You’re prepared for gifting the outdoor lover, literary fanatic, new mom, and food-obsessed on your holiday list. But what about the hardcore wine enthusiast? With December quickly approaching, we can understand your panic. No worries, though. We’ve got you! This is Paso Robles Wine Country, after all. We know a thing or two about gifting (and receiving) wine-centric parcels. Pick up these five wine-lover approved gifts and you’ll be giving Santa a serious run for his money. Oh Santa, you really should switch from milk to Mourvedre!
A (Super) Smart Wine Preserver
When you drink a lot of wine, you find yourself in a pickle. Some bottles may not stay as fresh as you’d like, especially if multiple bottles are open for expansive at-home tastings and comparisons. The answer? Save the day (and the wine) with a state-of-the-art wine saver. It’s 2017, people. The day of the simple hand-held pump are over. Our phones are smart, so shouldn’t our wine gadgets be, too? Try this electric wine preserver, which comes with a quick-acting vacuum that sucks the air out with the simple touch of a button. Just another example of how living like the Jetsons ain’t too bad.
Rosé All the Way
Have a girlfriend obsessed with the pink stuff? Show her how much you know her heart by gifting this lovely tribute to the prettiest wine around. Not only will this cute pillow look perky on her blush-colored sofa, but it will inspire #roseallday hashtags through the New Year! In case you hadn’t noticed, 2017 saw a major rosé trend, with T-shirts, chocolate bars, phone cases and more. Now is the time for the Rosé fanatics to rise up and claim their rightful spot in the sun! Extra credit: Pair this gift with a chilled bottle of Paso Robles rosé. Too adorable!
A Non-Boring Coaster Set
Coasters? Really? If you think that these measly squares of material are only for wedding registries of folks you barely know and bland housewarming gifts, think again. You may not know this, but you should: There are coasters out there made specifically for wine bottles, and they are actually gorgeous as can be. Check out these fancy marble wine coasters, perfect for placing a chilled bottle of Chardonnay on a lovely wooden table (without any worry of ring spots). This is exactly what your best friend’s holiday centerpiece is missing!
Organization is Key
For those Container Store lover out there: We see you. There’s absolutely nothing stuffy about this modern wooden wine rack, which holds bottles up top and glasses down below. If you can’t think of a couple who need this handy contraption, you might be reading the wrong blog. Not only does this sleek piece look great in any home (thanks to its neutral, natural finish)—but it’s also a sure fire way to get yourself invited to every dinner party from here till infinity. Double whammy.
Nothing Says the Holidays Like a Good Bottle of Paso Wine
Seem too simple? You’re overthinking it. This holiday season, stock up on fabulous bottles of Paso Robles Wine perfect for the distinguished taster. Believe us, they will be thrilled to have a piece of wine country sparkling on their countertop or wine cellar. Whether you purchase a case of wine and give a bottle to each of your nearest and dearest—or if you prefer to pick out each individual bottle best suited for your loved ones’ personality—Paso Robles Wine Country is brimming with the best bottles around.
Try these incredible seasonal picks:
Dubost Ranch The Olive Oil Obsessed:
Dubost Ranch Olive Oil Blend featuring Mission, Manzanillo, Spanish and Tuscan varieties harvested from the hillside around the winery. Also, be sure to check out this winery’s bold Cabernet Sauvignon selections, like their 2011 vintage, perfect for the holiday table.
Mapping and Directions to Dubost Ranch
The White Wine Lover:
Cutruzzola 2012 Riven Rock Vineyard Riesling is delicate and festive, a magical addition to any holiday gathering.
Mapping and Directions to Cutruzzola
The Bold Blend Lover:
Chronic Cellars 2015 Dead Nuts is a crowd pleasing blend of Zinfandel, Tempranillo, and Petite Sirah that brings the table together over raspberries, black cherries, pepper, and allspice. 90 PTS Tasting Panel Magazine by Anthony Dias Blue.
Mapping and Directions to Chronic Cellars
The Syrah Fanatic:
Michael Gill Cellars offers a range of Syrah offerings, including their Black Tie Syrah that won PLATINUM and 96 PTS from the Beverage Testing Institute (Tastings.com)! Stop by the tasting room to try them all and pick out the perfect selection for your holiday list. Consider this a gift your your friend and yourself, too.
Mapping and Directions to Michael Gill Cellars
The Red Wine Lover:
It doesn’t get more luxurious or velvety than this Opolo 2013 Barbera. Well, you could wrap the bottle in a big velvet bow.
Mapping and Directions to Opolo Vineyards
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
cally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals