Best Red Wines in Paso Robles
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Best Red Wines in Paso Robles
In Paso Robles, it gets hot -- really hot -- in the summer. But low coastal hills allow cool, maritime air to sneak through to the vineyards in western Paso Robles, helping to create a pretty fascinating weather phenomenon.
Paso’s diverse landscape also allows for more creative, nuanced wines. Varietals dominate in the wine world, but Paso’s drastic differences in temperature and terroir allow for some superbly complex, full-bodied wines to be made.
Although Paso Robles wineries produce an impressive diversity of wines, the region is best known for red wine and Bordeaux varietals in particular, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The region’s reputation for innovative blends comes thanks in part to a younger generation of Paso winemakers unbound by tradition.
If you’re on the hunt for the best red wine in Paso, you just may find it at one of these west side wineries.
7110 Vineyard Dr
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-9593
Reservations: Not required
Opolo Vineyards recently opened a brand new tasting room that overlooks 280 acres of vines. It’s got a laidback vibe and friendly staff who are more than willing to walk you through their menu or a tasting. This is one of the few wineries that offer food, so it’s a great place to stop during the middle or the end of your day.
Opolo’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout. It was voted Gold and Best of Cabernet Sauvignon at the Central Coast Wine Competition. Black cherry and mocha show on the nose, with aromas of tobacco, leather and mint. It’s bold and full-bodied, yet silky smooth. Although Opolo’s Cab can be enjoyed young, it’s best enjoyed if cellared for at least a year.
Their flagship wine, Mountain Zinfandel, is also worth a taste. It’s a fruit forward blend of cherries, plum and black raspberry, with hints of tobacco and vanilla cardamom.
3230 Oakdale Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 226-9898
Reservations: Recommended for groups of six or more
Located in Paso’s Templeton Gap, Red Soles Winery is a limited-production winery, so whatever you taste there is sure to be something special. Each wine hand-crafted and made from grapes grown on their own Estate vineyards. Uncork a bottle have a picnic on Red Soles’ beautiful oak lawn.
2014 Paso Doble is a delicious blend of tart cherry flavors and cola and vanilla notes, with a hint of cassis. The 50% Cab, 50% Syrah blend can be enjoyed now or later -- as in 5+ years down the road later.
Red Soles’ 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect embodiment of what the winery is all about. Big, bold fruit flavors and herbal, earthy notes are perfectly blended with just the right amount of oakiness.
5800 Adelaida Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-0845
Reservations: Required for groups of eight or more
Brother and sister duo Neil Collins and Jackie Meisinger started Lone Madrone in 1996 to create bold, distinct wines grown in vineyards on Paso’s west side. Wines are fermented with native yeasts and native malolactic bacteria and aged in neutral oak barrels. Collins doesn’t fuss much with the grapes, choosing to let the terroir work its magic instead.
Lone Madrone produces a handful of single varietals, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, but their blends allow Collins to put his winemaking expertise to good use. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is a treat that’s delicious to drink now or later. Uncork for a wine that is complex, velvety smooth, or wait for a year or two to keep developing.
Their covered patio is the perfect place to take refuge from the afternoon sun while you admire vineyards and nosh on a picnic lunch. Or, stop by for their Burger Sundays, held weekly from March through October.
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