Plates? Check. Cups? Check. Napkins? Check. Silverware? Double check. But what about the wine? You might think your kitchen is well stocked with all the everyday items you might need to accommodate guests coming over to dine at a moment’s notice (extra virgin olive oil and frozen peas among them), but we would like to politely beg to differ. Allow us to clarify: If you don’t have these 5 types of Paso Robles wine sitting in your kitchen (or cellar, or cupboard—or closet), you’re seriously lacking! Maybe that’s just our humble opinion, but here in Paso Robles Wine Country, we know a thing or two about flavor. And no, you don’t have to be an expert to keep up with us! Whether you’re planning a casual hangout, a fancy feast or romantic date night for two, you’re going to need these wines. Trust us.
1. An everyday table wine
Your best friend, in a bottle: In Paso Robles Wine Country, “table wine” is no insult. We tend to think of our go-to bottles as time-honored classics, not unlike the ones you’d find parked on any table across Italy or France. What makes these wines so special? Well, they can be dressed up (think: steak and shrooms) or dressed down (weekday pasta night). Derby Wine Estates 2016 Maneater (57% zinfandel, 43% petite sirah) does a great job doing double duty. A fruit-forward blend with firm tannins and dark flavors of fried blueberries, toasted almonds and vanilla, you’ll find it versatile yet captivating. Truly, you’ll reach for this charmer again and again. Better buy a case!
Blend in to stand out: Attempting to make everyone happy is a fool’s errand, but some wines just do it naturally. Around here, there’s plenty of universally beloved red blends to choose from—but this one really stands out from the crowd. Ready to meet your new kitchen helper? Hoyt Family Vineyards’ Dylema is an affordable, fun and unbelievably delicious Rhone red blend that will please even the pickiest dinner guest. Originally created for the Malibu Chili Cook-Off and a gold medal winner, this “kitchen sink” blend of respectable Rhône fruit is smooth and easy on the palate (no puckered faces here). Most importantly, oodles of bright, juicy flavor make this blend ultra-approachable, even to a first-time sipper.
Age meets beauty: Sometimes, you just want to wow ’em! Brecon Estates’ 2019 Petit Verdot is exactly the showstopper you need when the new boss comes over for supper, your spouse finally makes black belt in karate or a ten-year anniversary toast is in order. That is, to say, a wine that only gets better with each passing day! Dark and rich with ripe tannins, this single-varietal petit verdot is like that little black dress or fancy hat tucked away in your closet. Sure, it doesn’t come out very often, but when it does—what an impact, indeed. Bright velvety fruit, loads of varietal character, fantastic structure, and excellent mid-palate fruit appeal make this wine suitable for when “someday” becomes “today.”
Endless summer: You’ve heard of Easy Rider. This one’s more like “easy sipper!” Bursting with peach, strawberry and pineapple aromas and dripping with irresistible flavors of kiwi, apple and lime zest, Tooth and Nail’s 2021 Destinata Rosé is a dry, European style grenache for those who want to “rosé all day” without the sugar rush. Enjoy on the couch, the porch, the boat—anywhere you want to feel unfettered and fancy free. Unfiltered and ready to drink now, we suggest you pour a glass immediately and seize the moment before it’s gone. Seasons may come and go, but you’ll never want to stop sipping this stellar summer-in-a-bottle offering. The best part? You really don’t have to.
When to pour a dessert style wine? There are no rules, friend. We say, break out that dessert bottle anytime your event needs a little extra sweetness! Although the winter holidays and Valentine’s Day make for no-brainer occasions, you can pour a snifter of this fortified beauty anytime you want to dazzle your guests (like, alongside that yummy cheese platter). Chateau Margene’s 2015 ROXO Port Style Barbera simply oozes with liquid joy, and that’s by no accident: Using Metodo Portuguese (the Portuguese method), the dessert wine is produced in a traditional style using neutral grape spirits rather than Brandy. It’s also aged in toasty French oak barrels for three-to-six long years! OK, wow. We’d like to see your after-dinner pie do that.
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
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.
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.
Hoyt Family Vineyard RetreatsTwo very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
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®
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
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.
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!
