Cold ones: Paso might be “wine country,” but the suds are making a splash, too. Casual eatery Nosh Delights in downtown Paso Robles has been hosting beer tasting events paired with a five-course tasting menu on the first Wednesday of every month  (noshdelights.com; 1401 Park St., Paso Robles) … Congrats to this year’s California Mid-State Fair’s Home Winemaking champs! Applause all around for Chuck Strickland of Templeton (best of show and best sparkling), Richard Prokop of Atascadero (best dessert wine), Steven Baker of Paso Robles (best pink wine), and Michael Cullinan of Hollister (best petite sirah)!

News nibs

Viral vitners: Have you been following “You Don’t Know Paso” on YouTube? Let me fill you in: In the web series, six noted Paso Robles wine experts challenge each other, mock and intimidate, confer, defer and demur, sniff, swirl, and sip (view all the videos at pasosbestwines.com) … A new family-friendly bistro with bold international flavors has opened for business in Pismo Beach and—word on the street—their lamb sandwich is well worth hunting down (821 Oak Park Blvd., Pismo Beach) … BarrelHouse Brewing Co. has announced it will host the first ever Central Coast Sour Festival at its Paso location this Sept. 24 (get more pucker-worthy info at barrelhousebrewing.com).

Pizza obsession

Can I have your crust? Pretty please? Fresh Italian restaurant Flour House is open for business at 690 Higuera St. in downtown SLO, and if their Facebook page is any indication, the authentic, handmade pizzas appear to be epic. I plan on trying their house-made Italian delicacies ASAP, especially their from-scratch lasagna, which looks just like grandma used to make … Well, Woodstock’s has created a chocolate pizza, so now every great idea has already been done! I give up! … Did you know that Pizza Republic on Broad Street in SLO also offers fresh artisan breads in addition to pizza pies, slices, and sandos? (follow
@pizzarepublic for super cheesy updates).

Hayley Thomas is always down for a slice. Send your crusts and info to [email protected].