Everyone’s gathered in your backyard and ready to enjoy the epic flavors of summer. The sun is shining and the grass is green and your nosy neighbor is on vacation (thank goodness). You’ve cued up the playlist with rocking jams, defrosted the meat for grilling, and slathered on the SPF. Still, something’s not right. You forgot to—oh darn it! Whatever that “oops” moment is during your summer soiree, it can be sorted out. Just use this handy guide (and don’t forget to buy extra ice and TP)!
1. Chill a bottle, stat
So you forgot to place the white wine in the fridge before guests arrived? Rookie mistake! Sure, it could take at least an hour to get that bottle down to refreshing temps, but you don’t have time to waste. Instead, grab a paper towel or two and soak it in tap water. Now, wrap the towel around the bottle and fling it into the freezer ASAP. In 20 minutes, you’ll be golden.
Tip: Chill out with complex and unique whites from Chronic Cellars, like their popular 2016 Stone Fox Grenache Blanc/Viognier/Picpoul blend.
A pinch of salt really can make your steaks or burgers that much more flavorful. Set your meat out at least 45 minutes ahead of time, allowing the inside to come to room temperature. Now, here’s the real trick. Season your meat with salt and pepper, per usual—but then, return after about ten minutes to see the moisture that has been drawn out to the surface. Now, take a paper towel or clean dish rag and press the meat. Season a second time (you can repeat this a few times; each time you press, you remove some of the seasoning, so don’t worry about overdoing it). This creates a nice dry surface for grilling, which will inspire a browner, crispier crust on those medium rare burgers! Yum.
Tip: Looking for fabulous red wines and premium, grass-fed meats you can take home with you? Stop by Rangeland Winery or Oso Libre.
Stemware is easily knocked over during a party (it just takes one person with really animated hand gestures to topple it all). Plan ahead and serve stemless glassware, and be sure to offer a distinguishing bauble that will remind your sister not to smear red lipstick all over your boss’s glass.
Sure, holding your own summer party is fun, but wouldn’t it be even easier to allow someone else to take care of the prep and cleanup? Invite your friends to a “summer outing” at a Paso Robles winery, and gather your favorite people in one place (but avoid all the dishes).
Tip: For gourmet burger summer Sundays, meet up at Lone Madrone and enjoy the panoramic countryside views with friends, along with a glass of Neil’s stellar wine or cider. (Neil won winemaker of the year 2015 – honored by his peers for his amazing winemaking.)
So often, we attend parties and enjoy sampling a host of wines (OK, maybe too many wines, to be honest). The next day who remembers what exactly they drank? There’s always such a dizzying array, as guests tend to bring their own bottles, too. This summer, make a point of collecting winery business cards when you’re out and about at different tasting rooms. Bring back the bottles you love best and rest assured knowing your friends will be able to find that perfect viogner when they plan their own get together. It’s just the right thing to do!
Tip: With plenty of crowd-pleasing red blends perfect for barbecue paring, head to Vines on the Marycrest for wine that’s well worth sharing.
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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.
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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.
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®
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Make the most of your Paso Robles wine experience with our definitive wine tasting map – the most comprehensive guide available for navigating Paso Robles wine country.
Explore all of Paso Robles’ wine regions with our expertly curated map featuring every tasting room in the area. Today, there are over 200 tasting rooms and our recommendations are always highlighted in bold.
