Not just another nameless bottle of wine (sigh)—these bottles are unique, rare, and totally Paso Robles. This year, gift a taste of tantalizing craftsmanship and artisanal spirit ranging from sensational spirits to savory oils. Each of these bold bottles shows its own punchy personality and tells a compelling story (after all, each offering hails from a different corner of Paso Robles’ dynamic microclimate). Go forth and gift boldly. These 5 bottles shine brighter than your average hostess gift. Way, way brighter!
1. KROBAR LIT Light and Bright
Share the sparkle of holiday cheer with your favorite people. A true taste of the American spirit, KROBAR’s LIT “Light and Bright,” is a California twist on a traditional European aperitif wine. LIT is crafted in small batches and made with a bold infusion of California white wine, gentian, elderflower, bitter orange, and old-fashioned hard work. Shopping for a cocktail hound? Go for a festive little bottle of Olallieberry Cacao Bitters, made by using Krobār’s 11 Botanical Gin, locally grown olallieberry, and cacao nibs. Macerated with all natural fruits, herbs spices, roots, and barks, this one is perfect for kicking off any holiday feast with a satisfying clink.
Mapping and Directions to Krobar
2. Seven Oxen 2014 Mourvedre
Pomegranate and tart cherry dominate the 2014 vintage, echoing the rich, regal spirit of holidays past. With 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast, it will please even your pickiest sipper, and even some of the amateur wine critics, too. The addition of 10% Grenache provides beautiful body and structure, as well as subtle notes of black fruit. Excellent to drink now, Seven Oxen’s 2014 Mourvèdre will improve as it develops in the bottle and will age well for the next five to ten years. Aged 18 months in one-year old French Oak, this is a gift that will truly linger on through the years.
Mapping and Directions to Seven Oxen
3. 2013 Penman Springs Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark, dense ruby and a rich, elegant nose of ripe currant, cedar and raspberry call to mind the luxury and opulence of your greatest holiday fantasies come true. The bright palate on this 2013 Penman Springs Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is nicely textured with dark plum, currant and festive berry spice. A long finish with loamy earth and fine oak complexities, this age-worthy bottle will look downright luscious tucked under any tree.
Mapping and Directions to Penman Springs
4. Pasolivo Holiday Favorites Box
Some gift sets are just better than others. Take Pasolivo’s “holiday favorites” gift box, featuring five holiday themed bottles perfect for drizzling and dipping all winter long. Whether it’s the seasonal Boozy Cran-Cherry Chutney, Winter Ambrosia Vinegar, Citrus Olive Oil, or the popular Orange Blossom Honey, you’re boss/wife/mother-in-law/lover/kid’s teacher will love this sweet and delicious combination of high-quality Pasolivo products. In need of a warm cinnamon blend for baking during the holidays or a light and golden drizzle to add to desserts? Grab a few for your own kitchen. Note: every gift set arrives in a Pasolivo signature gift box, far too pretty to throw away with the wrapping paper.
Mapping and Directions to Pasolivo on Vineyard
Mapping and Directions to Pasolivo Downtown Paso
5. JUSTIN Large Format 2015 Isosceles
Go big or go home. This hefty hostess gift will satisfy a crowd, to be sure. For more than 25 vintages, ISOSCELES has been JUSTIN’s flagship wine and quality benchmark for this particular style of wine on the Central Coast. A blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon supported by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2015 ISOSCELES displays all of Paso’s good sides. While the 2015 ISOSCELES projects the cooler nature of this vintage with ripe red and black fruit and structure that could point to keeping a few bottles in the cellar, it’s so good now that you can also enjoy immediately, too. With a whopping 1.5 liters inside, you’ll wow the whole party. So, are you going to open it or what? We’re waiting!
Mapping and Directions to JUSTIN Winery
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.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
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