Black Friday may be a distant memory, but there are still unbelievable deals in your future. No, I’m not a fortune teller—I just know all the right people. Now listen up: You don’t have to camp out outside the department store or battle crazy shoppers pulling each other’s hair out…nor do you have to jump online at midnight and compete with millions of people across the world wide web. You heard right: All you have to do to snag awesome wine deals this winter is click! How easy is that? Check out these incredible coupons for 2-for1 wine tasting specialsand print or show them to your friendly tasting room attendant. Congrats! You are now an instant Paso Wine VIP. These 2-for-1 wine tasting specials show that BOGO can do for your wine cellar exactly what it does for your shoe collection—that is to say, amplify its awesomeness. Now, don’t you and your partner in crime have some serious wine tasting to do? You’re welcome.
1. Arroyo Robles
Let’s go! Grab a good friend and belly up to the bar at this cozy tasting room in quaint downtown Paso Robles. With a friendly staff and stools around the bar for fun hanging out, a quick stop can turn into hours of wine tasting pleasure. Don’t worry, you’ll never get kicked out for hanging around too long! Several new releases, including a 2008 Chardonnay blend of smooth Monterey County grapes; 2009 Viognier bursting with stone fruit and pear goodness; and a crisp, fresh 2011 Albarino, there’s always a new favorite to discover. Looking for a true Paso watering hole with good people, warm conversation, and great wines? This is your quick, downtown destination.
Get back to nature: A trip to scenic Brecon Estate Wines is like taking a trip back in time. With some of the first plantings in the Adelaida district, all you have to do is look to the land for a piece of West Paso history. In the glass, Brecon Estate wines shine with singularity, reflecting unique vineyard attributes you’ll soon learn all about. Sip petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon, and a delightful white Rhone blend of marsanne, rousanne, and viognier, among other spectacular offerings. Whatever you do, be sure to bring a partner to enjoy every moment! Like most joys in life, handcrafted wine is always better when shared among friends.
A coastal escape awaits! Located off Highway 1 near Hearst Castle, the creative enclave of Cambria truly is one of the Central Coast’s most cherished wonders. Stroll the charming streets and check out local artists’ wares, then pop into low key Cutruzzola Vineyards for an award-winning taste of estate-grown riesling and pinot noir. If cool climate varietals are your thing, then you’ve got to get to Cutruzolla, where ocean breezes refresh the soul and the grapes—grown just 6.5 miles from the ocean at Riven Rock Vineyard—whisper of crashing waves. Looking for relaxation and a little R&R? Consider this a secluded wine island all your own. Just don’t let the secret out to too many people!
You don’t have to worry about fumbling this longtime Paso Robles winery’s name to enjoy the incredible wine offerings (for the record, it’s pronounced po-lil-o). Swing on by and taste why this iconic winery’s dry farmed zinfandel offers you great value, or grab a glass of chilled chardonnay, fruity Cabernet Sauvignon, or inky petite sirah. Crafted in small lots to ensure quality and distinct flavors, you can be sure that no matter what you sip, you are sipping a truly artisanal glass of wine. With a rustic tasting room and gorgeous mountain views, there is no better place to unpack a picnic, especially during the calm, secluded off season.
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
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