Have you eaten lunch yet? If not, we apologize in advance! Today, we’re discussing a topic that truly never gets old (at least around here): Which Paso Robles wine to serve with which deliciously irresistible cheese? This may be the most ancient question in the entertainer’s book, but it truly is the most tasty to answer. In Paso Robles Wine Country, we’ve got the perfect wine for every meal of the day—including the all-mighty appetizer hour! Ready to get cheesy with us? Read on for 5 incredible Paso wine and cheese pairings sure to wow your dinner guests long before the dinner bell tolls!
Mourvedre and Manchego
Time to tango: Heady with dark cherry cola and touched with a dash of cream, smokey oak and tobacco notes, Anarchy Wines‘ 2019 The Agony & Ecstasy is a wild wine seeking an even bolder cheese to groove with! Our thoughts: Invite over your most compelling friends and serve this 100% Mourvedre offering with a side of Spanish manchego, known for its intense, zesty personality and irresistibly crumbly texture. You’ll soon understand why we do a little happy dance whenever this pair is around: The cheese’s rich and slightly salty finish completes mourvedre’s mix of briar patch black fruit, exotic spice, and black pepper punch. How’s that for picking up a few new dance moves?
Love at first sip: Fermented in stainless steel tanks, Hayseed and Housdon’s 2021 Vaya Con Gato Sauvignon Blanc smacks of Argentinan styles, where the varietal is referred to as “el gato.” Bright and crisp on the tongue with an firm, grassy aroma, this acidic white cries out for a rich, buttery cheese (like gorgeous gouda) to give it a little more heft. Pull out all the stops and serve up all the fat with a hunky, double cream gouda, if you dare. Now you have two halves represented in one pairing: one feminine and light, the other wholly satisfying and creamy. Intrigued by this romantic coupling? This brand new wine was just released at the Hayseed tasting garage on Valentine’s Day! Swoon.
The big cheese: There’s something so easy and endlessly appealing about pouring up a fruit-forward Paso Robles red blend, any time of year—and at literally any occasion! Ripe, round, juicy—you just know it’s going to go over like gangbusters, right? Enter: Locatelli’s 50/50 merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend, with lots of bold fruit plus blueberry, fig and sweet tobacco notes. A strong aged cheddar cheese is a no-brainer paired with the winery’s 2019 Estate Cielo Rosso, beloved for its soft yet substantial food-friendly tannins. While you might think a big wine and a big cheese might cancel each other out—in reality, they come together to play an even more enchanting symphony.
Beauty and the Barnyard: Elevate snack time when you grab a bottle of Chateau Margene’s 2020 Chardonnay, cold fermented in stainless steel tanks and oozing with pure fruit appeal. An elegant wine with a juicy charm galore, this offering is best paired with a robust cheese that’s a little tangy, too. While “barnyard” isn’t normally a flavor you wouldn’t want anywhere near your wine, the right amount of gamey savoriness in your cheese will play nicely against a super clean white. Goat cheese can range from strong to mild to lightly sweet—so find the one that’s right for you. If you thought you didn’t like goat cheese, just keep exploring, darling! As we like to say, to each their own chèvre.
Embrace the Blue: Viognier is totally dreamy when paired alongside buttery, creamy cheeses like a Délice de Bourgogne or a triple cream Brie, but we’re here to promote a more piquant companion. When sipping Rhone whites, Gorgonzola tops our list, with its exciting mix of creamy and sharp flavors that always seem to dazzle the palate. Crafted from one of the most respected vineyards in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District, Crazy Woman Cellars’ Viognier delights the senses with aromas of banana, pear and vanilla followed by nutmeg and clove. Thanks to a splash of acid and a fruity perfume in the glass, this wine knows how to flirt with just about any old blue you throw at it!
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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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
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.
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.
Hoyt Family Vineyard RetreatsTwo very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
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®
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at chic, sparkling clean 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
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.
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.
Make the most of your Paso Robles wine experience with our definitive wine tasting map – the most comprehensive guide available for navigating Paso Robles wine country.
Explore all of Paso Robles’ wine regions with our expertly curated map featuring every tasting room in the area. Today, there are over 200 tasting rooms and our recommendations are always highlighted in bold.
