Grown-ups, rejoice! This year, forget foraging around in the little ones’ pillowcases and pumpkin baskets for a few fun sized treats. We say, pick up your own sweets (for adult enjoyment only) and a few bottles of fab Paso Robles Wine to pair alongside (great party idea!), so that you can enjoy the simple pleasure of trick-or-treat loot on a more sumptuous, sophisticated side. The idea, after all, is to heighten, not frighten, the wine in your glass.
Zinfandel and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
For some, Hershey’s milk chocolate is too sweet and overwhelming on its own, although a treat that most kid’s adore, right? Good news, it can become your tried and true awesome companion to your Paso Robles wine. Trust us on this one: Pair this overly cloying milk chocolate with a bold, jammy zinfandel and you’ll experience the phantom pairing of chocolate-covered berries with every sip (no fruit required)! We recommend Ernest Hemingway Vineyards 2018 Mountain Zinfandel to complete this delicious magic trick without a hitch. Crazy, right? It truly is uncanny.
Get the party started: Reese’s is all about that classic sweet and salty blend—a match already made in pairing heaven! Why mess with perfection? Well, three’s a party—just wait and see! Start by pouring a little merlot into the mix and see just how amazing a salty-sweet-fruity trio can be. Truly, this is one heck of a shindig happening in your mouth: You’ll savor the sugar from the chocolate and the salt from the peanut butter (which is also slightly fatty). A fruity, slightly tannic Merlot with complementary cherry and plum aromas (perfect for cutting the fat nicely), like Stilson Cellars‘ 2019 vintage, shakes the whole thing up. There you have it: a brand-new flavor combo for the ages!
Taste the rainbow, and then some: This might seem like a weird one, but the high acidity in chenin blanc off sets the sweetness in Jolly Ranchers (and oh, do they have a lot of sweet to offer). Tooth and Nail makes an enticing bottle worth trying this Halloween season (try their Destinata, a fresh, acid-driven online-exclusive), bursting with lively aromas of lime zest plus flavors of apricot and lemongrass.With 17 flavors of Jolly Rancher to play with, including cherry, blue raspberry, grape, green apple, fruit punch and watermelon, you can paint with all the flavors of the rainbow!
Treat yourself: Long day battling witches and goblins? We can relate! Now, try this: Run yourself a hot bath and pair a medium-bodied red, like Brecon Estate’s 2019 Grenache Adelaida, with a Snickers bar. Now, watch your troubles (and your hunger pangs) melt away down the drain. The chocolate-covered roasted nuts and nougat from the candy seem to hug the wine’s juicy, ripe red fruit like a loving embrace. This one a self care routine worth keeping, if you ask us.
Corny but crave-worthy: Love it or hate it, you’re probably going to eat a handful of candy corn this Halloween season (it’s the law, and we don’t make the rules). This fall, why not make your obligatory candy corn experience a little more enjoyable with some help from your good friend chardonnay? While the candy corn’s overt buttery vibe mimics the chardonnay, its off-the-charts sweetness is softened by the wine’s complex, toasty character. Iron Oaks’ refreshingly non-traditional Chardonnay (bolstered by a splash of pinot gris and viognier) has a way of actually transforming this oft-maligned candy into a total knockout worth anticipating. That waxy texture, however…it just can’t be helped!
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally-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
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.
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.
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.
Hoyt Family Vineyard RetreatsTwo very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
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®
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at chic, sparkling clean 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
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.
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.
