New year, new wine trends! Sure, the classics are great: who doesn’t adore an Audrey Hepburn movie or a creamy Chardonnay from time to time? Still, the world turns, tastes evolve (and, as you’ll read shortly, it’s certainly not a bad thing). In Paso Robles Wine Country, we’re always honoring the Old World while embracing the new. As we stake a bold step into 2021, let’s raise a glass to all the trend setters and pioneers pushing the envelope.
Virtual tastings
Click your way to your next sip: You can thank the craziness that was 2020 for this couch-lover’s trend! Not surprisingly, we’re still seeing an increasing surge in the realm of virtual tastings, especially in Paso Robles, where winemakers aren’t too stuffy to try a new way of doing things. The folks here are friendly and knowledgeable, always seeking to provide an educational experience with a twist of casual fun. It’s no wonder, then, that Paso Robles wine tasting rooms quickly adjusted to serving you from the comfort of your living room! This tasting is about unfussy as you can get.
The future is now: It’s easy to enjoy a fabulous wine tasting flight at home when you pick up Tooth and Nail’s Once in a Lifetime Bundle. This winemaker selection features small-lot bottlings of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Grenache, representing the finest expressions of Tooth & Nail’s Murmur Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. The result is a trio of coveted wines that are tailor-made for special meals and moments.
For a virtual tour of Tooth and Nail, click here
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Outdoor tastings
Want to visit Paso Robles but still waiting on tasting rooms to re-open their doors? Contact us for the latest updates by calling Lauren at 805 226-5555. Let us help you, we might just have good news for you to make your visit to Paso Robles Wine Country quite heavenly, yes even during these trying times!
In the meantime know that Paso Robles Wine Country has been blessed with what some would call the “perfect” climate, and winemakers here have been hosting world class outdoor tastings for decades. In fact, many liken our mild, long growing season with that of southern France. That does make us feel fancy, but in reality we’re just a bunch of outdoor enthusiasts waiting for the next great sunset. You can bask in our bountiful sunshine too when you book an outdoor tasting at one of Paso Robles’ gorgeous outdoor tasting areas that we will inform you when they are open. From flower-dotted gardens 360-degree vineyard views, you’ll be feeling fine in the fresh air!
Sunshine day: Consider a luxurious-yet-socially-distant outdoor tasting at Jada winery that many have commented feels like you have ascended into a large tree house overlooking the vineyards and bucolic countryside. When they are open you will enjoy a wine and cheese pairing on the breezy, sun-dappled deck overlooking lush vineyards, the perfect way to experience Paso Robles’ famed westside beauty. Yes, you can even bring your pup.
Mapping and directions to Jada Winery, click here
Food friendly experiences
A match made in heaven: In Paso Robles, we’re all about enjoying food and wine together—as it always should be! (Extra points, through in some true Paso Robles cowboy vibes) While some tasting rooms may offer you a bowl of try crackers, our foodie winemakers are dead set on filling your belly with gourmet goodies that bring each wine to life. With curbside bottle and meal pick-ups galore, you’re never far from your next perfect pairing, especially when saddles are involved.
Gulp, giddy-up and grill: At Iron Oaks Winery, you can easily pick up a case of boldly crafted wines and locally raised DD Cattle Co beat perfect for grilling and chilling on your own time (owned by owner and winemaker, cowboy Doug’s, family). This laid back, true-to-Paso flavor combo was made to be savored. Dare we say it’s finger licking good?
For 2 for 1 wine tasting coupons, click here
Mapping and directions to Iron Oaks Winery, click here
Wine Club Memberships
These are not your mother’s clubs: Maybe you’ve considered joining a wine club before, only to stop yourself before signing. Perhaps the terms were too rigid, the offerings and perks too few—plus, would you even be home to enjoy the bottles when they arrived? In Paso Robles, wine clubs are all about customization and ease of use (you can often even go online to pick your preferred mix of bottles in each shipment). With less folks traveling and more delivery options than ever, it makes sense that wine lovers are signing up for these well-curated clubs in droves.
Join the family: The Seven Oxen Estate Wines Wine Club is free to join and an awesome value. Get this: Club members enjoy priority access to new release and limited production wines, invitations to special member-only events, complimentary wine tasting, and a discount on all purchases. Choose between two levels of membership and switch membership levels at any time.
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For 2 for 1 wine tasting coupons, click here
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Unique varietals
Sure, it might seems like wineries are trying to out do each other with exotic and hard to pronounce varietals, but there is a reason for this influx of unique, far-flung wines. Paso Robles Wine Country is known for incredible terroir and incomparable growing conditions, so why not grow something a little different? I mean, “Rosé all day” was so 2019!
Expand your tastebuds: Did you know that Lone Madrone has been blending unique varietals sourced from across Paso Robles Wine Country for years? Time to take your curiosity for a spin and pick up a few new friends. We recommend the winery’s 2019 La Mezcla Roja, a blend consisting mostly of cinsault and counoise (with a dash of mourvedre and grenache thrown in for good measure). You can pickup your wine at the winery (with your pup in tow) or order online!
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For 2 for 1 wine tasting coupons, click here
Mapping and directions to Lone Madrone, click here
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, 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
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Peachy Canyon Guest Inn Sits above Peachy Canyon Winery + acres of vines at Mustang Springs Vineyard. The house has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, family room + panoramic views.
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