So, you’ve decked the halls, gifted the goods and even laid out homemade cookies for you-know-who (did you hear Santa’s gone Gluten free?). Now, it’s time to kick back and share a glass of something delicious with friends and family. This holiday season, don’t pop just any old cork. Choose a wine that’s as festive as the occasion! Toast to bold beautiful reds and shimmering whites that heighten the holiday mood. Whether you toast in front of a crackling fire or a fiery sunset, you’re sure to get into the spirit at first sip. With these 5 Paso Robles wine picks, you’re in for a jolly good time!
1. Twinkle bright: Harmony Cellars 2018 Vibrante
There’s no rule that says all holiday wines have to be heavy and red. Pick up a fresh, vibrant white to pair with a killer cheese plate—there will be many this winter, just you wait! Harmony Cellars 2018 Vibrante, a blend of tank fermented chardonnay, white riesling and muscat canelli is crisp, with bright flavors of pineapple, green apple and citrus. In the glass, it shimmers just as bright as the twinkle lights. A tad sweet, a tad tangy and full of 100% pure joy, this is the flavor you’ll want on your lips as the mistletoe mysteriously appears above your head.
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Mapping and Directions to Harmony Cellars
2. Treat yourself: Michael Gill Cellars Wine Club
So, there’s no velvet bow. Who cares? Give yourself a very special gift this year and become a member at Michael Gil Cellars (far better than a single spa day, don’t you think?). You’ll get three syrah shipments a year and a special member’s discount of 20% the regular wine price. These are a true luxury, to be sure: expect limited vintages honoring winemaker Michael Gil’s fascination with site specific syrah. These luscious syrah offerings—many gold medal winners—are a sophisticated homage to the rocky, calcareous soil and differing levels of hillside sunshine at the winery’s unique estate vineyard. Dare we say these wines are better than jewelry? Yeah, we’d go that far! BONUS Wine Tasting Coupon!
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Mapping and Directions to Michael Gill Cellars
3. Self Care for the holiday: Rio Seco Winery Guest House
This winter, you’ll want to stop by the family owned, ICONIC Eastside Paso Robles boutique winery, Rio Seco, for some OUTSTANDING estate grown cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and a glass of pure class! Specializing in Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, the winery also hosts fun community events throughout the year (so check their calendar before you head out). Feeling a little frazzled from the holiday buzz? Book a staycation at the Club Rio Guest House, designed to delight club members and non-members alike from first light to light’s out. With four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms and two kitchens, the house sleeps eight people (so bring the whole gang, if you’re so included). Surrounded by scenic rolling hills, you’ll get a peaceful view of vineyards, olive trees and Huero Creek. Breathe easy, sip, and repeat. “Home” for the holidays can be so overrated. (Repeat…you’ve gotta grab some bottles of their outstanding olive oil in addition to their wine…the olive oil is a local fave and priced right from $15 for 375 ml to only $75 for a gallon! BONUS: Wine Tasting Coupon and Coupon for 25% Off a Bottle of Olive Oil)
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Mapping and Directions to Rio Seco Winery
4. Toast to a classic: Rotta Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rotta Winery is known throughout the land as one of Paso Robles Wine Country’s very first wineries, but it’s still a modern fave (for a multitude of delicious reasons). A classic holiday red you’ll want to pour with every rack of lamb, pork chop, and roast? Look no further than this powerful flagship cabernet sauvignon. Sure, it’s “epic and bold,” a great example of what made Paso Robles famous—but it’s also sumptuous, graceful and feminine, too. Bet you didn’t expect that twist! Not just “another bottle,” this offering is a true gift that will age beautifully through the ages. BONUS: Wine Tasting Coupon!
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Mapping and Directions to Rotta Winery
5. Mix it up: Krobar Craft Distillery
OK, this one’s not a true “wine” pick, but this holiday drink pick certainly has “Paso Robles Wine Country” written all over it! The spirited darling of the Highway 46 West wine scene, KROBAR Kraft Distillery is churning out fantastical bottles of hooch, including gin, whiskey and rum. The holiday season begs for a nip of the strong stuff, so shake up the best: we suggest trying KROBAR’s LIT: Sweet and Neat. This sweet vermouth’s base is an eight year aged Solterra Tawny Port infused for an entire year with local herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary (so winter-y). Guaranteed to outshine any sweet vermouth you have ever experienced, mix with whiskey for an unforgettable manhattan (or gin, for a phenomenal negroni). Need stocking stuffers? They’ve got the most adorable bottles of bitters, too!
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Mapping and directions to Krobar Craft Distillery
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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