Wine Tasting in Paso Robles Wine Country
Paso Robles is still knee deep in the 2023 wine grape harvest here on the Central Coast. You’re probably planning a trip to visit so let’s talk about how to properly taste wine and some tips on how to experience Paso Robles Wine Country.
The spring and fall are the busiest times of year for tourists to visit Paso Robles Wine Country because it’s wine club pick up time (yay!) and it’s just so gorgeous here on the Central Coast. If we get enough rain in the winter months (keep dancin’), springtime is so green and the vines are starting to bud and I think to myself, this is my favorite season. Then fall approaches and it becomes my new favorite season ü. There’s the smell of grape must in the air from harvest, temperatures are cooler but there’s an amazing warmth from the bright sun shining and the leaves are starting to turn from green to various golden hues. Not to mention if you visit in the fall, you may see some winemakers in action or even get the opportunity to stomp on some grapes too! Yes, winemakers actually do that.
I could go on and on about harvest, maybe another time but let’s get into how to properly taste these incredible wines that winemakers and their teams put their heart and soul into making every year. Whether you’ve been drinking wine for a while or consider yourself a beginner, here is a quick guide to wine tasting because it’s important to properly taste wine properly to appreciate its’ flavors and aromas but it’s quite simple!
How to Taste:
So let’s get to it! I’m sure you’ve heard of it, The Three S's: Swirl, Smell, and Sip. Well before you start, look at the wine, specifically the color, it can tell you about the age of the wine. White wines tend to change color, becoming more yellow/brown, with an increase in overall pigment. Whereas red wines tend to lose color, becoming more transparent and less vibrant as they age.
Swirl your wine (doesn’t matter which direction) and check out the “legs” which is referring to the wine dripping down the inside of the glass. This is showing you the viscosity of the wine. The main viscosity factor is alcohol content, the more legs, the higher the alcohol content and more full bodied wine it is. There are other factors too: residual sugar, glycerol, terroir, grape variety, vintage and temperature. For instance, sweet wines are more viscous than dry wines (due to sugar content). Keep in mind, the more “legs” does not means it’s a better wine.
Swirling also helps the wine open up and release aromas for you to smell. Stick your nose in the glass and breathe it in…ahhh I wish there were candles that smelled that good. This helps you to identify the different scents (see the chart below to use as a guide – Winefolly.com) and then sip it! Simple as that. The first sip helps coat your palate and then you can really taste it on the second sip.
Etiquette:
Before you even start using the Three S’s, let’s talk about a tasting room.
Don’t share a tasting, if you do, only share it with ONE person. Like I mentioned before you need at minimum two sips to really taste the wine.
DON’T MOVE YOUR GLASS. You may be trying to be helpful and eager to get the next wine but please don’t, it will create a mess. We don’t want to waste the wine.
It’s perfectly acceptable to spit wine during tastings, especially if you are visiting multiple wineries in a day. At one tasting you are consuming about 1.5 glasses of wine. Can you imagine going to 3 or more? You want to make it to dinner - there are so many great restaurants in Paso Robles.
Tip your server, it’s not expected but if you had exceptional service, why not? – avoid hitting the automated tip buttons, it could add up quickly! But $5-10 is sufficient. Cash is king.
At least buy a few bottles, you know you’ll drink them at some point and it’s a great way to remember the trip!
Educational Resources:
If you want to learn more about wine tasting, visit www.winefolly.com it’s an excellent resource for learning about wine in general. Very user friendly, great for novice or expert wine drinkers. It’s also just a fun platform to learn from – wine is fun, why not make learning about it fun too! Follow them on Instagram @winefolly
Planning Your Wine Tour:
There is an abundance of tasting rooms on the Central Coast of California. We are in wine country here! Over 200 tasting rooms that offer such a wide variety of wines. There’s sure to be something for everyone. Destination Paso is a great source to have the professionals (locals!) plan your trip for you.
You can also visit www.pasowine.com, it’s a valuable resource for planning your wine-tasting trip. It has lists of wineries in the area, events, even wine maps and list of wines the wineries produce.
Follow them on Instagram @pasowine
Touring Services:
It’s always good to designate a driver in your group and take turns each day on who is the “chauffer” or hire a local driving company! Lush Limos, Grand Cru, Uncorked Wine Tours and Toast Tours are some of my favorites but there are so many more. It is not only a safe way to get around wine country but also the drivers are a wealth of knowledge to guide you to where to go wine tasting based on what you like or their general recommendations.
Culinary Experiences:
I don’t even know where to start with restaurants as there are so many fantastic ones in the area! A lot of them have exquisite full bars with specialty cocktails. I’m sure after a day of wine tasting, you’re ready for something other than wine. Just to name a few Etto Pasta Bar - fresh pasta made in house, Les Petite Canailles - incredible French cuisine, Six Test Kitchen - culinary experience and Michelin star, The Hatch - local favorite, Della’s - gin bar and gourmet wood fired pizza, and In Bloom - sophisticated dining with a laid-back atmosphere, Michelin star. Drop in the comments where you went and tell me what you loved!
So what are you waiting for!? go to pasowine.com and start planning your wine tasting trip to Paso Robles Wine Country.
