Wanna know if you have a beach body? Quick, check your pulse. Yup—if you have a living, breathing human body, congrats! You’re the proud owner of an ultra fabulous, totally tabloid-worthy #1 beach body. Not quite convinced? This is 2017, people. Let’s leave the body shaming, excessive dieting, juice cleanses, and “five minute ab” videos in the past, where they so totally belong. If you couldn’t already tell, we’re on one heck of a body positive kick. That means cultivating a fulfilling, well balanced diet, plenty of moderate, soul-nourishing exercise (the kind you actually enjoy doing) and—most importantly—cultivating a sense of mental well being that can’t be shaken by something as trivial as a number on a scale. A big chunk of that mental wellness comes from—you guessed it—treating yourself now and then, and we don’t just mean Greek yogurt with a few berries on top as an afterthought. This spring, let’s let go of #fitnessinspo for good and get inspired by these joyful wine and cheese pairings perfect for a sunny beach party. Which Paso Wine Beach Body are You?
Bold and Beautiful
Go bold or go home! Michael Gill Cellars is known for its breathtaking array of estate Syrah wines that know how to command a room (or your next sunset soiree on the dunes). Make a beeline for this one of a kind tasting room inspired by historic hunting lodges of yore and pick up one of the winery’s flagship Syrah stunners. The beach bash: Sultry bonfire under the stars. Picnic pairing: A big, bold blue cheese that can stand up to Syrah’s earthy, spicy notes. Try Rogue River Blue from the Rogue Creamery located in Southern Oregon, which is actually wrapped in Syrah vine foliage, for an added oomph. Wear: A bold, inky colored one-piece with cheeky cut-outs.
Rustic Charmer
Is your jam “effortless French cool?” Rendarrio Vineyards is all about that beachy South of France chill, thanks to owner/winemaker/surfer Ryan Render. After falling in love with the Rhone region of France, the former Orange County shredder packed up shop and headed for the Central Coast, where sea and vine meet. Try Render’s 2012 First Born King blend of Grenache and Syrah, which pairs well fruity and creamy farmhouse style cheese. The beach bash: Low-key surfer hangout sesh with that dash of je ne sais quoi. Picnic Pairing: Portuguese Azeitao, a raw sheep’s milk cheese that is smooth and rich as the day is long (bring a Baguette for added French appeal). Another fabulous rustic Rhone wine choice to gush over? Écluse Winery’s 2014 Rendition, a traditional GSM blend with savory notes of plum, leather, and tobacco. Wear: A striped navy-and-white tankini, tousled Bardot hair and a wide brimmed straw hat.
Dashing and Dangerous
Are you a thrill seeker? Do sharks fear you? Throw caution to the wind and hit the high surf with Bodega de Edgar’s 2010 Mis Pasos blend, which bursts with caramelized beets, white pepper, and fresh cut wood followed by rose petal, cumin, and garlic blossoms. This wild and uncontrollable wine, crafted from 50% Merlot, 25% Syrah, and 25% Tempranillo, is not for the faint of heart. Like a rip tide, it will reel you in, one sip at a time. The beach bash: Truth or dare, spin the bottle, and Twister—no party game is off limits at this scandalous seaside shindig. Picnic Pairing: A charismatic and flavor-packed Wisconsin smoked gouda will flirt with the wine’s earthy, peppery allure to no end. Wear: A microscopic red bikini with gold hardware that catches the sun’s rays (read: blind them with your brilliance).
Do sunny days lolling on the sand bring out your inner beach bunny goddess? Tuck a few tropical flowers into your hair and lay out with some SPF and a glass of something as crisp and enchanting as you are. This Harmony Cellars’ 2015 Chardonnay is packed with pineapple, apple, and buttered toast, which just so happens to be the name of your favorite beachy nude/mauve lipstick (which matches your toes, totes). The beach bash: Flowered leis, 60s surf music, and a Beach Blanket Bingo dress code, naturally! Picnic Pairing: Nothing bolsters a chilled, fresh white quite like sumptuous, mild and decadently gooey Brie. Wear: A snow-white, retro-inspired one piece that channels your inner Marilyn-on-the-beach vibe (plus, look at how that well-cultivated tan glows!).
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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