I have.....May 5th - 6th.... I've been looking forward to this trip with friends for weeks....months! My busy tax season is over and I'm ready to party.
The wine crew: aka; Manuel, Lora, Danny & I head to Paso Robles for the weekend.
I had found a few wineries & eateries that intrigued me over the past few months and was excited to try them out.
1st WINERY ... STEINBECK VINEYARDS
Chosen for it's location, unfamiliarity, and the back story to the property.
Driving up, you know it's going to be warm and welcoming. No fancy entrance, just good old farm equipment and rustic barns with folks getting into an old Jeep for a tour. (our next visit)
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| Rustic barn siding opens up to a beautiful museum-like tasting room. Ask about the the B-26 plane that crashed in the area, and the tasting room's decor will make more sense to you. |
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| "The Crash" Steinbeck in a glass created to express the family's rich history! Named to commemorate a Military plane crash on the property in 1956. Lovely Cab, Petite Syrah & Zin blend. |
Steinback is best known for their grapes, and get most of their visitors by seeing their name on the labels of wine's they like.
Great way to begin our day....
Read more about The Crash.
LUNCH
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| Garlic Fries for an appetizer |
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| Wine Crew Group Selfie in the courtyard |
We've driven past this stunning hotel most every wine trip, but never thought about stopping for lunch here. Their website shows a beautiful patio setting and great menu choices. We were not disappointed.
Very good food, outstanding wine list and comfortable setting inside or out on the patio.
Very good food, outstanding wine list and comfortable setting inside or out on the patio.
2nd WINERY DERBY
We recently became members at Derby and have really enjoyed their wines and their service. They have a couple of beautiful Pinot's and Danny loves their big red, the "Maneater". We were treated to a tour of the back room and the Almond room (member's lounge).
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| Beautiful, Modern tasting room at Derby Winery |
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| Old grape vines |
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| The view from the top of the Almond Room.... claiming to be the highest lookout point in Paso. |
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| Learning Jack's view on creation and wine. |
CIGAR STOP BOYD'S
Cigar's pair good with wine, I love the smell of the humidor.
3rd WINERY HAMMERSKY
Last time Danny & I were here was in 2013 and it's just as we remembered. Gorgeous grounds, great for weddings and big full-bodied reds. The prices are a little on the higher end, but worth it.
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| The tasting line-up |
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| the tasters :) |
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| 100 year old Farmhouse |
END OF DAY 1
Heading towards the beach is always a pretty view in the springtime.
We checked into our rooms at the San Simeon Lodge. Nothing fancy, but a great bargain for lodging on the beautiful shores of San Simeon. Dinner reservations at 6:30 at Robin's in Cambria make for a quick freshening up and out the door with 2 bottles to enjoy with our dinner. Danny chose the Implico from Derby and Manuel brought an '07 reserve from Vina Robles.
What a treat!
DAY 2
Linn's is always a great choice for breakfast.
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| Upstairs dining....think I prefer this now. |
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| Temptations |
Heading back towards the wineries of Paso. About a 45 minutes drive, just long enough to chat about our next wine stop. We have a couple on the list, see how we do today.
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| My favorite of scenes |
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| Oso Libre, quick club pickup. We frequent here often, no tasting today. |
1st WINERY dilecta
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| Art work by winemakers mother :) |
dilecta is new to Paso Robles.... Formerly home to Poalilla winery where we stayed in the small villa on this property. Much prefer the new winery. In fact, we were very pleased with it and impressed by the wine.
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| beautiful view to the south |
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| tasting sheet |
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| winery cat |
They have a couple of great blends "The Tiller" and "E.L.W." both Syrah & Grenache, different ratios.
When wine-tasting, the palate and atmosphere can influence the experience. So, the true test is "do we still like them at home?"
2nd WINERY Halter Ranch
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| Historical Barnyard (former tasting room) |
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| Breathtaking Panoramic Views |
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| Covered bridge to New Winery |
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| Halter Ranch Tasting Room |
We enjoyed the beautiful tasting room, but didn't find a wine that we were impressed with, it's possible we needed to go to their Silver Label.
3rd WINERY J. Lohr Vineyards
J Lohr is another well known wine out of Paso. With their optional 6 labels, you're sure to find a price point and wine to enjoy from this winery. The attendant was knowledgeable and attentive making our experience pleasant. He also gave us a great lunch recommendation to end our weekend.
COLLECTIONS
LUNCH San Antonio Winery
We were warmly greeted and asked, "are you here to taste or eat?"
This winery has been noticeable from the road, but we've never stopped and didn't know they had great good.
They have a nice assortment of snacks, linens and pottery and several brands of wines, most popular are San Simeon & Stella Rosa wines.
Great wines, good food and great company......what more can you ask for?
