Wine Thread

[Randolphkeys]

I can know (a little) about it and still make fun of you. I do agree with you about Napa and paso. Within driving for both so haven't had to get a hotel. Paso's scene is just better. And even though I prefer a cab to most other wines, I'll take paso syrah if I'm going tasting. Their whites also appeal to me more, though I'm not much of a white wine person.

I don't know when I'll spend a couple days in Sonoma but what vineyards do you suggest?

I'm happy to write up a Sonoma nickel tour. It's been my go to weekend getaway for a long time.

If you have kids, there's a mini amusement park called Train Town. I have a 5 year old, and you can spend a few hours and 25 bucks there and give a young kid a great day. If you are lucky enough to go without kids, here's some wineries:

Cline - They stay open an hour past everyone else, and they are generous with free pours. It's the only winery which I'm a member back when they were a small operation. We went through them for our wedding and they gave us 30% off. Just good people and good wine that you can get in grocery stores now.

Gloria Ferrer is a prosecco and sparkling wine specialist with the best views in the valley. Bring snacks and have at least one glass of bubbly on the deck.

Chateau St. Jean is a great combo of a beautiful old castle and great reds. Worth the trip because they nail both.

Another must do is Sabastiani. They are the ones who started it all, and you can walk from the downtown square (eat at one of the 4 star restaurants there) to their large, beautiful property. I usually walk out with a case of whatever they have on special because they usually have cases priced to move.

Ledson is one of my favorite wineries for the quality of their product. They have a huge "castle" on top of a mountain that is impressive for your date. I kind of found it to be too "new money" because it was built recently. You can also hit their tasting room in the downtown square if you just want great wine.

Ravenswood is also a great experience and beautiful grounds, but I usually don't leave with wine from them. I take visitors to Valley of the Moon because they give a great free tour, but the wine itself is a blue collar wine with fair prices... it's a different experience than all the 60 dollar bottles elsewhere.

If you are there for several days, hit up Carneros Brewing for a change of pace.

 

[FiveThous]

I've been hearing a little bit more about the Central Coast and their robust reds, are these regions included in the Central Coast or is that an entirely different region?

@bcort @Randolphkeys

 

[Randolphkeys]

I've been hearing a little bit more about the Central Coast and their robust reds, are these regions included in the Central Coast or is that an entirely different region?

@bcort @Randolphkeys

Paso Robles is just inland of the central coast. That is the region you are hearing about because the traditional "wine country" has kind of peaked for creating a business plan. I think the wine in Paso Robles is equal to the area north of the Bay Area, the businesses are younger and establishing themselves.

When I spent a weekend there right before having kids, I liked the wineries but I was just really really hot. The temperature was over 100 and I just felt uncomfortable unless I was in air conditioning. If I were to do it again, I'd get a hotel in Pismo Beach on the actual coast and just drive for one day to Paso Robles. Great beach town and cooler.

 

[bcort]

Thanks keys, sounds like the lady and I will have to take a trip there in a couple months.

And @FiveThous i think keys nailed it. Personally, for a younger couple pismo+slo + paso is a great time.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Thanks keys, sounds like the lady and I will have to take a trip there in a couple months.

And @FiveThous i think keys nailed it. Personally, for a younger couple pismo+slo + paso is a great time.

Right on, my wife's favorite restaurant in the square is The Girl and The Fig. Get a reservation beforehand and your lady will likely show her appreciation later. Cheers.

 

[castor777]

Agree on Paso > Napa. Went to both a few years back, enjoyed some great wineries at both but thought Paso was a lot better.

A pretty common one from Paso that you can find anywhere is Justin, their Cab is great but also recommend if you have the extra money to go with either their blends Justification or Isosceles. The later can get pretty pricey if you're fortunate enough to find a reserve bottle, but it's honestly my personal favorite bottle of wine for what it's worth.

My favorite stop in Napa was actually a winery called Bell. I haven't seen it in any Ohio wine shops, but most say they can order it for you or you can order it online - http://www.bellwine.com

 

[Randolphkeys]

Agree on Paso > Napa. Went to both a few years back, enjoyed some great wineries at both but thought Paso was a lot better.

A pretty common one from Paso that you can find anywhere is Justin, their Cab is great but also recommend if you have the extra money to go with either their blends Justification or Isosceles. The later can get pretty pricey if you're fortunate enough to find a reserve bottle, but it's honestly my personal favorite bottle of wine for what it's worth.

My favorite stop in Napa was actually a winery called Bell. I haven't seen it in any Ohio wine shops, but most say they can order it for you or you can order it online - http://www.bellwine.com

I made my great grandfather's "boozy steak" and bought a bottle of Justin Cab to go with it. It was better than the Cline pinot noir I was drinking while cooking, but not sure it blew my socks off. I do see Justin is winning a lot of awards lately, maybe it just got lost in a bourbon steak.

 

[Randolphkeys]

If I were to do it again, I'd get a hotel in Pismo Beach on the actual coast and just drive for one day to Paso Robles. Great beach town and cooler.

I've been thinking about this post for about a year. I just booked a very affordable hotel on beachfront in Pismo Beach for my spring break. The room with a king and queen bed and beach view averages less than $200 after tax. Goddamn steal. Lots of family time, seafood and wine tasting. Hell yeah!