The Wine Wrangler

Top Paso Robles Wines of 2011

2012-01-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

By Coy Barnes

Each year, the Paso Robles Wine Clubhas the challenge of picking 45 of the best wines of Paso Robles to release inthree installments throughout the year.

Because of our long-standingrelationships and intimate knowledge of the region, most of Paso's nearly 300wineries have been highlighted at one time or another in the Paso Robles WineClub and our “Best of” series has become the local’s and client’s favoriteresource for choosing Paso Robles wines throughout the year.

The method to our "Bestof" madness

We spend an enormous amount of timepicking and choosing wines that best represent our region. We spend theentire year choosing our wines and select a representation of the diversity ofthe list 3 times per year. The exact process goes like this: Wineries submitwines for review; we hand pick wineries to visit and we make extensivenotes when tasting and barrel sampling; then we get recommendations from otherwine industry professionals and our tour customers.

Each selection is evaluated basedon: 1) quality – it must be a great wine; 2) diversity – Paso Robles ismade of many micro-climates, soil types, and vineyard management styles; 3)winery size – from the smallest commercial production of 50 cases (many ofthese do not have tasting rooms) to the largest of 1 million plus; 4) varietal– 50 to choose from plus blends; 5) price point – it can’t break the bank; and6) uniqueness. We also take into account if a wine is light vs. big and boldand fruity vs. tannic.

Since Paso Robles has more than 50different wine grapes planted that contribute to single varietal bottlingsalong with blends of as little as two varietals to as many as 11 varietals(which we call mega blends), the vetting process goes on all year long. We usuallydrink 200-300 wines for each shipment decision (and yes, people usually wantour job!).

2011 Winners

The following wineries were includedin last year’s list and shipment – please visit our website for actual wineselection:

B&E Vineyards
Berardo
Brady
Bridlewood
Carina Cellars
Chateau Lettau
Clavo
Clesi
Cross Lynn
Daou
Del Real
Dover Canyon
Dunning
Falcone
J. Lohr
Meridian
Mitchella
Outcast

Parrish Family
Paso Port
Penman Springs
Proulx
Rockin R Winery
Sculpterra
Shale Oak
Sharps Hill
Stanger
St. Hilaire
Tablas Creek
Venteux Vineyards
Veris, Ben Hogan
Villa Creek
Volatus
Westberg
Wild Horse
Zenaida

Now, the question is… which wineries wines will be the top picks for2012? Stay tuned to find out!

Coy Barnes is the owner of the Paso Robles Wine Club, a wine club that sends an assortment of Paso Robles wines; and The Wine Wrangler, Paso Robles’ longest running wine tour service. Both businesses are located at the Paso Robles Train Station.

Safe Driving this Holiday Season

2011-12-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Entering the holiday season, there are number of different things to think about before attending or hosting your holiday parties or outings. This is a celebratory season, and you are going to want to enjoy yourself which may include having a few drinks. If this is the case, consider the outcomes and the possibilities of drinking and driving. If you are hosting, make sure that you include lots of food and non-alcoholic beverages too. If you are attending a party, know your options.

According to a recent article in the AAA magazine Westways, drinking and driving increases around the holidays. The Auto Club estimates that “drinking and driving can cost more than $12,000. This cost does not including time off work, or even more importantly the possibility of injuring or killing someone.”

Ways to keep safe:

Check and see if there are hotels nearby and take a taxi.

Designate a non-drinking driver who is with you, or make arrangements with a friend or relative to pick you up.

Hire a reputable company who is insured to transport you to and from the event.

Make arrangements to stay at the party or residence where the event is happening. For example locally, La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is offering a special package which includes a room plus tickets to their New Years Bash.

Use the Auto Club’s sponsored Tipsy Tow program 6pm Dec 31st, thru 6am Jan 1st. (800) 400-4222. This is for both members and non-members.

If these options are not available don’t drink, just have fun with your friends and family. Each year approximately 3,600 people are killed or injured from accidents related to drinking. So, please stay safe, be smart and know your options!

Discover Havest Wine Festival in Paso Robles

2011-10-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

You can expect a fun and lively atmosphere throughout our cozy countryside if you visit Paso Robles during Harvest Wine Weekend.

Just so you know, Harvest Festival is not a single location festival like our Zinfest or Wine Festival, instead most every winery has a celebration all their own. From winemaker dinners, to BBQ’s and barrel tastings to full-on parties with live bands and local artists. The Far Out Wineries also hold a seminar called Best of the West that you can attend for a fee.

Many of the wineries select Harvest Festival to hold their annual dinners and new wine release parties. Opolo has a dinner both Friday and Saturday nights which includes a grape stomp and folk dancing. Eberle Winery holds its annual Harvest Festival Dinner this year featuring food by chefs from Florida and the Cayman Islands. They will prepare a five-star dinner in the infamous Eberle caves. Le Cuvier holds a private dinner at John and Mary’s (owners of LeCuvier) home each year. These are just a few of the festival happenings that you will want to attend.

Many of the wineries will charge fees to get into their facilities this weekend to help defer the costs of food and entertainment so you may want to call ahead or do some research online before you go. A well planned itinerary leads to a happy and productive adventure in wine country.

Here are some of my suggestions if you are planning a trip :

If you will be in town only one day, visit two of your favorite wineries and then pick a new one to visit. Try to spend the afternoon getting to know the wines and the people around you at the tasting room. Relax, be patient, and most of all have a good time. This is by all means, a celebration to enjoy after all the hard work and labor of the real harvest.

Before you venture out, visit: http://www.pasowine.com/events/harvest, download a brochure, check out the winery events and make some calls. Not all wineries are listed there so feel free to do your own search on your favorite wineries and see what they are up to. Every winery will be celebrating to some extent this weekend.

Please remember that if you will be drinking, designate a driver. Enjoy , be safe and, as always, Cheers!

California Wine Month – Get Your Wine Now!

2011-09-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

By: Coy Barnes

California Wine Month, with all the specials offers and great wine pricing is the perfect time to buy Paso Robles Wines.

Recently, I have been tasting vintage years 2004 through 2010 and thinking about the growing seasons related to each of those years compared to the 2011 growing season that we are currently in. In doing this research, (mainly for the Paso Robles Wine Club) I have had a number of conversations with winery owners, winemakers, and vineyard managers. The consensus from all is that we need more heat for our vineyards in order for them to produce the quality of the fruit needed for the 2011 vintage.

So far, this year has been similar to the 2010 growing season except for the late freeze that we had in April of 2011. Selected versions of 2010 indicate that despite the cool conditions it may turn out to be a good vintage after all.

This year it has been a cool year, a cool growing season and we are three to four weeks late in terms of berry ripening. This can have a number of implications: The first is quite obviously that the berries will not be ready to pick. The second of which, is if we get a heat wave and the grapes ripen rapidly, there won’t be enough storage capacity to handle all the fruit being picked at its peak flavor and ripeness levels. Thirdly, there are many vineyards in the region that were affected by late freezes early in the year and they will have a lot less available fruit.

The end result of all is that there may be less available wine and a challenge for winemaker’s to produce enough to meet there distribution demands. In the case of larger wineries quality may be sacrificed and in the case of the smaller wineries, production levels may be limited.

I think in the Paso Robles Region as time rolls on, with our heavy focus on the smaller boutique wineries you will have some great quality boutique wines from this vintage but it will not be a value proposition, it will be a more expensive year for producing, farming, as well as to the consumers.

With California Wine Month approaching, I highly recommend stocking up on the current selection of wines available in order to dollar cost average your wine portfolio through the 2011 season.

WINE WRANGLER TOURS TO OFFER "LOCAL SPECIAL" THIS HOLIDAY

2010-11-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Coy and Sarah Barnes, 805-238-5700

WINE WRANGLER TOURS TO OFFER “LOCAL SPECIAL” TO SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY RESIDENTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Paso Robles, Calif. (November 9, 2010) – It may be cold in Paso but local residents will be able to stay warm! The Wine Wrangler is offering wine tour specials through the holidays (valid all Sundays November 28-Jan 2, 2011) at a value price for San Luis Obispo County Residents.

The tours will begin at 1:50 in the afternoon and depart from the Paso Robles Wine Club and Wine Wrangler’s Clubhouse located at 800 Pine Street in Paso Robles. Tour guests are invited to taste a variety of select local wines from the Paso Robles Wine Club up to ½ hour prior to the tour. Each Sunday we will visit three “surprise” wineries.

Tickets are $27 and may be purchased by visiting the Wine Wrangler’s clubhouse or by calling 805-238-5700.

For an additional $21, local residents can upgrade by purchasing subsequent Sundays at a lower rate.

Resident ID is required.

For general Wine Wrangler tour information, clubhouse hours and tour schedules, call 805/238-5700 or visit www.TheWineWrangler.com. All tours are subject to restrictions and change without notice.

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The Wine Wrangler is Paso Robles' original wine tour company, offering daily tours of attractions across San Luis Obispo County on California’s Central Coast. In addition to regular public tours, The Wine Wrangler offers private customized wine tours with door-to-door service from anywhere in San Luis Obispo County. The Wine Wrangler also operates the Paso Robles Wine Club, through which members gain access to some of the region’s most acclaimed boutique wines. Visit www.TheWineWrangler.com for more information.

World's Top Wine Tours - Articles - Travel + Leisure

2010-08-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

World's Top Wine Tours - Articles - Travel + Leisure

Wine Made Simple

2010-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Grapes ferment with natural yeast converting sugar to alcohol, expending carbon dioxide, and creating the nectar of the gods.

One to two years in a man made container of oak, steel, glass, or concrete is considered aging. Aging is intended to soften the edges of the wine making it more pleasant on the tongue and on the mouth. It retains its fruit characteristics even after the extra year of bottle aging.

Wine to a greater degree is created in the vineyard. Therefore what you get in the bottle is directly related to what is grown in the vineyard.

Wine in the glass is intended to be paired with food. Choose a wine that you like, eat the food that you enjoy and the end result is an incredible meal.

Simple Tips for Pairing Wine with Food

2010-04-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wine and food pairing does not have to be difficult. Remember these simple tips to get you started.

Wine should be paired with food of similar body. Light wines with light foods, medium bodied wines with medium bodied food, and full bodied wines with full flavored or spicy foods.

For Example:

Light: A Chenin blanc with shrimp stuffed sole.
Medium: Sangiovese with pasta and red sauce
Full Bodied: Syrah with roasted lamb chops and mint jelly.
You get the idea…

You can also play on the wines acidity level by matching. If the wine is high in acidity you would pair it with high acid foods.

Some samples of Cheese pairings are:

Champagne with brie
Cabernet with chocolate and blue cheese
Monteray Jack with Reisling
Sauvignon blanc with Goat cheese and honey
Cabernet, Roja or Sauvignon Blanc with sharp cheddar and jam
Port with Stilton or Gorganzola

When cooking with wine, the easiest way to pair is just to simply match the flavors in the wine with flavors in your food. If the wine has lots of berry properties, put berries in the meal. Maybe put strawberries in your salad or create sauce reduction with berries to pour over your meat. You can really start to get into this and get as creative as you like.

2010-04-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

The Best S in Paso Robles Wine Country

2010-01-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

What is the best S in Paso Robles, beyond the 5‘s of wine?

Of course we are spoiled with the wine in the area, it goes without saying. However, one of the best ways to enjoy the incredible offering of the nectar of the gods is to have a knowledgeable guide. Of course… that’s what we’re here for! After that, decide when you want to go on the relaxed adventure. I have been out on a couple of different days recently both guiding tours and on other days tasting wines. I have always known this not so secret information but not necessarily made note of it.

What day of the week do you have access to the most winery tasting rooms? What day of the week is so relaxed and laid back that you can saunter into your choice of wineries and take your time talking to the winery host, be it owner or winemaker or their friendly staff? There are no lines - there is no elbowing others to stand at the bar on these days. The best S in the area --- Sundays! More tasting rooms are open or available to make appointments with than any other day besides Saturday. Most of the tasting public is sleeping off Saturday’s tasting exercises, on their way to church, or traveling home and therefore fewer people in the tasting room. Often the wineries will have opened a “reserve” or special bottle on Saturday and there will be some left over. Just ask, usually the winery will be interested in offering a little snippet because it will have to be poured out later that day anyway. Serious and not so serious wine lovers love our super secret…. Sundays in Paso Robles.

I know Sunday is not really a secret, but since so few people are here, it seems like a secret. Please help us share the secret.

Cheers & Happy Adventures, Coy

First note December Shipment

2009-12-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

The Paso Robles Wine Club is fixin to send out it's December shipment just in time for the Holiday's. A first in this shipment is a bottle of port from a local producer that only makes port! This port is made using the classic Portuguese varieties. It is an excellent example of a wine that can be fortified and maintain its grape charater. For more info about the December Shipment, or to send a great gift, check it out at www.buypasowine.com.

This - N - That with Renee

2009-09-11T15:20:00.001-07:00

For those that haven't heard September is California Wine Month. To celebrate, the Paso Robles Wine Club is offering $1 wine flights. They are amazing wines and you truly receive a "tour" of the Paso Robles appellation during the wine flight. So stop by The Wine Wrangler/Paso Robles Wine Club at 800 Pine Street at the Train Station on the circle drive to get your taste. This offer is over at the end of September.

This - N - That with Renee

2009-08-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

As promised, I have found a recipe that goes with the Red Zeppelin's White Zeppelin wine. Being someone that stays busy, there are times I look for recipes that are easy and feeds the family. This is a recipe that you can make and have on the table just under an hour, including the prep time. I will put the recipe as it was given to me and then I will give variations on it.

Southwestern Tortilla Casserole

Cooking Time: 45 min Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 each 8-inch (medium) flour tortilla
Non-stick Cooking Spray to coat
1 Large can Chicken and Corn Chowder
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed
1 can chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and lightly coat an 8x11.5 casserole pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Lay the medium flour tortillas onto your work surface. Cut into 7 vertical strips, turn and cut 5 horizontal strips; set tortilla squares aside.
3. Mix chowder, mayonnaise, black beans, chilies and cilantro in medium mixing bowl and stir to combine. Fold in the tortilla squares.
4. Pour mixture into the prepared casserole pan and cover with aluminum foil, and place in pre-heated oven.
5. Bake for 30 minutes covered.
6. After 30 minutes remove foil and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Once the 10 minutes are finished the casserole should have a light golden brown top and the sauce will be bubbling.
8. Enjoy!

Tips:
- For a spicier version replace chopped green chilies with sliced nacho jalapenos or just add in fresh jalapenos with the green chilies.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy golden brown crust and even more flavor. Or mix the cheese in the casserole.
- Omit the mayonnaise and use sour cream or do 1/2 cup mayo & 1/2 cup sour cream
- Omit mayonnaise and use 2 large cans of chicken & corn chowder and a 1/2 cup sour cream.
- Add more chicken for a meatier casserole.
- Do a combination of any of the above.

Drink with Red Zeppelin's White Zeppelin available at http://www.buypasowine.com/ or come into the Wine Wrangler and buy it off the shelf.

2009-08-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

This n That with Renee

The end of summer is near, the beginning of fall draws closer each day, and harvesting of the grapes will soon be upon us. The excitement is stirring around Paso (as locals call our quaint city) of the arrival of new wine and the clean slate in which to nurture, meld, and blend a soon to be gold medal winning award wine. But you may be asking yourself, what do I do with the wine of years past so I can make room for the upcoming wines of 2009?

There are many things you can do, such as:
1. Build a new shelf or buy a new wine rack and grow your wine stash
2. Starting drinking, hey it’s 5 o’clock somewhere
3. Throw a party and invite your friends over, you don’t need a reason but if you do, call it “A Just Because Party”
4. Start drinking and pairing wines with your favorite dish
5. Cook with it, there are plenty of recipes that call for wine, although you may want to make sure some of it gets into the dish itself and not just in your glass ;)

If you are someone that would like assistance with your wine pairing, I will be posting some recipes and wines that go together. It’s a tough job but I am up for the challenge. Feel free to post responses or try the recipes with the wine and post your thoughts on the pairing.

Have you heard...

2009-06-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about our latest summer special?

It's The Wine Wrangler Birthday Special!

On your birthday tour 1/2 fare with a pair, or tour for free with a group of three!

Restrictions:
Tour date and birthdate must be the same. 1/2 price for brithday person with 1-2 paying fares. Free tour is valid with the purchase of 3 paying fares. Valid Sundays through Fridays Only. Other restrictions may apply. Call for details.

What a deal! And we are just getting warmed up. Other special tours and specials will be coming up here and there but you will need to check out our website often or you might miss it!

Welcome to the Wine Wrangler's Blog!

2008-08-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

We would love to hear from guests and their experience with us or just with the Paso Robles Wine Country in general. On this site we will feature some of our favorite wineries, wines and things to do in our beautiful wine country.

Please send us your feedback on the great wines and experiences while traveling through our wine country. We in turn, will turn you on to some of the best bets, great wines, travel deals and more.