Good wines, friendly owners, fun animals. A field full of alpacas greets you as you enter Oso Libre. The husband and wife owners were absolute gems, but let's face it, unfriendly people simply don't own alpacas. They shared a lot of interesting info about the winery and animals which made for an entertaining conversation. The wines were tasty and the term “wine farm” setting of Oso Libre is a great experience.
Oso Libre Winery & Ranch us a biytuque winery producing acclaimed red blends and single varietal wines.
Ovene Winery, Inc. was founded by Jeff & Genni White in March 2004. The winery is a culmination of 18 years of home winemaking preceded by 5 years of sales management in the wine. Jeff got his start in the wine industry with Italian Swiss Colony winery in 1983 as divisional sales manager for the Southern California market. After 2 years Jeff was recruited by the Seagram Wine Company and became district manager for Southern California in charge of Taylor California Cellars.
Ozeki recommends that you throw away the widely-held misconception that sake should be served hot. In the past, many sakes were served hot to mask the pour quality of Saki in the United States.
I recommend the 2011 snow Zin and Westside Zin. Great atmosphere Nice Zins and Malbecs. Friendly staff seem to treat each visitor as a welcome guest. The tasting room is in a super cute building. One side used to be an old school house. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive -- one woman was pouring and keeping many people happy. Many stars for her.
It started with 20 acres in 1999 and now Tom and Kathleen own 113 acres where they dedicate their energy and resources to providing the best environment for growing premium grapes. The vineyards are operated with sustainable farming practices to ensure that the best fruit possible will still be grown there when their grandchildren operate the farm.
The next phase of the dream began in the Spring of 2008 when they broke ground on a 14,000 winery and 5,000 square foot tasting room. Continuing the dedication to providing the best environment possible, the winery and tasting room were designed in partnership with PG&E through their “Savings By Design” program to design buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sound.
In August 2012 Pear Valley officially achieved Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard Certification. Attaining SIP Certification demonstrates dedication to vineyard practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically-viable
Exceeded expectations are the best words to begin this review. The east side of Paso Robles is a place that at times does not receive the credit due or publicity that the west side has basked in for many years. Despite what some public opinion states there are a growing number of incredible attractively priced wines and well run establishments creating unique experiences all over the east and my recent trip to Pear Valley Winery was something that far and beyond exceeded my expectations.
Serving both Rhone and Boudreaux varietals, various blends, and well balanced wines all around they have something for the varying discerning tastes. Throw in some complimentary warm meatballs, a nice cheese spread, various cracker selections, and a friendly staff how could you not enjoy yourself.
Pianetta winery is located on the vineyard, fourteen miles north of the downtown Paso Robles tasting room. The majority of the grapes harvested are sold to a major premium winery. Their success with Pianetta Estate grapes as well as their encouragement inspired Pianetta to develop a small winery so as to identify the wine from this vineyard. The first vintage yielded 370 cases of 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Pianetta has grown to a 2700 case production and added Shiraz, Syrah, a Syrah/Cabernet blend, and a Rose style wine to their Estate wines, as well as Sangiovese, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and a Tuscan style blend from the Paso Robles appellation.
All work is done by hand - from planting to camopy work to harvest. Mark and Gary Pisoni farming and winemaking are deep rooted in Burgundian traditions.
The vineyard was planted in 1995 by Steve Arnold, with the help of his wife Debbie, and children Joey & Michelle. For years special attention has been given to producing grapes of the highest quality. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot were the varietals chosen for their suitability to the valley's soils and climate. In 2007 the Arnold family expanded ever so slightly by adding 1/2 an acre of Viognier to their 32 acre vineyard.
Located at the northern tip of the Paso Robles AVA, Pretty-Smith is a great place to start your day of wine tasting. Or if you are driving down from the bay area, it makes for a great start to your weekend as it is close to the 101 in San Miguel. Pretty-Smith is a woman owned and operated winery. Lisa Pretty, is the owner, winemaker, tasting room staff, and even the tractor driver! Truly a one person does it all winery. Lisa focuses on 100% Estate Bordeaux varietals, currently selling Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a blend called Palette de Rouge. The wines are aged in oak for 42 months and the best description of her wines is "Soft, Smooth & Silky".