Grab your picnic basket and unfurl that old blanket. It’s that magical time of year when being outside feels like a dream. Neon green hills and cloudless blue skies provide the backdrop for a modern picnicker’s fantasy (especially when there’s plenty of Paso wine in that basket). Go on. Frolic in the wildflowers. Dance to the live band. Buy the fancy double cream brie from that artisanal cheese shop or (as you can do these days) order food to be delivered directly to you, while exploring the vineyard! Yes, it’s picnic weather in Paso Robles Wine Country and the sky’s the limit.
1. Dover Canyon Winery
Don’t let the bees hog all the nectar. Wildflowers are known to bloom along the vineyard-covered hills at Dover Canyon Winery, located on Vineyard Drive in the Willow Creek appellation. This past wet winter has brought a rainbow of colors to Paso’s verdant hills—and now is the best time to explore these bodacious blooms. Dan Panico, owner and winemaker of Dover Canyon, has long believed that the West strip of calcareous soil is optimum for growing Zinfandel and Rhône varieties. We can’t argue! Stop in for tasting and stay for a picnic. Easy, breezy, beautiful.
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
For Mapping and Directions to Dover Canyon Click Here
2. ONX
Allow the picnic pros to craft a delicious bite for you. ONX Winery, located in Paso Robles’ Tin City, has your munchies covered. Gourmet cheeses, olives, almonds, and fancy chocolate are all available during your tasting of these unique, rule-breaking blends, which range from light to bright to bold. Seeking the full vineyard experience? Book a vineyard tour and experience a breathtaking hike through the winery’s Templeton Gap vineyard, home to 18 varietals. Yes, you can order lunch among the vines (local fare is available, plus wine by the glass). This is picnicking in the modern world!
For Mapping and Directions to ONX Click Here
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
3. Barr Estate Winery
Hang with the Barr Estate Wines family, who are often on-hand at this charming boutique winery and tasting room located on Union Road on the East side of Paso Robles in the Geneseo District. Here, warm spring days and cool nights are ideal for grape growing (and enjoying lunch under a stately oak tree). Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Tannat and Albarino are grown on the family’s 57 acre vineyard so that you can sip, bask, and savor. Keep an eye out for deer (and don’t let the birds grab your charcuterie).
For Mapping and Directions to Barr Estate Click Here
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
4. Parrish Family Vineyard
Nosh on! Parrish Family Vineyard takes its pairings very seriously. In fact, a new food menu will be released at the scenic tasting room on April 5, including such mouthwatering morsels as herb goat cheese and red pepper pesto with house made sourdough crostini and wild mushroom and olive tapenade with house focaccia. Plus, there’s a new spring tasting flight to devour, too! Take a vineyard tour, sprawl out on the sun-dappled porch, or just kick back with your dog. Whether you choose the new spring 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc or a reserve bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, you can rest assured there’s a corresponding snack on its way. Yes, this is our idea of heaven, too.
For Mapping and Directions to Parrish Family Vineyard Click Here
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
For a VIRTUAL TOUR of Parrish Click Here
5. Penman Springs Winery
Taste the art at Penman Springs Winery, located on (you guessed it) Penman Springs Road in Paso Robles. This family owned artisan winery is nestled among rolling hills where Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Muscat Blanc, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot thrive. Stop by on April 6 and enjoy a picnic surrounded by scenic vines and wildflowers—plus, know that a portion of all wine sales will go toward helping out the local Woods Humane Society. You’ll feel just as warm and fuzzy as the Easter Bunny!
For Mapping and Directions to Penman Springs Click Here
For Complimentary Wine Tasting for 2 Coupon Click Here
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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