We’re not just talking about packing a lunch, people. Here in Paso Wine Country, we know how to pack a punch! Bud break has begun and the weather is perfect for sunny spring spreads spent outdoors. Paso Robles wine is a must, of course—but do you also have a handle on the appropriate edible accoutrements? Whether you unfurl your picnic blanket in the meadow, the vineyard or just on the lawn of your favorite Paso Robles tasting room, make sure you have all the essentials on lock. Happy nibbling. Nom nom!
1. Mighty meats
Real talk. A picnic without cured meats is a picnic we’d rather not attend. Charcuterie—whether in the form of prosciutto, salami, ham or pâté—truly makes the meal. Try a local producer, like Alle-Pia, purveyors of all natural hand-crafted Italian salumi (their storefront is in nearby Atascadero, but you can find their meats at General Store Paso Robles in, among other Paso Robles area retailers). Their sopressa salami, made with zinfandel and a cayenne pepper kick—will play well with Lusso Della Terra’s 2015 Zinfandel, a zesty (and worthy rival) if there ever was one. Extra credit: book a tour of the Lusso Della Terra vineyard, where you’ll get a barrel sample paired with a killer cheese and charcuterie spread (no picnic-packing required).
Mapping and Directions to Lusso Della Terra click here
2. Cheese, please
Will you make the grade? You might think you know your cheese (perhaps you do know a bit). However, we’d be willing to bet you’ll learn something new about those aged wheels at Vivant Fine Cheese in Paso Robles. Stop by this popular downtown cheese shop and pick up a cheese plate to go. Trust us: grab a wedge of Fromage d’Affinois Honey Bee Goat Gouda for your basket (it practically begs for a glass of Oso Libre 2018 Rosalinda Rosé). Bright, crisp and refreshing with a burst of strawberry, watermelon and citrus, this wine has it all: drinkability and minerality to spare. Lunch with a view: Fancy picnic locales abound in Paso Robles, but some come with an extra special setting. Head to the Oso Libre’s tasting room, on a hilltop with views of their vineyards, grazing sheep and cattle in scenic west Paso. Stunning!
Mapping and Directions to Oso Libre click here
3. Gelato-yeah!
Luscious, authentic artisan gelato? Check and check! You’ll be glad you brought the cooler and those ice packs when you dig into your first bite of this Paso Robles frozen treat. With flavors like blueberry cheesecake, butter pecan and coffee chocolate chip, there’s a scoop for every taste at Leo Leo Gelato, set to open its debut Scoop Shop at the upcoming Paso Market Walk next month (be sure to also check their website for a list of local locations to pick up a pint). A bottle of citrus-y, 2018 Sextant Grenache Blanc balances well with Leo Leo’s nutty coconut macadamia gelato flavor. With kiwi fruit, and tart green apple on the tongue and lime-pear aromas dancing on the nose, this wine truly screams for ice cream. Or, well—gelato.
Mapping and Directions to Sextant Wines, Paso Robles click here
4. Get a buzz on
Along with nuts, olives, and dried fruit, a drizzle of local honey is simply required for a perfect Paso picnic. In fact, we think a dollop of “the golf stuff” has a nifty way of pulling all those wild flavors together (yes, even the stinky cheeses). For a sweet pairing, pick up a bottle of Lone Madrone’s 2015 Points West White, built upon a solid foundation of roussanne. The Rhone varietal’s classic honied characteristics—bolstered by a touch of picpoul blanc and viognier—showcase not just a round mouthfeel, but impressive acidity, too. Find local honey at Paso Robles’ vibrant farmer’s market, which kicks off at Downtown City Park farmer’s market each Tuesday from 3-6p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon. We must say, Lone Madrone’s tasting room and patio also make for a fab picnic spot (plus, they serve burgers on select Sundays throughout the spring and summer months). Come on now. Pour some honey on me!
Mapping and Directions to Lone Madrone click here
5. Butter is better
It tastes so good to be bad! Is there any snack on earth as irresistible as an oh-so-warm brown butter cookie? Salty, sweet, buttery, crumbly—these naughty, flavor-packed (and high calorie) morsels deserve a spot of honor in your picnic basket. Hot tip: Downtown Paso Robles is home to local bakery Brown Butter Cookie Company (just follow your nose). That’s a very good thing, since you’ve already packed a chilled bottle of Four Lanterns’ Sparkling Noir, a pinot noir rosé made in the traditional methode champenoise. Time to pop some bottles and release those bubbles. Dessert can happen any time of day in Paso Wine Country.
Mapping and Directions to Four Lanterns Winery click here
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Directions: speedfind.com/oploVineyards
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals