It’s unfair but true. All year long, white wine must bow down and play second fiddle. Even if Paso Robles winemakers claim not to play favorites, it is hard to deny the sex appeal of a well made cab, tempranillo, or grenache. Everyone just loves a Paso Robles red, whether fruit forward and drinkable or structured and sophisticated. Still, when summer comes around and the temps rise, the lighter side of Paso Robles comes out to play. Floral, honied, fruity, or flinty, these wondrous whites are exactly what we want to drink all August long.
1. A Celebratory Sparkling
Toast to summer celebrations with a sparkling flight that brings out fireworks and flirtatious glances. Rava Wine is making farmer grown, méthode champenoise California sparkling wine that would make a Frenchman smile with appreciation. All processes, including press, tirage, riddling and disgorging are completed on the winery estate, so you know you are getting quality bubbles. The winery is currently offering Monterey County Brut, Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, Sparkling Grüner Veltliner, and Sparkling Rosé—try them all and find your fave. Pairs well with weddings, anniversaries, and everyday cheese plates.
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Mappings and Directions to Rava wines
2. A Fresh Viognier
Vines on the Marycrest knows how to cool down the summer with live tunes and a laid back vibe. Try their 2017 Viognier, as fresh as the day is long. Whether you kick back at the winery or take this one home to your own backyard, the result is the same: maximum chill factor. This 100% Viognier is light and bright with a tropical nose and a deep, yet refreshing palate. This easy, summer sipper is perfect when paired with grilled Halibut or Thai food takeout. Because sometimes you just want to go with the easy (but delicious) option!
You’ll need some tunes to go with your wine. Victor (the owner along with Jenni his wife) may have given up a sound engineer career in music to pursue his passion for winemaking, but music is still a huge part of life for the Abascals. Rock, jazz, blues… there’s always something playing in the tasting room and winery. Victor and Jenni take their love of music even further, inviting some of the best and most original artists to play at events hosted by the winery. The compilation of these artist’s AMAZING ditties can be purchased online or in the tasting room. There is a limited supply, go to their music website take a listen and grab a CD while you can!
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Mappings and Directions to Vines on the Marycrest
3. A Dry Muscat
Really, it’s dry! For those of you who expect this wine to be overly sweet, do I have a surprise for you. Made with no residual sugar, Hoyt Family Vineyards Muscat astonishes the senses with a fragrant nose of citrus and a crisp, cleansing finish that is anything but cloying. Want in? This onetime estate offering will probably only last about as long as the summer. Get it while you still can!
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Mappings and Directions to Hoyt Family Vineyards
4. An Aromatic Albariño
Brecon Estate was initially considered quite crazy for hanging their hat on Albariño, uncommon in Paso Robles till just a few years ago (and still quite new to the scene). Well, who’s had the last laugh now? This 2017 Albariño has garnered 96 points—not once—but two times in a row! We know why. The aromas jump from the glass, surrounding these senses with elderflower and lily blossom. Zesty, crisp lime floods the palate (yum). The finish is structured, with a softness and biscuity toastiness reminiscent of good champagne. Not bad for an underdog.
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Mappings and Directions to Brecon Estate
5. A Modern Chardonnay
Aged for eight months in both stainless steel and oak, you’ll get both Old World class and modern style from this enticing 2015 Écluse Chardonnay. The winery’s first Chardonnay, it is already a star worthy of a fan club. Thanks to exceptional fruit sourced from the Solomon Hills area of the Santa Maria Valley AVA, this wine is one you might want to save for a special dinner, even if it’s just a nice night on the patio with fish tacos and a few tiki torches burning. Complex yet crisp, it has a dual personality, and both are absolutely delightful.
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Mappings and Directions to Écluse Wines
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.
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.
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
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
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
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