The sun’s still shining in Paso Robles Wine Country, but fall has indeed arrived. Vineyards are in the midst of harvest, and soon, those green vines will turn vibrant red-gold (be sure to get out there to wine taste around this time to see this totally West Coast version of the “turning of the leaves”). The days are getting shorter, which means there’s more time to get cozy in the kitchen with a great bottle of Paso Robles wine. So, gather your friends and pull on grandma’s old apron. These pairings will inspire you to dive head first into autumn awesomeness.
1. Apple cheddar mac and cheese and Chardonnay
What happens when you mix savory sharp cheddar cheese, sweet and crisp autumn apples and a creamy Paso Robles chardonnay? There’s only one way to find out! Get that water boiling ASAP and pop open a bottle of Lusso Della Terra 2016 Reserve Chardonnay. The scent of butterscotch, brioche and lightly toasted oak mingle with luxurious flavors of honeysuckle and citrus. Expect a velvety soft texture that will indeed rival that melty mac. Need we say more?
Quick mapping and directions to Lusso Della Terra
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2. Ginger scones and Viognier
Lovers of baked goods, rejoice! Lone Madrone’s 2012 Sweet Cheeks Viognier might be something akin to ‘bottled apple pie.” Yes, you heard right. Get ready for a delectable bouquet of baked golden delicious apple, cinnamon, and buttery pastry crust (yum) balanced with fresh acidity that begs for a second—and third, and fourth, and fifth—sip. Spice up the whole situation with ginger-spiked scones that are bold, festive and oh-so fall.
Quick mapping and directions to Lone Madrone
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3. Petite Sirah and beef stew
When is the last time you prepared a 100% homemade, stick-to-your-gills meal that inspires moans of delight from your guests? If it’s been way too long, we have the solution. Chop some veggies, potatoes and onion and craft this rich, brothy beef stew that will only get better as leftovers. A hearty meal such as this should only be paired with an equally intense wine. Enter: Hoyt Family Vineyards 2013 Petite Sirah, an inky, concentrated bottle bursting with big bold fruit flavors and a round, unctuous mouthfeel.
Quick mapping and directions to Hoyt
4. Chai spiced sugar cookies and Riesling
Toss that stuffy autumnal potpourri. Instead, bake these Chai spiced sugar cookies and see just how warm and inviting your home can smell! Pair these spicy-sweet morsels with a dry riesling—we like Oso Libre’s 2015 Alsacia Dry Riesling—to balance all that sugar. A thoroughly modern styling of Riesling, Alsacia is crisp not cloying, opening with notes of jasmine, papaya, Asian pear and Kaffir lime. Light bodied and fresh, the finish presents flavors of lemongrass, honey and apricot. Serve slightly chilled with a good book.
Quick mapping and directions to Oso Libre
5. Poached pears and Zinfandel
Poach luscious fall pears in a drizzle of wine and pair with Rangeland Wines 2016 Zinfandel for a cozy-all-over vibe (even if you’re still rocking denim shorts). Looking for a whole meal to build upon this appetizer’s appeal? Pick up some fabulous grass-fed meats from the winery, which also raises natural, sustainably sourced beef and lamb. Freeze the goods now and stash a few bottles of that jammy zinfandel in your kitchen cupboard. Now you’re prepared for upcoming family get togethers and holiday dinners. Note: Pear chutney—canned a few months ahead of time—is incredible with herby, tender rack of lamb. Consider those holiday dinners planned.
Quick mapping and directions to Rangeland
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This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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