Love me some&nbsp;Paso! Located in the heart of California&#39;s Central Coast wine region,&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. With its diverse array of wineries and charming tasting rooms, this scenic destination offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.

When it comes to wineries,&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles has something for everyone. Whether you prefer large-scale operations or boutique vineyards, there are plenty of options to explore. Let&#39;s take a closer look at some of the standout wineries in the area.

For those who appreciate the big names in the industry, Justin is a must-visit. Known for their exceptional cabs and blends, Justin offers a fantastic tasting experience and even boasts an on-site restaurant. Keep in mind that Justin is located in the corner of the&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;wine region, so plan your visit accordingly.

Another noteworthy winery is Daou, a relative newcomer that has quickly made a name for itself. Situated atop a picturesque hill, Daou&#39;s tasting room offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills of&nbsp;Paso. Their range of blends and price points ensures there&#39;s something for every palate.

If you&#39;re looking for a winery with a long-standing reputation, J Lohr is a great option. However, while their wines are of high quality, the tasting room experience may not be as exceptional as some of the other choices.

The established wineries in&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles also deserve a special mention. L&#39;Aventure, led by a French winemaker, has been producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends in the region for years. Their Estate Cuvee is considered a benchmark of&nbsp;Paso&#39;s winemaking excellence.

Tablas Creek, owned by the renowned Chateau Beaucastel, is another standout in the region. As a pioneer of the California Rhone Ranger movement, Tablas Creek offers an impressive range of Rhone-style whites and reds. Their outdoor patio tasting experience is delightful.

Turley Winery, famous for their Zinfandel, provides a more understated tasting experience. If you&#39;re a fan of Zinfandel, it&#39;s a must-visit destination.

For a more intimate experience,&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles&#39; boutique wineries truly shine. Villa Creek, helmed by winemaker Chris Chery, offers a hip and comfortable tasting room where you can enjoy their exceptional Syrah and Rhone-style wines. Law, with its modern building perched on a cliff, provides stunning views along with their remarkable Syrah and Cabernet blends.

Denner is another boutique winery worth visiting. Their wines, particularly the Ditch Digger and Dirt Worshipper, are nothing short of amazing. And if you&#39;re looking for an up-and-coming hot spot, My Favourite Neighbor is gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts.

Other notable wineries that people enjoy include Peachy Canyon, Adelaida, Eberle, Tobin James, and Clos Selene. While Saxum offers some of the best wines in the region, unfortunately, their tasting room is not open to the public, as they focus on their James Berry vineyard.

One unique area to explore in&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles is Tin City. It&#39;s a vibrant hub where wineries lease space for winemaking, storage, and tasting rooms. This &quot;start-up&quot; zone provides an opportunity to discover up-and-coming wineries. Nicora is a personal favorite, known for their fantastic Syrah and the ability to source high-quality grapes from various producers and regions. Benom is also highly recommended in Tin City.

When it&#39;s time to indulge in culinary delights,&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles won&#39;t disappoint. Somm&#39;s Kitchen, run by Master Sommelier Ian, offers an exclusive dining experience where food is expertly paired with exceptional wines. For delicious Italian cuisine, Il Cortile is a fantastic choice. And if you&#39;re in the mood for fresh Mexican flavors, Fish Gaucho won&#39;t disappoint.

Paso&nbsp;Robles truly is a wine lover&#39;s paradise. So, grab a map, plan your route, and embark on a journey to explore the diverse wineries and exceptional dining options that await you. Whether you prefer the renowned names, the boutique gems, or the innovative spaces in Tin City,&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;Robles has something to offer every wine enthusiast. Cheers and enjoy your&nbsp;PasoRobles adventure!

Mike Parker

Love me some Paso! Located in the heart of California's Central Coast wine region, Paso Robles is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. With its diverse array of wineries and charming tasting rooms, this scenic destination offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Come discover Paso Robles hidden gems for Wine and Food Enthusiasts

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

California Chardonnay: it's a name synonymous with sunshine, buttery richness, and maybe even a splash of white wine envy (looking at you, Bridget Jones). But how did this grape, originally hailing from France, become a Californian icon? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard, from its unexpected origins to the reasons it continues to reign supreme on wine lists.

Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard!

Forget everything you think you know about sweet, syrupy wines. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region that’s as light and bubbly as a summer day.

Lambrusco: The Party in a Bottle You Need to Try under $25

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.



Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

State of Wine and Restaurant Survey 2024

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligoté, Burgundy's "other" white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligoté is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

A Hungarian Legacy: Imagine yourself in Tokaj, Hungary, a region steeped in winemaking tradition. For centuries, Furmint has thrived in its volcanic soil, basking in the warm sunshine. These grapes, loved for their thick skin and high acidity, became the cornerstone of Hungary's most famous wine: Tokaji. These sweet, honeyed treasures were once enjoyed by royalty and popes!

Furmint: Hungary's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Check out these four whites wines under $24, from some great producers across various terroirs – France, Italy, Spain. Spring is in the air.

Four must try white wines for under $24 from France, Spain, and Italy

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Carisma

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore a fabulous selection of Italian wines at Carisma. Known as one of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants, Carisma offers an extensive wines by-the-glass list. 

Wine List Review of Carisma, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

Carisma:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list&rsquo;s because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Carisma. Carisma offers authentic Italian cuisine located in the heart of Toronto. Their new location, is able to accommodate a larger dining area, two private dining rooms, and separate bar area.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: I love a wine list that features an extensive wines by-the-glass list and half bottle selections, as well as full bottle selections. Carisma&rsquo;s wine list is, of course, Italian dominant, along with some New World favorites. Today we will focus on a series of unique Italian varietals.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with a highly rated, organic white wine. Consider the 2020 Ceretto Arneis Blange from the Piedmont of Italy. This fresh, medium bodied white wine showcases aromas of white flowers, citrus, green apple, and pear with bright acidity and a mineral finish. The extra body of this wine makes it a perfect pairing for lightly sauced seafood and dense fish such as tuna and salmon. 

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: A full-bodied red to consider would be the 2011 Tenuta Cavelier Pepe Opera from Taurasi in Campania, Italy. The grape is Aglianico which features aromas and flavors of ripe plumb, fig, ripe black cherries, with notes of white pepper and tobacco on the finish. This is the bold red wine to explore when pairing with richly sauced pasta. 

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: A must try is the 2019 Feudi di San Gregorio, &nbsp;Fiano Di Avellino&nbsp;in Campania. This dry, medium-bodied white wine consisting of the Fiano grape is fragrant and fresh with aromas of lemon zest, tangerine, honeysuckle, and a mineral finish. Fiano makes an excellent companion to shellfish and lightly sauced pasta. &nbsp;

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s head to Umbria for a beautiful bottle for the table. Consider the 2013 Lungarotti Rubesco Riserva, Vigna Monticchio. This rich, Sangiovese features ripe black cherries and blackberries, notes of sage, earth, and cocoa, with smooth tannins. Consider this to pair with richly sauced proteins and pasta. 

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; Any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: A favorite Italian white grape of excellent quality and value is Garganega. Consider the 2019 Tedeschi Capital Tenda Soave Classico in the Veneto. This is a beautiful wine to enjoy as an aperitif or to pair with shellfish and fried seafood. The bright acidity with notes of lime zest, ripe peach and a mineral finish make this white a crowd pleaser. 

&nbsp;

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

&nbsp;

MQ: For fans of bold, savory reds, consider the 2016 Vigneti del Salento &ldquo;I Muri&rdquo; Primitivo from Puglia. The primitivo grape from Southern Italy is similar in style to Zinfandel, with ripe black cherries, black berries, plumb, fig, and notes of vanilla on the finish. This is an excellent pairing with savory dishes and olives, all for an excellent price. 

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: What better way to celebrate with classic Italian cuisine, than with a classic, Italian wine. &nbsp;Consider the 2013 Ornellaia from Bolgheri Superiore in Tuscany. Ornellaia is known as one of Italy&rsquo;s top Bordeaux style wines. First produced in 1985, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot is rich, bold, and showcases aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, and cassis, notes of lavender, smoke, and leather with a mineral finish due to the varied soil composition of the region. Enjoy this classic with all richly sauced dishes and special events. 

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Carisma&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@CorkRules.Com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Cakebread Cellars is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley. Since its founding in 1973, the winery has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

Local Park Slope wine bar also serving cocktails & a cheese, charcuterie & small-plates menu.

Frenchette

Le Bernardin

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

Charlie Bird

Becco

Buddha-Bar Restaurant New York

Buddha Bar

Franks Wine Bar

Frank's

Maison

Maison Premiere

Pastis

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Aldo Sohm

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Brookvin

Alfredo Bertolani 'Rosso all'Antica' Lambrusco Reggiano NV

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Thomas Henry Wines Chardonnay Napa Valley, USA, California, Napa 2020

Chardonnay

California, USA

Thomas Henry

Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Sonoma County, USA

Maison Jean Loron Chateau de Fleurie 'Fleurie' 2019

Beaujolais, France

Château de Fleurie

Fleurie 2019

Gamay

Burgundy, France

Cana

New La, Albarino Rias Baixas Spain 2021

Rias Baixas, Spain

Salcheto

Nobile di Montepulciano 2017

Sangiovese

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

Terlan (Terlano)

Tradition Pinot Grigio 2020

Pinot Grigio

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Domaine de Vauroux

Chablis NV

Chardonnay

Chablis, France

Cana

La, Navia Albarino NV

Rias Baixas, Spain

Lang & Reed

Cabernet Franc 2017

Cabernet Franc

North Coast, California, USA

Lang & Reed

Cabernet Franc, North Coast 2017

North Coast, California, USA

Jean-Max Roger

Cuvee Les Caillottes Sancerre 2019

Sauvignon Blanc

Loire, France

Quinta de Bons-Ventos

Tinto 2018

Blend

Lisboa, Portugal

Bodegas Piqueras

White Label Verdejo - Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Blend

Spain