Wine Along The 101
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    • 2022 Articles >
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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When wine tasting in Paso Robles, traffic and distance often present challenges to wine aficionados.  Now there is a better way, you can stroll among the tasting rooms of Downtown Paso Robles and not worry about a designated driver, sampling some of the smaller boutique wineries of the region.  With over 20 tasting rooms clustered in the historic and charming city center, wine tasting is more accessible and easier than ever.  And although you won’t be walking among the vines, these tasting rooms offer a fun experience, and sometimes live music, in close proximity to downtown Paso hotels and restaurants.  And if you need an introduction or a reminder of what Paso Robles wines are all about, here are several reasons to make a plan to visit Paso Robles Wine Country.
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L'Aventure Syrah Vineyard
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Syrah harvest at L'Aventure Winery
Paso Robles is California’s success story, where the rise from cattle country to wine country has happened in one short generation.  Just 20 years ago, a handful of wine producers were breaking ground, today, explosive growth has swelled the ranks to almost 250 wineries carving out their own special niche, attracting winemakers from all over the world.  Paso Robles possesses ideal growing conditions for producing high quality wines, with distinct microclimates, diverse soils, and a long growing season with diurnal temperature swings, meaning plenty of daytime heat for ripening and a 40 degree cool-off at night that keeps the fruit fresh with high acidity.
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Zinfandel grapes at Turley
Forty wine grape varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Grenache, and Petite Sirah are planted over 40,000 vineyard acres, making Paso a larger wine region than Napa Valley.   The larger Paso Robles AVA was established over 30 years ago, today over 12 new sub-AVAs further define the terroir of Paso, from the calcareous limestone soils in the west to the alluvial soils in the east.
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Early morning Syrah harvest at L'Aventure
Considered the Wild West of California wine, Paso Robles breaks the rules, and instills a pioneer spirit in all those that flock here.  These wines aren’t for the faint-hearted, opulent big wines with sweet fruit and plush structure yet a spine of acidity that keeps everything in check.  Cabernet is the big dog here, accounting for over 39% of wine grapes planted, while the large plantings of Rhône varietals of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier and Roussanne have given Paso the nickname “Rhone-Zone”.  Italian and Spanish grapes have taken hold here, too, adding diversity to a region once known primarily for Zinfandel.
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The diversity and scope of Paso Robles’ wine scene was on display at a recent LA Wine Writers lunch at Cafe del Rey.  Carol Hoyt of Hoyt Family Vineyards represented the Downtown Paso Robles Wineries, bringing 15 wines from 10 wineries to taste.
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Carol Hoyt of Hoyt Family Vineyards
Starting off with a glass of rosé, Carol Hoyt relayed her wine journey, from Hollywood actress to Malibu vintner, fueled by the wish to walk to the beach or grow wine grapes.  Finding both in Malibu, years of learning and experimenting with winemaking led to purchasing an 86 acre ranch on the West side of Paso Robles and making wine on a larger scale.
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Bushong Vintage Company “Pretty in Pink” Rosé 2016, a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Tempranillo, ripe strawberry fruit with a tart edge, a round wine with a bright finish
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A trio of white wines accompanied a hummus with vegetables and pita bread starter, joined by 11 reds for a luscious buffet of Spanakopita, Icelandic cod, Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa Salad, with a finale of Mediterranean Pasta and Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.
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Symbiosis Torrontés Silvaspoons Vineyard 2016, very different from Argentinean Torrontés, more luscious and full, floral and savory on the nose, with lifted aromas of stone fruit and citrus on the palate
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Frolicking Frog Cellars Viognier 2013, floral and mouthfilling wine with ripe stone fruit and citrus notes, skin contact during winemaking gives the wine some grip, a very long flavorful finish
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Hoyt Family Vineyards Malibu Estate Chardonnay 2015, round and ripe in a classic California way but crisp on the palate, ripe apple with a citrus edge, aged in new and used French Oak which gives the wine a golden color, with notes of butter and oak, Carol considers this their “Drink it all Day Chardonnay”
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Asuncion Ridge Pinot Noir SLO 2014, earthier style, ripe with rich cherry fruit and toasty oak, long finish
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Symbiosis Tempranillo 2011, expressive and savory, it has a rich edge of ripe fruit, really delicious
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Anglim Guy James Syrah Willow Creek District 2013, lush and powerful wine with integrated oak, ripe berry fruit, cocoa and espresso notes, and elegant tannins
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D’Anbino Cellars Silver Label Pine Hawk Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, dark fruit, glyceric palate, and high in alcohol
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Frolicking Frog Cellars Cabernet Franc 2014, a very big wine, intense, rich and textured, sweet boysenberry fruit notes
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Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars Estrella District Syrah 2014, full-bodied, rich and round, with dark fruit, black pepper, and earth and leather notes, higher level of alcohol and tannins
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Bushong “Power Corruption & Lies” 2014, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, vivid red fruit, cola, balanced wine
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Pianetta Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, bold wine with bright dark fruit, cola and spice, mild tannins
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Hoyt Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2013, big, bold and round, this wine is nicknamed “Sex in a Bottle”
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LXV Crimson Jewel 2015, a blend of Sangiovese and Petit Verdot, intense aromas of dark fruit, cassis, and spice lead to a palate of ripe red cherry and vanilla, a big wine
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Hoyt Family Vineyards Hoyt 2 Hoyt Sparkling Wine, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier from Sonoma County, crisp and refreshing with apple and pear notes, won the Gold Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle
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Next time you travel to Paso Robles, whether it’s your first or fortieth visit, make time for the Downtown Wineries, where history and wine come together in one easy stroll.