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Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction to fund scholarships for local students

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 7:32 GMT by ksby
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Paso Robles Wine Country Launches Virtual Auction to Raise Scholarships for Local Students

In an ambitious effort to invest in the next generation of Paso Robles leaders, the Paso Robles Wine Country community is hosting a virtual auction that will auction off a collection of prized wines, exclusive vineyard experiences, and other luxury goods. Proceeds from the event will go directly to a new scholarship fund aimed at helping students from the area pursue higher education without the burden of crippling debt.

The auction, which will run from 10 am to 6 pm Pacific Time on Thursday, October 18, is organized by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) in partnership with the Paso Robles Area Education Foundation (PRAEF). Both groups are dedicated to supporting the local economy—PRWCA by promoting the region’s vineyards and culinary culture, and PRAEF by working to increase student access to post‑secondary education.

A Bounty of Bids

Participants will have the opportunity to bid on an array of items that showcase the best of the region. Highlights include:

• Limited‑edition bottles of the 2017 and 2019 Zinfandels that have already earned international awards.
• Vineyard tour packages featuring a private guided walk, a winemaker Q&A session, and a complimentary tasting of the winery’s newest releases.
• Wine‑pairing dinner at the celebrated “Casa del Vino” restaurant, complete with a five‑course menu curated by the chef and a six‑course wine pairing.
• Custom‑engraved wine glasses and a set of premium corkscrews designed by local artisans.
• “Grower’s Dream” experience, which includes a night under the stars at a vineyard, a bonfire, and an on‑site picnic prepared by a local chef.

“We’re thrilled to offer such an exciting lineup for our community,” said PRWCA President Maria Gonzales. “These items not only highlight the best of what Paso Robles has to offer, but they also help us raise funds for something truly meaningful: scholarships for our students.”

Why Scholarships Matter

The scholarship fund—named the Paso Robles Community Scholarship Fund—will provide up to $3,000 in financial aid to high‑school graduates attending any accredited college or university. It will also offer a $1,000 stipend for students pursuing community‑college courses or vocational training programs within the county.

“This is an opportunity for our students to focus on what matters most: their education and their future,” said PRAEF Director Mark Rios. “We know that the cost of college can be a huge deterrent, especially for families in rural or underserved communities. By removing that financial barrier, we’re empowering the next generation to reach their full potential.”

How to Participate

The auction will be hosted on the PRWCA’s official auction platform, accessible at www.pasorobleswinecountryauction.com. Bidders can register in advance to receive an email with a unique bid‑number that will be used throughout the event. Live streaming of the auction will also be available on the PRWCA’s Facebook page for viewers who cannot register online.

To place a bid, participants will simply click on the item of interest, enter the amount, and click “Bid.” The platform automatically alerts the user if their bid is outbid, ensuring that they stay in the running until the final closing bell. All payments will be processed through a secure payment gateway, with funds transferred directly to the scholarship fund upon the successful closure of the auction.

Community Involvement and Support

The Paso Robles community has already shown overwhelming support for the auction. Local businesses have pledged to donate a portion of their sales during the week of the event, and several wineries have donated exclusive tasting experiences that will feature prominently on the auction floor.

“Paso Robles is known for more than just wine; it’s known for people who care about each other,” remarked Mayor Susan Martinez. “This auction is a perfect example of how our community can come together for a great cause.”

Looking Ahead

The PRWCA and PRAEF hope that the success of this auction will inspire other regions to replicate the model. In addition to raising funds, the event aims to showcase Paso Robles as a vibrant, forward‑thinking community that values both its heritage and its future.

Bidders and supporters who want to learn more about the auction or the scholarship program can visit www.pasorobleswinecountryauction.com or contact the PRWCA office at (805) 555‑0123. The auction will open at 10 am on October 18, and the first bids will be accepted within the first 15 minutes. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a philanthropist, or simply a resident eager to support local students, there’s a place for you in the Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction.

By combining the region’s renowned wine culture with a heartfelt commitment to education, this virtual auction stands as a testament to how community resources can be leveraged to create lasting opportunities for young people. The Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction invites everyone to take part in shaping a brighter tomorrow for the next generation of local leaders.