If the world of fine wine seems overly glamorous, romanticized and glossy, you haven’t yet visited Paso Robles! Here, we revel in our authenticity as well as our world class wine offerings. Around here, cowboy country meets wine country and boots meet barrel. Life is a messy, rugged and oh-so rewarding. Join us as we fall into 5 common wine foibles (and find our way out with grace and ingenuity).
1. Forgot the corkscrew
So, you’re on a splendid picnic in Paso Robles Wine Country, surrounded by those famous rolling green hills and grazing cows. Then, you suddenly realize, to your horror, that you forgot the wine opener! We feel your pain: it’s happened to us all…much more often than we’d like to admit. If you fancy yourself a true wine hound, you’ll roll up your sleeves and give these nifty—and surprisingly effective—DIY wine-opening hacks a try. Around here, we pride ourselves on our “can do” attitude. Give it a try!
Never be caught cork-screwed again: Another easy way to ensure you’ll always be able to enjoy that bottle of Paso Robles wine? Grab a screw-top bottle! Robert Hall’s 2019 Sauvignon Blanc greets the senses with crisp apple and citrus aromas and a satisfyingly dry finish. While in the past screw tops may have indicated lesser quality, a bevy of incredible sought-after wines are now endowed with those gloriously easy-to-open closures. Huzzah!
For mapping and directions to Robert Hall click here
2. Feeling the stain
Oops you did it again. Who hasn’t accidentally bumped a glass (or two…or three) off the bar? At Paso Robles wine tasting rooms, you’ll never get the side-eye for a making this all-too-common boo boo. I mean, we do like to talk with our hands around here! When you slosh a little syrah onto your favorite blouse, try to stay calm and grab the salt or white vinegar or Wine Away (wine lovers consider keeping a spray bottle handy at all times). In Paso Robles, wine stains aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Think of them as ever-lasting memories you’ll wear around forever.
Sooo worth it: Even if you do spill a little wine on your most comfy pair of skinny jeans, at least you’ll know you enjoyed yourself. That’s especially true if you’re drinking Pelletiere’s 2017 Syrah, a smooth, decadent red that pairs perfectly with oak-grilled ribs (and barbecue sauce-covered fingers). Finger lickin’ good!
For mapping and directions to Pelletiere click here
3. Cork dork
D’oh! If you’ve ever had a cork break up while you’re trying to open a bottle of wine, you know the true meaning of frustration. Instead of straining the wine or pouring teeny bits of cork into your glass (not-so-yummy), grab a simple drinking straw. Put the straw over the bits of cork, hold your finger over the top to create suction, and lift the cork bits right out! Yes, you can thank us later.
Poppin’ bottles: You won’t have to deal with stubborn corks at all when you go for a sumptuous sparkling wine that pops off with festive flair. Sculpterra’s Sparkling Wine is a stone-fruity affair strewn with ribbons of bright bubbles. What are we celebrating? Who cares?
For mapping and directions to Sculpterra click here
4. Air head
Everyone knows that oxygen is kryptonite to that fancy bottle of wine. While a bit of air allows the full beauty of the flavors and aromas to bloom, too much air for too long will bring on off-putting vinegar tones and a brownish-orange color. Alas, you’ve got half a bottle of delicious Paso Robles wine on your counter with no intention of chugging the other half before bed. Savor that precious wine for a few more days (and minimize the trauma of oxidation) by sucking out the air with a vacuum stopper. Whew! Crisis averted. No harm no foul.
Keeping it fresh: ONX’s Reckoning 2013, a powerful blend of syrah, petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon and malbec, should be cherished till the very last drop! Exuberant and flashy, the nose offers up layers of bold aromatics worth preserving (not to mention the palate, a racy mix of Asiann spices, plum sauce and toasted pistachio). Wow. Could this wine be even better the next day?
For mapping and directions to ONX click here
5. No chill
So you bought a refreshing bottle of Paso Robles rosé just in time for the beach hang. Unfortunately, just like your least favorite nosey neighbor, the wine has absolutely zero chill. What to do? When it comes to cooling down bottles super fast, we here in Paso Robles prescribe to a no-fuss method that works every time: Wrap your wine in a damp towel and pop it in the freezer for a spell. While it usually takes somewhere around three hours for a room temp bottle to get to its perfect state of chilled perfection, you can do the deed in no less than ten minutes. Wow. Go you!
So cool: It’s gonna be a hot one. Trust us: you’ll want to stock several bottles of Allegretto Wines 2019 Rosé Tannat in your fridge this summer. Effortlessly drinkable yet totally sophisticated, it will be your companion for cheese plates and fruit salads alike. If only fitting into last summer’s swimsuit was this easy!
For mapping and directions to Allegretto 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
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Directions: speedfind.com/hoytfamilyvineyards
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Directions: speedfind.com/KilerRetreat
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Directions: speedfind.com/oxfordsuitespasorobles
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/PeachyInn
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals
Directions: speedfind.com/riosecovineyard