Bring on the mashed taters, turkey, cranberry sauce and antacids! It is coming faster than you think!
Turkey Day means mindlessly gorging ourselves until our eyes roll back in our heads, yes. But that doesn’t mean we’d serve any old wine to our beloved friends and family. In Paso Robles Wine Country, we can afford to be picky. With a nuanced swath of whites, reds and rose wines at our fingertips, we tend to cover all the bases. Why not? This year, more is more. Pair your Thanksgiving Day feast like a Paso Robles local with these five tips. Remember, you can never have enough wine when the whole gang is invited!
1. Grab a Crowd Pleaser
Sure, your sister might love an inky petite sirah, but that’s not everyone’s bag (and that’s OK). For a blissful Turkey Day grub-down, you’ll want to have a few universally appealing wines on hand. Keep the flavor profile fruit forward, with softer tannins and a balanced bouquet. These are bottles you know will go over like gangbusters with all kinds of tastebuds.Cass Winery’s 2018 Oasis Rose fits the bill perfectly with pleasant spiced peach and candied watermelon in the mouth and a floral whimsy on the nose.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Cass Winery including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
2. Serve a Cleansing White
There’s a lot of butter happening on the big day. Cut all that rich fat with a bright acid-driven white and your guests will be looking toward their next bite with gusto. Too much creaminess in the food and the wine can add a heaviness to the meal, so this is the time to turn to more cleansing whites (don’t go for that super old school chardonnay). Instead, try Rails Nap 2017 Picpoul Blanc, which is enjoyed for its crip acidity, minerality, melon and lime with just a touch of apple blossom and citrus rind. Bring on the gravy boat!
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Rails Nap including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
3. Try a Lighter Red
Delicate turkey and mild ham tend to get bogged down by heavier reds like merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. Coax the nuance out of that juicy, well-spiced meat without overpowering the sweet potatoes with something a tad less robust in the glass. A good rule of thumb: keep your wine on the lighter side of the spectrum (save those luxuriously dark reds for prime rib, steak or roast lamb—you’ll thank us later). Thanksgiving fare calls out for a brighter red, like Hope Family Wines 2016 Grenache, which wows with a rush of cherry and blueberry flavor, yet features refined tannins.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Hope Family Wines including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
4. Toast to a Dessert Wine
You only live once—share the pure sweetness of the season with your most beloved friends and family. Why wait to break out the fancy sweet stuff? In Paso Robles we are guilty of serving up a dozen pies—and more than one killer dessert wine—to end the meal with a bang. How to build the perfect climax of decadent sugar, spice and togetherness? Try Brecon Estate’s 2015 Late Harvest Zinfandel, which is so much more than simply “on the sweet side.” In fact, this half bottle is packed with white and black pepper, a whole lot of spice, and fantastic jamminess.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Brecon including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
5. Keep it Chill
Don’t forget to properly chill your wines before the dinner table is set! To get the night off to a festive start, we suggest a celebratory sparkling wine, like Allegretto Vineyard and Wines Non Vintage White Blend. No one can pass up a glass of Paso Robles bubbly (and what could pair better with the cheese and charcuterie plate that just made the rounds?). Chill for 1 hour in the fridge—just don’t over do it; you want to maintain the nuances of the flavor. Somewhere between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit is optimum for sparkling wines (set the bottle on the table a few minutes prior to popping that cork. Everyone will gather round to ooh and ahh).
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Allegretto including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
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
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
Treat yourself to the ultimate Paso Robles wine country experience by booking your stay at The Inn at Opolo Vineyards. Guests enjoy our luxurious, spacious rooms and all of the sensory pleasures of Paso Robles in one destination. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/oploVineyards
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
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 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
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