10 July 2010

Paso Robles: The East Loop

Highway 101 conveniently divides Paso Robles into two side – East and West. Though I found both to be separate but equal, many visitors claim allegiance to one or the other. For a day of tasteful entertainment, might I suggest our East side loop. Make the Highway 46 drive to Tobin James first. The drive out, a bit urban to say the least, puts you in perfect position to mosey your way back through more appealing scenery.

Tobin James:
Is this really a winery? From the outside it looks like a fancy truck stop; from the inside, a Texas honky tonk with wood floors, long bar, and beer taps (I think they're just for show). This tasting room gets an A+ for atmosphere, making everyone feel relaxed and right at home. Try their Late Harvest Zinfandel for something hard-to-find elsewhere.

Rockin' R:
One of Paso's newer wineries, it is quality not quantity here. Only offering 3 wines for tasting this stop is still well worth your while. Rockin' R offers excellent blends...with a catch! While the wines bear names like "Pink Freud," the varietals used remain a secret. Join the wine club and try your luck at guessing. Dinner for 2 and two bottles of wine await the winner.

Cass:
A truly elegant experience. White table clothes coupled with French-Reggae music complement the wines beautifully. Though prices are a bit above Paso cost standards, they are well worth a splurge. Try their Syrah (one of the best I've had!) or their creamy Sauvignon Blanc. Both are sure to please.

Clautiere:
Rhone blends for everyday drinking...and wigs. Yep, you read right. Wigs in psychedelic colors (including a Marge Simpson mock-up) are just waiting to fuel the wine-tasting fire. What could be better than wine tasting with wigs?!

Sculpterra:
While the wines aren't my palate's preference, the tasting room is a no-miss. Beautiful landscaping, an iron gate, and huge animal sculptures welcome visitors to the tasting room grounds. As an added bonus, pistachios are grown on property and can be purchased in the tasting room.

Pear Valley:
Beautiful views! Did I mention Pear Valley has beautiful views? Try some of their Rhones for a pleasant surprise at a pleasant price.

Bianchi:
Here, we found a little bit of home in Paso. The winemaker is a former employee of Livermore's Concannon Vineyard (right across the street from where I currently work). A beautiful tasting room, friendly staff, and Livermore-style wine. Their Sangiovese is a must try!

Falcon Nest:
While the tasting room is a bit shabby and the owners a bit unconventional (the winemaker-owner walked in with a rifle!), if you like big, oaky wines Falcon Nest is the place for you. These wines are how I imagine the Old World wines once were.

3 comments:

  1. The Late Harvest Zin and the 'Old World' wines from Falcon Nest sound most appealing to me...though I'm not so sure about rifles where alcohol is served.

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  2. I wish you could have been with us, mom. You would have loved Paso!!!

    Ha! Yeah, the rifle was interesting. That's the funny thing about the wine industry...it's a mixture of redneck farmers and artistic chemists.

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  3. Thank you for giving our wines a try. Glad you liked 'em. BTW, we now have 8 wines being poured in our tasting room!

    :-D ean (Proprietor/Cellar Rat)
    Rockin' R Winery, Paso Robles, CA

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