If you love wine and food, but have never meandered around the Tin City/Ramada Row area of Paso Robles, you must. From local olive oils and ice cream shops to breweries to wineries to restaurants, all of which have a kick-back vibe, you’re guaranteed to return. This walkable area continues to grow with boundless energy. Now, there are two new kids in town: Ridge Vineyards and Primal House, both in Ramada Row and steps away from each other. These two spots are at the top of my “must-return-to” list, so I’ve already started planning.
Ridge Vineyards has a Long Commitment to Paso Robles
A few weeks ago, I participated in the Wine Writers’ Educational Tour (WWET) held in Sonoma County. One of our stops was Ridge Vineyards’ Lytton Springs Winery, a stunning site in the Dry Creek Valley with an allegiance to sustainability and winery practices. It’s the largest grower of organically certified grapes and the home to their old-vine Zinfandel field blends. The winery itself was built of straw bales and vineyard clay and their single vineyard wines are stellar. It is at Lytton Springs where the production facility is located. Their second estate, in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, is certified organic Monte Bello, where the brand’s renowned Cabernet-centric Bordeaux-style wines are produced.
During our group’s tour and tasting at Lytton Springs, it was shared that a new tasting room was opening in Paso Robles. Why? Ridge Vineyards has had a love affair of sorts with Paso Robles fruit for years. In fact, Ridge first made Zinfandel from the Dusi Ranch vineyard in the Templeton Gap area of Paso Robles in 1967; it was the first winery to list “Paso Robles” as a designated region with its 1976 release. Ridge continues to produce single-vineyard Zinfandel from the Dusi Ranch, now for 50 years, and the wines in the glass reflect the region’s character of old vines and a warm climate.
It was a joy to have been invited, then attend, the opening of Ridge’s latest tasting room where the pioneers and founders of Paso Robles wines gathered to wholeheartedly support this new addition. Collegiality was at its best with winemakers, owners, media, and others engaged in lively conversation and laughter and raved about the wines and the space.
Ridge Vineyard’s Heritage Tasting Experience in Paso Robles is the best of many worlds with a seated tasting flight of four wines from their estate vineyards in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains as well as from longtime Paso Robles growers. Cost is only $25 per person and is offered Thursday through Monday by reservation of by walk-in. Outside seating is available, too.
A Celebration of Ridge Vineyards’ Wines and Food at Primal House
One of my new favorite spots in town is Primal House located around the corner and a few steps away from the Ridge Vineyard’s Paso Robles tasting room. Their mission is to “honor traditions, support local producers, and create genuine spaces where our community can connect through exceptional food experiences. Every aspect of our business reflects our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the rich agricultural heritage of Paso Robles.”
Besides an incredible butcher shop with retail cuts, custom orders, and meat boxes are a brewery and taproom, wine bar with an array of outstanding local wines poured by the glass, an eatery with elevated farm to table food, local produce, and live music. Classes and community events as well as a private dining space are offered, too.
Our celebratory crowd indulged in an exceptional dinner curated by Chef Drew Terp with dessert by Chef Alma Ayon, in collaboration with Ridge Vineyards. In attendance was Shauna Rosenblum and Michael Bairdsmith, Ridge’s Lytton Springs winemakers, and David Gates, Senior vice President of Vineyard Operations. Local icons Mike Dusi of Benito Dusi Ranch, Gary Eberle of Eberle Wines, Jason Haas of Tablas Creek, and Nancy and Doug Beckett, founders of Peachy Canyon, also shared in the festivities.
As the guests found their tables, hors d’oeuvres of Hush Puppy with Green Tomato and Peach and Jamon were passed. Both selections were paired with Ridge Rose 2024, a fresh, vibrant blend of 40% Grenache, 29% Zinfandel, 14% Cinsaut, 10% Counoise, and 7% Mataro.
Seared Buche de Chevre with Honey Vinaigrette and local greens, our first course, were paired with Ridge Grenache Blanc 2023, a blend of grapes from three Paso Robles vineyards: Adelaida, Halter Ranch, and Dusi’s Fossil Creek. The bright acidity in each wine was a brilliant counterpoint to the texture and flavors of the dishes.
Our main course was succulent, savory lamb done three ways: Roasted Rack of Lamb, Braised Lamb Canelloni with grilled baby vegetables and potato risotto, and Lamb Jus. Just wow! Poured was a vertical of Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel – 2011, 2005, and 2002. Truly demonstrating that Ridge Zinfandel has the ability to age, the trio was rich and complex offering a broad palate of red fruit, spice, bright acidity, soft tannins, and structure.
The grand finale was dessert, an assortment of sheer decadence that included Dark Chocolate Ganache, Milk Chocolate Cremeux, Blackberry Coulis, Pate Sablee Crust, Cacao Tuile, and edible flowers. This rich and mouthwatering indulgence was complemented with Ridge Paso Robles Late Picked Zinfandel, offering the just-right amount of sweetness.
Intrigued about the stellar wines from Ridge Vineyards and this exceptional experience at Primal House on Ramada Row in Paso Robles? I can’t wait to return.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
