If you can’t even remotely remember the last time you had a little time just for the two of you, perhaps you’re ready for a romance intervention. No need to fuss with fancy candles, hard-to-pin-down dinner reservations or far-flung locations. Simply head to passionate Paso Robles Wine Country (located in the midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it’s closer than you think). Try these 5 romantic date night ideas for a quick reboot of the heart. Yes, when you’re in Paso Robles, rekindling the fire can be as easy as popping a cork and swirling a glass. Ooh la la!
1. Bring Back that First Date Feeling
When the quaint street lights flicker to life in historic downtown Paso Robles, the twilight takes on a magical hue. Recapture the whimsy of your first date as you stroll with your darling downtown, where more than a dozen tasting rooms and even more dining haunts offer up tantalizing tasting adventures. Indulge your senses—and try hundreds of varietials all without leaving Paso’s dynamic epicenter. That leaves more time for you and your lovey to swirl and smooch! Thomas Hill Organics is legendary for its local (and worldly) wines as is their amazing dessert bar featuring locally-made desserts and inspired by the “dessert rooms” Debbie, the owner, encountered while traveling throughout Spain. Stop in for small plates laden with locally sourced goodness, a wine flight and a tasty dessert you’ll remember for years to come.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Thomas Hill Organics including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
2. Paso Wine and Chill
Netflix and chill? This modern pairing is far better when accompanied by a bold bottle of Paso Robles wine, don’t you think? We suggest you press pause on the latest episode of your favorite show and draw up a bubble bath. A little intermission is incomplete without a beverage, of course. A glass of sumptuous red has a way of slowing down the moment so it’s just you, your true love and sweetness on your lips. Seven Oxen’s 2015 Cassidy, Rhone Blend is sensual and fruity, with notes of red cherry and flirty spice. Do not disturb!
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Seven Oxen including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
3. Star in your own rom-com
You’ll feel like you’re in one of those over the top romantic comedies (and your Instagram pics will corroborate that story). In Paso, hundreds of acres of verdant vineyards stretch on into the blue horizon, sending any couple into a dreamy kind of mood. Pack a picnic and feel the Paso Robles sun on your skin (with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Paso Robles is the perfect place to cozy up with your love this fall). Take a tour of Lusso Della Terra winery and you may just decide to retire in Paso Robles in a few years. Thinking of a proposal? Pop the question and you can even plan your wedding at the winery, surrounded by San Miguel’s majestic rolling hills. Happily ever after may just be in the cards.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Lusso Della Terra including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
4. Forget the Reservations
Enjoy all the romance of a fancy date lunch without the snarled traffic, hard-to-snag reservations or snooty servers. In Paso Robles, casual is key. Here, you’ll find spectacular fine dining options that celebrate the seasonal bounty without requiring a sport coat. Whether you wear flip flops, cowboy boots or stilettos, you’ll receive a top notch menu at Parrish Family Vineyard, where you can savor and lounge to your heart’s content. Think walnut and lentil paté served with house made cabernet sauvignon sourdough or baked ricotta with choice of local olive oil poached tomatoes or truffle honey served with multigrain bread. Yes, you’ll get this immersive epicurean experience among the vineyards on the patio or inside with views that go on forever. No white table cloth required.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Parrish Family Vineyard including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
5. Tease your Senses
Delight your sweetheart with a night of playful tasting. Select a few bottles of Paso Robles wine—from lightest to darkest—and pair with a platter of sweets, cheeses, and fruit. Spice it up even further with a few blindfolds. Take turns guessing which wine is what. You’ll most likely end up laughing and cheering each other on! Funny how the little things become so much more delicious when you take the time out of our busy schedule to really savor. Make sure to pick up a few sweet options too (variety is the spice of life—and any relationship). We suggest Hearst Ranch Winery 2016 Muscat of Alexandria replete with enticing flavors of tropical fruits layered harmoniously with zesty citrus undertones. OR Hearst Ranch Winery 2014 Enchantment Late Harvest Zinfandel. This Zin has the power to warm the soul on cold evenings or rainy days. Herbaceous red fruit and chocolate kick off the flavor profile and are supported with a nice raspberry mid palate that fades to lengthy finish dominated by oak, cinnamon, and maple flavors beneath the beautiful dried fruit. Sweet! That’s just the start of it.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Hearst Ranch Winery including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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