You’re all gathered around the table—even great aunt Shirley. The food is fab, the conversation is lively and the wine is flowing. This is everyone’s holiday wish, right? But what if you could take that simple dream a notch further, and make it a dinner worth remembering for decades to come? It all starts with a show stopping fall centerpiece and the perfect Paso Robles offerings to pair it with. Whether you’re old school autumnal or minimal chic, these 5 ideas take holiday feasting to epic new heights. Don’t be surprised if your guests need to take a photo of the glorious table spread before they can dig in and grub down.
1. A Very Modern Holiday
Succulents may not be the quintessential fall plant, but in sunny Paso Robles, these native water-sippers thrive all year round. Snip a few architectural buds and tuck them into a low wooden box strewn with pretty stones for a minimalist effect. Tip: Carve out a pumpkin or gourd and place succulents inside for a uniquely modern autumn look. Click here for inspiration and instructions.
Pair with: A clean, modern table calls for an equally fresh wine. Go for Sculpterra Winery’s 2015 Paso Pink Rose, and you’ll be toasting to your good taste in no time. With strawberry, raspberry, and vibrant tropical fruits, this pink, perky drink is as festive (and nontraditional) as they come.
Click here for mapping and directions to Sculpterra Winery
2. Flickering Orbs
Paso Robles may be a tad hot for growing apples, but we sure do love our hard cider! Pick up a cold frosty bottle and refresh your senses as the temps cool down. Another neat trick for incorporating lovely autumn apples into your next dinner? Hollow out a few and place votive candles 
inside. These simple flickering centerpieces will add storybook appeal to any festive feast. Click here for inspiration and instructions. Tip: See Canyon in nearby San Luis Obispo is bursting with fresh apples this time of year. Grab the kids and go for a you-pick excursion that will add deliciousness to your DIY project.
Pair with: Forget bobbing for apples. This crisp hard cider is so much more satisfying. More than 55 types of apples go into each bottle of Bristols Original, and it shows in the complex flavor. Inspired by the dry English cider, you’ll find it pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, and the all-important garlic mashed potatoes. We’ll take thirds!
3. Sparkle and Shine
Recycle your holiday wine bottles by turning them into tomorrow’s table talking piece. Scrub the bottles, remove any labels and fill with beautiful twinkling holiday lights. This DIY tutorial shows you exactly how to turn trash to treasure. Drink a lot of wine? We sure do. Turn excess bottles into coveted holiday gifts for friends and family.
Pair with: A sparkly table calls for—what else—sparkly wines! Pop the cork and celebrate in style with sparkling wines from Rava Winery, Paso Robles Wine Country’s newest winery and event venue. Specializing in sparkling wines méthode champenoise, this one stop shop has all the vital equipment needed to control the entire process in house from vine to bottle. This third-
generation farming family takes great pride in growing and harvesting their own grapes, striving to retain the intimate link between their roots and their wine.
Click here for mapping and directions to Rava Wines
4. Golden Goodies
Mini pumpkins and bumpy gourds are always appropriate for a fall table, but why not glam ’em up a bit? Live a little, and break out the gold spray paint! A thin coat will turn your ho-hum harvest into a gilded conversation starter. Click here for inspiration and instructions. Tip: For dessert, bust out poached pears and blue cheese drizzled with honey. This wine, in tandem with the sweet, funky flavors, will knock their fall-themed socks off.
5. Wow ‘em with Winegrapes
A harvest inspired table spilling with seasonal delights is incomplete without wine grapes! Create a uniquely Paso Robles cornucopia with a table laden with juicy grapes and leafy vines. Click here for inspiration. Tip: If you don’t have your own vines, ask a friend or neighbor. You can always resort to a fabricated cluster, but if you happen to be in Paso Wine Country, there’s no need to fake it!
Pair with: Go bold or go home! Give ‘em some true Paso Robles wine country love with a bottle of Brecon Estate 2014 Reserve Cabernet. Aged for 22 months in French oak, get ready for silky smooth tannins and a lingering finish.
Click here for mapping and directions to Brecon Estate
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