It’s that time of year once again—yes, that marvelous season when we get to bust open a bag of fun-sized candy and pop a few bottles of Paso Robles wine. Halloween candy, meet wine. Wine, meet Halloween candy. We’re all going to be good friends by the time this blog post is done! Without any further rambling, here’s our favorite sugar-laced pairings for Halloween 2020. Hey, it’s hard work but someone’s got to do it! And you can do it too! Zoom your Halloween party with your friends and fam. You can savor these awesome pairings together and hand out a prize for the best costume! (Yes these wineries will mail the wines right to ya’ll.)
Snickers and Four Lanterns Winery Right Bank Merlot
It’s time to give merlot a second chance, friends. After all, top tier Paso Robles wineries like Four Lanterns Winery are producing refined and elegant expressions of this once misunderstood varietal (Enter: Four Lanterns 2015 Right Bank Merlot). A substantial, velvety mouthfeel and intense black cherry/plum vibes can stand up to the Snickers’ rich, chocolatey heft. Plus, toasty oak undertones in the wine bring out the nuttiness of the peanuts and grandeur of all that caramel. Luxurious? Oh yeah. Better preserve your appetite for this one. This combo is more than a mere pairing. It’s a downright meal!
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Gummy Bears and Peachy Canyon Classic Rosé
Worms, stars, bears, skulls—it doesn’t really matter what shape this subtly fruity, addictively chewy confection takes. All you need to know is that you’ve got to pair gummy candy with rosé. Trust us, we’re the professionals after all, and our new favorite pink will do the trick! Peachy Canyon’s 2018 Classic Rosé is lively and fresh (unlike your social life these days). Aromas of strawberry, guava, and lychee lead to a bright and juicy flavor bomb in the mouth (think fresh peaches, nectarines, and mandarin oranges). If this pairing doesn’t taste absolutely dreamy, you’ve probably opted for a sour gummy candy. We do not advise this! Abort mission.
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Butterfinger and Parrish Family Vineyard 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
No one puts a finger on our Butterfinger! This Halloween favorite (really, a year-round favorite) is a classic that mom, daughter and grandma can all agree on. But with wine? Yes, this was a tall order, but we’ve figured out the delicious riddle. After a bit of trial and error, we now know that Parrish Family Vineyard’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc was made for the job. As it turns out, the salty sweetness of the Butterfinger loves the tangy tart apple and lime notes in the wine (think creamy peanut butter slathered on sour apple slices). Plus, the whole combo is balanced by the wine’s graceful minerality and freshness. Yes, we are proud of this one.
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Dark Chocolate Kit Kat and Lusso Della Terra Chocolate Dessert Wine
Chocoholics rejoice! Finally, we’re pairing what you really want deep down in your soul: rich dark chocolate and—well—a dessert wine that harbors a lot of the same characteristics. Skeptics out there are probably worried that this pairing is going to be too “one note.” Don’t fret. Lusso Della Terra’s Chocolate Dessert Wine features bright aromas of ripe blackberries and cherry along with that rich, plum-meets-cocoa flavor you crave. Plus, the crisp, airy wafer hiding under all that sumptuous dark chocolate in the Kit Kat is going to give you some much-needed crunch. If “chocolate on chocolate” is your go-to flavor combo (it’s certainly mine), you’re going to adore this. Vanilla lovers need not apply.
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Candy Corn and Sextant Winery’s 2018 Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Wait! You’ve probably resolved to skip this pairing, because—let’s face it—no one in the history of the world has ever gone out of their way to consume candy corn. Here’s the thing though: inevitably, a few morsels of this weird waxen treat will make their way into your house. We don’t know how or why—we don’t make the rules! When this happens, be ready. A chilled glass of Sextant Winery’s 2018 Reserve Chardonnay will transform your view on this topic forever. Notes of lemongrass, pear and coconut play with the candy corn’s sweet, almost Marzipan-like nuttiness. A classic expression of chardonnay, the wine itself is downright buttery, which—you guessed it—picks up on the butter tones in the aforementioned corn. Yep. Just like that, your mind has been blown!
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For mapping and directions to Sextant in Paso, click here
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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. TOUR VIRTUALLY
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
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Hoyt Family Vineyard Retreats Two very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
Directions: speedfind.com/hoytfamilyvineyards
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
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. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
The Kiler Canyon Vineyard Retreat Perched on top of a hill on ONX Estate’s vineyard with gorgeous 360 degree views of the Willow Creek AVA
Directions: speedfind.com/KilerRetreat
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
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. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Oxford Suites Paso Robles You’ll find that from our lobby, our on-site restaurant, to our meeting spaces, to our 101 spacious suites, every space is beautiful + functional as well as comfortable + chic.
Directions: speedfind.com/oxfordsuitespasorobles
Peachy Canyon Guest Inn Sits above Peachy Canyon Winery + acres of vines at Mustang Springs Vineyard. The house has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, family room + panoramic views.
Directions: speedfind.com/PeachyInn
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
Rio Seco Winery Guest House 2 comfortable suites each with 2 bedrooms, complete with kitchens are set amongst the vines at iconic Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery. Enjoy your own barbeque + firepit.
Directions: speedfind.com/riosecovineyard