If you ask us, all the antipathy towards Pumpkin Spice can be understood. After the famous Starbucks “Pumpkin Spice Latte” exploded onto the scene, things quickly slid downhill (kale chips with pumpkin spice, cereals, and fermented fruit wine are all real things). Blech! That said, we aren’t against the “OG (original gangster) pumpkin spice” flavors, which are—as best as we can tell—the spices our grandma tucked inside every fall pumpkin pie, apple pie, or banana bread recipe since we can remember. Its ingredient list is anything but scary: ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves round out the fall favorite. Not so scary when you look behind the Pumpkin Spice curtain, right? Here’s 5 wines to try this autumn with your pumpkin spiced foods, canine approved.
1. Barr Estate Wines Last Act Port Style Dessert Wine
Port style wine + clove and cinnamon = the official scent of fall. This Ruby Port style dessert wine is an exquisite blend of Touriga, Souzao and Syrah. Sweet and rich, it will stand up against any fall dessert, especially those with lots of heavier clove notes. Smooth and supple, elegant and refined, this one makes a very memorable hostess gift through Christmas. (Dog-friendly winery)
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Mapping and Directions to Barr Estate Wines
2. Parrish Family Vineyard 2014 Zinfandel
Earthy pumpkin pie (plus zesty cranberry sauce) would work well with this holiday-gathering approved red. This medium bodied Zinfandel opens with delicate rose petals and cranberry on the nose. The cranberry continues into the palate with notes of raspberries, cardamon, and vanilla stick. It finishes strong with a lovely, lingering finish. If that doesn’t make you want to break out the winter sweaters, I don’t know what will. (Dog-friendly winery)
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Mapping and Directions to Parrish Family Vineyard
3. Pear Valley 2016 Chenin Blanc
This fall, go for a dry Chenin Blanc with a nose full of ripe, pear yumminess to compliment the sweeter pumpkin-spicy notes found in apple pie filling. Pale straw in color, with aromas of sweet pineapple, white peach, and kaffir lime, this one’s also got a bit of a flinty allure that recalls wet stones after the first fall rain. Flavors of guava, honeydew melon, and a bit of grapefruit pith keep your pairing plush, never “sweet.”
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Mapping and Directions to Pear Valley Estate Wine
4. Robert Hall Winery Cavern Select Oro d’ Margherita
You’ve hit liquid gold! Sweet, toasted hazelnuts and stewed peach aromas tantalize the nose while notes of dried apricot, orange zest and butterscotch delight the tongue. A limited number of barrels of estate-grown Orange Muscat were selected beginning with the 2001 vintage, making this bottle a fabulously festive gift for the season. Pair with pecan pie loaded with toasty cardamom and brown sugar. (Dog-friendly winery)
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Mapping and Directions to Robert Hall Winery
5. Penman Springs 2016 Muscat Blanc
A slightly sweet muscat bursting with mango and peach lushness goes well with most fall fruit pie fillings; plus the floral nose brings out the romance of nutmeg and cinnamon in wintery treats galore. You know, those wintery treats you were making for the whole office but have somehow found their way into your tummy? (Dog-friendly winery)
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Mapping and Directions to Penman Springs
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.
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.
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
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
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