Paso Inspired Gifts - Wine and Gifts Under $25

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

I love shopping.  That is a fact, my friends.  Every part of it makes me happy.  I stumbled upon a quote yesterday from Bo Derek who said, "Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping".  I know exactly where to go shopping so I have no issues with the happiness part of that equation.  You want in on my little secret, don't you?  The place to shop is Paso Robles-- our own local mecca for wine, artisan delights, gourmet goodies and much more.  

This is the kick-off for a series of blogs which will focus on local, Paso Robles gifts.  By following my little roadmap, you will not only be happy but you will make the ones on your holiday shopping list squeal with delight.  Think of yourself spreading holiday cheer everywhere you go and at the same time supporting locally owned, Paso Robles businesses.  Does life get any better than this?  I think not!     

Here are just a few of the items that I discovered on my search for Paso-Made Wine or Wine Gifts under $25:

Seeking a gift for that Gourmet Diva or Artisan-Inspired Gent in your life?  Well, I have good news for  you!  Lisa Petty recently published a cookbook titled, "Eat this with...Paso Robles Wine" which focuses on recipes from her own kitchen as well as from well-known Paso Robles chefs and our local wineries.  This fabulous cookbook retails for $24.95 and is available at wineries throughout Paso Robles or on her website www.eatthiswith.com.

Take a drive out to Highway 46 East to pick up a bottle of EOS Estate Winery's 2008 Zinfandel for only $18 for that special person in your life.  Strawberries and blueberries fill the nose with blackberry and cassis flavors.  16 months aging in oak barrels brings out nutmeg and licorice with a smooth vanilla finish. While you are on 46 East, be sure to stop by Vina Robles for a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon for only $15.40 (regularly priced at $22!)

Now it's time to get your picnic lunch ready and enjoy lunch down the road at Tablas Creek Vineyards.  You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and you can mark another gift or two off your list at the same time.  You see, Tablas Creek actually has two wines that retail for $20. The Patelin de Tablas and the Patelin de Tablas Blanc.  Patelin is French slang for "neighborhood" and these wines are about the local neighborhood.  They include some Tablas Creek fruit but are principally from other vineyards around Paso Robles which were planted using their cuttings.  This isn't just any gift, the Patelin de Tablas(red) was recently given 91 points and named a "Smart Buy" by the Wine Spectator.   

Just down the road, in Templeton to be exact, you will find another delightful gift for dog (or wine) lovers to place under your Christmas Tree.  Venteux Vineyards has a 2008 Hospice du Bone (yes, you read that right!) for $25.  This is a “fetchingly” delightful blend of 85% Petite Syrah and 15% Syrah that is sure to “catch” your attention.  With respect to the fine tradition of Rhône varietals, they trust that your gift recipient will “sit” and enjoy the flavor of this vintage.  Your purchase will also assist man’s best friends. With each bottle sold, they “roll over” a $2.50 donation to Woods Humane Society and a $2.50 donation to Hospice of San Luis Obispo.

What are you waiting for?  Head to Paso and spread the holiday cheer! 

Happy Holidays! 

Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.