On a crisp November afternoon in 2011, a small crowd gathered in Paso Robles for the debut of the Garagiste Festival, an event that would quietly reshape how wine lovers engage with California’s artisanal producers. Fourteen years later, what began as a niche gathering has grown into a multi-city phenomenon, earning the title of “Best Wine Festival in the U.S.” from USA Today in 2018. Unlike the polished, high-volume spectacles of Napa or Sonoma, the Garagiste Festivals spotlight a different breed of winemaker: the garagistes – small-lot artisans crafting fewer than 1,500 cases annually often from makeshift setups far removed from the industry’s glitzy mainstream.

Roots of a Renegade Movement

The term “garagiste” traces back to 1990s Bordeaux, where it was coined as an insult against winemakers who bucked tradition, fermenting in garages rather than grand estates. In the U.S., it’s become a rallying cry for independence and the Garagiste Festivals were the first to give these rebels a stage. 

Founded by Doug Minnick and Stewart McLennan, the events aimed to bridge a gap – connecting consumers with producers whose wines rarely reach beyond local circles or club memberships. 

“These are people driven by passion, not profit,” Minnick said in a recent interview. “We wanted to create a space where their stories – and their wines! –  could breathe.”

Today, the festivals span California – from Paso Robles to Santa Ynez to Sonoma’s Northern Exposure and next week’s Los Angeles’ Urban Exposure in Glendale – drawing thousands annually. Each event features over 40 micro-wineries, pouring upwards of 100 wines from more than 20 grape varieties – an eclectic mix that defies the uniformity of bigger wine fairs.

A Kaleidoscope of Flavors

At a typical Garagiste Festival, attendees might swirl a brassy tannat from Santa Ynez Valley, then a crisp falanghina from Paso Robles – along with the more well-known cabernets, pinots and chardonnays – all in an afternoon. The diversity stems from the garagistes’ freedom to experiment, unbound by corporate quotas or market fads. Many lack tasting rooms or wide distribution, making these gatherings a rare portal to their work. The “Rare and Reserve” tastings are where early birds sample barrel lots, library bottles and club exclusives – offerings that even collectors struggle to source.

Organizers cap ticket sales to keep crowds intimate, a stark contrast to the sprawling, elbow-to-elbow affairs elsewhere. This intimacy lets attendees linger at tables, chatting with winemakers who pour their own vintages. At the 2024 Paso Robles festival, Kevin Bersofsky of Montagne Russe uncorked a syrah while recounting its vineyard’s steep, rocky slopes. 

“You don’t get this at a big winery,” one attendee remarked, glass in hand.

Beyond the Bottle

The festivals’ laid-back vibe sets them apart and the popular silent auction supports the non-profit’s Garagiste Festival scholarship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for deserving winemaking students. There’s no dress code or rigid etiquette – just a crowd spanning twenty-somethings to retirees, united by curiosity. 

“You’ll never find these wines in supermarkets and restaurants. This is your only chance to discover so many outstanding under-the-radar winemakers all in one place – and you don’t even need to drive to wine country to do it!” said Minnick. 

https://www.garagistefestival.com