The dog days of summer are upon us now! If you find yourself relating a lot more to your Golden Retriever these days—passing out on the cold kitchen floor, jumping spontaneously into water fountains, chewing ice cubes like there’s no tomorrow—you may need a chilly escape. Before you pack that picnic basket for the beach, throw together something icy, fun, yet totally “grown up.” These icy wine treats are a snap to make. Plus, they’ll shine with a splash of your favorite leftover Paso Robles wine!
1. Savory Blueberry Cabernet Cheesecake Popsicles
Not often does every word of a recipe sound delicious on its own. Bright blueberries, luscious cab and tangy cheesecake areswirled together to create a trifecta of decadent deliciousness. A little Cab left over from that Friday night dinner party? Looks like you’re on the path to a delicious Saturday night dessert. Click here for the recipe.
Your Secret Ingredient:
Velvety Dubost Ranch 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in small format barrels and blended with 10 percent Syrah.
Go bold or go home, right?
Mapping and Directions:
speedfind.com/DubostWinery
2. Crunchy Chardonnay Granita
Never has a third of a bottle of Chardonnay reached for such greatness. Cool
flecks of ice meet a full-bodied chardonnay and sweet, crisp apple. This treat truly is candy for the adults among us…plus, it’s so darn easy to make, you’ll want to bring a few over to your neighbors. It’s time to grab a big, floppy hat, the latest issue of Cook’s Illustrated, and a spoon (best eaten while your feet are submerged in sun dappled lake or pool water). Click here for the recipe.
Your secret ingredient:
Tooth and Nail Winery 2014 Amor Fati Chardonnay, which boasts a super silky mouthfeel and rich, luxurious flavor. Full bodied? Oh yeah.
Mapping and Directions:
speedfind.com/ToothAndNail
3. Fruity Viognier Sorbet
Handfuls of juicy strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries mixed with irresistible tropical mango and pineapple come together to create a smooth, icy treat that simply cannot be beat. Although any white wine will do, I say go for something subtle with similar tropical notes, like a viognier, so that the gorgeous fruit has a chance to shine through. After all, it’s only berry season once a year. My motto on leftover wine and berries is interchangeable: “Make the most of it!” Click here for the recipe.
4. Zinfandel Sangria with Zinfandel Ice Cubes
You’ve probably heard that it’s a sin to plop ice cubs into your wine. This is true (your wine will be watery in no time)! However, wine ice cubes—basically, frozen wine—are amazing in a range of drinks, including everyone’s favorite party-starter: Sangria! Try this recipe with a tweak: Freeze a
batch of zippy Zinfandel the night before, so as the day heats up, your sangria will only intensity in flavor. Warning: Always use the same wine for ice cubes and in your sangria. Creativity is the spice of life, but you can go too overboard. Click here for the recipe.
Your secret ingredient:
Spicy, punchy estate grown HammerSky Vineyards 2013 Zinfandel, which showcases the best sunny Paso Robles terroir has to offer.
Mapping and Directions:
speedfind.com/HammerSkyVineyards
5. Muscato Ice Cream Sandwich
This dessert will wow your friends and family…I mean, even Martha Stewart couldn’t have thunk this one up! Ah, but does it sound like a lot of work? If you’ve got an ice cream maker, some whole milk, cream, vanilla extract, and sugar, you are well on your way. Add in ¾ cup of a fruity, flirty Muscato and your dessert is elevated from summer camp to soiree. Click here for the recipe.
Your secret ingredient:
Opolo Vineyards Flirtations Muscat Cannelli, which is all round fruitiness, sweetness, and summer fun packed conveniently in a pink-capped bottle.
Mapping and Directions:
speedfind.com/OpoloVineyards
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for 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, 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.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
L
a 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.
D
irections: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796