Paso Robles
Paso Robles:
Whalebone last visited 2/15/09 $5.00/person
Ok, Whalebone has officially became my FAVORITE winery! After a long day of tasting, they graciously welcomed us after hours — when others wouldn’t even serve us before closing time (ahem, HUNT! shame on you!)! Whalebone is off the beaten path, but definitely worth the excursion! When you get there, make sure you try BOB WINE (delicious!), try some of their olive oil and tell Bob and Janalyn that Claudia from Santa Clarita says Hi!
Opolo Vineyards last visited 2/15/09 ???
I love Rick and Sherry! Opolo’s wines will perk up the senses with a combination of complexity and simplicity. Traditionally I’m not a Zin fan.. but I’ll take Opolo’s Zins any time! When you go, be sure to tell Sherry that Claudia from “the goose” sent you!
Tobin James last visited 8/4/08 FREE
The atmosphere is great, the people are friendly and the wine is delicious! While there, you are treated to a list of wines available to taste and purchase for the day. The list includes approximately 9 – 12 different wines for you to sample. While you’re there, see if they’ll pour a few wines from their special list of wines that are reserved for members of their wine club – the James Gang – you may get lucky! Oh and did I mention that it’s free?
Eberle Winery last visited 8/4/08 FREE
Eberle is a great winery to visit. Every year they pick a theme for their harvest that outfit the decorations. Last year the theme was pirates, this year it’s Nascar. In the tasting room you’re offered a list of wines available for tasting, from which you can select 5 to taste for free. Eberle also offers a complimentary tour of their Wine Caves which is a MUST during your visit. The cave is incredible! Oh, and don’t forget to meet “Velcro” while you’re there!
Firestone Vineyard last visited 8/4/08 $5.00/person
Erin served us a flight of 6 wines; my favorite was their 2004 Vintage Reserve, Santa Ynez Valley (a Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec blend) in a Riedel glass – for a modest $5.00 tasting fee. What makes this modest? You get to keep the glass! Erin also informed us that if you purchase wine during your visit, and opt to not keep your tasting glass, then you will receive a $5.00 credit on your purchase.
Sylvester Vineyards & Winery last visited 8/4/08 FREE
Sylvester may be a little out of the way, but it’s a good winery to visit. They offer different tasting packages, including a chocolate & wine tasting or a cheese & wine tasting. While there, we opted to taste their “free” package which includes 4 or 5 of their Kiara Private Reserve Label wines – if you want something crisp, light and refreshing, give their sparkling wine a try!
Eagle Castle Winery last visited 8/4/08 FREE
Eagle Castle is a neat place to visit because it is a castle – complete with draw bridge crossing and a moat! Whereas the castle is a must see, their wine is average and their pours are small, but they are complimentary so give them a try while you’re there!
J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines last visited 8/4/08 FREE
J.Lohr has some good wine! While there, we were presented with a list of available wines for tasting, from which you may select 6 to taste. Beverlina poured us generous tastes of their wines and took a little time to explain to us why their stickers are shaped like little tractors. The atmosphere is nice, the wine good, and the price can’t be beat!
Martin & Weyrich last visited 8/4/08 $4.00 per person
Martin & Weyrich asks a $4.00 tasting fee to taste up to 5 different wines. When/if you get the opportunity, try the Flemenco Rojo off of their reserve list – it’s one of my favorite wines! Although the Flemenco Rojo isn’t on their tasting list, you’ll never know if they have an open bottle of it behind the bar unless you ask!
Zenaida Cellars last visited 8/23/08 $3.00 per person
Zenaida Cellars has quickly become one of my favorite wineries! Their wines are delicious, everyone there is friendly and their winery is quaint, but amazingly beautiful. Whereas I tasted a number of wines (thanks to Jessica and Tyler!), I walked out with a bottle of their ZC Red Estate Cuvee and their Hell Block — YUM! I’m looking forward to spending more time enjoying their wines in the near future. Definitely worth a stop on your tour — tell them that Claudia said Hi!
Clautiere Vineyard last visited 8/23/08 $5.00 per person
Clautiere is a place you visit for the atmosphere. They have wigs, hats, a fun mirrors and you get to keep your glass. The wine.. well.. let’s just say that we enjoyed the atmosphere!
