September may mean new pencils and textbooks for some, but in Paso Robles, it’s all about California Wine Month. As summer days dwindle down, we take stock of how far we’ve come, think about where we’re going, and sip the fruits of our labor (chilled whites are still preferred, as the heat only intensifies through early fall). With harvest heating up all around and a new vintage just around the corner, there is no better time than September to reflect on what makes California wine—and, in particular, Paso Robles Wine—so special. It’s not just the locals who agree. Thanks to our grapes, vineyard teams and winemaking leaders, Paso Robles is more than just “on the map.” These Paso Robles wines are renowned the world over!
1. Number of winegrape growers in California: 2,843
That’s a lot of growers! Although we’d love to celebrate all the winegrape growers in Paso Robles this month, that would be quite a task. Instead, let’s take the time to focus in at one, in particular. Michael Gill of Michael Gill Cellars represents the spirit and passion of Paso Robles wine. His life’s work is to produce premium syrah grown in westside Paso Robles, and he does so very well. In fact, the 2019 awards are in, and Michael Gill Cellars has received a whopping 20 medals this year! Taste these spectacular syrahs (our faves)—which range from syrupy and peppery to earthy and refined—at the Michael Gill Cellars tasting room, reminiscent of an antique French hunting lodge. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mr. Gill’s hard work.
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2. California is the fourth leading wine producer in the world, after Italy, France and Spain.
Crazy to think that the state of California rivals entire countries in terms of wine production, but it’s true! Our long growing season and temperate weather conditions make for fertile growing grounds, indeed. You may not know this, but many winemakers believe that Paso Robles’ has a terroir similar to that of France, with the ability to produce wines of similar (if not equal) caliber. Who said the New World can’t run with the big dogs? Boutique producers like Écluse Winery have not only won stellar awards—they’ve churned out wines just as good as their European counterparts. Sample the winery’s Rhone and Bordeaux style wines this month, including their 2016 Insider, a Spanish Carignane blend that took double gold at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition. Let the Old World burn with envy. We’ll be sipping our wine with a golden state of mind.
For quick and easy mapping and directions click here.
3. Winegrape varieties grown in California: More than 110
Don’t worry—we won’t ask you to name all of them! It’s hard to believe there are more than 100 varietals grown in California. In fact, Paso Robles is home to dozens of varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, zinfandel, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir. About 20% of the total varietals grown in Paso Robles are actually in the “other red” or “other white” category, however. These “lesser known” varietals range from mourvedre to picpoul blanc to tannat and beyond. Keep your eyes peeled while tasting through the area and you’ll discover new flavor profiles at every turn. For instance, ONX Winery’s Field Day 2017, a blend of sauvignon blanc, grenache blanc and viognier.
ONX’s adventurous straw colored blend opens with a fresh and fruity nose of mango, Georgia peach, and feijoa that play with the wine’s refreshing minerality. Green tea and grapefruit with pops of lime zest glide over the palate, complementing the mouth-watering acid that lasts well into the finish. Tropical notes of pineapple and guava linger long after the finish and will have you ready for another taste.
For ONX wine tasting COUPONS click here.
For quick and easy mapping and directions click here.
4. There are 526,000 acres of winegrapes grown in California, though vineyards cover less than one percent of the state’s terrain
Overall, Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres within the 614,000 total acres that make up the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. You might see these vines from your car window, but we suggest slowing down and actually taking a stroll through the rows themselves. This, my friends, is where great Paso Robles wine is truly born. The newly constructed Parrish Family Vineyards tasting room is located in the midst of the winery’s verdant 30-acre Adelaida Vineyard. Soak in gorgeous and sweeping views of this dynamic land, which contains 16 different soil blocks, including calcareous and clay. These soils produce pronounced acidity, full tannins, and great structure to the wine (not to mention that subtle spice you can’t put your finger on). Each vineyard is a universe in itself. Step outside and see for yourself, and indulge in mouthwatering gourmet offerings that Chef Rachel Ponce pairs with their wines! (Insider tip for foodies, this IS the place to land. Go for an amazing lunch, or enjoy a flavorful Sunday Brunch, all made with the premium ingredients).
For a Parrish Family Vineyard wine tasting COUPON click here.
For quick and easy mapping and directions click here.
5. Chardonnay is the leading varietal in California, followed closely by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, White Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio.
Your mother and grandmother probably still adore it, but that doesn’t mean chardonnay is “old fashioned” by any means! There’s a reason why chardonnay rules supreme in California in terms of popularity. Fresh, easy to drink and endlessly lovable, this golden-hued beverage ranges from totally toasty to buttery and creamy (why hate on it’s crowd pleasing appeal?). Whether aged crisp and clean in stainless steel or allowed to take on the oakiness of its barrel, Paso Robles chardonnay has a distinct allure that attracts droves of wine tourists every year. Rails Nap tasting room in Paso Robles is the perfect place to sink back, relax, and enjoy this time-tested wine with a few good friends. Their 2014 Chardonnay—made with grapes grown in nearby Santa Barbara—is fresh and fruit-driven, with aromas of honeysuckle, poached pear, and almond. Sipping chardonnay in the sun, along with surfing and volleyball, is a West Coast tradition we’d hate to see ever go away.
For a Rails Nap wine tasting COUPON click here.
For quick and easy mapping and directions click here!
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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