Birthday Wishes and Wine in Paso Robles

I love Paso Robles! Sure, the wines are superb, the scenery is breathtaking, and the air is clear, but what separates this wine region apart from many others is the people who pour their heart and soul into their wines. I've been fortunate to come across many of these individuals and families over the course of the year traveling north to Paso Robles, including the Abascals, Anglims, Dubosts, Tillmans, Thachers...and so on.

The mission: celebrate my birthday in Paso Robles Wine Country. Honestly, who needs an excuse to visit Paso Robles?! Despite encountering some foggy weather along the Grapevine, the low clouds dissipated as I hit the "San Luis Obispo County" sign along Highway 46 half-way between Interstate 5 and U.S. 101. Rather than continue through town to the Westside, I decided to take a detour and experience the views and wines that the Eastside has to offer. Upon entering the city boundaries, I turned left on Geneseo Road and headed south to Cass Winery. Wow! What a drive! The Eastside offers the same reaction as the Westside, but a completely different visual panorama, and quite honestly, one that was absolutely breathtaking on this winter Sunday. The hillsides were studded with oak trees and blanketed green. As I pulled into Cass Winery, I could not envision a more spectacular view nor a better way to get the day started.

Cass Winery has practically everything to offer: hand-crafted wines, cafe, bed and breakfast, and more. As I strolled into the driveway, five minutes past 11:00 am, I was taken aback by the absolute magnificence and serenity of the property. As the one and only patron, I took my time sampling the tasting list, chatting with the staff about the NFL playoffs and taking a stroll through the barrel room. Wines includes the Rockin One' Blanc 2008 (80% Roussanne/30% Marsanne), Flying Nymph (60% Cabernet Sauvignon/40% Mourvedre), Syrah 2006, Cabernet Franc 2006, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 and Petite Sirah 2006. If I didn't have to visit other wineries, I could have easily bought a bottle of Cab Franc and relaxed outdoors under the large oak tree surrounded by lush green hillsides and absolute silence.

Cass Winery
7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles
(805) 239-1730
Tasting Hours: M-F, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm & Sat-Sun, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cafe Hours: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Twitter: @CassWinery
Facebook: Cass Winery

Since it was my first trip to the Eastside, I had to take advantage of the day by visiting one more winery before heading to the Westside. So its back onto Linne Road heading west. Where to go next? While taking in the sights, I remember a friend recommending that I visit Penman Springs Vineyard. I've never heard of them, but why not give it a try? On the drive to Penman Springs Road, it dawned on me that this was the road in the map labeled "Dirt Road - Possible Washout." Well, it hasn't rained for a few days, so I should be in good shape. Eureka! But no one told me it was a 1/4 mile gravel road along the riverbed. No matter, I am almost to the vineyard. Now that's a classic vineyard view! I was greeted at my car by the wine dog, who led me enthusiastically to the front door. Co-owner Beth McCasland greeted me inside the tasting room (a.k.a "grandma's house). After a couple hours chatting about everything but wine, Beth has become my new favorite wine friend in Paso Robles. That woman has character!

Penman Springs Vineyard is located approximately three miles east of downtown Paso Robles atop a rise with unparalleled vineyard views. The McCasland's purchased their 40-acre piece of wine country paradise in 1996. Two years later, they launched the Penman Springs Vineyard line and brought Larry Roberts on board as winemaker. Penman Springs Vineyard produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscat Blanc, Petite Sirah and Syrah. You will be hard-pressed to find another winery in Paso Robles with spectacular views, charm and easy drinking, affordable wines. Cheers to Beth for the wine, cheese and entertainment that afternoon!

Penman Springs Vineyard
1985 Penman Springs Road, Paso Robles
(805) 237-7959
Tasting Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

My tour of the Eastside is complete. Yes, it was brief, but my true intent for driving north to Paso Robles was to visit my friends at Vines on the Marycrest. It's been too long since my last visit to the winery during crush. "Victor, I am on my way," I wrote on Twitter. Pulling into the newly paved driveway was like a homecoming for me. I spent a number of weekdays and weekends at the Abascal home working in the winery alongside Victor crushing grapes for the 2009 vintage. Honestly, that was one of my most memorable life experiences (skydiving is tied with winemaking). It was great to see the entire Abascal family, including the greatest Paso Robles wine dog to roam these vineyards - Buck. With some food in my belly thanks to the culinary skills of Jenni Abascal, Victor and I trekked uphill to Remo Belli Vineyard to visit my "wine godparents" - Nick and Connie. I can't visit Paso Robles and forget to say hello to these absolutely wonderful people.

Vines on the Marycrest
5050 Mustard Creek Road, Paso Robles
(805) 237-0378
Tasting Hours: Friday-Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Twitter: @Vines_Marycrest
Facebook: Vines on the Marycrest

With permission from Jenni (good man), Victor and I decided to visit Dubost Ranch and Jack Creek Cellars. If you are looking for a spectacular drive, head west on Chimney Rock Road after it forks with Nacimiento Lake Road. Picture perfect late afternoon in Paso Robles. Take it in...

Here's what I got: Dubost Ranch '05 Gran Reserva, Jack Creek Cellars '06 Estate Pinot Noir (Thanks, Victor!!!), '06 Flying Goat Cellars Salisbury Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Happy Birthday sung by a 3 year old and his family from Templeton. How about that! Thanks to Joan from Flying Goat Cellars for the bottle. We met each other at the Jack Creek Cellars tasting room. On top of it all, Victor poured barrel samples of the '09 vintage we crushed together. Rockin'!

It was a great birthday excursion thanks in large part to the Abascals. I can't thank them enough for all that they have done for me. Cheers, friends!