Just like everyone’s got their own summer style—glowy beach goddess, down-in-the-dirt camper, beer-in-one-hand barbecue master, etc.—we all have our own fall style, too. Whether you immediately break out the pumpkin scented candles, love crafting Halloween decorations galore, or simply prefer more of the laid back pleasures of the fall season (warm sweater on a chilly stroll, anyone?), Paso Robles Wines are just as diverse. Not sure which festive fall red you are? Take the quiz and share with your friends:
The busy baker
You: Begin baking the moment fall arrives, love to shower friends and family with sweet comfort foods, and can’t imagine the holiday season without the scent of apple pie (or any pie for that matter).
Your red: Hug Cellars’ 2011 El Pape – With 65 percent Grenache, 30 percent Mourvedre, and five percent Syrah, this Rhone blend flaunts a subtle baking spice comfort that stands up beautifully alongside even an army of ginger bread men.
Click here for mapping and directions to Hug Cellars
The leaf lover
You: Secretly love raking the leaves this time of year (a delicious smell in your book), you enjoy cruising the vineyards and watching the vines change from green to orange, prefer a brisk hike with a flashlight to bundling up at home any night of the week.
Your red: Kiamie Wine Cellars’ 2014 Meritage – Herby and earthy, this rich, well-structured red blend pairs perfectly with rustic porchini mushroom risotto or a side of balsamic-glazed beets. Talk about forest floor fabulous.
Click here for mapping and directions to Kiamie Wine Cellars
The fire worshiper
You: Always want to throw another log on the fire, savor crackling bonfires surrounded by friends, love the drama and carnal flavors of the fall season (the more charr the better).
Your red: Jada Vineyard & Winery’s 2015 Strayts – With notes of plum, leather, and woody cedar, this mix of estate Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon is something like a smoky s’more dusted with cocoa powder. Plus, nothing pairs better with a bloody rare steak. Is it getting hot in here?
Click here for mapping and directions to Jada Vineyard & Winery
The bundle-upper
You: Adore the luxurious fabrics of the fall season: cashmere, velvet, and wool, enjoy chilly night under a warm blanket with a chunk of super dark chocolate, prefer Netflix and silk pajamas over holiday soirees and ironic Christmas sweaters
Your red: Hearst Ranch Winery’s 2014 Tempranillo “Chileno” – A supremely lush mouthfeel and smooth notes of bing cherry, wet clay, and vanilla create a sensuous experience sure to wrap your tastebuds in luscious layers of fall flavor. Goosebumps, I tell ya.
Click here for mapping and directions to Hearst Ranch Winery, San Simeon
Click here for mapping and directions to Hearst Ranch Winery, Cholame
The crafter
You: Love creating cute decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas (all completed at least two months ahead of time, of course), have a full social calendar highlighted by holiday parties and events, feel that clinking glasses with rosy-cheeked friends perfectly symbolizes the “reason for the season.”
Your red: Peachy Canyon Winery’s 2014 Clevenger – Extremely likeable (even lovable), this party-pleasing blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouschet has it all. We’re talking flavors of strawberry, guava, and cardamom balanced with a mineral-fresh lightness. Think: substantial, but not too heavy—just like the perfect finger food app.
Click here for mapping and directions to Peachy Canyon Winery
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] 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
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals