While the kids are tricking and treating, why not treat yourself? We know you have a bag of Halloween candy (or five) hanging around the house this time of year. Who says you can’t dig into your own supply? This Halloween season create an unexpected pairing that will impress your fellow vampires and werewolves alike. Take our advice. Grab these 5 bottles and a bag of goodies and let the fearsom creatures feast! We promise: these combinations are so good, you’ll scream with delight.
Snickers and Tempranillo
Tempt your darkest desires with Hoyt Family Vineyards 2012 Tempranillo. Fruit forward and well balanced, the velvet feel rolls in your mouth (as the dark caramel chocolate melts on your tongue). Notes of black currant, black berries, blueberry, vanilla and cooking spices round out this sumptuous offering. You may want to continue this pairing all year long, and we don’t blame you one bit.
Click here for mapping and directions to Hoyt Family Vineyards, downtown Paso Robles tasting room
Nerds and Pinot Grigio
Nerdy or not, here we come! You know you love that big box of Nerds candy, so fruity and tangy on your tastebuds. Shake a few into your palm and pour yourself a glass of Lusso Della Terra Cellars 2015 Pinot Grigio Central Coast. Lush fruity notes of melon and stone fruit will keep your mouth watering.
Click here for mapping and directions to Lusso Della Terra Cellars
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’re going to drink a Paso Cab, why not drink an iconic one? JUSTIN has been known for decades as a stellar Bordeaux wine producer, and their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon carries the torch into the future. Pair this fantastically fall wine—with a nose of savory dried autumn leaves and flavors of ripe red and black cherry—with a Halloween candy that can handle the heft. Salty, almost savory peanut butter cups go gangbusters with the cab’s long finish and softly textured tannins.
Click here for mapping and directions to JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
M&M’s with Port
Port doesn’t have to be stuffy and sophisticated to be taken seriously. It can be playful, too! Oso Libre MV Azucar Port-Style Dessert Wine proves just that. This dark, luxurious offering is awash in flavors of baked plum, black cherry, and brandy. Elements of mocha, cinnamon, and nutmeg give the pairing a decidedly autumnal twist.
Click here for mapping and directions to Oso Libre
Almond Joy with Chardonnay
After a night of accommodating trick-or-treaters (some brattier than others) you will have earned a tall glass of chilled Écluse Wines Chardonnay. But don’t make the mistake of breaking out cheese and crackers. Go for a coconut-y almond joy, and see how this wine’s complex toastiness crackles to life.
Click here for mapping and directions to Écluse Wines
Other Halloween wine pairings to try:
- Jolly Rancher and Gewürztraminer
- Kit-Kat and Malbec Blend
- Milky Way and Nebbiolo
- Sour Patch Kids and Riesling
- Starburst and Moscato d’Asti
- Skittles and Sauvignon Blanc
- Snickers and Lambrusco Amabile
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, 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