A Quick Jaunt to Paso Robles

Rolling hills, bright sunshine, and delicious wine - what more could you ask for?

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a short visit to Paso Robles, a lovely wine region on the central coast of California. I soon realized that beyond its natural beauty, the friendliness of the people is one of Paso’s best features. And they also happen to make some great wine.

Here’s a quick recap of our winery visits:

Dresser Winery

My friend Megan and I were lucky to spend the afternoon with the owner of Dresser, Kory Burke. Kory and his wife Catherine purchased Gelfand Vineyards in 2020 and re-imagined the estate as Dresser Winery, an homage to the local area Dresser Ranch. They quickly won over the Gelfand wine club members by continuing the tradition of producing small-batch, full-bodied reds while adding interesting new varietals. 

Kory and Catherine certainly have a passion for fine wines but are equally passionate about creating memorable experiences for their guests. Our visit began under the shade of oak trees while tasting five reds, followed by a few surprises. We then enjoyed a scenic drive through the 25-acre property, stopping at different tasting decks among the vines. These panoramic decks are ideal for hosting a private picnic - and if you are lucky like us, you will spot a family of deer in the vineyard.

Our tour ended in the Dresser Winery Estate House, a gorgeous 6300 sq ft vacation villa overlooking the vineyards and winery. This five-bedroom villa - plus one-bedroom casita - is a perfect destination for family gatherings, girlfriend trips, or even a spectacular tasting event in the villa’s wine cellar.

Kory was a fun and gracious host - I highly recommend booking one of their tasting experiences. And send me a note if you are interested in a stay at the villa - I’m thinking private chef, dinner in the wine cellar, and rosé by the pool (just add a cabana boy!) 🥂

Niner Wine Estates

We met a dear friend for a lunch and wine tasting flight on the vineyard terrace at Niner Wine Estates. Niner is a family-owned estate winery located in the Willow Creek District. Richard Niner purchased his first vineyard in 2001, and his son Andy continues to run the estate today. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay but produce many other varietals, including Grenache, Syrah, and Albariño.

The property is stunning. A highlight is the Heart Hill Vineyard, which showcases a grove of oak trees in the shape of a heart. The heart was shaped in 1956 by the Book­er Broth­ers - who lived on the land for near­ly 100 years - and has naturally retained its sig­na­ture shape ever since. 

I highly recommend making a reservation for lunch and enjoying a tasting flight as you sample some of the chef’s seasonal creations. You also can arrange a private family-style lunch and guided tasting for small groups. The food and wines were delicious - combine that with stellar views and you have the ultimate tasting experience. Don’t miss it!

Oso Libre Winery & Ranch

The whole family enjoyed our visit to Oso Libre - including the teens! Oso Libre is a family-owned winery and cattle ranch specializing in boutique wines and Certified Angus Beef. They proudly use sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy strategies. In fact, they are SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified. Oso Libre utilizes Alpaca, sheep, and Black Angus cattle for weed abatement, fertilization, and soil management. Solar and wind power supply 100% of their energy needs, and their carbon footprint is net 0%. Impressive. 

After a fun visit with the Alpaca, we enjoyed a wine tasting and some snacks on the outdoor terrace overlooking the ranch. A highlight for the kids was a quest to locate the eagle’s nest on the property. We all had the chance to spot her leaving the nest for a quick flight - very cool. 

Oso Libre produces a variety of red and white wines as well as a rosé. One of the group’s favorites was the estate Primitivo. We had an interesting chat with winemaker Michael Barreto about the origins of Primitivo and its connection to Zinfandel (spoiler alert: it’s essentially the same grape). Oso Libre wines are available only to their wine club members and estate visitors. The estate hosts over 25,000 visitors a year - it’s easy to see why.

Paso Robles is a beautiful region that produces a large variety of wines - there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. The down-to-earth friendliness and warm welcomes make Paso a must-visit for any wine lover.  For more information on Paso Robles, read our prior article here. And if you love food and wine, join us on one of our hosted trips! Cheers 🥂