What’s in a wine glass? More than you think! In Paso Robles Wine Country, visitors are encouraged to savor all aspects of our world class wine: aroma, taste, body and finish (our favorite part, too). But did you know that the shape and size of the wine glass can make an impact on how these characteristics hit your palate? With more than 250+ wine tasting rooms and thousands of bottles to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to taste in Paso. Deepen your appreciation when you pair the right glass to the right wine. Here’s a few favorite Paso Robles varietals—and the stemware best suited to maximize their charms:
Cabernet Sauvignon
The stemware: Like royalty, the glass you choose should tower above all others. Our iconic cabernet sauvignon is best served in a large, tall glass with a wide bowl to allow for ample aeration and the release of its awesome aromas.
The pour: Villa San Juliette’s 2019 VSJ Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is every cab you’ve ever dreamed of, all wrapped up in luxurious Paso Robles appeal. A vivid red-fruit offering with a robust structure and aromas of Rainier cherry, clove and rhubarb (plus some spicy undertones of whiskey barrel and cinnamon), you’ll be drinking this one far into 2035. Yes, we do recommend you buy two: one for now, one for later.
Zinfandel
The stemware: When it comes to zinfandel, a large red wine glass with a wide bowl and a tapered rim can help to enhance all that layered, spicy brilliance.
The pour: The Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery knows a thing or two about crafting high quality zins. Sip the winery’s 2018 Opaque Zinfandel for a primer on the varietal (and to understand why Paso zinfandel continues to enjoy a cult-like following). Utilizing estate-grown fruit cultivated on a steep, rocky hillside of dry shale soil, head-trained zinfandel vines impart a distinct minerality you just can’t fake. After aging in French oak barrels for 18 months, this zin reveals ripe flavors of blackberry and black cherry exuberance. It just goes to show: In the end, the struggle is well worth the wine.
Syrah
The stemware: An ample, wide-bowled glass with a slightly tapered rim is best suited for syrah, which allows for proper aeration and release of its complex and peppery aromas. Remember: The wider the bowl, the better!
The pour: Caelesta Wines, Vineyard and Truffiere’s 2018 Denner Vineyard Syrah begins with black tea, bright fruit and black currant swagger. Fig, peppercorn and blackberry carry through the supple, polished tannins that slide to a silky finish. Needless to say: this wine comes off strong and needs a little time to open up over an evening of food and conversation. See? No need to be afraid of the big, bold wolf.
Chardonnay
The challenge: Chardonnay can be a lot of things, depending on how it’s made: rich and round; austere and acidic. So, do you need multiple glasses to tackle this varietal’s multiple personalities?
The stemware: Luckily, all you really need for chardonnay is a medium-sized, wide-bowled glass, which will enhance the wine’s luxurious aromas while allowing for proper aeration. Whew!
The pour: Harmony Cellars winemaker Chuck Mulligan barrel ferments his 2021 chardonnay, then allows the new wine to gain complexity by extended aging with the yeast (called sur lie). Word on the street: a portion of the wine is allowed to go through malolactic fermentation, adding a double layer of complexity and the signature sweet, buttery note and creamy texture that has made Harmony Cellars chardonnay famous. Butter us up, why don’t you!
Viognier
The stemware: A smaller white wine glass with a tapered rim can help to concentrate viognier’s springlike aromas and direct the wine to the front of the mouth, where the wine’s sweetness can truly shine.
The pour: Dubost’s NV Homestead Wine sounds more folksy than it tastes. This elegant white blend is a breath of fresh Paso breeze featuring 40 percent viognier, 20 percent roussanne, 20 percent chardonnay and another 20 percent grenache blanc. Dubost’s tasting room is nestled among rural, rolling hills and a tapestry of wildflowers. Imagine you’re strolling casually through the vineyard at dusk, honeysuckle on the wind. Yeah, it’s a lot like that (time to plan your next trip to Paso).
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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?
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
Enjoy time with your loved ones with a glass of wine while taking in the panoramic views of ONX Wines Certified Sustainable Estate Vineyard. Clark House is a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home that is a perfect escape for up to ten people. All five bedrooms offer views of the vines and are impeccably furnished to help you unwind from an exciting day of exploring the Paso Robles area.
Directions: speedfind.com/ONX
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