You might be tempted to stalk these boutique Paso Robles wineries on social media, but no hashtag can do their offerings true justice. Take our advice: put down your phone and dive into these epic Paso wine experiences for bold new tasting adventures!
Cool Castle Vibes
When’s the last time you hung out in a true castle? That’s what I thought. Even Disneyland has nothing on Tooth & Nail’s regal tasting room, furnished with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and manicured grounds. Complete with a moat, hulking drawbridge-esque door (to keep out intruders), and ancient-meets-modern architectural flair, this is not your average tasting room experience. With wine offerings spanning four labels: Statis pinot noir and chardonnay; Force of Nature cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, tempranillo, pinot gris, and chardonnay; Amor Fati grenache, syrah, pinot noir, and chardonnay and the winery’s own label, Tooth & Nail (which produces bold, beautiful blends), you will be hard pressed to find something you don’t like at Tooth & Nail Winery.
Hours: Daily 10 – 6pm closed Tuesday; Open Friday 10 – 8pm | Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ToothNail
Ride the Wave at Rendarrio Vineyards
Surfing has always been a huge passion for Rendarrio Vineyards owner/winemaker Ryan Render, and this laid back vibe shows in his winemaking, which allows nature and terroir to take center stage. Inspired by a 1999 trip to Chateaunef du Pape, the Orange County surfer-turned-Cal Poly grad began making Rhone style wines in earnest since 2003, wines you can try at Rendarrio Vineyards’ private Paso tasting room, if only you make an appointment. March 26 marks a momentous wine release party celebrating the winery’s 2013 Rocker and 2013 Last Ones Syrah. The shindig will be held at Casa de Rendarrio at 26 Shooting Star in Irvine, so So Cal locals should rejoice. Can’t make it down? Don’t worry. This star of Paso Robles wine country is rising on the Rhone scene…and Render’s wave has just begun to curl.
Hours: By Appointment Only | Mapping and Directions:speedfind.com/Rendarrio
Barrel Taste at Écluse Wines
“Lock” isn’t just the last name of Écluse Wines owners Steve and Pam, it’s also the name of their winery. Say what? Let me explain. “Écluse” actually means “lock” in French, and pertains to the locks on the canals that gently carve their way through the French countryside. Doesn’t that just sound divine? Lucky for us, the couple’s cozy tasting room off Kiler Canyon Road in Paso Robles is as warm and inviting as that scenic image, a place where barrel samples are the norm and you truly do get a sense of how the wine is made. This is one-on-one wine tasting that truly provides an intimate and inviting experience you’ll want to tell your friends about. Friends telling friends about wine is exactly what got the Locks into winemaking. What could be more boutique than that?
Hours: Fri-Sun 11:00am – 4:00pm | Reservations required for groups of 7-10 | Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/eclusewines
Get in Touch with your Roots at Bodega de Edgar
The immigrant experience is more than a warm and fuzzy story at Bodega de Edgar—it is the spark that led to world-class wines. Decades ago, a journey to the coastal town of Cambria (just north of Paso Robles) opened the eyes of winemaker Edgar Torres’ father, who sought a better life for his family. Well, Torres’ father probably made the right decision, considering the fact that his son is now crafting incredible wines in a truly heavenly environment for the friendliest folks around. You, too, can live this quintessentially Paso Robles dream. Discover small lot wonders at the winery’s down-to-earth tasting room off Highway 46 East. Go on, put your boots up! As Torres likes to say, “Bodega de Edgar wines are made for people who work hard but enjoy playing harder.”
Hours: Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm | Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BodegaDeEdgar
Spice up your life at LXV Wine Lounge
Did you know that the art of KamaSutra encompasses 64 specific realms of expression? The art form is performed through scent, dance, food, play, and magic (to name a few), and LXV boasts a wine to reflect every layer of passion and intrigue. It makes sense then, that the boutique winery’s slinky downtown Paso Robles tasting room is lavish and sensual, complete with plush pillows and spice-and-wine pairings. Talk about hot and bothered! No trip to downtown is complete without a spicy, sensual experience at this popular lounge. At LXV Wine Lounge, taste only scratches the surface of a well-rounded (and very stimulating) sensory experience.
Hours: Daily 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Tuesday-Wednesday 12:00pm – 5:00pm | Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/LXVWine
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
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