crush” some special acoustic versions of their brand new tunes! And, we get the scoop on a thing called “Lady Fest” coming up on Sat 12/13 at Niffy’s Merrimaker in Los Osos! Simply put, Lady Fest is presented in collaboration with Upbeats & Accents, The Feminine Collective and Niffy’s Merrimaker. It’s a day-long music fest with a lineup of all female artists and allies that culminates in battle rounds to crown a Lady Fest winner when all is said and done. It’s a celebration of feminine energy that brings much artistic culture and joy to our local communities. Lady Fest brings together some familiar names along with some new. The fun starts at 2p on 12/13 and rocks until 1a with TONS of music to enjoy! 21+, Free Admission! Jump into this hang sesh with Che, Ali, Rose and Theresa and get to know Hot Tina! #HotTina #LocalLove #LadyFest #SLOLadyFest #HardWired Shout out to 805 Beer for supporting! 805beer.com
Suzanne talks Alterra Solutions with Kevin Wilkinson

Founder and Principal, Kevin Wilkinson stops by to talk harvest and how Alterra is leading the way in vineyard management and staying connected to our community in meaningful ways beyond the vines. Alterra Solutions is a complete management company offering a variety of client services, from vineyard design and installation to full-scale annual management. Alterra specializes in customized growing techniques that maximize efficiency and quality in the vineyard, with expertise to farm vineyards of all sizes. Find more at alterrasol.com.
Krush Lounge: Chris Beland Farewell Show

Chris Beland is flying to coop and heading to Bend, Oregon.
Pepper and Must! The Pitch!

Must! Charities' event "The Pitch" delivered much needed funds, fun, and support to several local non-profits. Listen to hear all about it!
The Young Dubliners hit The Siren Morro Bay this Thursday!

Longtime friends of the show, Keith Roberts and Justin Pecot of The Young Dubliners, pop in with brand new music! Check the new single 'Stop Shaking Your Head' and a special acoustic performance of their last single 'Drive'! See them LIVE this Thursday 11/6 at The Siren in Morro Bay! Thanks to Todd & Korie and the Good Medicine Presents team for all the rad shows! Grab tickets: goodmedicinepresents.com Grab info on the band: youngdubliners.com
Dia de los Muertos – Mission Plaza – Sat 11/1

Suzanne chats with Latino Outreach Council VP Demetrio Salazar and dedicated voluteer, Claudia Olsen about the history of Dia de Los Muertos, the special meaning of all of the items included in the traditional Altares Ofrendas and more! Join the community celebration of life and loved ones who've passed on, this Saturday 11/2, 12-4pm at Downtown San Luis Obispo's Mission Plaza. Find more info at latinooutreachcouncil.org.