Is there a food more crave-worthy than sizzling hot pizza straight from the oven? That sumptuous sauce, crisp crust, savory toppings, and bubbly, gooey cheese combine to give your diet plan a one-two punch to the gut. We say, why resist the urge? Treat yourself! Order up one of these universally beloved pies and pour some Paso Robles wine. Invite the whole block over (because, hey, gluttony loves company). Unlike your neighbor’s lackluster lawn, these pizza pairings are truly something to take pride in.
1. Pepperoni
Classic pepperoni is always the best go-to for a hungry crowd. Everyone secretly loves it, and—thanks to the topping’s spicy, fatty allure, it plays well with rustic grenache and zingy zinfandel. Bright, perky cured meat flavors shine alongside an equally exciting wine.
Try: Sextant Wine’s 2015 Wheelhouse Zinfandel
Buy now
Mapping and Directions to Sextant Wine’s, Paso Robles
2. Meat Lovers
When you load all the meats onto one ‘za, you can expect a crowd to appear out of nowhere. This mouthwatering combo of sausage, pepperoni, ham, and Canadian bacon could truly feed an army (or just all the neighborhood teenagers). Pair this buffet of meaty flavors with a fruit-forward cabernet sauvignon or bold merlot.
Try: Rotta Winery’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Buy now
Mapping and Directions to Rotta Winery
3. Hawaiian
Love it or hate it, sweet pineapple and salty Canadian bacon make this pizza uniquely delicious. What’s trending now for this all-time trend setter? Add jalapeño. Yes, this will take your Hawaiian into truly “hot” territory, but it shouldn’t set your mouth ablaze. Simply pair your slice with a fruity white wine that complements and quells all that fiery tropical taste.
Try: Cutruzzola’s 2012 Riesling
Buy now
Mapping and Directions to Cutruzzola
4. Garlic Chicken
When you’re in the mood for pizza but not all the acidic marinara, load on the creamy white sauce and tender shredded chicken. Although this pie might appear mild, all that garlicky goodness in the sauce creates an addicting wave of umami. Your breath will suffer, but your taste buds will rejoice, especially when you pair this pizza with an earthy, light-bodied pinot noir.
Try: Tudor Wine’s 2010 Hook Pinot Noir
Buy now
Mapping and Directions to Tudor Wines
5. Veggie
Load on the artichoke hearts, olives, onions, shrooms—hey, even the kale! Whatever your veg preference, it belongs on your pizza (no matter what the critics say). You’ll all feel a teeny bit more virtuous for this order, and you might even feel a bit sophisticated pairing your pie was a crisp albariño. Tip: Explain how the vegetal notes in the wine bring out the bitter acidity in the peppers to truly impress the socks off your beer drinking buds.
Try: Bodega de Edgar’s 2016 La Guera, a blend of 80% Albariño and 20% Chardonnay
Buy now
Mapping and Directions to Bodega de Edgar
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] 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, locally 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
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals