We’re all in this together, right? Whether you’re buying hand-made face masks on Etsy, picking up burgers to go from your favorite restaurant or sending a not-so-virtual tip to the local hometown band as they perform a Facebook livestream, we’re all thinking about how we can support the businesses and artisans that make our community great. Here in Paso Robles Wine Country, some wineries may not be taking IRL (in real life) visitors yet, but the vines are ripening and the bottling continues. Give these new spring releases a round of applause! When you purchase wines via curbside pickup or traditional delivery from Paso Robles wineries, you’re not only giving these hardworking winemakers props during a difficult time. You’re also spreading the love financially in a very real way. So, go on. Support—and sip!—local. It’s easy with these 5 spring releases calling your name:
1. Clear your palate with Hayseed and Housdon 2018 Chardonnay
Clean the slate. Handpicked, hand sorted, and hand made, the wines at Haysweed and Housdon are truly crafted with care. If you tend to steer clear of oaky, buttery chardonnays in favor of something fresh, the winery’s 2018 Excuse My Dust Chardonnay is totally for you. Dry, crisp and clean, this stainless steel fermented, Chablis-styled chardonnay offers up notes of white peach, lemon zest and a subtle minerality on the finish. Plus, it’s a perfect companion to grilled shellfish, aromatic cheeses and dried fruits—all of which will make your lockdown a little more luscious. BONUS: profits generated through the sale of the wine are split 50/50 with RISE, a SLO County based organization that provides crisis intervention to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Support two causes with one stone!
Sip local
Mapping and Directions to Hayseed and Housdon click here
2. Have a good day with ONX 2018 Field Day
Cooped up in side the house all day long? Take this one to the patio and really soak up those rays. As refreshing as a big breath of ocean air, this sauvignon blanc-grenache blanc blend features a fresh fruit bouquet that instantly transitions your mind to vacation mode. Pineapple, passionfruit, and green apple pleasures are overlaid by a meadow of white freesia, oleander, and honeysuckle bliss. It all finishes in a wave of meringue, peach, and lychee followed by a last burst of acidity (think of this as a flavorful exclamation point). BONUS: ONX is also featuring a virtual tasting kit they can be shipped directly to your door. The five-pack mix of mini reds and whites is perfect for introducing your tastebuds to ONX without leaving your comfiest beach chair.
Sip local
Virtual tasting
Mapping and Directions to ONX click here
3. Honor wine history with Harmony Cellars 2018 Reserve Pinot Gris
How many corks have they popped over 30 years? Hard to say. Established in 1989, Harmony Cellars owners Chuck and Kim Mulligan built their boutique winery to reflect the serene and unpretentious beauty of Harmony (population 18, if you count the cows). Now, despite the struggles that come along with a worldwide pandemic—Harmony Cellars continues to offer that handcrafted taste to their fans far and wide. The Winery’s 2018 Reserve Pinot Gris is light and fruity, crafted in the French Burgundian style and finished dry. Expect aromas of ripe pear, citrus and tropical fruit, flavors of juicy pear and citrus and a finish that smacks of shortbread cookie. BONUS: Harmony Cellars’ Spring Set Special—featuring their Rosato Vivo, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon—is a fab deal on fresh spring flavors. Grab the trio for yourself or send to a loved one as a gift. It feels good to do good, doesn’t it?
Sip local
Spring Set Special
Mapping and Directions to Harmony Cellars click here
4. Think pink with Austin Hope 2019 Rosé
The Hope Family wines story begins way back in 1978 and spans multiple generations and wine labels. Now, more than ever, you have the power to support family owned wineries who have given everything to the land. Austin Hope’s 2019 Rose is a great place to start! Not only does it pair perfectly with anything you might throw at it (and who knows what you’ve got left in your pantry), but this rosé is guaranteed to please whoever you might be sheltering in place with. A provence style rosé with aromas of strawberries and watermelon, this fresh, crisp wine finishes with a subtle minerality on the palate. Perhaps you can’t take that trip to France this year, but you can relax under the stars tonight with this chill companion in hand.
Sip local
Mapping and Directions to Austin Hope click here
5. Thrill yourself with Iron Oaks Flipside – And they are OPEN now (call to make a reservation)!
If you start looking forward to supper about an hour after you’ve head breakfast, you’re not alone! Lack of meaningful daily routine has elevated dinnertime to a whole new meaning. Give that complicated new recipe something to really stand up against with a bold California white blend from Iron Oaks. The winery’s Flipside is a little big country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll (and a whole lot of delicious). According to the winemaker, it was “born from the suburbs of Los Angeles but stowed-away to the country.” I guess if you want to know what that truly means, you’ll have to try it for yourself. What fun! With a floral nose of lemon blossom and stone fruit and a hint of lemon cremè bruleè on the palate, this baby will leave you with a clean finish and a wild hair.
Sip local
Mapping and Directions to Iron Oaks Winery 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, 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
Hoyt Family Vineyard Retreats Two very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
Directions: speedfind.com/hoytfamilyvineyards
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
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
The Kiler Canyon Vineyard Retreat Perched on top of a hill on ONX Estate’s vineyard with gorgeous 360 degree views of the Willow Creek AVA
Directions: speedfind.com/KilerRetreat
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
Oxford Suites Paso Robles You’ll find that from our lobby, our on-site restaurant, to our meeting spaces, to our 101 spacious suites, every space is beautiful + functional as well as comfortable + chic.
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
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
Rio Seco Winery Guest House 2 comfortable suites each with 2 bedrooms, complete with kitchens are set amongst the vines at iconic Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery. Enjoy your own barbeque + firepit.
Directions: speedfind.com/riosecovineyard
