Whether you like it or not, the countdown has begun. You can complain or you can conquer. You can bemoan or you can be merry. Why not enjoy your holiday shopping experience a little or a whole lot? Head for the hills of Paso Robles and taste while you shop. What a novel idea, indeed! Not only can this activity be considered “research” for all the great wines you’ll give, you’ll also get the ultimate gift: Shopping completed in one fell swoop. Because even Santa prefers Grenache over gingerbread. So, go forth, and shop sumptuously!
A Bold Red Wrapped in Ribbon
Give: Nothing says the holidays like a big, robust, crowd-pleasing red perfect for celebratory family meals and seasonal soirees. Pick up Sextant Wines Wheelhouse Zinfandel and know that you are gifting a flavor profile all will covet. Packed with wild strawberry, raspberry, and spice, it’s also far more desirable (and better smelling) than potpourri.
Get: Sextant Wines in San Luis Obispo is ground zero for local history and an epic lunch while picking up bottles for everyone on your list. Explore the iconic Old Edna Town site, grab a delicacy from the deli case and taste through this longtime winery’s incredible selection of chardonnay and pinot noir. Of course, there’s so many other varietals to explore as well, and you have time to linger! Hey, you’ll even get to keep the glass when you purchase a tasting. Did someone say bonus stocking stuffer? Keep it for yourself. We won’t tell.
Mapping and Directions to Sextant Wines, Paso Robles
Mapping and Directions to Sextant Wines, San Luis Obispo
A Juicy White Delight
Give: Baby it’s cold outside, but it makes the wine taste all the more scrumptious! Harmony Cellars 2016 White Riesling is bursting with apricot, citrus, and honeyed indulgence. To what does this fine off dry holiday white owe its extra expressive fruitiness? You can thank an extended, icy fermentation. Brrr! Perfect to pair with an ugly sweater and a holiday cheese plate, this wine is ready to snuggle up to your gift list.
Get: An escape to Harmony, Ca (the tiny hamlet with population 18, if you count the cows) is always in order during hectic holidays. Here in this coastal oasis, glass blowers create their wares and the tasting room beckons from atop a breezy hill. You owe it to yourself to relax with a wine tasting, and after all, Harmony is just a hop, skip and a jump from Paso Robles. Don’t forget, there will also be an open house Sunday Dec. 3 from noon to 3 p.m. Featuring a cork craft table, treats, and more.
Mapping and Directions to Harmony Cellars
A Practical and Tempting Treat
Give: Everyone’s cooking this time of year, so why not gift a practical—and totally classy—epicurean gift? Extra Virgin Olive Oil grown in Paso Robles has become a hot commodity among the home chef set, not to mention the area’s many celebrated farm-to-table restaurants. Ready-made gift baskets are available now at Pasolivo, meaning you don’t have to struggle with ribbon and cellophane. We suggest the Holiday Favorites gift basket, featuring citrus EVOO, boozy cran-cherry chutney, winter ambrosia vinegar, orange blossom honey, and more. It’s like the holidays in one simple (non DIY) basket!
Get: While wine tasting, stop by Pasolivo for a journey through the farm’s latest offerings. What a fun and fanciful snack between stops! Sample lime, rosemary, citrus, and more. You might even need to pick up a few extra accouterments—salts, vinegars, and housewares too—for your own kitchen collection.
Click here for mapping and directions to Pasolivo Olive Oil
Click here for mapping and directions to Pasolivo Olive Oil, Downtown Paso Robles
A Meaty Meal All year Long
Give: Adelaida Springs Ranch meats from Rangeland Winery are the crème de le crème of grass fed protein, not just in Paso Robles but throughout the Golden State. Give the very best meats this holiday, including frozen steaks, ground beef, lamb and more (sold by the pound), and know that you’ve warmed the tummy of your loved one’s family all year long.
Get: Make an appointment for a Rangeland Winery tasting experience, and prepare to be wowed by Paso’s wine country-meets-cowboy-county culture. Garden patio seating, stunning rural views, and more juicy Cabernet Sauvignon than you can wag a fork at are all at your fingertips.
Mapping and Directions to Rangeland Wines, Templeton
An Out of the Box Blend
Give: Break outside the box and give the gift of dynamic and delicious blends from Bodega de Edgar Winery. The winery’s 2012 Mis Pasos (50% merlot, 25% syrah, 25% tempranillo) is a great buy for the savvy and stylish wine lover on your list. Inky in color with notes of plum, dried stone, and spice, this purple offering is totally unexpected.
Get: Sign up for the Bodega de Edgar Wine Club and expect for the unexpected all year long. Wine club shipments consist of 6 bottles in the Spring and 6 bottles in the Fall. Spring shipments are comprised of 100% varietals and Fall shipments are comprised of blends. We’ll take it!
Mapping and Directions to Bodega De Edgar
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