The visionary founder and chairman of Slow Money, Woody Tasch, will return to San Luis Obispo in October to highlight the work of the local chapter of Slow Money supporting artisan and sustainable food and farm businesses.

Tasch will be the featured speaker at a fundraiser co-hosted by Cal Poly’s Center for Sustainability and Slow Money SLO: “Celebrating SLO County Sustainable Food Entrepreneurs.” The local food and wine celebration will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles.

“Celebrating SLO County Sustainable Food Entrepreneurs” will be a culinary exploration of some of the area’s finest foods and beverages, including food from businesses funded and coached by Slow Money SLO. The event, organized by Niner Wine Estates, will feature thoughtful and creative wine and food pairings. Tasting stations will be scattered throughout Niner Estates’ newly landscaped garden and grounds and will provide networking opportunities with San Luis Obispo County’s food artisans, entrepreneurs and supporters.

Tickets are $60 per person and are available online at: slofoodcelebration.eventbrite.com. Advance purchase of tickets is advised, as space is limited. Additional information about the event can be found at: cfs.calpoly.edu/slofoodcelebration.html.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the work of Slow Money SLO, a nonprofit organization that provides business development support and facilitates peer-to-peer lending to small, local food and farm businesses in the county.