Fancy cars, Italian handbags, and vacations to the South of France. Some might call these items “decadent,” but I beg to differ. In Paso Robles, “the good life” is a whole lot more low key, but just as over-the-top in flavor. When you’re looking for a little luxurious escape, all you have to do is pour yourself a glass of delicious Paso Robles wine and bite into a sumptuous chocolate pairing designed to play on all of your pleasure centers. Overlooking these dreamy hillsides and blue skies, what could be more over-the-top indulgent?
Taste The Truffle Rainbow At Shale Oak
Big flavor comes in tiny packages at Shale Oak, which serves up award-winning wines alongside the best little truffles you’ve ever tried. Experience the winery’s refreshing Albarino paired with white chocolate and crème fresh, their fruit-forward Zinfandel with dark chocolate, or their robust Cabernet Sauvignon with a salty, chew-tastic Butterfinger truffle.
Oh, and don’t forget the cherry cashew flavor washed down with a refined sip of Petite Sirah! As if you weren’t already stuffed, save room for the main event: Heaven Squared Brownie Co. brownies, a Paso favorite crafted with local wines and the finest artisanal ingredients. Consider yourself officially, irrevocably, pampered.
Harvest Chocolate Happiness At Burbank Ranch
This down-home winery and bistro is all about food-friendly pairings, and dessert is no exception. A trip to the rustic-modern tasting room is incomplete without nibbling on something delicious, whether you go for the Paso Pressed Picnic Sandwhich (prosciutto, salami, basil, and pesto) paired with Sauvignon Blanc or the tangy Strawberry Summer Salad paired with playful Zinfandel Rose. This Harvest Weekend, Oct. 16 through 18, dive into an exclusive chocolate pairing served up Burbank Ranch style.
These rare selections are aimed to bring out the best of Burbank’s renowned, drinkable blends with a touch of sumptuous sweetness not normally found on their super savory menu. Don’t miss out—this is your chance to experience Burbank Ranch through chocolate-flavored glasses. Yum!
Chilled Chocolate Perfection At Cass Winery
There is nothing like quality gelato made with fresh chocolate and a dose of love. At Cass Winery in Paso Robles, be sure to end your meal of Crab Cakes or Smoked Chicken Salad with a sweet treat. Ask for a glass, then head to the frozen case for the best local icy treat around: Leo Leo Gelato. Together, this flavorful combo is uniquely lush, playing on hot and cold senses in new, exciting ways. Try the Blackberry Cabernet gelato with Cass reds or the Cucumber Melon and Lemon Sage flavors with more delicate Rhône whites like viognier. It’s like the age-old ice cream truck experience…for adults! Choose your pleasure.
Port Perfect At Harmony Cellars
Everyone knows that port and chocolates go together like—well, Paso harvests and a case of cold beer. Get in on this harmonious pairing at Harmony Cellars with sweet, sensational Port-style Dessert Wines that range from late harvest Syrah aged in oak barrels to brandy-fortified creations. For the best effect, sample their rich, berrylicious 2012 Rhapsody Late Harvest Syrah with the darkest chocolate you can find. The contrast from sugar to bitter—combined with the creamy mouthfeel of both wine and chocolate—will lead you to understand why Harmony Cellars’ tasting room is known to surge far beyond the population of the entire town (population 18, including the cows).
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at [email protected]
