Baby it’s (kind of) cold outside! Cozy up to Paso Robles wine this winter, where there’s no snow on the ground but plenty of holiday spirit to warm your soul on a chilly winter day. There’s no time like December to bundle up and head to a cozy tasting room surrounded by vineyards. Sure, those vines are dormant, but tasting rooms are as lively and festive and can be. Warm up at these 5 snuggly winter tasting rooms, all of which feature a crackling fire to keep you as snug as a bug in a rug.
1. Cozy Castle
Tooth and Nail Winery might look like a gothic castle, but inside it’s all storybook charm. Order up a flight (try the Defiant Flight, Unconventional Flight or the Provoker Flight) and warm your hands around the hearth. Enjoy offerings from Tooth and Nail’s unique and bold brands: Tooth & Nail, Rabble, Stasis and Amor Fati, all paired with fortifying snacks and lots of live music. Yes, this tasting room is ready to enchant all of your senses this winter.
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Mapping and Directions to Tooth and Nail Winery
2. Vines on the Marycrest
The fireplace at Vines on the Marycrest is always a popular place to swap stories and meet new friends in this cool, mid-century vibe winery. Gather around a bottle of 2015 My Generation (a mix of Zinfandel, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Petite Syrah) and watch the sparks fly. Aromas of cassis and woodsmoke, plus a touch of licorice make for a festive-feeling flavor. Supple, rich and broad, with smoky flavors of dark berries and cola, this complex wine is simply perfect for savoring on a long, chilly afternoon.
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Mapping and Directions to Vines On The Marycrest
3. Kiamie Wine Cellars
At Kiame Winery, the diminutive antique wood burning stove burns hot and the wine is always at just the right temperature, too. With grapes sourced from local vineyards—Starr Ranch, Halter Vineyard, Rolph Family Vineyard, Hearthstone Vineyard, La Vista Vineyard—the wines are always a reflection of Paso Robles’ famed westside. We recommend the winery’s 2017 White Kuvee, with hints of peach schnapps and spiced applesauce (I just bought 2 bottles). Yes, it would be fantastic paired with a festive holiday supper!
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Mapping and Directions to Kiamie Wine Cellars
4. Parrish Family Vineyard and Sextant Wines
Exclusive perks: Wine club members can warm up at an exclusive fireplace at Parrish Family Vineyard and Sextant Winery. Both are comfortable and welcoming tasting rooms to bring friends and family, too. Sextant Winery’s SLO location in Edna Valley is located near the old Edna Valley Townsite, smashing for holiday photo opportunities. The Paso Robles Sextant location shows off gorgeous limestone soil and oak trees. You can reserve a tasting for up to six guests at Parrish Family Vineyard, whose Paso Robles tasting room is plush and inviting. While you’re there, pick up a Parrish Holiday Pack (2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 Zinfandel, 2014 Petite Sirah) for everyone on your list.
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Mapping and Directions to Parrish Family Vineyard
Mapping and Directions to Sextant Wines
5. Allegretto Vineyard Resort
With exotic artwork all around, lush vines visible from grand windows, and fantastic food, Allegretto Vineyard Resort is lovely to visit, whether overnight or just for the evening. Stop by Cello Ristorante and Bar for a garden-fresh meal and a glass of wine made on site. With a roaring fire and plenty of local tasting flights to taste, you’ll want to linger a little longer. Good thing you totally can.
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Mapping and Directions to Allegretto
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.
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