There are the "establishment" wine regions, and then there are the rule-breakers and innovators. Paso Robles falls squarely into the latter category. This growing AVA nudged its way into wine society through it's excellent Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhone-style red blends.
But the winds are changing, and more varietals are making their way into the rolling green vineyards of this beautiful countryside. Pushing that variety are young, experimental winemakers who aren't afraid to break away from tradition. The result? Bold and unusual blends that tip their hat to the old ways while adventurously putting their own stamp on California wine. Ready to try the best of the best? Here's a Paso Robles Wine Tasting Guide.
Denner Vineyards
View from Denner Vineyards patio
This winery has a lot going for it, even just in looks. A beautiful patio overlooks the rolling hills of the Saint Lucia Range in the Templeton Gap region of Paso Robles. You can sit under one of Paso's namesake oak trees (Paso Robles means "pass of the oaks") and sip your way through their impressive range of wines.
Try: Their freshly-released 2015 Theresa is a white-wine-lover's dream, and indicative of the experimental spirit that dominates the best of the region's wine. The 2015 Zinfandel holds lots of promise but is ready to go now for those who can’t stand to wait. The 2014 Mother of Exiles might become your new go-to steak wine.
Herman Story Wines
Sip among the barrels at Herman Story
Do you like your wine to be a little bit rock and roll? Don't miss Herman Story, a wine making operation that throws a good amount of party into their process. Their exuberant love of 'the good life' comes through in their bold, boozy wines and amazing tasting room atmosphere.
Try: It's hard to go wrong with anything from this winemaker, but their 2013 and 2014 Grenaches demonstrate the versatility of the grape. If you like your wine to be a delicious mouthpunch, gravitate toward 2014 GSM "Casual Encounters." My favorite? The 2013 Syrah "John Sebastians."
Derby Estate Wines
Image Courtesy JetsetterJenn.com
The Derby family are famed for their whites, and you won't taste a bad one in the bunch. If you can swing it, try to get a Tower Tour. It's a fascinating exploration of the space Derby has taken residence in: an old Blue Diamond Almond Factory. You'll ascend to the top of the tower that used to house 500 tons of nuts and learn a lot about Paso Robles along the way.
Try: The 2014 Picpoul Blanc scores major points -- crisp fruit on the front palate and balanced mild acid on the finish. Also worth grabbing: a 2007 Sparking Pinot Noir Rose. Do not leave without a bottle of 2008 Maneater. Perfect name, perfect red blend, and so ready to be opened.
JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery
Barrels of wine aging at Justin
No guide to Paso Robles is complete without the winery that put it on the map: JUSTIN. The primary tasting room grounds have been recently renovated, and the result is a very clean, airy, polished space. Tour their winemaking facilities just down the road from the tasting room, where knowledgeable and friendly staff guide you through the man-made cave system that houses much of their wine.
Try: The 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, juicy and a definite crowd-pleaser. Stay for lunch -- their kitchen turns out beautiful meals and the $25 Icons Tasting Flight allows you to experience three of their best releases: 2014 Justification, 2014 Savant (a favorite), and 2013 Isosceles.
McPrice Meyers
Their tasting room is no-frills, but they put out a good wine. This winemaker sticks to tried-and-true Rhone blends, and this focus pays off in execution. If you’re touring West Paso and are looking for a good wine to round out your day, put this one on the list.
Try: The Terre Blanche Viognier/Roussanne blend will make white-wine-lovers happy. In reds, they focus mainly on GSM blends, and their refined approach really showcases the range of this type of wine. If you're looking for a straightforward bold wine, pick up the 2014 Les Galets Syrah -- it'd go perfectly with barbecued meat.
Seven Oxen
This tasting room is tucked into a shopfront right in the middle of town, conveniently sharing space with one of the best eateries in Paso Robles, Thomas Hill Organics. This winemaker is relatively new on the scene, with a small organic farm located in the Templeton Gap sub-appellation of Paso.
Try: They’re doing wonderful things with Grenache, and their 2013 Cassidy Grenache-Mouvedre blend is worth picking up.
Turley Wine Cellars
The tasting room at Turley
Zinfandel lovers will be in wine heaven at Turley, an operation that puts out over 20 Zins. There are a series of fantastic Zinfandels and Petite Syrahs that do Paso Robles justice. A bonus for eco-conscious oenophiles: Turley is dedicated to organic farming techniques, with the majority of their vineyards certified.
Try: Their 2013 Ueberroth Zinfandel is the perfect Thanksgiving wine, and the Catalan-style 2013 Tecolote is a very drinkable Grenache-based red. Anything coming from their Pesenti vineyard is worth a taste, bringing some unique elements in the nose and palate not normally found in Zins.
With so many wineries to choose from (over 300!), tasting every single vintage in Paso Robles is an impossible task. But with so much variety, a great lineup of restaurants, and plenty of wonderful accommodation options, it would be fun to try!
If you want to learn more about wine or Paso Robles, check out my blog: JetsetterJenn.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest!