PASO ROBLES…THE GEM OF THE CENTRAL COAST!

IT'S HARVEST TIME….SALUTE!!

A PERFECT DAY, A PERFECT VIEW…THE CITY BY THE BAY

Well, it has finally cooled down in Southern California, thank God….It might finally be sweater weather! Our fall starts now, and contrary to popular belief we do get some foliage here, it just comes later, typically end of October, November…I for one have been under construction and under the weather….Finally feeling myself...I guess that's a good thing, I'd hate to feel like someone else…and my kitchen is almost finished…yeah!!!..at least I had access to my wine refrigerator, that was one of the most important factors! Coming down from Napa valley last month, of course through San Francisco, I'm reminded of the beauty and diversity of this great city..we were headed to the central coast of California to the city of Paso Robles, a lovely and charming town that boasts amazing wines, gourmet food and fun loving people…what else could you want? Paso Robles means a pass or walk through the oaks and very befitting because it's tree population is abundant and beautiful! Winding up and down the east and west sides of this small town is part of it's charm..it sits on the site of the King's highway or better known as the Camino Real, which was used by the Franciscan friars during the Mission era!

                                     PASO ROBLES AT THE TOWN PLAZA

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!!

We starting our tasting tour on the west side of PASO, which is home to some of the best wines in the area…Adelaida road  which winds up and down is home to TABLAS CREEK, lovely property that features Rhone style wines, next was one of my favorites, ADELAIDA CELLARS, they create wonderful Pinot's, Cab's and Syrahs..and they have a very welcoming staff….LONE MADRONE had some very interesting blends, and there Albarino was fantastic!! Next stop was a new find for us, HALTER RANCH…these quickly became our new favorite, amazing Bordeaux and Rhone blends featuring the ever popular GMS Blend…Grenache, Mouverdre, Syrah! Don't miss out on two very must see stops on this side of the mountain…DAOU and JUSTIN, they both are spectacular properties with views, think picnic!!! And don't forget to swing by PASOLIVO, for an amazing olive oil tasting!

ONE OF THE LOVELY PATIO'S AT HALTER RANCH!

ENJOY!!

FANTASTIC PROPERTY AND WINES!!

THE CHARMING HOTEL CHEVAL

We stayed a the National Historic Paso Robles Inn, built in 1891, it sits on the square or plaza in town and is in walking distance to everything…another very upscale property I've stayed at is Hotel Cheval, which is lovely and charming boutique style hotel, and they have a great bar and intimate patio..tres chic! There's an abundance of great dining options right on the plaza..Il Cortile, which is Italian and it's new sister restaurant La Cosecha which has a Latin American flavor! There's the innovative Artisan in it's new digs, always good…Villa Creek, local, organic early California cuisine…along with the Second Press Wine bar and Eatery, featuring farm fresh local cuisine and weekend entertainment!! One of the great things about being in these wine regions is there is always an abundance of wonderful food….!!! There are over 200 wineries in the region but unfortunately, even I can't drink that much…we then worked our way to the East side of PASO which is also home to more fantastic wines, especially the ever impressive L'AVENTURE WINERY, open by appt only but well worth the phone call. These are bordeaux style wines at their 

THE HISTORIC PASO ROBLES INN

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY IN WINE COUNTRY!

LOVELY SPOT TO DINE!

NEW HOME OF ARTISAN RESTAURANT

finest, the winemaker is from France and his vision is outstanding! But don't have sticker shock, it's a very sophisticated wine with a price tag to match! Also in this area are the Rhone blends at DENNER, which is also home to the upscale B&B Comus House overlooking the winery…. & TREANA & HOPE FAMILY VINEYARDS, making some of their outstanding wines…So much wine so little time…..Well getting ready to celebrate my birthday for the next two weeks, wine, wine & more wine but I'll be back with a special Halloween post for all of you ghosts and ghouls!! Until then it's five o'clock somewhere…
                                 Salute,  THE WINE CONTESSA

THE BEAUTY OF THE HARVEST MOON!!