Twenty-seven years ago a small group of people met together to create something magical in Atascadero. Together, they formed a committee chaired by the passionate community advocate and leader Barbie Butz. With the support of the Charles Paddock Zoo, the team moved forward to create two of the most loved events in Atascadero, the Mayor's Winemaker Dinner and the Atascadero Lakeside WineFest. 

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To the happy surprise of the team, both events were an extraordinary hit for locals and visitors. The attendance at both events increased every year until the Mayor's Winemaker Dinner grew to such a size that it was given to the Atascadero Kiwanis Club. The Atascadero Lakeside WineFest continued to grow, so much so that the committee partnered with the Atascadero Chamber for additional help in staffing and leadership. 

 

From the beginning, the committee had a heart for their Atascadero community. It was a gem on the Central Coast, filled with incredible people doing fantastic things. They wanted to support that. So, every year since its founding, some of the proceeds earned from the events go to the Charles Paddock Zoo and to other community organizations and events. 

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As the Atascadero Lakeside WineFest gets ready for 2024, it's keeping to its community heart. Both locals and visitors planning on enjoying the passport and the 2024 festival can expect to experience more Atascadero than ever before. There are plenty of wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, and more to enjoy, creating an unforgettable summer experience.