Thursday, February 3, 2011

Wine Is...Paso Robles

Paso Robles Wine Country shined in 2010 with numerous awards and accolades, including Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year to the 2007 Saxum James Berry Vineyard.  In 2011, two wineries in Paso Robles, Thacher Winery and Ecluse Wines, received the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Tasting Competition Sweepstakes award in the red category for the Thacher 2008 Triumvirate Zinfandel and Ecluse 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lock Vineyard.  These scores and awards highlight the growing interest in the wines coming from this renowned and diverse wine making region in California's Central Coast.

There are dozens of other noteworthy wineries and award winning wines worth seeking out in Paso Robles in 2011.  Fortunately, there is no shortage of events that feature many of these renowned wines.  There is something truly magical about this wine region that you can't experience by simply opening a bottle of wine from one of the local wineries; rather, you have to experience Paso Robles firsthand to understand what wine is. To satisfy your quest for the perfect wine, three phenomenal organizations - Rhône Rangers, Hospice du Rhône and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance - are planning a handful of memorable wine tasting events for you to experience Paso Robles Wine Country. 

2010 Paso Robles Rhône Rangers Experience

Paso Robles Rhône Rangers Experience
Vina Robles Winery and Event Center
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Seminar and Luncheon 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ($75)
Grand Tasting and Silent Auction 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($25)

Savor award-winning Rhône varietal wines from 35+ members of the Paso Robles Chapter of the Rhône Rangers at the 2011 Paso Robles Rhône Rangers Experience at Vina Robles Winery and Event Center.  The day's events include:

  • "Rhône Esstential" Seminar - Taste a top example of each of the principal categories of Rhône wines, including Viognier, Roussanne, white Rhône blends, dry Rosé, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah and red Rhône blends.  The panel will be moderated by author and wine writer Patrick Comiskey, senior contributor for Wine & Spirits Magazine.
  • Vintners' Lunch - Seminar participants will be joined by Rhône Rangers principals and winemakers for a gourmet banquet lunch, with members' Rhône wines passing freely around the tables and extended opportunity for interaction with the producers.
  • Grand Tasting - Taste nearly 150 wines from the complete membership of the Paso Robles Rhône Rangers, including top single Rhône varietals and the best in Rhône blends.
  • Silent Auction - During the Grand Tasting, bids on lots donated by Rhône Rangers member wineries and help support the Rhône Rangers scholarship fund.

2010 Paso Robles Zin Tasting

2011 Zinfandel Festival Weekend: March 18-20, 2011
Zin Tasting: March 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Drive

If Zin were a sin, we would all be Zinners.  So, why not Zin in Paso Robles with hundreds of other Zinners? During the 19th Annual Paso Robles Zinfandel Weekend, Paso Robles Wine Country celebrates with dozens of weekend festivities at member wineries and the Zin Tasting on March 19th at the Paso Robles Event Center.  Last year's event featured a collection of memorable wines and a savory paella dishes from the Tenth Street Basque Cafe in San Miguel.  

  • ZIP (Zinfully Important Person) Ticket ($85), 6:00 p.m. top 9:30 p.m. -  Zip into the Zin Tasting and Wine Country Auction one hour early to experience true ZIP treatment in a zintimate atmosphere
  • Zin Fan Tasting Ticket ($60), 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

2010 Hospice du Rhône

Hospice du Rhône
April 28-30, 2011
Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles

How do you Rhône?  In April, you should plan to Rhône with the finest Rhône producers from California, France and around the world.  If you love Rhône varietals, you must attend the seminars and tastings April 28-30 in Paso Robles.  No event anywhere in the country comes close to the caliber of wineries present at the Paso Robles Event Center.  If there is one event to attend in 2011, Hospice du Rhône is that event!

Rhone 'n Bowl
Date:        Thursday, April 28, 2011
Time:        6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost:         $100 (advance purchase is required)
Location:   Paso Robles Bowl, 2748 Spring Street, Paso Robles
The highly anticipated and always spirited annual bowling tournament at the Paso Bowl in Paso Robles brings out the athlete in all Rhône revelers! (Availability is limited) 

Friday Rosé Lunch
Date:        Friday, April 29, 2011
Time:        12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost:         $100 (advance purchase is required) 

Friday Rhône Rendezvous Tasting
Date:        Friday, April 29, 2011
Time:       3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Consumer Tasting
Cost:        $100 online / $110 at the door if not sold out
Engage.  Imbibe.  Savor.  An afternoon brimming with Rhône wines of vintages past and reserve wines from worldly Rhône wine producers. While strolling the Tasting Pavilion you will encounter opportunities to test your nose with a sensory exploration, tantalize your taste buds with a food pairing or try your hand at Rhône related trivia.  The 130 Rhône producers will be eagerly awaiting your arrival to share a one-of-a-kind experience created just for the 2011 Rhône Rendezvous.  In addition, artisan food purveyors will be located throughout the tasting and nationally acclaimed chefs will show off their talents in the new demonstration kitchen. 

Soirée
Date:        Friday, April 29, 2011
Time:        6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost:         $125 (advanced purchase is required)
This collection of flavors in food, wine and entertainment will exude the international essence that HdR embodies year-in and year-out. (Availability is limited. Pass is not included in the Weekend Package) 

Saturday Lunch and Live Auction
Date:        Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time:        12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost:         $100 (advance purchase is required) 

Saturday Grand Tasting
Date:         Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time:        3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Consumer Tasting
Cost:         $100 online / $110 at the door if not sold out
One of the most comprehensive tastings of Rhône variety wines, this event boasts producers from throughout the world.  To complement the wines poured, artisan food purveyors will be located throughout the venue to share their wares.  In addition to food and wine tables, nationally acclaimed chefs will show off their talents in the new demonstration kitchen. 

Farewell BBQ
Date:        Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time:        6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost:         $100 (advance purchase is required)

Cass Winery, Eastside Paso Robles

Paso Robles Wine Festival Weekend
May 20-21, 2011
Paso Robles Downtown City Park (location of festival events)
Winery Activities: May 20-21 at all member wineries
Reserve Event ($115): May 20, 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (seminar & grand tasting incl.)
Grand Tasting ($45-$65): May 21, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wine Country Auction & Dinner ($250): May 21, 6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Celebrate Paso Robles Wine Festival Weekend in one of the most picture perfect settings with more than 140 wineries that will be releasing new wines and showcasing their current releases.  While you are at it, set some time aside to tour the vineyards on the Eastside and Westside.  You will never want to leave.

The Paso Robles Wine Festival Grand Tasting on May 21st brings more than 90 wineries to the Downtown City Park to share their favorite wines, while local food purveyors share their wine country cuisine for a truly memorable and unique Paso Robles experience. 

Vines on the Marycrest, Westside Paso Robles

Paso Robles Wine Harvest Weekend
October 15-17, 2011

Join your favorite wineries during the most important time of the year - harvest!  Vineyard managers and winemakers will be working early mornings and late evenings to bring in the ripen grapes and process the fruit for the upcoming vintage.  There is no telling how late they'll go into the harvest season this year, but you are sure to encounter a lot of activity on the road and in the wineries the week of October 15-17 in Paso Robles, including at Vines on the Marycrest where you can find Central Coast Uncorked working alongside winemaker Victor Abascal handcrafting (we mean that literally) the wines you are about to enjoy.  So treat yourself to a wine country getaway during harvest in Paso Robles!

Aside from these events in Paso Robles, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Rhône Rangers bring the show on the road to your neighborhood.  Check their websites for events happening in 2011.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Oso Libre: Vines | Wines | Angus


Located halfway along scenic Vineyard Drive in Westside Paso Robles is a winery and estate vineyard producing a range of award-winning, artisanal single-varietal wines and blends.  Oso Libre is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard on 90 acres of highly prized land situated in one of the most acclaimed areas within the Paso Robles AVA.

By the looks of things, Chris and Linda Behr sparred no expense in designing and constructing the estate vineyard and winery that is perfectly nestled within the oak studded hillsides of Paso Robles.  Upon entering the estate and stepping inside the tasting room, you feel a unique connection to the property and the natural surroundings even within the modernly designed tasting room, which affords sweeping views of the estate vineyard.

In addition to the design of the estate, Oso Libre relies on sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy strategies to supply the majority of electricity for operations and to help preserve the environment. A growing number of wineries, including Oso Libre, are committed to sustainable practices and seeking the coveted Sustainability in Practice (SIP)™ Certification - a seal that guarantees the winery is committed to environmental stewardship in the vineyard and winery.

If you are lucky enough to explore the rest of the property, you will soon find out that Oso Libre is also a working cattle ranch with 60 acres set aside for free range, grass fed, hormone-free Black Angus.  The Black Angus Beef is available exclusively to wine club members and there are plenty of of their wines that pair nicely with a juicy steak.

Wines available for tasting and/or purchase in the tasting room include the following labels: Vino d'Oro ChardonnayVolado ViognierRosalinda Rose (Mourvèdre | Syrah | Grenache | Viognier)Carnal Rhône Blend (Syrah | Grenache | Mourvèdre | Petite Sirah | Zinfandel)Primoroso (Zinfandel | Cabernet Sauvignon | Syrah | Grenache | Mourvèdre | Petite Sirah)Osezno (Zinfandel)Nativo Primitivo (Primitivo | Petite Sirah)Azucar Late Harvest Estate BlendRojo del Patron (Cabernet Sauvignon | Zinfandel) and Cabernet Sauvignon.  You will be hard pressed not to find a wine you enjoy and take home. Favorites include Nativo Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Oso Libre Winery is a highly recommended stop for wine tasters traveling along Vineyard Drive in Westside Paso Robles.  Grab a glass and perch yourself outside on a chair overlooking the estate vineyard.  You're in wine country; where else do you have to be?

Oso Libre
7383 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles
(805) 238-3378
Open Wednesday-Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Tasting fee: $10 for six wines (fee waived with purchase)
Email: info@osolibre.com

Ruby posing for the camera
Oso Libre Tasting Room
Oso Libre tasting room overlooking the vineyard
Cabernet Block 4, Estate Vineyard
Oso Libre Winery and Tasting Room

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Savoring the SLO Life in the Edna Valley

California's Central Coast - located halfway between the sprawling suburbs north of Los Angeles and south of San Francisco - is dotted by historic towns, ocean views, rural roads, oak studded hillsides and rolling vineyards. Within this amazing backdrop lies the Edna Valley appellation - a thriving wine region in south San Luis Obispo County home to two dozen wineries producing handcrafted, award winning wines from many of the region's historic vineyards.

The San Luis Obispo Vintners Association includes 27 members from across South SLO County, which produce a diverse array of Burgundian, Bordeaux, and Rhône varietal wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other varietals and blends. The Edna Valley is known for producing Burgundian varietal wines that are classically distinctive for this cool climate region, which affords an extended ripening period.

A growing number of wineries and vineyards in SLO Wine Country are SIP™ Certified, meaning that these establishments have incorporated sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery to ensure the highest quality wines with the least impact on the environment.

Chamisal Vineyards is located on a picturesque stretch of Orcutt Road in the Edna Valley.  The historic property is one of the first planted vineyards in the Edna Valley appellation featuring a range of clones across five grape varieties - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Gris.

First impressions can make or break any experience.  Fortunately for me, Chamisal Vineyards, which formerly operated under the name Domaine Alfred, exceeded all of my expectations and set the the tone for a perfect wine tasting experience in the Edna Valley.  While the winery produces an average of 18,000 cases annually, including 7,500 cases of the non-estate Stainless Chardonnay, each wine is crafted to near perfection with distinctive fruit characteristics and flavorful expressions that reflect the hands-on approach of the winemaker, as well as the cool climate, terroir and signature "Chamisal Spice."

The Chamisal Vineyards tasting room features nine wines from the Estate and Califa (Reserve) collections priced between $18-$60, with most wines averaging under $30.

Chamisal Vineyards
7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-9463
Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tasting fee: $9 for Estate Flight, $15 for Califa and Small Lot Flight
Email: tastingroom@chamisalvineyards.com
Facebook: Chamisal Vineyards
Twitter: @ChamisalVyd

Chamisal Vineyards, Orcutt Road
Chamisal Vineyards, Tasting Room
Chamisal Vineyards, San Luis Obispo
Chamisal Vineyards, Winter 2010/11

Saucelito Canyon Vineyards specializes in Zinfandels from their historic dry-farmed vineyard in remote Saucelito Canyon.  The original 1880 Zinfandel Block featured three acres of head-trained Zinfandel vines located in the upper Arroyo Grande Valley.  A century later, the abandoned vineyard was restored and grows fruit that is used to produce the winery's trademark wine - the 1880 Old Vine Zinfandel.

Saucelito Canyon also specializes in Estate Zinfandels, Speciality Zinfandels from Central Coast vineyards and Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Picpoul Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and other varietals.  The winery produces an average of 3,500 to 4,000 cases, with most of the sales coming from the tasting room and growing wine club.

The tasting room is located on a bucolic stretch of Biddle Ranch Road between Orcutt Road and Highway 227 surrounded by vineyards, agricultural fields and rolling hills.  The 1880 Old Vine Zinfandel is a wine worth experiencing - mature, complex and distinctly characteristic. Unfortunately, the limited production wine is nearly sold out so you may not score a tasting (or bottle), but its worth thinking about buying a bottle for that special occasion if there is a case left behind the counter.

Saucelito Canyon
3080 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-2111
Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tasting fee: $6 for five wines (complimentary with purchase of 2+ bottles)
Email: info@saucelitocanyon.com
Facebook: Saucelito Canyon Vineyard
Twitter: @SaucelitoCanyon

Saucelito Canyon, Biddle Ranch Road
Saucelito Canyon, Tasting Room
Saucelito Canyon, Tasting Room

Wolff Vineyards is a family owned winery situated on 125 acres of estate grown vineyards, including 55 acres of Chardonnay and 37 acres of Pinot Noir.  Twelve additional acres are planted in Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Riesling.  Owners Jean-Pierre and Elke Wolff apply sustainable wine growing practices in the vineyard and winery.  Wolff Vineyards also sells estate fruit to other wineries in the Central Coast.

The scenic drive along Chardonnay Road up the hill to the tasting room offers sweeping vistas of the estate vineyard and rolling hills in the Edna Valley.  Wolff Vineyards produces estate grown varietals including a nicely crafted Old Vine Chardonnay from a historic block within the vineyard.

Wolff Vineyards
6238 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo
(805) 781-0448
Open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tasting fee: $5 (waived with bottle purchase)
Email: jp.wolff@wolffvineyards.comelke.wolff@wolffvineyards.com
Facebook: Wolff Vineyards

Wolff Vineyards, Orcutt Road
Wolff Vineyards, Tasting Room
Wolff Vineyards, Chardonnay Road

Claiborne & Churchill is a small, family owned winery founded in 1983 and located on Highway 227 in the heart of the Edna Valley.  Upon your visit, you may be thinking, okay, another winery that produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  But you will soon find that this winery specializes in Alsatian varietals (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat), as well as handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux varietals and Dessert wines.  Is there anything else left for C&C to produce?  Put it this way; if you are looking for it or if you like your wines in a certain style, Claiborne & Churchill has it.

Claiborne & Churchill produces an average of 10,000 cases of diverse wines sourced from local vineyards.  Varietals include a Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Dessert wines and a Sparkling Brut Rosé.  Wine tasters will enjoy the Edna Valley Chardonnay, Twin Creeks Pinot Noir and the collection of Dessert wines.

Claiborne & Churchill
2649 Carpenter Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo (Highway 227)
(805) 544-4066
Open daily, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tasting fee: $5 for six to eight wines (waived with bottle purchase)
Email: info@claibornechurchill.com
Facebook: Claiborne Churchill Winery

Claiborne & Churchill, Highway 227
Claiborne & Churchill, Tasting Room
Left or Right?

SLO WINERIES (Tasting Map)

Kynsi Winery
2212 Corbett Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-8461
Open Thursday-Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tasting fee: $5 Standard Flight, $10 Reserve Flight
Email: info@kynsi.com
Facebook: Kynsi Winery

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars
178 Suburban Road, San Luis Obispo
(805) 594-1318
Open Thursday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Facebook: Stephen Ross Wine Cellars

SLO WINE BARS

Gather Wine Bar
122 E Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
(805) 474-4771
Open Tues-Thurs, 1pm to 10pm; Fri-Sat, 1pm to 11pm; Sun, 2pm to 8pm
Facebook: Gather Wine Bar
Twitter: @GatherWineBar

Tastes of the Valleys
911 Price Street, Pismo Beach
(805) 773-8466
Open Sun-Thur, Noon to 9pm & Fri-Sat, Noon to 10pm
Facebook: Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar
Twitter: @TastesWine

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Discovering the Elixir of Life at Dragonette Cellars

Dragonette Logo
Adding to the plethora of wine tasting rooms in Downtown Los Olivos is one of the most well-regarded wineries and winemaking teams in Santa Barbara County.  This summer, Dragonette Cellars moved their tasting room from their working winery in Lompoc (co-located with Ampelos Cellars) to Los Olivos in what has become a winning move for this new(ish) venture from a uniquely experienced winemaking team, which includes brothers John and Steve Dragonette and Brandon Sparks-Gillis. The breath of experience among this winemaking trio is evident in every sip of wine.  Although it is important to hone your winemaking skills in the winery during harvest, the trio also pays particular attention to the conditions in the vineyards where they source their fruit.

While I enjoy visiting a working winery with a tasting room, especially during harvest, you can't help but applaud this move from Lompoc to Los Olivos. Dragonette Cellars is offering wine enthusiasts in this quaint wine tasting destination some exciting wines with depth and flavor that is elevating the level of winemaking in Santa Barbara County.

2007 MJM
Dragonette Cellars sources fruit from a variety of renowned vineyards in Santa Barbara County including Cargasacchi-Jalama, Fiddlestix, Watch Hill, Demetria Estate, Grassini, Koehler, Stolpman, Thompson and Shadow Canyon in Paso Robles.  Wine selections include a Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. You will be hard pressed to leave the tasting room without a bottle or two given the quality and depth of these wines. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir from Fiddlestix Vineyard, and MJM - a barrel select blend of mostly Syrah.  So step up to the handcrafted wine tasting bar and enjoy the fruits of their labor!

Dragonette Cellars
2445 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos (map)
(805) 693-0077
Open Thursday-Monday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tasting Fee: $10 for 4 wines, $15 for 6 wines
Facebook: Dragonette Cellars
Twitter: @Dragonettewines

Dragonette Cellars Tasting Room, Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos

Sunday, November 7, 2010

You Had Me at Syrah...


Tucked away near the end of Alamo Pintado Avenue in Downtown Los Olivos lies one of the newest tasting rooms in a sea of wine purveyors. Blair Fox Cellars exemplifies the phenomenal success of a handful of winemakers focused on producing handcrafted, Rhône varietal wines from Santa Barbara County, particularly Viognier and Syrah.

Blair and Sarah Fox have brought a unique charm to this quaint town that has seen a proliferation of tasting rooms in the last few years. What makes them stand apart from some of the others is the standout quality and characteristics of their award-winning wines and the intimate charm of their small tasting room.  If not tending to his own label, Blair Fox heads the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and Epiphany Cellars, which includes Larry Schaffer (Tercero Wines) and Dave Potter (Municipal Winemakers).  It's apparent that if you're looking to make a mark in the wine world and producing award-winning wines, you need to join this winemaking team.

Blair Fox Cellars sources fruit from the Paradise Road Vineyard, Tierra Alta Vineyard, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Thompson Vineyard and the Fox Family Vineyard.  Although Blair focuses on producing some of the best Syrah varietal wines in Santa Barbara County, he also produces a superb Vermentino varietal wine from the Fox Family Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.  With the help of some well-deserved praise from Robert Parker and other wine critics, Blair Fox Cellars is sure to sell out of their limited case production of wines much sooner than anticipated.  So be sure to add Blair Fox Cellars to your wine tasting itinerary the next time you plan a trip to Santa Barbara County Wine Country!

Blair Fox Cellars
2902 San Marcos Ave., Suite B, Los Olivos (map)
(Front door located on Alamo Pintado Ave.)
(805) 691-1678
Open Friday-Sunday, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Email: Info@BlairFoxCellars.com
Twitter: @BlairFoxCellars
Facebook: Blair Fox Cellars

Blair Fox Cellars Tasting Room, Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos
Blair Fox Cellars Tasting Room, Los Olivos
Blair Fox Cellars, Tasting Menu