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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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 hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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.
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