Pairings in Paso: Venteux Vineyards and Spicy Chipotle Syrah Jam

by Tina Swithin

I refuse to brag about the fact that it was 68 degrees today in Paso Robles (it's January!).  Maybe I am bragging just a bit but honestly, can you blame me?  What is one to do when faced with spectacular weather in the dead of winter?  I know what I do: wine tasting, of course!  I took a jaunt down the road to Templeton because I've been wanting to try out a few wineries that are new to me.    

Pairings in Paso: Le Cuvier Chardonnay and Curry Spiced Hummus

by Tina Swithin

I wear several hats for the Travel Paso Robles Alliance but one of my favorite jobs is scouting around for new and exciting recipes.  With over 200 local wineries and the best restaurants this side of the Mississippi, I have an endless supply of artisan delights right at my fingertips.  I am one lucky lady!   

Being that the holidays are behind us, I have been on the hunt for recipes that are a little bit lighter and more nutritious.  I have had my fill (and then some) of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and everything else that graces a holiday table.  Throughout the year, I tend to lean towards foods that are on the  healthy side.  I am a huge fan of hummus so you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this Curry Spiced Hummus recipe from Le Cuvier Winery in Paso Robles.  I couldn't wait to get home and try it! 

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.  

Guess the Paso Robles Winery?

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Each month we invite you to "Guess the Winery".  This month's featured winery sits on the West side of Paso Robles and has historic roots in our beautiful countryside. 

Still in need of clues?  The grapes planted in our soil as Bordeaux and Rhone-style, plus Zinfandel, Tannat and Tempranillo.

Tina Swithin is the 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. 

Getting Around Paso Wine Country with The Wine Line

by Tina Swithin,Travel Paso Robles Alliance

 

There are very few things in this world that can beat an afternoon of wine tasting in Paso Robles.  I recently had the pleasure of spending an afternoon wine tasting with my best friend, Meadow, and we discovered a new way to meander through the local wineries.  The Wine Line puts a new spin on wine tasting by offering a very unique service with the tag line of, “Hop on…hop off”.

 

Small, Undiscovered Wineries in Paso Robles

by Coy Barnes

Looking forward to holiday gatherings, it might be nice to think about bringing a wine from a winery that has yet to be discovered. 

Paso Robles is well known for its powerhouse boutique wineries such as Tablas Creek, Terry Hoage Vineyards, and Booker Wines.  Each of those wineries currently has a tasting room where you can visit and taste some of their wines.  However, there are many tiny wineries that exist under the radar that are making high quality small lot wines here in Paso Robles that don’t have tasting rooms. 

A few examples of great wines come from producers such as Twin Coyotes, St. Hillaire, Del Real, Sharp's Hill, and Clesi, among others.  You can bet that the friends and family gathered around the holiday buffet will be impressed if you pull out a bottle of Chateau Lettau Rockstar, especially when you tell them you got it from Ron himself. 

People who appreciate great wine can find them from the unknown unheralded wineries in this region.   So if you’re looking for the next cult Syrah, Rhone blend,

Paso Spotlight on Business: Meritage Lounge

by Tina Swithin

We have such a wide array of wineries and options while wine tasting here in Paso Robles. There are all manner of shapes and sizes, from the large wineries to the mid-sized producers and then the smaller guys who add to the local ambiance and intrigue of Paso Robles.  I love that we have all three options at our fingertips as each brings forth their own unqiue offering.   

The upcoming Paso Garagiste Festival has me thinking about the small, local winemakers who are such an integral part of Paso Robles.

This past weekend as I was wandering through downtown Paso Robles, I came to discover Meritage Lounge.  The wonderful thing about Paso Robles is that just when you think you know the town like the back of your hand, there is always something right around the corner (or right in the Downtown Square!) that takes you by pleasant surprise.  

I loved everything about the Meritage Lounge -- the intimate feel coupled with the contemporary but inviting setting.  I knew right away that this was the perfect Paso Business Spotlight for September.

The most unique thing about Meritage Wine Tasting Lounge is that it allows you to visit a handful of wineries in one gorgeous location.  This brilliant concept allows smaller winemakers to showcase their wines without the need for their own tasting room.  Each tasting bar is hosted by the vintner which makes for a truly educational and personal experience.  A plush lounge creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate gathering or a conversation with friends.  Food and wine pairings are the final piece that makes Meritage Lounge such a unique and delightful experience.  As their website states, they strive to "bring the wonders of California’s vineyards and the delights of California cuisine to your table". And they do that very well. 

In addition, Meritage happily plays host to wine tasting events, corporate events, private parties, wedding receptions and special gatherings, complete with wine and delicious tapas.

So take a walk on the downtown city park and give them a visit. 

Here are the wineries that you will find tucked inside:

Line Shack Wine
Brochelle Vineyards
Michaud Vineyard
Roxo Port Cellars
JK Wine Company
Cerro Prieto Vineyar

Mertiage Lounge
810 11th St
Paso Robles,CA 93446
Phone:(805) 238-9456

Have "Mountains of Fun" at the California Mid-State Fair

by Tina Swithin

The 2011 Mid State Fair, “Mountains of Fun” is in full swing and the acts this year are truly top-notch.  This year, the main grandstand has played host to the Steve Miller Band which kicked off opening night of the fair followed by The Fab Four, Sugarland with Sarah Bareilles and Maroon 5 with Train.  I can personally attest that all shows have been phenomenal which seems to be a trend at the fair year after year.    
 
The free entertainment has been impressive to say the very least.  Berlin put on a high energy and impressive flashback to the 80’s while Tanya Tucker, War, Bow Wow Wow have lit up the Fort Frontier Stage night after night.  The corndogs are plentiful and if you are feeling an adventurous streak you could even try a corn dog dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles!  I personally will stick with the staple condiments of catsup and mustard.  Top all of that off with a delicious funnel cake or the infamous fried Twinkie and your fair experience is complete!

Haven’t had a chance to get to the fair yet this year?  Not to fret!  There is an impressive line-up of acts to round out the rest of the week.  Throw on your best boots, grab your margarita from Shakers and enjoy the concerts and activities that only the fair can provide.  There is really something for everyone.   

Here is a glimpse of what’s still to come:

Main Grandstand

• Counting Crows (7/24)
• Selena Gomez & The Scene with Big Time Rush (7/25)
• Jason Aldean with Thompson Square (7/26)
• Kid Rock with Leroy Powell & The Messengers (7/27)
• Lady Antebellum with Troy Olsen (7/28)
• Chicago with Earl Klugh (7/29)
• Country Rodeo Finals (7/30)
• Toughest Monster Truck Tour (7/31)

 
Fort Frontier Stage (Free Concerts):

• Tenth Avenue North
• The Fabulous Thunderbirds
• Crystal Gayle
• Stealing Angels
• George Thorogood
• Spin Doctors
• Charlie Musselwhite
• Little Joe y La Familia

Don’t forget the wine!  Mission Square plays host daily to music, entertainment and WINE. Stop by and see all that the vines of Paso Robles has to offer. 

For more information, click here: 2011 California Mid State Fair

Pairing in Paso: Pier 46 Halibut and EOS Reserve Chardonnay

By Tina Swithin

It was recently touted “the hottest new seafood restaurant in the County” and over the past few months, Pier 46 Seafood has become a regular stop for me.

For starters, it’s in one of my favorite North County shopping centers…how can you go wrong with Pier 46 Seafood, Trader Joe’s, Joebella Coffee and 15 degrees C Wine all in one stop? If someone were to throw a day spa into the mix then I would have no reason to ever leave!

The mission at Pier 46 is at the forefront of everything they do - offering sustainable, local seafood from artisan fisherman. Pier 46 acts as a supplier/retailer, completely removing the middleman - wholesaler - from the equation. This lends itself to lower costs for the consumer and even fresher seafood to your plate and mine. I am “hooked” on everything I’ve tried at Pier 46 - from huge, fresh scallops to their fish tacos.

Paso Robles...My Home

By guest blogger, Brandy Bell

As the plane lifts off the ground of Marrakech, Morocco I look out the window and watch the pink city shrink into the dust and sand. 5,000 miles until we land in Bogota, Colombia. From the seat beside me I hear ¨Where are you from?¨ I smile remembering the crystal blue waters, rolling hills, and blossoming vineyards of my hometown.¨Paso Robles, California¨ I said.