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, 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. 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.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Hoyt Family Vineyard Retreats Two very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
Directions: speedfind.com/hoytfamilyvineyards
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
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. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
The Kiler Canyon Vineyard Retreat Perched on top of a hill on ONX Estate’s vineyard with gorgeous 360 degree views of the Willow Creek AVA
Directions: speedfind.com/KilerRetreat
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
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. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Oxford Suites Paso Robles You’ll find that from our lobby, our on-site restaurant, to our meeting spaces, to our 101 spacious suites, every space is beautiful + functional as well as comfortable + chic.
Directions: speedfind.com/oxfordsuitespasorobles
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/PeachyInn
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
Rio Seco Winery Guest House 2 comfortable suites each with 2 bedrooms, complete with kitchens are set amongst the vines at iconic Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery. Enjoy your own barbeque + firepit.
Directions: speedfind.com/riosecovineyard