Save the Date–13th-Annual Paso Robles Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff Date, Title Sponsor and Location Announced

Winemakers’ Cookoff to be Held August 6 at River Oaks Hot Springs

Heritage Oaks Bank Re-ups as 2011 Title Sponsor

Paso Robles, CA, March 8, 2011 – The Paso Robles Rotary Club is hoping to follow up the record-matching attendance and proceeds from its 12th-Annual Winemakers’ Cookoff scholarship fundraiser held in 2010 with another successful Cookoff this coming August. Today, it announced that Heritage Oaks Bank has renewed its title sponsorship for the 2011 Cookoff. Once again, Estrella Associates will host the event at its River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles on Saturday, August, 6, 2011 from 6-9 PM. 

“Since its beginning in 1999, the Cookoff has focused on benefitting local high-school seniors by providing them with college and vocational scholarships,” said Sharon Ross, 2011 Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff chair. “Our youth are in increasing need of financial assistance to continue their education and the Rotary, along with the support of Heritage Oaks Bank, again this year as our title sponsor, will continue to support deserving youth in offsetting the rising cost of furthering their education.”

“Our bank’s longstanding commitment to our community is personified in benefits this event makes possible for local youth,” stated Larry Ward, C.E.O. of Heritage Oaks Bank. “This annual Paso Robles Rotary fundraiser makes a very positive impact in the continued educational opportunities for local students and we’re delighted to once again lend our support.”

During its thirteen-year history, the Paso Robles Winemakers’ Cookoff has become one of Paso Robles’ most-popular wine, food and music events. It is also one of its most unique. The Cookoff features not just local wines, but the culinary talents of more than 30 of the appellation’s winemakers. Participating wineries pair their culinary creations with their finest wines and compete for both Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards the day of the event. Since the first Winemakers’ Cookoff in 1999, proceeds from the Winemakers’ Cookoff have been deposited in Rotary’s Harlow Ford Scholarship Foundation building a perpetual fund that has enabled the Paso Robles Rotary Club to award scholarships exceeding $350,000 as well as build a perpetual fund that will help guarantee future scholarship benefits. For more information on the Paso Robles Rotary Club and the Winemakers’ Cookoff visit: www.winemakerscookoff.com or call toll-free (877)264-6979.