The thrill for a wine writer is the ability to sample an exceptionally outstanding wine, but often the story behind compels me to compose the article. In the case of DAOU Family Estates, the biographical history behind the wine Soul of the Lion drew me to write this piece. Although this wine is extraordinary, it
Showcasing Paso Robles Diverse Grape Varieties
The Central Coast and wine are synonymous with one another. One of the more diverse areas of the Central Coast is Paso Robles. When I speak of diversity, I am talking about grape varieties. Although Cabernet Sauvignon makes up the most significant percentage of plantings in Paso Robles, wineries are experimenting with a plethora of
Turtle Rock Vineyards: A winery defining the Willow Creek District AVA
The term “the apple does not fall far from the tree” aptly describes Turtle Rock Vineyards and more specifically winemaker/owner Don Burns. Don grew up on Willow Creek Road in the Templeton Gap of Paso Robles. After sailing for two years in Central America and a short stint working in the restaurant business in Florida,
Discover the wineries of Downtown Paso Robles
There is a new way to discover the wines of Paso Robles especially if you are a wine enthusiast, who enjoys the smaller boutique wineries. It is Downtown Paso Robles Wineries. A group of 20 wineries have come together to promote themselves as the town’s premier wineries in the civic center. Those visiting Paso Robles
TOP Winery: Striking the balance of life through wine
The word balance has many interpretations depending on how each person perceives it. Is it balancing your day between work and relaxation? Is it the risk and challenges we encounter every day that put our lives in balance? For TOP Winery, owners Elena Martinez and Stanley Barrios the meaning describes their passion, the winery they
Feedfeed meets Austerity Wines: A dinner at Lucques
Today the farm to table dinner concept is the culinary mission for many restaurants throughout the country. Chefs and foodies are always taking the idea a step further by practicing sustainability in the kitchen as well as utilizing every portion of a food staple. Carrying the notion of using local ingredients, further wineries are joining
Law Estate Wines: Passion and aesthetics inspire a unique winery
What could be more magnificent than an unobstructed winery view of vineyards while sipping wine at a hilltop tasting room? Such is the case at LAW Estate Wines where detail to the architecture, the beauty of the vineyards, sustainable and organic practices all come together, providing a unique experience and producing exceptional wines from the
Oso Libre: Finding the spirit of wine in Paso Robles
Before grape growing developed or became popular in Paso Robles, cattle ranching was one of the big draws in the area. The budding wine industry did not emerge in Paso till the 1960s and 70s. Today Oso Libre winery has merged these two agribusinesses. Through their Vines, Wine and Angus program they grow grapes, make
Ascension Cellars: Wines that elevate your senses
For Erick Allen, the process of winemaking is about the blend. Starting Ascension Cellars in 2008 was about accentuating his blending forte of both the Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. It is Erick’s passion for this process that makes his wines truly exceptional. Erick’s success in winemaking comes from not only his blending prowess but also
Ascension Cellars Siren: Rosé that speaks for itself
Vertical wine tastings can always be fun. How about a vertical of Rosé? With two bottles of Ascension Cellars Siren Rosé, 2014 and 2015 it was fascinating to explore the differences and nuances between the two vintages. In the bottle, both Rosés appeared similar in appearance as each featured a dark iridescent rosy ruby color.
