As our old friend Bing Crosby likes to croon this time of year, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. But before you imagine gleaming, snow-covered houses and piping hot cups of cider, allow your friends in Paso Robles Wine Country to give you a very different perspective on the season. Winter in Paso Robles means less crowds, great weather and our signature combination of warm hospitality and world class food and wine. This holiday, why not unwrap the greatest gift of all? That is, of course, a winter wonderland escape to wine country. Yes, a pony would be nice too!
The Weather
Baby, it’s nice outside: Snow is so overrated. Paso Robles Wine Country’s weather forecast is sunny year round, with only a few rare exceptions. With two elegant tasting rooms to choose from—one in Paso Robles and another in Edna Valley—Sextant Wines is all about enjoying that breezy Paso lifestyle, even in the dead of winter. The holidays come alive with Sextant wines, home of bold Bordeaux offerings, earthy pinot noir and iconic chardonnay. Stop in for a tasting flight, bask on their sun dappled Edna Valley patio and be sure to pick up a few bottles for stocking stuffers. Heading out, don’t forget to grab a pair of shades. No need for that ugly sweater after all…
The Jolliness
Santa vacations here: In Paso Robles Wine Country, the holidays aren’t the only time we smile. In fact, most Paso people are simply on the “nice list,” year after year (it’s better to just accept this fact than to wonder why). When you taste at Paso Robles’ more than 300 wine tasting rooms, you’ll enjoy personalized service with a genuine caring touch. At Seven Oxen Estate Wines, you’ll meet some truly kind-hearted folks, to be sure. Choose from a private Vineyard and Winery Tour hosted by winemaker Bastian Leduc that encompasses a stroll along the winery’s stunning 130-acre property or go for the Winery Tour, with a private tasting spanning all current offerings in the Seven Oxen Cellar. Either way, you’re sure to make an awesome new friend or three.
The Surprises
We don’t need no stinking sugar plums: As evidenced by our fabulous wines, Paso Robles Wine Country is blessed with some incredibly dynamic soil. But did you know that truffles—one of the Earth’s most coveted culinary ingredients—can be found right here in Paso? That’s right. No need to travel all the way to France for a truffle hunt: Join Caelesta Wines, Vineyard + Truffière for a morning hunt through their breathtaking Paso property followed by lunch paired with truffles and Caelesta wines. Hunts take place in December, January and February and are sure to help you walk off (and put back on) some holiday calories. Yes, Paso Robles is full of sumptuous surprises, indeed.
The Food
Way better than mom used to make: Hungry for more than the average holiday fare? Villa San-Juliette puts a Paso twist on the classic winter wine and dine experience. Nestled in the hills of northern Paso Wine Country, this sprawling chateau is all about pairing the perfect bottle with winter’s crave-worthy wonders. Check out the chef’s latest kitchen offerings and be prepared for a little drool to escape your mouth. Yes, charcuterie boards, bruschetta, crab cakes, shrimp tempura and even hearty mushroom risotto with New York Strip are all an order away. Pair all this lip-smacking deliciousness with award winning Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines and you just booked yourself a lunch date in heaven.
Book your winter wine and dine
The Cocktails
Shake up the holidays: Spirits seem like an odd reason to visit a wine region, but let me tell you: Paso Robles winemakers swear by these local cocktail hangouts. The holidays are a great time to mix things up in Paso Robles Wine Country, where your next great sip is being stirred as we speak. Home to Instagram-able lounges as diverse as Cane Tiki Room and Eleven Twenty-Two Speakeasy & Cocktail Lounge, you can choose from a tropical getaway or swanky jazz hideout, respectively. Plus, Paso is known for unique local distilleries, craft breweries, cideries and more! After all, you can’t drink wine 24/7, or can you?
Plan your winter cocktail hour at 1122 and Cane Tiki
Mapping & directions to Cane Tiki
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This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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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
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.
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