Experience the spicier side of Paso Robles Wine Country. The holidays may be over, but baby—it’s still cold outside! Embrace the stormy weather, wind, and rain with a piping cup of pure comfort. For these wonderful warming mulled wine recipes, only the best Paso Robles bottles will do. Like a blanket (dare I say, “Snuggie?”) for the soul, these wintery concoctions brimming with clove, spice, and cinnamon will tide you over till the first blush spring. After all, sunnier days—with their crisp, cool white wines and poolside soirees—are just around the corner. We say snuggle up while you can and throw another log on the fire!
Fire up the slow cooker – Merlot
Already obsessed with the magical powers of your slow cooker? Good! I don’t have to persuade you to drag it out of storage. Just as you can throw in some chicken and veggies in the a.m. and come home to a house smelling of grandma’s love, you can also slow cook your next batch of mulled wine. Try this no-fuss recipe for Slow Cooker Spiced Wine and call it a day. P.S. You’re welcome. Your house now smells better than a fancy soy wax candle!
Mulled wine beginner’s go to: Grab a delicious bottle of fruity (not sweet) merlot, like San Marcos Creek’s 2014 Estate Merlot, which is fruit forward and boasts aromas of ripe cherries and red currant.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/SanMarcosCreekVineyards
Make it the French Way
The French know their mulled wine—or “vin chaud,” a common treat across Bordeaux this time of year. The most important factor in creating a truly authentic batch? Tart-sweet tangerines and a whole lotta clove love. You’ll want ten cloves to each tangerine in this recipe (small oranges or clementines will also work). Poking the skins of the citrus allows the zesty flavor to truly penetrate the wine and awaken your winter mood. Try this trusted recipe for Citrus-Spiked Mulled Wine, which also shows you how to make a batch ahead of time to re-warm later. Nothing says company like “wine’s on the stove!”
When it comes to choosing a traditional wine for mulling, go with a solid Cabernet Sauvignon, like Eberle Winery’s 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, full of dark fruit, cassis, black cherry, and hints of chocolate.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/EberleWinery
Add Cranberry Zing
Festive, cheery and powerfully pleasant, cranberries add a pop of color and tart allure to any cold weather drink. Use fresh or frozen—either way, be forewarned that this Cranberry-Orange Mulled Wine recipe istruly way too drinkable to resist a third cup. The zing of cranberry goodness calls out for a bright Zinfandel that won’t be overshadowed.
Try Chronic Cellars’ 2015 Purple Paradise, with 68% Zinfandel and a splash of Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Syrah. With brilliant aromas of vanilla, mocha, dark cherries, roasted almonds, and cinnamon, it’s a bold choice that’ll blow their socks off.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ChronicCellarsWinery
White and Red Wowzers
Hosting a few dinner parties in early 2017? Serve a drink that inspires “instant cozy” the moment your guests walk through the door. You’ll want to try this eye-catching recipe for Mulled Wine Two Ways—as beautiful as it is delish. Thanks to this creative recipe’s addition of white wine, one batch is a gorgeous golden hue while the other is a traditional velvety red color. When poured in pretty glasses and arranged 
artfully alongside one other, this “hug in a mug” is totally worth Instagramming.
For the red, get playful with a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, like Four Lanterns Winery’s 2014 Sardius, full of red fruit and coffee flavors.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/FourLanternsWinery
The white wine recipe calls for ginger and honey—the perfect coupling for a standout Chardonnay like Cutruzzola’s 2015 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, with notes of citrus, spice, and pear on the nose.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Cutruzzola
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, 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
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
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