It’s that time of year again. The fridge is full of Thin Mints and the pantry is crammed with boxes of Tagalongs (heck, let’s not lie, our freezer is also full of extra boxes of thin mints, just to be safe). In Paso Robles, we eat our treats a little differently. When Girl Scout Cookie season rolls around, we snub the two percent milk and break out the bottles. Can Girl Scout Cookies be successfully paired with Paso Robles Wine? Oh, yes, they certainly can! Scout’s honor.
1. Malbec and Thin Mints
First, the all-time favorite. Take a whiff of Rotta’s 2016 Malbec, and you’ll get a nice bouquet of dried herb and crème brulée. Take a sip, and you’ll enjoy bright red fruit rolling into lush black fruit with hints of mint and dense forest floor. That whisper of mint calls out for our beloved Thin Mint cookies, delightfully dipped in dark chocolate bliss.
Mapping and Directions to Rotta Winery
2. Sparkling Wine with Savannah Smiles
Celebrate good times. Specializing in sparkling wines méthode champenoise, Rava Wines boasts all the vital equipment needed to control the entire sparkling wine process in house from vine to bottle. We’ll cheers our flute glasses to that! These zesty, lemon-flavored cookies are dusted with powdered sugar and pair perfectly with Rava’s delightfully dry bubbly.
Mapping and Directions to Rava Wines
3. Chardonnay and Trefoils (Shortbread)
Trefoils may be traditional, but they’re far from boring when paired with the right wine. Parrish Family Vineyard’s 2016 Chardonnay is a lovely balance of oak and stainless steel styles with a nose of honeysuckle, rhubarb blossoms and light melon. The palate is highlighted with rich citrus, buttered popcorn and butterscotch with a clean finish of crisp apple that melts into caramel. Try them with simple shortbread and be blown away.
Mapping and Directions to Parrish Family Vineyards
4. Cranberry Crisps and Rose
This limited production 2017 Seven Oxen rosé is made pressée style, produced from estate grapes harvested just for this wine. Notes of strawberry, raspberry, currant and rose petals are dominant in this fruit-forward Grenache/Mourvèdre blend. A crave-worthy cranberry cookie jazzes up this already beautiful blush. Taste for yourself.
Mapping and Directions to Seven Oxen
5. Sauvignon Blanc and Lemonades
That tangy lemon icing and buttery shortbread crumb go down almost too easy with a glass of Sculpterra Winery 2017 Sauvignon Blanc. With citrus, honeydew, and lemony flavor in the glass, this refreshing wine opens lush and ends tart. Terrific!
Mapping and Directions to Scultperra
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Other great Girl Scout Cookie and wine pairings to try:
- Sauternes + Samosa
- Zinfandel + Do-Si-Dos
- Cabernet Sauvignon + Tagalongs
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for PasoRoblesWineries.net and former food and wine writer for SLO New Times. 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. 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