Friday 31 May 2013

Top Wine Destinations: Paso Robles Wineries

By Chris Werner


Not far from the Hearst Castle off of Hwy 101 sits the wine town of Paso Robles. With over 200 wineries, here are some of my favorite picks.

Found in the western part of Paso Robles, Adelaida Cellars Inc spans across the 145 acres that includes five distinctly specialty vineyards that has consistently been a favorite wine places in California. With the help of the amazing climate provided by the Pacific Ocean, slopes and chalk rock limestones, Adelaida has progressed amazingly. In 2010, it has receive acclaim for its use of sustainable energy and resources in wine production.

Hoffman Mountain Ranch is one of their more distinguished vineyards of Adelaida Cellars in Paso Robles. With the use of the best locally grown grapes in cultivating their wine, in effect, the area has prospered significantly in terms of the wine industry. This winery can be traced all the way back to 1964 and has now sealed their expertise in Burgundian varieties. Even though their stocks are limited, their Pinot Noir is still one of the best sellers of Adelaida Cellars Inc.

Anna's Estate Vineyard was inspired by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk's grandmother. Originally an experiment, this vineyard has relied on clone and rootstock in its wine making process successfully. Their 2009 Syrah has been well-received by all, whether a wine expert or not. With its earthy and a hint of milk chocolate taste, no wonder people kept on ordering it all year round.

Michael's Estate Vineyard is an excellent winemaker that exploits all the benefits of dry farming. With their vast dry farm lands, their wines hold numerous flavors packed in one drop of wine. They offer a bunch of wine varietals that are all specially made, but their Zinfadels take the cake. Everyone truly has high praises for it.

Viking Estate Vineyard has a collection of high-quality wine blends produced right at their backyard. It is relatively young as it just started its winemaking operations in 2007. Situated on the edges of a ravine, it may pose difficulties to them in terms of growing their grapes. However, Viking Estate Wineyard has managed to be on the top in producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Syrah.

The Bobcat Crossing Estate Vineyard is characterized by its unique type of soil. Their sandy loam soil is able to grow Portuguese crops such as Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cao and Souzoa, and Muscat Blanc. Touriga Nacional is, like the others, a single-grape blend and has this amazing fruity and acidic flavor that has captivated everyone from wine lovers to tourists alike. With the amazing management of Don Van Steenwyk, it has become well-respected among other proprietors of wine.




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