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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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