What Paso Wine to Pair with Your Kid’s Halloween Candy

Why should the kids have all the fun? It’s your God-given right as a parent to “tax” a certain amount of Halloween Candy for your own enjoyment—right? Since we’re all in agreement, lets move on to the pressing matter at hand: what to pair those crazy candy corns and chocolate bars with. Don’t trip, chocolate chip! We’ve been thinking about this conundrum since September. Here’s how to pair the best Paso wine with your hard earned candy cut.

Candy Corn and Chardonnay

The trick: Don’t knock these distinctly fall-flavored morels until you’ve tried them paire d alongside a rich, luxurious chardonnay, which heightens the candy’s warm, nutty notes.

The treat: Lusso Della Terra 2014 Clone 809 Chardonnay is a match made in Halloween heaven. With vibrant aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, melon, and honey suckle; you get a one-two punch of creamy texture and bright, crisp finish. There’s nothing corny about this pairing.

Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/LDT

 

Butterfinger and Zinfandel

The trick: Salty, s weet, and totally savory. Kind of sounds like the perfect pairing for a great zin, right? Suspend your disbelief and take a bite of crumbly Butterfinger alongside one of Poalillo’s famous, dry-farmed zinfandels.

The treat: Poalillo Vineyards’ 2013 Zinfandel is complex without being fussy (perfect for Halloween shenanigans). It’s also wildly fruity, with ripe fresh berry flavor intermingled with hints of freshly turned earth and lavender blossoms. Bet you can’t keep your hands off this after trick-or-treating delight!

Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/PoalilloVineyards

Skittles and Riesling

The trick: I hear you. SKITTLES? REALLY?!! Yes, really. Taste the rainbow and savor the swee t side with a flirty Riesling that mimics all of this candy’s bright, fabulously fruity notes.

The treat: Cutruzzola Vineyards’ 2012 Riesling, Riven Rock Vineyard shows intense notes of lime, orange blossom, and crushed stone. That’s two colors down. Find the rest as you sip, savor, and tweet your groundbreaking findings to the world.

Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Cutruzzola

Reese’s and Nebbiolo

The trick: D ecadence isn’t reserved for expensive chocolate truffles, people. Bite into this silky, creamy chocolate-and-peanut buttercup and reach for a bold Nebbiolo that can stand up to the sinful flavor combo.

The treat: Pelletiere Estate’s 2012 Nebbiolo is a sexy little minx reminiscent of dried herbs, rainier cherries, and candied tangerine (citrus does, as we well know, go gangbusters with chocolate). You’re welcome.

Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Pelletiere

Kit Kat and Sparkling Wine

The trick: “Break” out the bubbles! You don’t have to wait for break time to enjoy this effervescent and celebratory snack. Something about a light, flaky wafer brings out the creamy and subtle playfulness of bubbly.

Treat: The night becomes playful when you’ve got Chronic Cellars’ Spritz and Giggles, which boasts a floral finish, with flavors of apple and pear, and that signature hint of fresh baked bread that begs for yet another crunch of Kit Kat goodness.

Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ChronicCellarsWinery

Starburst with Late Harvest Roussane

The trick: Craving s omething really juicy? How’s this for a nontraditional pairing: Pop a mouthwatering Starburst and savor a late harvest Roussane dripping in rich, fruity appeal.

The treat: Honeycomb, lemon meringue pie and candied pineapple balanced by fresh acidity in Cass Winery’s impossibly delightful 2013 Late Harvest Roussanne. Welcome to your juicy place.

Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/CassWinery

 

 

---

This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.

---

If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:

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.

Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn

 

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.

Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera

 

 

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®

Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn

 

Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at 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.

Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796

 

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.

      Directions:  speedfind.com/JustinWine