The bees are buzzing, the flowers are blasting off, and there’s palpable electricity in the perfumed and balmy air. Yes, it is finally spring! The glorious, colorful, sun-drenched season has just waved its golden fairy dust across Paso Robles Wine Country, so we can totally understand if you can’t stand the idea of spending another precious moment at your desk. Now is the time to grab your picnic basket, iPhone (click here to download a comprehensive Wine Country map), and best buds. Spring in wine country has never been more beautiful…or bountiful!
A picturesque picnic in the sun
All food just tastes better when you’re sitting outside in the fresh air, right? Don’t try to understand why that is—just go with the feeling and make a beeline for Riverstar Vineyards, located off Estrella Road in Paso Robles. Award-winning wines, plenty of picnic-friendly patio seating, and a stunning view of their 80-acre vineyard property come together for a luncheon in the sun that begs for a panorama photo (and maybe even a few selfies). Truly. This is what wine country dreams are made of, people!
Tip: In a hurry? Forget the picnic basket and order from Riverstar’s killer selection of six specialty cheeses, each paired with a delectable wine. For only $10, it’s the bargain of the season.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/riverstarvineyards
Hours: Thurs-Sun 11:00 – 5:00pm
Get out of your comfort zone with a new wine trail!
We all have our standby wine tasting rooms, and for good reason: with more than 200 wineries in Paso Robles Wine country, it’s hard to become a regular at each! Next time you catch a whiff of wine tasting fever, head for a totally refreshing stop: Paydirt Wines, located off Tuley Road in Paso Robles. With its rich, playful mural above the bar and industrial modern vibe, this tasting experience is just what you need to jump start your sense of spring adventure. Also worth a visit? Try nearby Rendarrio, Bodega de Edgar and Hug Cellars, which are all just steps away from Paydirt. Isn’t a new wine trail exhilarating?
Tip: You’ve got to try Paydirt Wine’s Going for Broke blend, a totally bold “Paso Robles” offering with personality and flavor to spare. Oh, and did we mention case specials? Snag $99 cases of 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for spring and summer sipping!
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/PaydirtWines
Hours: Fri – Sun 11:00 – 5:00pm
Tip: At Rendarrio Vineyards, you must sample the 2013 Town Crier Chardonnay, which is big and bright, just as a chardonnay should be. Spring entertaining, anyone?
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Rendarrio
Hours: By Appointment Only
Tip: Over at Hug Cellars, you need to get a whiff of their amazing 2014 Hug Rose of Pinot Noir (only 23 cases made, so get on that quick)!
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/HugCellars
Hours: Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm
Tip: Tasting at Bodega de Edgar is a blast, especially when you’re falling in love with their crisp 2014 Albarino, perfect for a seafood dinner on a warm, sun dappled day.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BodegaDeEdgar
Hours: Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm
Get away from the blah at San Marcos Creek Vineyard
All winter, you’ve had your nose to the grindstone, right? Now is the perfect time to make room for a little much-needed “me time” or a romantic excursion. Your significant other will thank you! San Marco Creek Vineyard in rural Paso Robles just off Highway 101 offers up gorgeous, private suites appointed with whimsical furnishings and breathtaking vistas. Can’t do the overnight thing? Swing by the winery’s old fashioned tasting room for incredible wines and warm hospitality. You’ll be back soon enough, bags in hand.
Tip: You would be a fool not to take advantage of San Marcos Creek’s spring deal, which include 15 percent off all cases! May we suggest their 2013 Chardonnay, bursting with zesty melon and citrus?
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/SanMarcosCreekVineyards
Hours: Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm
Whisk yourself to the West Side
Paso Robles’ famed Highway 46 West wine trail is speckled with must-do wine tasting stops, and Jada Winery is among the top of the list. This spring, delve into exclusive library tasting flights. For $15, you’ll enjoy a special selection of limited edition wines that range from 2007 to 2011 vintages (fee waved with two bottle purchases and wine club members). Like the first blush of spring, this offer will only be around for a limited time, so don’t dilly-dally.
Tip:While you’re tasting, be sure to sample Jada’s exceptional estate olive oil, a sumptuous experience (and perfect on spring salads galore).
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/JadaVineyard
Hours: Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
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