We grill all year long in Paso Robles Wine Country, thanks to the consistently sunny days that make up our long, warm wine grape growing season. That said, in the summertime we tend to kick it up a notch. After all, the Central Coast of California is known for food, wine and fabulous pairings of the two! We’re blessed with the best local produce, incredible regional meats and seafood—plus coastal avocados and fresh cheeses, too. Why wouldn’t we celebrate bountiful summer days with a seasonal feast featuring all this and more? Fire up the barbecue, pop open the best bottles around and invite the whole neighborhood to join in on the Central Coast’s most alluring culinary offerings. Now you’re grilling like a local
1. Grilled fish tacos and a crisp viognier
Go for a classic summer pairing that never gets tired. Paso Robles locals love Pier 46 in nearby Templeton for its breadth of super fresh, premium seafood offerings. Beat the heat and head to this time-tested fish market (or click to their website) and haul in the catch of the day, Paso wine style. Pair the fresh summer flavor of these grilled fish tacos with a twist of citrus and creamy avocado, another Central Coast staple. Serve this meal alongside Sculpterra’s 2017 Heroe Viognier, which is made to drink now (like, this very weekend). Lively, juicy and bursting with bright acidity, it’s as refreshing as a day at the beach. Now we’re swimming with the fishes.
2. Plank-smoked peaches and goat cheese with a fruity red blend
Everyone loves wine and cheese, but let’s face it: This pairing has been done a million times before. Make your next cheese plate thrilling (and totally unique) by throwing your dairy on the grill! This plank-smoked peach and goat cheese dish is so heavenly, you may never get to the main course. Grab some juicy summer stone fruit—including peaches, pluots and apricots at the weekly Paso Robles, Templeton and Atascadero farmer’s markets. Pair with Vines on the Marycrest’s Spanish Bombs, a blend of 75% tempranillo, 12% grenache, 9% cabernet sauvignon, 4% carignane. Bright, bouncy acidity and rich mid-palate black and red berry notes bring fruity fun to this amazing summer spread.
3. Grilled lamb skewers with blackberry sauce and a peppery zinfandel
Make a festive statement with elegant lamb, but serve it in a casual finger-food style. That’s so Paso Robles! The blackberry syrup on these skewers beg for a wine that can bring some punch and personality. Pelletiere’s 2016 Zinfandel fits the bill with pepper, tobacco and herbs to match the smokiness of the meat and candied fruit vibes to elevate all that bodacious berry flavor. Paso Robles is known for locally raised meats, including tender lamb. Stop by J&R Meats in Templeton and ask for a generous-sized lamb loin. This meal has all the celebratory notes of a holiday dinner in the summertime. Gotta love that.
4. Portobello and Swiss beef burgers with a Rhone blend
Calling all carnivores! With melty Swiss cheese, savory mushrooms and a whole lot of meaty appeal, these hefty burgers will be popular among everyone in your vicinity (the smell alone will probably attract the neighbors in a flash). Try Hearst Ranch’s grass fed, free range beef patties, as juicy as they are local. It makes sense, then, to pair this feast with Hearst Ranch Winery’s 2016 Three Sisters Cuvee, a blend of 55% syrah, 20% grenache, 20% petite sirah and 5% mourvèdre (the wine features flavors of ripe pomegranate and earthy licorice, perfect for elevating—not dominating—the mushrooms). Sure, you might share a burger or two with your neighbors, we don’t blame you if you hoard the wine for yourself.
5. Portobello and Swiss beef burgers with a Rhone blend
Opposites attract. Cold crunchy watermelon receives a scandalous texture upgrade when kissed by summer flames. Your barbecue just got a tad wilder thanks to this super simple yet impressive grilled watermelon recipe, which calls for salty prosciutto and pungent blue cheese crumbles. Find dry-farmed watermelon at local area farmer’s markets all summer long—you’ll find these heirloom varieties are so much more flavorful than mass market melons. Penman Springs 2017 Rosé is all a dry splash of cherry and green apple goodness that ends with a creamy silky finish. This is what you should be munching and sipping as the sun sinks behind Paso Robles hills. Oh, this is more than a summer fling!
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