After a long, rainy winter I couldn’t wait for Spring.  With my birthday just a week after the first day of Spring, I was excited to celebrate with wine in the sun!  After recent wine trips to both Sonoma and Napa, I wanted to spend some time in another California region well known for its wineries.  KT, TK and I hopped in the car, headed South for a weekend of wine tasting in Paso Robles.

Jada Vineyard and Winery

Jada Vineyard was our first stop for the weekend.  The views from the winery alone were worth the trip.

The covered patio with the vineyards as a backdrop is the perfect spot to enjoy your wine tasting.

Jada offers a tasting of five wines.  They also have the option to add a cheese pairing.

Le Cuvier Winery

Le Cuvier was at the top of my list of wineries for this weekend getaway.  They have a chef on-site preparing small bites to pair with their wines- as part of their standard tasting!  Having a tasting menu to accompany your wine always takes your tasting up a notch.  We sampled cheeses, fresh baked empanada bites and even tomato bisque.  I didn’t think I liked tomato bisque- apparently, I was wrong.  This tomato bisque was every-thing!

Another unique note about Le Cuvier- the wine descriptions.  While it’s not uncommon to have written descriptions for each wine, it’s a safe bet you haven’t read any descriptions quite as colorful as those at Le Cuvier.

I’ve never seen the scent of Syrah described as a ‘dusty madman chewing bay leaf & cinnamon infused brownies.’  I’m not sure what winemaker, John Munch was drinking when he wrote this, maybe it was the ‘full bastard of a wine’ Syrah?  Whatever it was, he sounds like a damn good time.  Also, I would like a cinnamon infused brownie, but that’s a post for another time.

In addition to some great wine, small bites and awesome wine descriptions, Le Cuvier also has beautiful outdoor space.

Sit out on the patio or grab a chair and enjoy the view of the valley below.

Kula Vineyards and Winery

Kula Vineyards and Winery actually came to us on this trip, as they hosted happy hour one evening at the SpringHill Suites.  We got a chance to meet the wine makers and taste a few selections.  I remember their Syrah Rosé, as I’m pretty sure it’s the first I’ve had.  All their wines were delicious, perfectly suited for a warm Spring/Summer night.

Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden

When you arrive at Sculpterra, the dramatic sculptures throughout the garden will capture your attention immediately.  They are really amazing.

With the opportunity to taste eight wines, you can take your time and wander through the garden as you sip.

Eberle Winery

Eberle Winery has a festive vibe- maybe due to the free tasting menu.  You can enjoy complimentary tastings of five wines of your choice, either in the tasting room or outside on the deck overlooking the vineyard.

They also offer cave tours daily, if you have an interest in a walking tour.  We skipped it on this trip, as we were headed to have lunch.  I’ll have to catch the caves next time!

Cass Vineyard and Winery

Cass Winery was a popular stop on our wine tour.  Right around lunch time, the outdoor patio was packed and there was a bit of a wait for a table for lunch.  The hostess was happy to start our tasting while we waited, so feel free to pass the time sipping wine if there’s a full house when you visit.

The stand out for me at Cass was the Benny Burger- SO good!  It seems to be a fan favorite, as I saw several burgers pass on their way to other tables, each one looking better than the last.  I’d go back to Cass in a heartbeat, just for that burger.

So our first weekend of wine tasting in Paso Robles is in the books!  Though, with more than one hundred wineries in this region, we barely scratched the surface.  Also, with its close proximity to San Luis Obispo, and Pismo Beach on the Pacific Coast, you can add awesome beaches, spa days and dining to your Paso Robles weekend getaway.  So are you packing yet??  Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine and Syrah!

If you’ve been to Paso Robles, what wineries top your list?