Congrats! You survived the 2016 presidential race. Regardless of where you stand politically, there is one thing we can all agree on. This election has been louder, zanier, and more stressful than most. Whether victorious or saddened by the results, all Americans are feeling a tad ragged after such a rollercoaster election cycle (who’s up for a long nap?) We know that these past few months have been a struggle of heart and mind, so we’re giving you permission to just kick back and relax, Paso Wine style. Follow these tips and you’ll soon be on your way to peace, rejuvenation, and clarity. Yes, we’ll even teach you how to put down the news app and raise a glass to wellness!
Put your phone down. Seriously. Do it!
It’s so hard, we know. But the simple act of unplugging your nagging devices—phone, tablet, PC—will instantly bring calm to your busy mind. Plan to take an hour or two and stick to that commitment (no checking eBay, news, Instagram, or Facebook). Take a few moments to focus on your breath and go for a walk outside, noticing the changing leaves and mundane neighborhood noises. See? Life does go on! Prepare a chill, laid back dinner that feels nourishing to your spirit (could be frozen mac and cheese or a farm-fresh medley of greens from the local farmer’s market or pizza delivered). This night’s all about comfort, so go for whatever makes you feel good. Maybe you want to watch your favorite show or take a seaside stroll with your sweetie? Whatever you do, be sure to cap off the night with an equally balanced wine that brings you back to the present moment.
Calm companion: 2015 Hearst Ranch Glacier Ridge Chardonnay
Unplug your mind and enter a quiet realm of restrained elegance. Sourced from a vineyard just inland from Monterey Bay, this wine features mature, ripe grapes balanced by a firm acidic freshness.
Mapping and Directions to San Simeon Tasting Room: speedfind.com/HearstRanchWinery
Mapping and Directions to Cholame Tasting Room: speedfind.com/HearstRanch
Indulge in aromatherapy
The ancient art of aromatherapy is having a “moment” right now in the form of essential oils. Travel to any local health store and you will find a rainbow of bottles ranging from spicy to sweet. Calm your senses with a whiff of lavender, rose, ylang ylang, chamomile, or frankincense—all great cures for anxious nerves. Not quite sure how to use these natural wonders? It’s easy! Throw a drop in a steaming pot of water, place a dish towel over your head and breathe in the steamy fragrance (this also opens up pores and preps skin for an at-home facial); rub a few drops on your wrists and neck and surround yourself with pleasure; or add a drop to each of your household lamps and watch as your living quarters mysteriously fill with comforting, cradeling scent. Ahhhh….that’s better!
Fragrant friend: Dubost Winery 2014 Estate Viognier
Whole cluster pressed, settled and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak, this slightly off dry, floral wine is aged for just under a year in neutral French and American oak for an expanded body and mid palate.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/DubostWinery
Give yourself a spa day
When life gets fast-paced and hectic, the first thing to go is your glow. Revive your sallow, tired skin 
with an at-home facial that combines natural ingredients with powerful pampering. A good go-to for all skin types: Mix a little lemon juice with a few tablespoons of powdered turmeric, enough to form a paste. Squirt in a bit of honey and a splash of milk. Mix it all up and cover your face with the bright yellow concoction (ten minutes will do the trick). Widely used in India as a beautifying mask for brides before their wedding day, this easy DIY spa facial boosts luminosity, calms inflammation, and exfoliates for a brighter, tighter you. Oh, and don’t forget to wrap yourself in a cozy robe first—you’ll need to be as comfy as possible as you flip through magazines on the couch. Why don’t you do this every week?
Rejuvenating refreshment: Clavo Cellars’ 2012 Albariño – Ole
This fresh and appealing wine charges your senses with fruity aromatics of green bananas and ripe apricots. Light and crisp, it has a lively structure, with good acidity and spiciness on the finish.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ClavoCellars
Break out the colored pencils
Coloring books are not just for kids anymore! These days, a trip to your local craft store or bookseller will showcase a range of adult coloring books aimed at quelling modern day stressors. Whether you’re into coloring intricate mandalas or vivid jungle scenes, there’s probably an adult coloring book with your name on it. Grab a box of pencils or crayons and allow your mind to focus at the task at hand. Not unlike working on a puzzle, you’ll feel your muscles relax and mind turn to peaceful center. Unleashing your creativity not only floods the body with feel-good chemicals, it also leads to a dash of satisfaction once you finish your unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This one’s definitely going on the fridge!
Marvelous muse: Four Lantern’s 2014 Jacinth Grenache
Allow your creativity to soar with this delicate, intricate red, which features an incredible balance of flavor, acid and tannins.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/FourLanternsWinery
Yoga from your couch
Yoga studios are generally great places to unwind, but we’ve all been to one or two classes that sent us over the edge emotionally (ever hear of the term ‘stay on your own yoga mat?’) Skip the drama of posing in front of a room of 20 people and open your laptop to a free yoga online program, which there are many. If you don’t have a yoga mat, spread out a towel—and don’t even worry about what you’re wearing. You can set up in the backyard or in your living room—wherever you feel most calm. Heck, we won’t judge you if you stretch on the couch. That’s where we are too, these days.
Post stretch soulmate: 2014 Michael Gill Cellars Vermentino
With delicate, nutty aromas of lemon creme brulee and praline and a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body, this wine brings your breath to center. Relax into waves of yellow apple, vanilla cream, and spice. Ommmm…..
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/MichaelGillCellars
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, 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.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally 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.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
L
a 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
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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
photo credit: Saundi Wilson Photography DSC01267 via photopin (license)
photo credit: Canva
photo credit: aromatherapy – CC0 Public Domain
photo credit: Canva
photo credit: colored pencils – CC0 Public Domain
photo credit: yoga – CC0 Public Domain
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