From root to stem: Lone Madrone represents Paso’s love affair with sun, soil and terroir. By showcasing the very best grapes from the very best vineyards, Lone Madrone winemaker/co-owner Neil Collins can play up the region’s strengths with each new vintage. When you aren’t chained to one particular vineyard, you can can truly paint with all the colors in your winemaking toolbox! Plus, the winery is a family-owned business—one of the perks of tasting in Paso. Yes, on your next visit to Lone Madrone, you just might run into the winemaker himself. Got questions? Shoot. Taste Paso:
Classic can still be revolutionary! Experience Paso’s heritage wine grape, zinfandel, in a whole new light. Lone Madrone’s 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from vines that date all the way back to the roaring 20s (the 1920s, that is). Never irrigated, these iconic, dry-farmed vines are famous for producing concentrated flavor you just can’t fake.
Great estate: Nestled within the rolling hills of Paso Robles’ famed Westside, Seven Oxen Estate Wines knows how to grow ’em! The winery’s 130-acre estate vineyard includes 26 acres of head-trained, spur-pruned vines bursting with mourvèdre, zinfandel, grenache, tannat, and petite sirah. Around here, it’s all about keeping yields low and quality high (yep—Paso’s famous “less is more”philosophy). When it comes to producing small lot wines that reflect the unique character of the vineyard, the chalky soil, hot sunny days and cooling coastal breezes—Seven Oxen Estate Wines is ground zero. Taste Paso:
Dive into powerful notes of black and red fruit balanced with earthy notes of leather and herbs. A blend of grenache and mourvedre, Seven Oxen’s 2016 Cassidy tastes of Paso’s unique landscape—in the best possible way!
Denim and drinks: Fine wine with a side of cheeky cowboy attitude? Yeehaw! Iron Oaks is all about celebrating Paso’s casual charm. These boutique wines might be far from stuffy, but they aren’t scruffy either. In fact, Iron Oaks’ exclusive, limited blends are known to sell out quickly throughout the year. Our advice? Boot scoot over to this chill tasting room and grab yourself a side of estate raised beef while you’re at it. Now you’re pairing like a true Paso local! Taste Paso:
With a name like “Asphalt Cowboy,” you’re in for one rugged taste of Paso-grown mourvedre and cabernet sauvignon. With a whiff of Dr. Pepper and cherry on the nose and “a tannic backbone that finishes like Chuck Norris round-house kicking your taste buds,” Iron Oaks knows how to kick it up a notch. Their words, not ours! We tend to agree.
Mapping and directions to Iron Oaks Winery, click here
Live the dream at Bodega de Edgar
From waiter to winemaker: If you spend any time in Paso, you’ll start to see that every winemaker has their own own singular dream to make great wine and their own unique journey to get there. While some winemakers come to the job as a multigenerational tradition, many are newcomers to the field. A journey from Mexico to the coastal town of Cambria first inspired winemaker Edgar Torres’ father. Still living on the beautiful Central Coast, Edgar’s passion for excellence drives him to craft ravishing wines under his label, “Bodega de Edgar.” While the winemaker once waited tables at Villa Creek (the eminent winemakers’ hangout where the winemaking bug bit him), now his wine graces the most elegant white tablecloths around. This is a wine that you’ll WANT to experience. Taste Paso:
Dark chocolate, leather, bourbon, cherries and spiced tea culminate in one lusty red! Bodega de Edgar’s 2018 La Milla—a marvelous mix of mourvedre and cabernent sauvignon—is stunning alongside braised meat and good conversation.
Mapping and directions to Bodega de Edgar, click here
Savor the moment at Jada
Stay a while: Sure, we’re all just passing through this wild thing called life, but some wines make you pause and cherish the moment a little longer. Jada knows all about crafting these kind of time-suspending bottles, each a splendid representation of Paso’s famed Willow Creek District. It doesn’t hurt that the tasting room also features a sunny back patio where you can sit, swirl and take in the serenity of endless green vines. Yes, this is the “Paso life” at its most peaceful. Taste of Paso:
Jada’s 2017 Passing By, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot and the rest Malbec, features awesome notes of blackcurrants, cassis, toasted spice, graphite, and violets. This is one pleasure-bent beauty that’s going to keep for 10-15 years or more! BONUS: Scored 96 Points by famed Jeb Dunnuck.
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
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.
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.
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.
Hoyt Family Vineyard Retreats Two very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
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®
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
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at chic, sparkling clean 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
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.
Peachy Canyon Guest InnSits 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.
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.