The Southwest Voice

Summer is upon us and it's time to write a column or two about including winery trips and tours in your vacation plans. Recently I received a question from a reader telling me of his interest in "unique, out of the way wine experiences" and asking "What are your thoughts on off the beaten path wineries on the east side of Paso Robles?"

Happy to comply. There are a lot of pluses in this question. First, traveling to off the beaten path wineries often means avoiding the crowds. Which means you get more attention from the tasting room people, more questions answered, and sometimes more wine - meaning wines from limited productions that can be shared with fewer people. There's also a chance the wine maker himself (or herself) might  be present for a little personal attention and that's a big plus as well as one of those unique experiences you're seeking.

I love to talk with these people. It's like encountering a new parent who's very enthusiastic about his latest offspring and can't wait to show you their pictures, introduce you, or report on their progress and latest exploits! Wine makers are so much fun to follow around, especially  if they offer you a tour of any of the facilities or take you out into the fields, or share a barrel sample with you. These are wonderful events you never want to refuse when the opportunity occurs.

The last one I enjoyed was at Still Waters Vineyard on Creston Road just a few miles east of Paso Robles.  Let me say right here GET A MAP (readily available in most wineries) if you want to do Off The Beaten Path Wineries. The third reason for trips of this kind is the scenery. If you're leaving Highway 46 or 101, you're going to be on 2 lane country roads wandering through wonderful rolling hills and valleys with spectacular oak trees. Just what you're looking for - and the views from the wineries are beautiful. Take a picnic lunch!

I highly recommend a visit  to Still Waters which I'm happy to say is another winery with Bakersfield roots!  Paul Hoover, the owner/wine maker graduated from North High and Cal Poly. His Mom, Ruth, was an outstanding Math teacher and colleague of mine at West High. The winery opened in 2004 and they produce about 3000 cases of wine annually on their 60 acre vineyard which was first planted in 1995. We sampled  a number of the 11 different wines available for sale in the tasting room, and were completely charmed by the graciousness and knowledge of the young woman who greeted us.

Paul took me and a group of my friends on a very informative tour of the winery. A bottling line was working that day, so we got to watch and learn that process as well as receive instruction on the uses of his new small (100 gallon) fermentation tanks - really interesting to us wine nerds- and this culminated with many tastes of new wines right from the barrel!

We then went out into the vineyards where he discussed pruning, shoot thinning, and all the aspects of canopy management, a very important process in the development of superior grapes for wine making. Paul was an excellent and enthusiastic teacher also. All of this was a very rewarding and unique experience for wine lovers which you too can have by phoning ahead to the winery and asking about tours and their Be A Wine maker For A Day program. Phone 805 237-9231 for information.

We ended our visit here with a picnic in a splendid grove of olive trees. Still Waters should definitely be a stop on your visit to the east side. I also recommend stopping at Chateau Margene while in that area. Try their Cabernet Sauvignon for sure, and then hunt for Victor Hugo Winery (don't miss their GREAT recent Sweepstakes winning 2005 Zinfandel either. . While still in the southern part of this area, stop in at Wild Horse. Most of you will have tried their wines.

Head north towards Highway 46, still staying east of 101, and enjoy more unique experiences at Clautiere and Bianchi. Cross north of the highway and search out J. Lohr on Airport Road. Don't miss their 2004 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon and notice the many wines that are readily available in local stores from this winery. Here's your chance to taste them!. Drive on up to Pretty-Smith Vineyards and Winery and you will have completed a very comprehensive tour of the Off The Beaten Path Wineries of the east side of Paso Robles.

Another reason for my reminder to pick up a Winery map as soon as you arrive in the area is to  check out the tasting room schedules - see when they are open. Some of the out of the way wineries need to be called for an appointment and you'll find this information in the brochure with the map. Appointments are easy to make. You shouldn't be disappointed with your adventure off the beaten path. Cheers!

Questions? Email acierley@etcrier.net

Coming Events

Central Coast Wine Classic, July 12-15, at the new Dolphin Bay Hotel and Residences in Shell Beach (near Pismo Beach). Thursday- Barrel Tasting; Friday -Seminars and Winery dinners throughout San Luis Obispo County; Saturday -Rare and Fine Wine Auction; Sunday - Symposiums and Reserve Wine Tasting (75 wineries will pour their top of the line offerings). Phone (805) 544-1285 or go on-line at www.wineclassic.org for further info.