Better bookmark this page immediately: these Paso Robles wine ideas are virtually delicious!
As the second wave of Covid-19 hits California, we’re all looking to stay inside as much as possible. Although plenty of Paso Robles tasting rooms and eateries offer safe outdoor, curbside and to-go food and wine experiences, we know many of our readers—especially the immune compromised—are sitting tight for the time being (we feel for you).
Let’s make one thing crystal clear: “Hunkering down” does not have to mean rummaging through whatever wine you’ve got lingering around from last holiday. Better to let those aging bottles rest and set your sights on fresh, exciting summer flavors. Now is the best time to really live it up and enjoy the incredible varietals this dynamic wine region has to offer. Simply point, click and clink!
1. Crack into a good one
Meet your new backyard BBQ BFF. That’s right: kick back on the front porch with an outstanding can of wine and a pair of tongs. Yes we said can! Wines of the West, home to several stellar Paso Robles wine labels, is your go-to for grab-and-go goodness. Whether you crack into Alloy’s rich sangiovese or go for a light and bright gruner veltliner, you’ll be ready for an afternoon of unfussy fun in the sun. Oh and yes, if you’re wondering: they do carry 12-packs!
How good it is: Get 1¢ shipping when you purchase either 3+ 12 packs of wine or 12 bottles or more from Wines of the West. Learn more here. Deals like this make even the grumpiest among us feel good-natured. Why not drop a surprise delivery on your neighbor’s porch? Hey, you can still hang through the backyard fence!
Mapping and directions to Wines of the West, click here
2. Get into a little trouble
Unleash your rebellious side and see where it takes you. You may not be ready to venture into Paso Robles’ way cool Tin City at the moment, but you can totally stock up on unique finds from the comfort of your own living room. With an array of defiant wines to entice even those most jaded wine drinker, Anarchy Wine Co. is all about delivering a truly wicked experience. The winery’s 2017 Auspicious Omen is a seductive syrah packed with spice and black pepper personality. Think you can handle it?
Rock out: Seeking some stimulating wine education to go with that zesty red? Check out Anarchy Wine Company’s new virtual tasting packages. The winery is taking both groups and individuals—just give ’em a holler.
Mapping and directions to Anarchy, click here
3. Self care and repeat
What tastes good, feels good. You’ve slathered on your DIY honey face mask and you’ve just put on a record from your favorite local band. Now, reach for a equally crafty bottle of wine (to sip on while you cook those local CSA box veggies). If you want to submerge your senses in a wine that’s handpicked, hand-sorted and—literally—handmade, look no further than Hayseed and Housdon, a favorite among cowboys and travelers alike. Each bottle is a singular representation of the terroir and vintage, so you can sink into an alternate reality for a little while. For a truly soothing, refreshing experience, go for the winery’s bright, bone dry rose, cleverly named “The 4:19 to Paso.” Seriously. You’ll want to hop on this train and take ride it all the way to bath time.
Spread the love: Check out the winery’s online shop and feel good knowing that 50% of all rose sales go to Paso Cares, a nonprofit that gives back to homeless individuals in need.
Mapping and directions to Hayseed and Housdon, click here
4. Luxury on a weeknight?
Why the heck not? Time has lost a bit of its meaning as of late, so why not treat your Tuesday like Saturday and your Saturday like Valentine’s Day? Give yourself—and your lover—a morale boost with a candle-lit dinner for two right here in your humble kitchen. Nothing will impress them more than your exquisite taste in wine: Pour Chateau Margene’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wealth of blackberry, caramel and vanilla sophistication. No one will be fighting over who’s doing the dishes tonight.
Virtual hug: Dating a special someone over Zoom or the dating apps? We get it—sparking a new romance can be difficult right now, to say the least. Share your feelings with fabulous and a gift card courtesy of Chateau Margene. One day, you’ll be sipping that bottle together!
Mapping and directions to Chateau Margene, click here
5. Take a trip (kinda)
Snap out of it! We’re all pretty sick of seeing our own homes every day, all day. Tonight, take a trip off the beaten path, so to speak. A taste of something totally new and unexpected is sure to shake off those end-of-summer blues. A brilliant blend heavy in the cabernet franc department is sure to kick your tastebuds into high gear. Crafted to be “the heaviest, boldest and richest blend imaginable” (their words, not ours), Sculpterra Winery’s 2018 Winemaker Signature beckons only the most adventurous among us. Aged in Hungarian oak and New American Oak, this smoky, peppery and fruity fix is altogether “extra.” These are so special that they are pickup only, no shipping.They still have to wax, sign, and number them, but they will be going on sale soon. Hurry and get on their waitlist! Only 200 bottles produced!
Wanderlust, solved: Go ahead, wander. A virtual tour of Sculpterra’s magical Winery and Sculpture Garden will do wonders for your weary mind.
Mapping and directions to Sculpterra, 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, 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. TOUR VIRTUALLY
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Peachy Canyon Guest Inn Sits above Peachy Canyon Winery + acres of vines at Mustang Springs Vineyard. The house has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, family room + panoramic views.
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