In the heart of California’s Central Coast – halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, lies the Paso Robles Wine Country, a land of rich heritage, rural beauty, and world-class wines. While Napa and Sonoma remain the most popular destinations, with more than 200 wineries, a quaint but lively hub in the town of Paso Robles, and numerous artisans throughout the region, Paso Robles should be on your radar for your next wine country visit.
Similarly, while most consumers think of Napa and Sonoma when they think of California Cabernet Sauvignon, they also should think of Paso Robles. Wineries including Adelaida, Booker, Daou, L’Aventure, and Linne Calodo consistently produce world class cabernet-based wines. There also are fine values, notably from J. Johr and Robert Hall.
Paso also has emerged as a leader in producing wines from Rhône varieties. Especially with acclaimed wineries including Tablas Creek, Saxum, Austin Hope and Vina Robles. In my tasting, the 2019 Absolution Grenache Colburn Vineyard ($41) showed concentrated red fruits complimented with herbal notes and minerality. The 2020 Paix Sur Terre “Days Between” Glenrose Vineyard ($45), 100% counoise, reflected the grape’s typically elegant and vibrant red berry and spices.
From creative blends to pioneering Rhône varieties to frizzante to sparkling wines, Paso cultivates an adventurous spirit. A 2017 Anarchy “Superfly” ($55) blends zinfandel (origin Croatia), cabernet sauvignon (origin southwestern France) and petite sirah (origin Rhône) for a bold, rich, juicy wine. A 2020 Groundwork Picpoul Carbonique ($18) was made using carbonic maceration (a common practice with Beaujolais) and extended skin contact (uncommon practice with white grapes often referred to as “orange wine”, resulting in a white wine that looks and drinks more like a rose). It was fruity and herbal with saline undertones and a touch of fizz. The 2020 Peachy Canyon Pét-Nat ($18), short for Pétillant Naturel, or naturally sparkling, this is a style of bubbly (fermented in the bottle to retain its fizz) that has been practiced for centuries but for some reason has recently become trendy. Made with grenache, it presents the bright red berries and fruity nature of the grape.
Paso also offers fine values. Here, J. Lohr is a reliable source with a wide range of well-priced wines. I had a really good value in my tasting, the 2016 True Myth ($24). It is produced by the Niven Family Wine Estates based in Edna Valley in southern San Louis Obispo County. But the family recognized the wisdom of sourcing the grapes from Paso Robles. And the wine succeeds with rich blackberry, herbal notes, and smoky, dusty oak, finishing with elegant tannins. I also enjoyed the 2019 Broadside Margarita Vineyard Merlot ($18) in my tasting. It balances soft tannins with bright acidity and sweet berry fruit. And it is SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified, indicating the use of third-party approved sustainable farming and business practices. considering “people, planet and profit.”
Paso Robles is a favorite destination for more than just the wines. It is one of my favorite wine regions to visit. In addition to world class restaurants, such as il Cortile and Thomas Hill Organics, there is an abundance of artisan producers worth sampling. For example, Bristols Cider House in nearby Atascadero. Their Black Bart sparkling cider in my tasting is 100% local apples, dry hopped with second fermentation in bottle. The Firestone Walker Brewery is one of the nation’s most awarded breweries. I found the Flyjack IPA, a hazy India Pale Ale, crisp, with only 96 calories impressive. And you can explore craft olive oil producers, like the Kiler Ridge and Pasolivo, to sample extra virgin olive oils and olive oil products.