What’s So Special About Paso Robles?

Questions… Have you heard of Paso Robles? Do you even know where it is? Ever since I’ve shared with friends that my husband and I are moving to this gem of a wine region in the central coast of California, the usual responses include “Why?” “Where is that?” or “I’ve never heard of Paso Robles… how do you say that again? Is it Ro-buhls or Ro-bless?”

Truth be told, I’m somewhat happy that not many people know about Paso Robles – or rather, “Paso.” I never want it to assume a pretentious air like a few other regions or have its “rush hour” be more than 5 minutes. On the other hand, its wines are so distinctive, the vibrant restaurant scene exudes such creativity and the landscape is so magnificent, I want as many people to feel the same way I do about this sun-drenched spot with a small-town vibe.

The Wine Pairing Weekend (#winePW) crew feel the same. At the end of this article are links to my wine writing colleagues’ posts about Paso Robles and you’ll enjoy their delicious Paso wine and food pairing suggestions. The common thread? Each of us appreciates this unique wine region in our own way.

Where is Paso Robles?   

Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles and about 40 minutes east of the Pacific Ocean, Paso Robles is a bucolic town along Highway 101 with about 30,000 residents. It’s a quick drive from the airports in San Jose (2 ½ hours) or San Luis Obispo (40 minutes).

Bordeaux, Rhône, and an ever-growing list of Italian and Spanish grape varieties (60+ as a matter of fact!) are not only cultivated, but are thriving at over 250 wineries in the 614,000-acre Paso Robles AVA established in 1983. 40K+ acres are under vine as of 2021, making Paso Robles the third largest wine region in California. Further, there are 11 specific viticultural areas boasting a variety of soils, diverse microclimates, a broad diurnal shift of 40-50 degrees, and a range of altitude from 700 to more than 2000 feet. In essence, no two vineyards are alike.

On the west side of Paso Robles, breezes from the Pacific Ocean and hot temperatures stress vines that flourish in the calcareous shale soil. In fact, there is more calcareous and siliceous rock in Paso Robles than any other California AVA. The east side is warmer during the day and cool at night; its calcareous grainy soil allows grapes to retain their natural acidity. The region’s long growing season and terroir work in harmony to achieve what Paso Robles wine country is known for: distinctive wines that reflect a sense of place.

The Wines of Paso Robles

Although I’ve indulged in many wines from the area during numerous trips, I couldn’t forgo the opportunity to attend the Chicago stop of the Paso Robles Wine Big City Tour sponsored by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. I was fortunate to have a spot at the master class and examine more closely a few wines that were old friends and those that will soon  become new neighbors. The class highlighted current releases including Midnight Cellars 2020 Chardonnay ($19), a light and elegant wine with spice, fruit and bright acidity and Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery 2020 Rosé ($19), a Rhône-centric blend of Syrah, Grenache and Viognier bursting with minerality, fruit and orange zest.

CASS Winery 2019 Grenache ($32) is 100% Grenache and reflects the “less is more” mantra. Pepper, candied red fruit, soft tannins and a casually elegant profile were delightful. 100% Zinfandel in Glunz Family Winery & Cellars 2018 Dante Dusi Vineyard ($38) boasted baking spice, tobacco, smoke, deep red fruit and a lipsmacking finish. Cultivated in 8 of the 11 sub-AVAs were Cabernet Franc and Merlot for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery 2018 JUSTIFICATION ($60). Notes of briar, wood, eucalyptus and dark fruit were compelling. Last but not least, McPrice Myers Wines 2019 Bull by the Horns ($20) is Cabernet Sauvignon from the western hills of Paso. Layered complexity from this small producer is yet another Paso wine to excite your palate.

Rabble 2020 Rosé

Not only are the wines memorable, the dynamic labels I’ve noted are, too. At the tasting, I was intrigued by the eye-catching label on Rabble 2020 Rosé ($24.99). The Rabble wine brand was founded in Paso Robles by vineyard manager Rob Murray in 2010. His vision “included a suite of boldly colored, boundary pushing labels that featured ancient battles, allegorical scenes and animals of fable and lore. He was the first vintner in the nation to employ augmented reality technology in wine labelling, thereby injecting a sense of movement and play onto a stationary bottle of wine.”

Originally, the Rabble brand was part of the portfolio at Murray’s Tooth & Nail Winery Company – this year, the brand was bought by O’Neill Vintners. An anytime/anywhere wine, the fruit-forward, dry Rabble 2020 Rosé is of 100% Syrah cultivated in sustainably grown vineyards. Vibrant aromas of strawberry, juicy watermelon and crushed strawberries led to fresh fruit flavors on the palate. Crisp with snappy acidity, pair this wine with your favorite book, an afternoon on the back porch or your favorite song (dancing optional). Of course, you could, like me, savor a few sips of Rabble 2020 Rosé with a luscious cheese and charcuterie plate while sharing conversation and laughter with friends and family.

You need more reasons to embrace all that’s Paso Robles? By all accounts, members of the wine community have left their egos at the door. They promote, celebrate and learn from each other. One of the friendliest areas you’ll discover, it’s your turn to visit Paso and find out for yourself.

Note: Locals pronounce the name “Paso Ro-buhls” and visitors tend to say “Paso Ro-bless.” The default word is “Paso.” However you want to say it, there’s an adventure waiting for you.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

For more articles about Paso Robles, follow the links from my #winePW colleagues.

• 2013 Lone Madrone Nebbiolo + Heirloom Bean Gratin with Tomatoes and Sausage by Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• Hatch Chili with Turkey and Paso Wine by David at Cooking Chat
• Exploring the Pasobilities that Paso Robles Has to Offer by Lori at Exploring the Wine Glass
• I Left My Nebbiolo (from Paso) in San Francisco by Deana at Wineivore
• Italian Varieties in Paso Robles by Susannah at Avvinare
• Justification for Short Ribs with a Chili Wine Glaze by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Paso Robles – The Variety Will Astound You! by Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles
• Roasted Vegetables Shine with Single Varietals from Paso Robles by Cam at Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Tomato Cauliflower Soup with Dirt Diva Red Blend from Paso Robles by Terri at A Good Life
• Organic Castoro Cellars: Italian Roots in Paso Robles? by Gwendolyn at Wine Predator
• Working with the Earth at Biodynamic MAHA by Gwendolyn at Wine Predator