Love is in the air! Or is it in the wine? In Paso Robles Wine Country, we tend to believe the latter. We do adore our wine—and our events, tastings, and winemaker dinners—all year round. February might mean dormant vines, but that doesn’t mean our hearts aren’t beating strong for the next vintage! February ushers forth a slew of sensual events celebrating the passion behind each bottle. To make wine is to make love, eh? Faire du vin c’est faire l’amour! Everything does sound better in French, even if we do prefer our wine sourced from right here in Paso Robles. What can we say? Paso wine is our first and last great love affair.
1. Get sensual!
Parrish Family Vineyard has pulled out all the stops in the “sweep you off your feet” category. First off, the tasting room will transform into a swanky lounge during the Single & Ready to Mingle event, slated for Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14. If you’re single and looking for love, head to Parrish Family Vineyard and meet someone new (at least you know they have great taste in wine, just like you). Next, prepare to be indulged, mind body and soul. Enter: Dinner in the Dark event, a food pairing unlike any you’ve ever experienced. You’ll use every sense (besides your eyes and hands) during this unique feast. Guess the first mystery item based on smell, taste and texture. Sounds easy right? Well, the room will be dark and you, my friend, will be wearing a blindfold and poncho! Next, sample a true blind tasting (no, you won’t be able to see the color of the wine) and guess what variety you’re enjoying. Lastly, use all of your senses (sight and touch included) to enjoy a paired dinner with all the items from the first challenge paired with wines from the second. Like a good romance, this last meal is best enjoyed with the lights on!
For Mapping and Directions to Parrish Family Vineyard click here
2. Isn’t it romantic?
Dust off the cufflinks and diamonds. There’s just something so delicious about getting dolled up for a black tie dinner, right? Look dashing (and savor decadent flavors with your love) at Eberle Winery’s Black Tie Valentine’s Day Dinner in the Caves. If the word “cave” doesn’t instantly bring to mind soft lighting and candle-lit romance, think again. Eberle’s Wine Caves are a sight to behold. The dynamic atmosphere—barrels and exposed rock—lend itself to an intimate and cozy date night experience. Plus, Executive Chef Kurt Metzger of San Francisco will bring his acclaimed French-California cuisine to the table, ensuring that you and your sweetheart are moaning with culinary delight from start to finish!
For Mapping and Directions to Eberle Winery click here
3. The perfect blend
A good romance—and lasting relationship—is about the blending of two hearts, two worlds. BlendFest on the Coast, which runs Feb. 20-23 in San Simeon and Cambria, will shine a light on both classic and unconventional Paso Robles blends that take your breath away. After all, Paso Robles winemakers love to blend wine, mixing varieties to craft something unique and delicious. You and your sweetheart love drinking them! Book a stay in Paso Robles—or along scenic Highway 1—for a romantic getaway to top them all. Featuring 40 renowned wineries, including Hearst Ranch Winery, Oso Libre, Peachy Canyon Winery, Hope Family Wines, Brecon Estate, Ecluse Wines, Lone Madrone, Seven Oxen Estate Wines, Tooth and Nail winery, JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery. You’ll savor the variety of life with your chosen life partner right by your side. What could be better?
For Mapping and Directions to Hearst Ranch Winery click here
For Mapping and Directions to Oso Libre click here
For Mapping and Directions to Peachy Canyon click here
For Mapping and Directions to Hope Family Wines click here
For Mapping and Directions to Brecon Estate click here
For Mapping and Directions to Écluse Wines click here
For Mapping and Directions to Lone Madrone click here
For Mapping and Directions to Seven Oxen Estate Wines click here
For Mapping and Directions to Tooth & Nail click here
For Mapping and Directions to JUSTIN Winery click here
4. Cheese me, darling
Perhaps we’re a little Old World, but the word “cheese” and “love” are often interchangeable around Paso Robles! If you and your honey love good cheese as much as we do, make a date for Lone Madrone’s annual cheese tasting, slated for Feb. 1. Every year, Chef Jeffrey Scott imports an obscure wheel of cheese from England and shares it with the Lone Madrone tasting room (what a sweetheart!). With help from the winemaker, a totally unique pairing menu is then created and everyone is invited to sip and nibble to their heart’s content. The cheese this year is truly remarkable: Westcombe Cheddar sourced from a dairy established in Somerset, England in 1890. According to the tasting room folks, this cheese is “deep and complex, with a mellow lactic tang and long notes of citrus, hazelnut and caramel.” Better yet: some call it a “five mile Cheddar,” as you’re still tasting it five miles down the road! If strong sharp cheese is the way to your love’s heart, then congrats. You’ve found your soul mate! Perhaps bring a few breath mints for both of you.
Click Here to see events
For Mapping and Directions to Lone Madrone click here
5. Love is like a box of chocolates
Chocolate has a rich history (and is associated with romance for good reason). Share in all the sweet details—and learn the basics of making fine chocolates—at Cass Winery, known for hosting fun hands-on events all year round. Understand the history of chocolate and take home recipes for an array of sumptuous morsels at a class hosted Feb. 13 at the winery. Come with your sweetie or friend and enjoy nibbles and wine pairings as you sample your sweet creations. You’ll even take home a unique decorated box of your own chocolate dipped treats to share with your love. Haven’t had enough romance quite yet? Set your sights on Cass Winery’s Valentine’s Day Dinner, hosted in the winery’s elegant Barrel Room. Set in the middle of a sprawling vineyard with 360 views of the vines, you and your date will enjoy a beautifully crafted meal by candlelight coupled with exceptional wine. Forget about making reservations and hunting for parking. Do what we do in Paso and opt for a romantic night in the vineyard. Oh, how sweet it is.
For Mapping and Directions to Cass 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
cally 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
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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
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
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
Directions: speedfind.com/oploVineyards
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
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
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
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
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals
