It’s October, and the wizards are marching in! Pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons and, in Paso Robles Wine Country, the clinking of wine glasses—usher in the age old tradition of Halloween. This year, trick-or-treating may be discouraged, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go big on decorations, scary movies, and candy. Pair these reds with your favorite fun-sized Snickers and give in to the dark side.
It’s actually kind of eerie how well Paso Robles wines fit into the fall festivities, including the all new virtual wine tasting Hallo-WINE costume party put on by ONX…see below for details!
Devilish charm – Chronic Cellars
Take this red by the horns: With haunting labels emblazoned with undead designs, Chronic Cellars pops out as the perfect visual accompaniment to that plate of spider sugar cookies. This Halloween season, get acquainted with the winery’s 2018 El Perfecto, a mesmerizing blend of zinfandel, tempranillo and petite sirah (you’re sure to spot the handsome red devil on the front of this bottle). Dried candied fruits and cracked pepper prime the palate for magic while sinful cherry, raspberry and strawberry notes entice you to make a deal.
Buy it now: click here
Mapping and directions to Chronic, click here
Spice up your night – Bodega de Edgar
Mover over, pumpkin spice latte. Bodega de Edgar’s 2017 La Milla is the most fall-fabulous flavor around. This velvety blend of mourvedre and tempranillo will become your next autumnal obsession thanks to comforting aromas of dark chocolate, leather, cherries and spiced tea. The palate brings in soft tannins, bright acidity, and oodles of baking spices (so no need to turn on the oven). A perfect pairing for a dark chocolate confection or your kid’s candy, it’ll age well into next decade. Waiting ten years to enjoy this wine? Now that’s a scary thought!
Buy it now: click here
Mapping and directions to Bodega de Edgar, click here
Buried pleasure: Dubost Wine
Earthy delights awaken in the night! The skeletons dancing across the label of this Halloween-approved red should tip you off to its rambunctious and darkly delicious nature. One sip of Dubost’s 2013 Vingence and your bones will rattle for more! A grounded blend of tannat, malbec, petite verdot and syrah, this is an inky black sipper made for a cold, dark night. Remember: complexities are to be revealed, level by level. Better get digging.
Buy it now: click here
Dubost WINE TASTING COUPON, click here
Mapping and directions to Dubost, click here
Candied fun – Penman Springs
Why let the tots hog the sugar rush this Halloween? Swirl a sweetly satisfying libation and prove that the grown ups really do know how to savor the season. Penman Springs’ 2013 Trembler Trois is all that and a bag of peanut M&Ms: a sweet, full bodied treat flowing with spiced orange blossom honey, cherries and dark roasted nuts. We’d take this port-style wine over a meager sack of Skittles any day of the week.
Buy it now: click here
Penman Springs WINE TASTING COUPON, click here
Mapping and directions to Penman Springs, click here
Fun in the dark: ONX Wines
Are you afraid of the dark? Don’t be. Case in point: ONX Wine’s 2017 Black Orchid, a beastly bottle of 100% petite syrah that is all treat, no trick. Black as a moonless night (and just as mysterious), this opulent wine is loaded with ripe cranberry, fig jam and black currant passion. Stroll the garden after hours, taking in heady aromatics—lavender, plum, vanilla bean—paired with piercing acidity and a mouthwatering feel. It’s going to be a long finish…and an even longer night.
One up your Halloween and join ONX October 31 at 3pm PST for their 1st ever Virtual Halloween Wine & Candy Pairing with Costume Contest! They will send a tasting kit to you with specially selected wines to pair with your favorite Halloween candy. Bonus: the candy is also included in the kit! You’ll also get to flaunt your Halloween costumes to the group with prizes awarded for the scariest, funniest, and most creative costume. This group will max out at 50 participants so make sure to get your tasting kit before they sell out. The DEADline to purchase is October 17 – click here to order. Happy Hallo-WINE!
Buy it now: click here
ONX WINE TASTING COUPON, click here
Mapping and directions to ONX, 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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