Paso Robles Jaunt

   We went to our 11th Eberle Winery Black Tie Dinner in the caves last weekend. It was fabulous, as usual. On the way there, we took the 166 west to the 101 north, which is a lovely drive. You go past some gorgeous cattle ranches and through a beautiful canyon. We always have to stop at Laetitia, for a sparkling tasting. Laetitia is my favorite California sparkling wine, & it is much better than a lot of sparkling wines you read about.  This photo is from Castoro, in Paso Robles though (I didn't take enough photos!.

   I took these photos after Laetitia. The late fall is my favorite time to visit wine country; the vines put on a beautiful display of color from yellow to crimson to purple...

   We stayed at the Paso Robles La Quinta, which has become our preferred hotel in Paso when not renting a whole house. It is pet-friendly, tastefully appointed, and roomy. It is owned by the Arciero family (EOS winery). We were sad to learn the passing of the patriarch, Frank, who was a hilarious old gentleman (he LOOOVVVED my scientist friend).

   The moosh-kah loved it!

   This is us in the caves at the dinner; not the best photo, but oh well...

   The beautiful tree in the lobby...

Great gift shop, too. Free breakfast buffet as well...I recommend joining the La Quinta rewards program too.

Moose & the hub outside Castoro, one of the first wineries built in Paso. They still have a great selection & price range. You can find their cheaper wines at Costco, but the winery has some impressive wines that are reasonably priced for the quality. The Due Mille & Totto Mille are amazing, just as complex as a Turley or Linne Calodo, but 1/2 the price. Speaking of which, after building that state-of-the-art tasting room, Linne Calodo is now tasting by appt. only.

   This is one of the cats at Castoro (I think his name is Desperado). Harley the pig is deceased. This winery is always staffed by friendly, wonderful people.
   I didn't take any photos, but our new discovery is one of the oldest Paso wineries: Midnight Cellars. They don't have any signage on the 46, but are just off the highway, next to Dark Star. Wow! Great wine, & prices like in 1998 Paso Robles...Their rosé is one of the best I have tasted, and only $11, and less if you are a wine club member. The prices go up, but wine club members have a yearly opportunity to buy cases at a slashed 40%.
   Dog-friendly wineries (if your dog is mellow and leashed): San Antonio, Castoro & Midnight). Always check first, b/c a lot of wineries have winery dogs, so you don't want your dog out even on the grounds if you are not sure if there are winery dogs.