Our steady march into fall means longer nights—and in Paso Wine Country—more late night delights! As the moon waxes and wanes, make time to look up at the night sky and wonder at the vastness of it all. These exceptional Paso Robles wines paired with winter’s lunar phases call for a celestial moon dance between heavenly bodies (moon walking totally encouraged, too).
Integrate with the Gibbous Moon: Oct. 18
Also known as a waxing moon (when the moon shows 135-180 degrees of its face), this is a time when outside distractions can press on your mind. Use this time to shake off the unnecessary buildup of daily life and instead work to organize and integrate what you’ve learned thus far. Need to come up with a practical plan? Now is your time to scheme and focus.
Lunar pairing: With its practical screw cap, Bodega de Edgar’s 2012 El Cabrhone gets straight to the point of the matter. However, it’s in no way “straight laced:” with lovely blackberry, plum, and applewood smoke notes, plan for pure pleasure.
Mapping andDirections: speedfind.com/BodegaDeEdgar
Harvest with the Quarter Moon: Oct. 25
The last quarter moon of the month (waning 90-45 degrees) is the perfect time for reaping rewards and recognizing how far you’ve come. Tie up those loose ends, harvest the seeds you’ve sown, and breathe in an easy sigh of satisfaction and abundance.
Lunar pairing: Behold the power of your own creation with an equally awe-inspiring red. Hug Cellars’ 2013 Shadow Canyon Syrah is dark and roasty featuring coffee, chocolate, blueberry and pepper.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/HugCellars
Stay the Course with the Crescent Moon: Oct. 27
This moon looks like a sliver—or God’s “fingernail” in the sky. This is a great time to gain input from others, contemplate your own values, and bring together the data at hand. Stay the course, and don’t rush into a big decision just yet! Take this time to mull it all over (with a tasty glass in hand).
Lunar pairing: When you’re on the fence astrologically speaking, it’s best not to go too dark or too light. Instead, set your travels for the middle road, with Cayucos Cellars’ 2013 Pinot Noir. With bright splashes of vibrant color, this burgundy sunset quells the senses with cedar smoke, blackberry tart and fresh baked cranberry crisp straight from the oven.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/CayucosCellars
Re-energize with New Moon: Oct. 30
The New Moon brings a sudden darkness to the sky but a renewed brightness to the heart. This is the optimal time to make a new start, clean your slate, and begin a new project with gusto. Fresh enthusiasm is in the air—take advantage of that lingering power!
Lunar pairing: Deep, dark, and mysterious, Brecon Estate’s velvety smooth Petite Sirah echoes the pitch black sky, yet—with bold berry flavor and hints of French and American Oak—foretells the infinite promise of future pleasures. Tip: Tuck away for a few years and it will reward you well.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BreconEstate
Set Your Intention with the Full Moon: Nov. 14
When the moon is at its full illuminated best, we are called to look at our lives and see clearly where we are and what we wish to manifest. Have you brought forth into the world what you sought to create? This is a time of stirring emotional transparency; so if you’re feeling blue around the new moon, take note to go after your dreams on the next new moon cycle. Nothing hides beneath the glow of this full lunar display.
Lunar pairing: Set your intention with a Zinfandel as bright as the sky this time of the month. Clavo Cellars’ award-winning 2011 Zinfandel – Desperado is full of luscious fruit sure to inspire and invigorate.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ClavoCellars
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, 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.
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.
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