Central Coast

Central Coast

Foxen Vineyard

grape cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

The Foxen Boys (aka Bill Wathen and Dick Doré) have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic on Foxen Canyon Road.

Dover Canyon Winery

people enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Dover Canyon Winery: A Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Dover Canyon Winery is nestled on Vineyard Drive in the Willow Creek appellation of Paso Robles. Owner and winemaker Dan Panico has long believed that the calcareous soil along Vineyard Drive is ideal for cultivating Zinfandel and Rhône varieties. The estate vineyard showcases Organic, Dry-Farmed Zinfandel and Syrah, reflecting the winery's dedication to sustainable practices.

Focusing on small lots of artisanal wines, Dover Canyon often produces vineyard-designated selections that highlight the unique characteristics of each site. With a passion for the heritage grape of Paso Robles, the winery actively seeks out Dry-Farmed, Mountain Grown, and Old Vine Zinfandel from local vineyards, ensuring a commitment to quality and tradition in every bottle.

people enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

Cloak and Dagger Wines

grape cluster

Minimum security tasting is available at Cloak and Dagger's  Tasting Lounge in downtown Paso Robles. The Tasting Lounge is located in a small historic building in the town square, overlooking the City Park. Outward appearances would suggest the Lounge is little more than a delightful wine-tasting venue in the heart of Paso Robles’ vibrant downtown scene. The Tasting Lounge is located at 840 11th Street, Paso Robles.

Allegretto Wines

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - People sharing wine

On a trip to Paso Robles years ago, Douglas Ayres was awed by the beauty of the land, the warmth of the people and the promising wine region. While later traveling through some of the most celebrated wine and cultural areas of the world, the memory of Paso Robles inspired him to return with a vision of owning vineyards, making world-class wine and developing a destination driven wine country resort.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Byron Vineyards

Grape Cluster - Pixabay

Hit the tasting room in Los Olivos for an afternoon of Pinot drinking. Staff very friendly and fun to taste with. Pinot is solid and enjoyable. This place is nearby several tasting rooms. Upon entering, it was calm and quiet. Since it was a weekday, it was a much different ambiance from the busy weekends as mentioned by the staff. The tasting included three whites and three reds. It was three chardonnays, two pinot noirs, and one syrah.

Tablas Creek Vineyards

grape cluster - ai generated - Pixabay

Tablas Creek’s 270-acre estate vineyard, rich in limestone, is nestled in the heart of the Adelaida District, within the hills north and west of Paso Robles, approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Their approach to viticulture centers on quality, using dry-farming techniques and maintaining moderate crop levels. Since 2003, the vineyard has held organic certification, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices.

Beginning in 2010, Tablas Creek integrated various Biodynamic methods throughout the estate, which include the use of a mobile herd of sheep and alpacas. This holistic approach aims to capture the unique character of the vineyard’s terroir, yielding grapes of intensity and depth. The estate achieved its Biodynamic certification in 2017.

Tablas Creek views regenerative agriculture as a vital approach to addressing global climate and resource challenges. In pursuit of this mission, they became the first vineyard globally to receive the Regenerative Organic Certified® designation in 2020 and the first Regenerative Organic Certified® Gold vineyard in 2022.

Tolo Celars

Pouring wine - Pixabay

Way out along the Adelaida Road stands a little red farmhouse, home to Tolo Cellars. Josh Gibson, proprietor and winemaker, offers a sumptuous array of wines including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Barbera, and exotic Rhone Blends all sourced from vineyards tucked away in the rustic hills, where once frolicked the pioneers of the Adelaide Township.

This historically adventures area, marked by rugged terrain, offers ideal hillside conditions for vines bearing hardy and distinctive wine grapes.

Josh's goals in winemaking is to allow these vineyards, each with its own "flora and fauna" to express themselves in a glorious harmony. Thus, all his wines are fermented on native yeast, allowing the robust and wild flavors of the vines to exude in the wines. The results are libations of uncommon depth and mysterious character - much like the surrounding hillsides.

Josh opened his tasting room in 2005, though he was well-versed in the Far Out lifestyle long before that. As assistant winemaker at Le Cuvier for several years, Josh learned the tricks of crafting high quality wines in small lots, limiting production to just around 1,200 cases.

Pear Valley Estate Wine

wine splashing in the glass

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.

Arbuckle Ridge

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Arbuckle Ridge Winery, located in Paso Robles, CA, is renowned for producing exceptional wines that embody the rich terroir of the region. Specializing in small-batch, handcrafted varietals, the winery focuses on creating bold reds and crisp whites that showcase the diverse climate and soil of Paso Robles. Guests can enjoy personalized tastings in a scenic vineyard setting, offering a true taste of Central Coast winemaking at its finest.

Rocky Creek Cellars

glass of wine - Pixabay

Drive out on Highway 46 for a bit and you will find tucked away Rocky Creek Cellars. Rocky Creek is a homey little tasting room with the charm of a rustic cabin. The folks that run this place, like most of the wineries and tasting rooms in the area, are a family, so you can tell a certain amount of personal flair and attention has been put into everything right down to the tasty crackers they serve with their flights.

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