There are plenty of good reasons to break out that bottle before 1 p.m., not the least of which is the fact that it’s far cooler outside earlier in the day! Deck out your patio and invite the gang over for a bodacious gourmet brunch pre-beach outing and you’ll all be glad you did. When you fill up on decadent bites earlier in the day, you’ll make more room for sunshine-filled hours playing with friends and family. Who knows, you might even have so much fun you’ll skip the day’s plans and end up lounging around the yard till dinner. Tip: A garden hose, a case of chilled rosé, and a few kiddie pools are all you really need to stay cool this summer.
Go spicy!
Hot weather doesn’t mean you can’t sprinkle on the spice. Turn humble Huevos Rancheros into a stellar scorcher with a fresh and vibrant salsa verde and array of hot sauces procured at the local Mexican market. Allow your guests to top their entree with whichever fixing they fancy: lime wedges, barbecued corn, and crumbly queso fresco!
Pair with: JUSTIN Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc – Fresh lemon, white peach, guava, pineapple, white flower and herbal notes, and a little white pepper make this sauvignon blanc a citrusy shoe-in for runny eggs and salty cheese.
Click here for mapping and directions to JUSTIN Winery
Drizzle on the honey
There is nothing prettier than a beautiful chunk of honeycomb catching the morning light. Fry up some universally beloved French Toast and watch the forks fly. Allow the honeycomb to act as a centerpiece, and encourage guests to partake in the fun with their own honeycomb wand for drizzling. Top toasts with powdered sugar and ripe summer berries, then garnish with edible rosemary flowers for a truly epicurean experience.
Pair with:
Chronic Cellars 2015 Eunice – A mix of chardonnay, viognier, roussanne, and marsanne, this wine has a gorgeous perfume of peach, apple, and white flowers.
Click here for mapping and directions to Chronic Cellars
Flakey fun
There’s nothing more delicious than a fresh, flaky croissant. Or is there? Spring for a dozen chocolate-filled versions at the local bakery and you’ll be everyone’s best friend. Top with marmalade and orange zest (and maybe even a wedge of cream cheese for epic smearing and savoring).
Pair with: Écluse Wines 2015 Prelude White Rhone Blend – Complex, with stone fruit and orange blossom, this Rhone style blend is citrusy and a beautiful golden color. Tip: Add a curl of orange zest to your glass for a picture-perfect effect.
Click here for mapping and directions to Écluse Wines
A piece of the pie
This quiche recipe isn’t as hard as you think (you can even buy store-made pie crust and pass it off as your own; no one will notice). The best part? You can throw in whatever’s lingering in your fridge, from leftover ham and green onion to earthy mushrooms, cheddar, and broccoli. Get creative! Serve with a dollop of sour cream and prepare for leftover requests! Best to have tupperware on hand.
Pair with: Rangeland Wines 2016 Flora Rosé – Dry, crisp, and balanced, this rosé is the workhorse of your brunch (just like quiche, which is as good served hot as it is cold the next day).
Click here for mapping and directions to Rangeland Wines
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