Like the perfect Fall cornucopia, blended wines are all about bringing together the right combination of ingredients. When you get the right stuff together—bam! Magic happens. Thanks to Paso’s ever-burning desire to search out new and compelling flavor profiles, blends have continued to take center stage. Why the big deal? These approachable wines are always versatile, unique and totally drinkable: In fact, most of the popular wine choices in the world are blends (we’re not surprised). In Paso Robles Wine Country, vintners play with combinations of barrels, vineyards or grapes to create totally exciting masterpieces, year after year. This harvest season, toast to 5 bodacious blends that prove more is more.
Straight Out of Paso – 2019 Tarragona
What’s inside: 47% Garnacha, 32% tempranillo 21% carignan
Why it rocks: You know that amazing, otherworldly aroma that rises from the garden after a hard rain? This SOP wine has that kind of perfume in spades. Fresh lavender and crushed violet petals plus savory herbs and resinous cedar fill the glass. Like a cozy visit to grandma’s country house, the palate reveals warm cherry pie, fresh pipe tobacco, saddle leather, pomegranate seed and a hint of cola. But there’s more! A vibrant finish lingers on with blood oranges and ground cinnamon coating your tongue. Bewitching is just the beginning.
Lone Madrone – Bristol’s Blackbeard Cider
What’s inside: Arkansas black, black twig, honey crisp, newtown pippin and granny smith apples
Why it rocks: OK, this is not a wine, but this is a cider made similarly to a wine by award-winning Lone Madrone winemaker Neil Collins. Stay with me: There’s no time like autumn to enjoy this underrated beverage. Aged for eight months in bourbon barrels, a sumptuous rainbow-blend of apples have been conditioned with a sprinkling of Champagne yeast and brettanomyces. The result? A mischievously complex cider that burns with fresh curiosity. Beware. You might become more interesting just by sipping it!
Still Waters – Cuvee Blanc Fisherman of Still Waters
What’s inside: Sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, viognier, and pinot gris
Why it rocks: Can’t we all just get along? Brimming with Still Waters estate grown fruit, this refreshing, everyday white blend is all about pleasing everyone at your table. Yes, we mean everyone (even your pickiest friend). The first thing you’ll notice when approaching the glass is the outright juiciness—this wine is the definition of “fruit forward.” Note the citrus blossom and orange stone fruit flavors, oh-so-charming till the very last drop! With a crowd-pleaser like this by your side, brunch is going to be a breeze.
Oso Libre – 2018 Reserva Bordeaux Style Blend
What’s inside: 81% Cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot
Why it rocks: Featuring a blend of grapes from Oso Libre Estate and Domenico Vineyards, this solid red blend is like smooth jazz for your soul. Savor the round, black cherry-plum vibes of the merlot bolstered by the structure of classic cabernet sauvignon (could there be a better blend made in heaven?) Barrel aged for an extended period, you’ll experience optimum lushness and luxurious mouthfeel like never before. Think of this as silk pajamas for your palate. Yes, it’s that smooth!
Crazy Woman Cellars – Brooklyn ’37
What’s inside: 70% Grenache and 30% merlot
Why it rocks: Both soft on the palate and interesting to the tastebuds, this one is a slam dunk for newbies and wine snobs alike. An homage to the CWC’s winemaker’s step-mom Adrienne Bennett (one of the “great crazy women” of history, according to the winery), this bottle’s got moxie. Dazzle your senses in the whimsy of raspberry, cherry, and vanilla chased immediately by a light tobacco smoke in the mid-palate. With loads of personality to spare, you’ll be intrigued till the last sip. What can we say…some people’s moms are just cooler than others.
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This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
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. 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
The GENESEO INN is a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the rolling hills of Paso Robles wine country. Built of industrial shipping crates perched above the vines on CASS Winery’s 145 acres of vineyard, the experience truly allows you to “breathe in the vineyard views.”
Directions: speedfind.com/CassWinery
Hoyt Family Vineyard RetreatsTwo 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
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
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.
The Farmhouse at Pelletiere Estate is a modern & luxurious wine country retreat. Privately situated & surrounded by our estate vineyards, located just off Hwy46w on a very accessible country road, nestled in the heart of Paso Robles’ renowned Westside, just 6 miles to Paso’s downtown square. The Farmhouse offers stunning vineyard views from every angle, as well as a stylish yet cozy house you’re bound to fall in love with!
Directions: speedfind.com/Pelletiere
