Wednesday, December 3, 2014

When in Wine Country...

I would call Paso Robles a "more accessible" Napa. It has pretty much everything Napa has to offer: vineyards, tasting rooms, restaurants and scenic vistas, but it's closer (if you live in SoCal) and it is a bit less pricey. Last weekend we took a trip before the Thanksgiving crowds descended upon the town to do a little wine tasting and to just unwind.

I think one of my favorite things about the day we spent wine tasting and visiting some of the gorgeous vineyards in Paso Robles was the weather. I know that sounds strange, but it was cool, yet sunny, and the leaves had turned rich hues of red and yellow, so it finally looked and felt like fall. Plus, you could throw on a sweater and scarf and feel cozy, which is something the hot weather in Los Angeles prevents one from doing.


So before I delve into my wine tasting odyssey, I'll divulge a few little tidbits regarding what I wore. As I previously stated, it was nice to be able to throw on a thick scarf and wool sweater. I went with this "blanket" style scarf, which I picked up from Target.



For something a little different I also donned these velvet, leopard "slippy slips" or slippers. My husband was upset that I brought four pairs of shoes for a three day excursion and bragged that he was able to get by with only one pair. That's the difference between men and women.


 So on to the pictures of our trip. Paso Robles has really expanded since we last visited with what seems to be hundreds of wineries now. My husband and I picked a quadrant of the map to explore and just went where the road took us, stumbling on all sorts of vineyards. There is just something about the spur of the moment, impromptu nature of not quite having a plan that is so fun and exciting! We definitely found some interesting places and sights along the way as a result.




Above, breathtaking views from Le Cuvier vineyard.


After Le Cuvier we ventured on to Villicana. Villicana not only makes amazing wines...


They also use the leftover grapes to distill vodka and gin. I'm always up for that! Plus it was really, really good!


We didn't taste at the Wild Coyote vineyard, but they do have a fun Southwest theme going on as demonstrated by this teepee.


Perhaps one of the most beautiful vineyards in Paso Robles is Daou. The tasting room is the Spanish-style building situated on the top of the hill. I was a bit hesitant to taste here because in my experience the more money that is put into the tasting room and grounds, the worse the wine is, however Daou didn't disappoint.


 
 Above are the vines at Daou. I love how beautiful and autumnal the colors are.


Entrance to Daou's tasting room.


Views of daisies and lavender overlooking the vineyard at Daou. 


Obligatory livestock picture (I love sheep and goats!) at Adelaida Vineyards.


Above is Halter Ranch and below you will see the barn, which appeared to be decorated for some sort of party, located on the property. The lanterns gave a surreal effect to the whole experience, plus after you've been wine tasting all day many things tend to have a surreal effect! 


Our last stop on the wine trail was one of our favorite vineyards, Justin. Although I am a bit sad that they modernized their facilities and their beloved Lab and Basset Hound are no longer there to greet visitors. Regardless, they make some excellent wine. 




I must admit that I got a little wine-ed out at the end of our trip. However, we did pick up some lovely bottles of wine for ourselves and family and friends for the holidays. Here I am taking a "traveler" for the road after our last stop at Justin at the end of the day! 


8 comments:

  1. Love your travel photos. They are always perfect and glam. I am a wine lover. Wish I was there.

    And this pom-pom sweater is one of my faves you own. Love it with the blanket tartan scarf.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ada! I am a hunge wine lover too, so Paso Robles was a lovely place to visit. This Pom-Pom sweater is also one of my favorites. I had to go through quite an ordeal to track it down last year.

      Delete
  2. What a cute combination of polka dots and plaid! And what a fun trip to the vineyards! Now I'm ready for a glass of wine! Thanks for sharing and for joining in on the Celebrate Southern fun! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Enjoy a glass of wine! That's what I am doing as I am typing this to be quite honest! :)

      Delete
  3. I've always wanted to plan a trip and tour some vineyards! Your pom pom sweater is adorable and I love how you styled it with the plaid scarf and leopard loafers!

    Jill
    www.dousedinpink.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should definitely do it! It's a lot of fun and the vineyards are so picturesque!

      Delete
  4. The photography is amazing! I love it! And I'm loving your outfit! It's casual, but so chic and stylish! Gorgeous!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jessica! I appreciate you stopping by to look at my travel photos!

      Delete

Say hello to Hello Katie! I would love to hear from you!