A Toast to Paso Robles

With temperatures falling and snow coming, I was happy to trade arctic Iowa weather for the grape friendly sun of Paso Robles, California, located mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Paso Robles, or Pass of the Oaks, is the perfect winter getaway for RVers and can be either a springboard to, or diversion from, the mid-coastal towns of Morrow Bay, Cambria and San Simeon (Hearst Castle).

Though the Sonoma and Napa valley's more quickly come to mind when one thinks about wine, Paso Robles holds it's own with some really fine wineries. With vineyards as far as the eye can see, even an occasional wine fancier can't resist the urge to stop for some tastings. And one great advantage of an RV trip is that you shouldn't have too much trouble finding room to store a case or two of wines you like from this region to take home and enjoy throughout the year.

Wild Horse Winery, custom crafts wines that could only come from California's unbelievably diverse Central Coast wine country. With several varieties of wine in stock, my favorites were the Verdelho and the Malbec.

Chrissy Wittmann, General Manager and Director of Winemaking at Wild Horse Winery, is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I had the opportunity to talk with her about her process of creating exquisite wines. Not only is she a gifted winemaker, she is also a wise consultant on suggesting great food and wine pairings.

Wine Profiles & Tasting Reviews

2012 Wild Horse Verdelho Paso Robles

The Slightly off-dry Verdelho possesses rich aromas of lemon, melon, peach, and apricot. The mouth feel is full and intense. Served as an aperitif or with a light meal such as Caesar salad or a rustic cheese plate, this wine will remind you of warmer climates and sandy beaches.

2011 Wild Horse Unbridled Malbec Pine Creek Vineyard Monterey County

Bright and boasting with aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, and clove followed by a medium bodied, well-balanced, and extremely tasty mouth feel. This wine will pair well with sticky barbecued beef ribs, carne asada tacos, and pasta with spicy marinara. Make sure you get a bottle before 2018.