The Paso Robles (CA) wine region is known for its red wines – especially red blends. Although it’s not online (at least not yet), the October ’09 Wine Enthusiast issue has an excellent article about this region, its wines, and some ratings.
With 150+ wineries in the area, I did my share of online research to develop a trip strategy – plus I had suggestions from Caitlin Pianetta (Pianetta Winery, who we met in Cincinnati earlier this year), and from the Adelaide Inn staff (where we stayed) – so we had plenty to keep us busy during a 3-day stay. Unfortunately, I discovered the Daily Wine Dispatch after returning home.
Since Paso wineries specialize in red wines, expect to see many more reds than whites. Most wineries will have viognier, chardonnay, muscat, or white blends. Paso whites are generally unoaked andrefreshing with possibly a note of crispness, thus easy to drink.
Paso reds are allover the map with zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and petite syrah leading the way – although cabernet franc, tempranillo, sangiovese, petite verdot, and others are abound. Given the number of red varietals grown in this area, no wonder Paso winemakers excel with blends, including Meritage, Rhone, and Bordeaux styles.
As with any wine region, tasters will encounter wineries they may not know plus wines from known wineries that are only sold at the winery – thus one reason to do your pre-trip homework and be aware of what is available in your home stores.
Future posts will feature east side, west side, and downtown Paso Robles winery notes.
Others Posts about this Trip
[...] On Paso Wines Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)My Birthday Celebration: Paso Robles Wine Country, Part 2Grand Tasting Tour – Paso Robles Wineries in San DiegoPaso PassionSave on vino with WalletPop and Jennifer Horn [...]
Good stuff about Paso Robles. I’m glad you had a good hotel as well.
That is one area of California that my company hasn’t sent me to. Rare we were both in CA at the same time though(I was in Santa Rosa, and returned last night).
Nice post, Frank!
Hey David,
I was wondering if you were in Cal at that time. Santa Rosa … ah yes, Sonoma County, thus another wine favorite of mine. We were in Healdsburg last fall – nice town square!
I know that you’ve been going west for the past few months. I’ll be posting more about the Central Coast area next week.
Hope all is well. Thanks for visiting.