As the fall season emerges, we’re dreaming about sizzling pork chops laden with butter-seared apples. The first crop of hearty winter greens may be a while off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the coming fall season with a totally bone-warming pairing. Whether you prefer your pork as a chop, rib, or loin cut, these Paso Robles wines will make you feel happier than a pig in mud. Add a sprig of locally grown rosemary and you are well on your way to serving up this sensational seasonal favorite.
1. Pinot Noir and Pork Loin
Earthy and light in body, pinot noir goes well with that herb-rubbed loin chop on a chilly autumn evening. Made with grapes sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands (prime pinot growing grounds) and aged for nearly a year in French oak, Tudor’s 2011 Tudor Tondre Pinot Noir is a great way to uncork fall flavors now.
Buy it now
Mapping and Directions to Tudor Wines
2. Rosé and Pork Chops
Offering up more “cherry” than “watermelon” fruitiness, this Penman Springs 2017 Rosé doesn’t smack of summer beach days. Instead, it hints toward the fall season to come. A hint of green apple and silky finish make for a grand companion to thick pork chops and baked apple pie.
Buy it now
Mapping and Directions to Penman Springs Vineyards
3. Hard Cider and Ribs
Bone dry hard apple cider made in the classic English style is a no brainer when it comes to putting together a porky plate. Bristols Cider (produced by Lone Madrone) has the acid to cut the fat on those baby back ribs but is substantial enough to stand up to a tangy barbecue sauce. Try the dry-hopped Barti Ddu, which adds an elegant, fragrant element to your last backyard meals.
Buy it now
Mapping and Directions to Lone Madrone
4. Chardonnay and Ham
This could feel too much like an Easter pairing, except that this grown up chardonnay is anything from light and fluffy. With a super creamy mouthfeel and lush bouquet of lemon zest and apricot, this Hearst Ranch Winery 2015 Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay is as breathtaking as the changing trees. In fact, the minerality in the wine sort of reminds us of swishing through oak leaves.
But it now
Mapping and Directions to Hearst Ranch Winery (San Simeon Location)
Mapping and Directions to Hearst Ranch Winery (Paso Robles Location)
5. Zinfandel and Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet, salty, sumptuous—bacon wrapped dates are a staple of autumn get-togethers and flavorful foreshadowing of all the holiday parties ahead. They’re also perfectly suited toward a jammy, spicy zinfandel like Vines on the Marycrest’s My Generation Zinfandel. A deep ruby red color, this crowd-pleasing bottle has hints of cola, cassis, and woodsmoke (which makes it a shoe-in for extra crispy bacon with a few singed edges).
Buy it now
Mapping and Directions to Vines on the Marycrest
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals