So, you’ve decked the halls, gifted the goods and even laid out homemade cookies for you-know-who (did you hear Santa’s gone Gluten free?). Now, it’s time to kick back and share a glass of something delicious with friends and family. This holiday season, don’t pop just any old cork. Choose a wine that’s as festive as the occasion! Toast to bold beautiful reds and shimmering whites that heighten the holiday mood. Whether you toast in front of a crackling fire or a fiery sunset, you’re sure to get into the spirit at first sip. With these 5 Paso Robles wine picks, you’re in for a jolly good time!
1. Twinkle bright: Harmony Cellars 2018 Vibrante
There’s no rule that says all holiday wines have to be heavy and red. Pick up a fresh, vibrant white to pair with a killer cheese plate—there will be many this winter, just you wait! Harmony Cellars 2018 Vibrante, a blend of tank fermented chardonnay, white riesling and muscat canelli is crisp, with bright flavors of pineapple, green apple and citrus. In the glass, it shimmers just as bright as the twinkle lights. A tad sweet, a tad tangy and full of 100% pure joy, this is the flavor you’ll want on your lips as the mistletoe mysteriously appears above your head.
So, there’s no velvet bow. Who cares? Give yourself a very special gift this year and become a member at Michael Gil Cellars (far better than a single spa day, don’t you think?). You’ll get three syrah shipments a year and a special member’s discount of 20% the regular wine price. These are a true luxury, to be sure: expect limited vintages honoring winemaker Michael Gil’s fascination with site specific syrah. These luscious syrah offerings—many gold medal winners—are a sophisticated homage to the rocky, calcareous soil and differing levels of hillside sunshine at the winery’s unique estate vineyard. Dare we say these wines are better than jewelry? Yeah, we’d go that far! BONUS Wine Tasting Coupon!
3. Self Care for the holiday: Rio Seco Winery Guest House
This winter, you’ll want to stop by the family owned, ICONIC Eastside Paso Robles boutique winery, Rio Seco, for some OUTSTANDING estate grown cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and a glass of pure class! Specializing in Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, the winery also hosts fun community events throughout the year (so check their calendar before you head out). Feeling a little frazzled from the holiday buzz? Book a staycation at the Club Rio Guest House, designed to delight club members and non-members alike from first light to light’s out. With four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms and two kitchens, the house sleeps eight people (so bring the whole gang, if you’re so included). Surrounded by scenic rolling hills, you’ll get a peaceful view of vineyards, olive trees and Huero Creek. Breathe easy, sip, and repeat. “Home” for the holidays can be so overrated. (Repeat…you’ve gotta grab some bottles of their outstanding olive oil in addition to their wine…the olive oil is a local fave and priced right from $15 for 375 ml to only $75 for a gallon! BONUS: Wine Tasting Coupon and Coupon for 25% Off a Bottle of Olive Oil)
4. Toast to a classic: Rotta Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rotta Winery is known throughout the land as one of Paso Robles Wine Country’s very first wineries, but it’s still a modern fave (for a multitude of delicious reasons). A classic holiday red you’ll want to pour with every rack of lamb, pork chop, and roast? Look no further than this powerful flagship cabernet sauvignon. Sure, it’s “epic and bold,” a great example of what made Paso Robles famous—but it’s also sumptuous, graceful and feminine, too. Bet you didn’t expect that twist! Not just “another bottle,” this offering is a true gift that will age beautifully through the ages. BONUS: Wine Tasting Coupon!
OK, this one’s not a true “wine” pick, but this holiday drink pick certainly has “Paso Robles Wine Country” written all over it! The spirited darling of the Highway 46 West wine scene, KROBAR Kraft Distillery is churning out fantastical bottles of hooch, including gin, whiskey and rum. The holiday season begs for a nip of the strong stuff, so shake up the best: we suggest trying KROBAR’s LIT: Sweet and Neat. This sweet vermouth’s base is an eight year aged Solterra Tawny Port infused for an entire year with local herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary (so winter-y). Guaranteed to outshine any sweet vermouth you have ever experienced, mix with whiskey for an unforgettable manhattan (or gin, for a phenomenal negroni). Need stocking stuffers? They’ve got the most adorable bottles of bitters, too!
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.
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®
Treat yourself to the ultimate Paso Robles wine country experience by booking your stay at The Inn at Opolo Vineyards. Guests enjoy our luxurious, spacious rooms and all of the sensory pleasures of Paso Robles in one destination. TOUR VIRTUALLY
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
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.
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. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
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.
