Your Guide to Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
Welcome to the world of wine. There is so much to tell, with only so much page space. The best way to increase your wine knowledge is by planning a wine tasting trip. Tasting in Paso Robles, specifically Halter Ranch, makes for a memorable experience. We will guide you through the history behind Paso Robles Wine Country and Halter Ranch, what to wear, tips for tasting wine, and where to go after tasting!
Paso Robles Wine Country
Paso Robles, or officially El Paso de Robles, translates to “The Pass of the Oaks.” Native oak trees are preserved and protected under local ordinances. Paso Robles is in San Luis Obispo County on the Central Coast of California. The town makes up over 600,000 acres of land, 40,000 of those acres being vineyards. Paso Robles Wine Country is an American Viticultural Appellation (AVA) with eleven districts within the Paso Robles AVA. The region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhône-style, and Bordeaux-style blends. However, with over 200 wineries, and so many unique districts to grow grapes, you’re bound to fall in love with many other varietals as well!
Image by Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Visit the Estate
Halter Ranch Estate is a vineyard and winery west of Highway 101, in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles Wine Country. Swiss Entrepreneur, Hansjörg Wyss purchased the original property in 2000 intending to sustainably produce exceptional wine while also protecting the unique natural environment of the west side of Paso Robles. Over time, Wyss has also brought the rich history of the property back to life. The name Halter Ranch is a tribute to Wyss’ mother, Alice Halter.
Today, the estate spans over 2,700 acres, including 256 acres of 100% CCOF-certified organic wine grapes and 17 acres of organically certified olives. Less than 10% of the property is dedicated to farming and development, with the rest preserved as natural landscape. At the heart of the vineyard stands the Ancestor Tree, the world’s largest recorded Coast Live Oak, estimated to be over 600 years old. The remaining acreage is home to natural landscapes, oak woodlands, and wildlife corridors.
There are 20 planted wine grape varieties that contribute to our award-winning wines –including the Ancestor, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
The Estate Tasting Room features two tasting flights and a seasonal farm-to-table culinary menu prepared by Chef Paul Arangorin.
What to Wear
One word: LAYERS! Paso Robles loves drastic temperature changes. A summer morning can start at 50 degrees and climb all the way to triple digits by the afternoon. As for cooler months, the days can be sunny then chilly by the evening. So, while planning your trip, be sure to check the weather and pack your layers accordingly.
Paso Robles is known to have a more laid-back atmosphere when compared to other wine-tasting regions. But it never hurts to put your best foot forward! You can be comfortable and stylish. For shoes, try to avoid high heels (trust us on this one), we suggest flats, chunky heels, loafers, boots, or even cowboy boots. As for the outfit, put on a dressy top and jeans, bomber jacket, cardigan, vest with a turtleneck, patterned flannel, collared shirt, dress pants, or your favorite jumpsuit – the options are endless.
Lastly, don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and water!
Wine Tasting Tips
Do your research to find the best wine-tasting experience for you. Some wineries allow dogs, children, and parties for over six people, while others do not. Most wineries in Paso Robles also require reservations, with weekends booking up fast (especially holiday weekends). We recommend referring to the Paso Robles Wine Tasting Map and sticking to one specific area for every day you plan to wine taste. This way, you won’t have to plan for a thirty-minute commute to get from one winery to the next.
When it comes to wine tasting, don’t be afraid to pace yourself. You are not obligated to try every wine that is offered to you. Everyone has their own palate, and our job is to help you find the wine you love. Also, ask questions! We love answering any questions from our customers. We can assure you there are no silly questions because someone at your table is probably wondering the same thing.
Now, how do you increase your wine tasting skills? It will take a couple of wine tasting trips before you start to smell or taste anything besides “wine.” Continue to swirl, sniff, and sip. Swirl the wine to aerate and increase the aromas in your glass. Sniff and talk about what you smell – berries, chocolate, pepper, citrus, oak, flowers, etc. Sip and think about whether the wine has the correct balance of acid, sweetness, mouthfeel, and tannins (tannins are a lightly drying sensation on the finish of the wine) and if you enjoy the wine!
Where to Go After Wine Tasting
Ask your wine server about his/her favorite things to do or eat in Paso Robles because what better person to ask than a local?
Downtown Paso Robles has a variety of bars, restaurants, boutiques, taprooms, and sweets, all within a two-block radius! Below are listed a couple of our favorite places to eat within Downtown Paso Robles:
BL Brasserie: Utilizing local ingredients, this brasserie offers divine cuisine created by Chef and Owner, Laurent Grangien. Two popular dishes are the Crispy Crab Risotto and Filet Mignon. Both will satisfy your cravings after a long day of exploring wine country.
Il Cortile Ristorante: Italian food and wine are just a match made in heaven. All plates of pasta are homemade and utilize local ingredients with seasonal changes to their menu. We recommend the Pappardelle Al Cinghiale and Grilled Octopus.
Negranti Creamery: What would dinner be without dessert? This local ice cream shop uses sheep’s milk to create exceptional and unique flavors. A crowd-pleaser is the Salted Brown Sugar ice cream.