Whew. One of the longest, toughest years in recent memory is finally over—and it’s safe to say we all have our sights set on brighter days ahead! I think you’d agree that, collectively, we’re all ready for a glass of Paso Robles wine. Right? As we look joyfully to 2021, let’s plan for fresh new flavors, surprising virtual tastings, and exciting adventures in and around beautiful Paso Robles Wine Country. Don’t just dream it—achieve it! How? You can make all of these wine fantasies (and more) reality with these 5 easy-to-keep resolutions.
Try something new
Go wild! In Paso Robles, new flavors are always celebrated. In fact, it’s part of our pioneering spirit. If you’re feeling blasé about your recent wine choices, we’re here to help! Now is the time to shake things up with vibrant bottles and bold new offerings. From rebellious red blends to elegant Rhone whites and everything in between, you’ll find your new favorite varietal here, in our dynamic family of microclimates. Lone Madrone is all about crafting wines that reflect and honor the vineyards from which they came. Sip the winery’s diverse selection and you’ll soon understand that terroir can vary wildly, even from one hillside to another. Yes, wine is an ever-evolving muse. Take a step off the beaten path and discover what you’ve been missing. It’s all part of the fun! Have you ever experienced Tannat?
We love Lone Madrone’s 2016 Tannat. The fruit is dark, yet quite showy with a vibrant lively feel, there is great depth here with a sense of the forest floor, earth, and stone. Just a touch of vanilla here, perhaps born of the oak. Absolutely stunningly bright red and black fruits herein the mid palate. Long and marked with solid acid, its full, vibrant, rich and long. Crying for red meat. It’s the butcher’s accomplice.
Get organized
Truth: It’s hard to pick an outfit when you can’t see what’s in your overstuffed bedroom closet. Same goes with wine. Allow your pairing skills (and creativity) to soar when you truly are able to view all your wines in one go. Now is the time to take stock of what’s aging in the cellar (or just in your cupboard), bring bottles ready-to-drink to the front of the line—and yes—discover a few vintages you completely forgot you had. We’re all guilty of this one. A bottle worth clearing a little space for? Chronic Cellars 2019 Purple Paradise, a mix of zinfandel, petite sirah, syrah and grenache that bursts with juicy blackberry-mocha charm. In fact, the label’s so cute, you might want to display this one on a fancy new countertop wine rack from Crate and Barrel.
Go Virtual/To-Go
Click, sip, hooray: Virtual tasting are here to stay! Paso Robles Wineries have upped their game lately, providing miniature tasting bottles, Zoom links and all the expert know-how you’d expect from a world class tasting room experience. Many wineries continue to offer sensational virtual tastings, while some—like Parrish Family Vineyard—offer bottles, glasses, and even gourmet food entirely to go. Want to visit Paso Robles Wine Country in 2021? Embark on a virtual tour! This is a great way to dip your toe in the water (or wine) before you head out on your next road trip.
Plan a trip (safely)
Speaking of traveling to Paso Robles Wine Country: We all need something to look forward to! Not only is Paso Robles Wine Country easily accessible by car (we’re located off the 101 Highway, midway between Los Angeles to the south and San Francisco to the north), but you can also rest assured you’ll be taken care of. Paso Robles Wine Country is home to wide open spaces and rolling hills perfectly tailored for socially distant wine tasting experiences. From gorgeous outdoor patios and verandas to breezy tours among the vines, you can stay safe while you sip. Plus, Paso Robles Vacation Rentals are doing their part to redouble cleaning efforts. Choose from 120 unique stays, including whole house rentals and cottages in the country. Lekai Ranch offers up a premium stay heightened by 300 degree views spanning more than 50 miles of Paso Robles vineyards, sweeping on toward the backside of Big Sur and Hearst Castle. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you’re just a stone’s throw from Halter Ranch Winery, chosen as a 10 Hot Winery brand!
Join the Club
Become one of the fam: We’re not your average club! Friendly, outgoing and outrageously friendly, Paso Robles wine clubs are a lot like a group of friends (and pick-up parties are akin to a fun and boisterous reunion for all involved). Paso Robles Wineries offer wine clubs as unique as you are! From shipments featuring your preferred varietals (all red, all white, a mix of both) to amazing exclusive perks reserved for VIPS, you can ensure you’ve signed up for a club that truly “gets you.” Eberle Winery’s Cellar Club is legendary for a reason: get access to new releases, limited production and cellar club wine labels, exclusive discounted pricing along with your regular shipment of delicious wines. The Legacy Club ships six bottles four times per year and allows you to choose between a bottle of mixed red and white wines; all red; all white; or a customizable pack of just your favorite hand-picked selections. That’s right. You do you!
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 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
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
