Cabernet Sauvignon: Quick Look

The Cabernet Sauvignon Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of grapes and one of the most recognized red wine grape varieties. California's Paso Robles Wine Country has Cabernet widely planted making up 39% of the region's vineyards. The grape initially attracted attention in its homeland, Bordeaux, for its ability to blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Today the grape produces some of the best wines in the world.

Cabernet Sauvignon is easy to age because it’s a full-bodied wine with medium-high tannins and acidity. To balance this, oak barrels are used during fermentation making the wine feel softer. Common tasting notes include black currant, green bell pepper, graphite, dark chocolate, and cedar. The oak barrels bring out flavors of vanilla and baking spices.

In the vineyard, it is important to harvest Cabernet Sauvignon at the right moment. Too early will make the wine have almost vegetable-inspired flavors. Too late of a harvest creates a jammy or stewed black currant mouthfeel. Young California Cabernets are fruit-forward while older, aged Cabernets have more tobacco notes. Cabs age very well at ten-plus years. It is a personal preference whether to age a Cabernet Sauvignon in your library or enjoy it now.

How to Serve Cabernet Sauvignon
It is important to serve Cabernet Sauvignon the right way to enjoy the full character of the varietal. Open the bottle one to three hours before pouring. Once the cork is removed, oxygen enters the bottle “opening it up” making the aromas and flavors more prominent. Another way to open up the wine and speed up the process is to use a decanter. This method is also useful for removing sediment from the wine.

Another important element to serving Cabernet is temperature. It is best to serve the wine at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Lastly, Cabernet shows best when served in a large glass. More air will come into contact with the wine and further develop the aromas and flavors in the glass.

Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing
Cabernet Sauvignon food pairing is best with red meat such as prime rib, filet mignon, or rack of lamb. Try the meats pan seared, or grilled. An alternative pairing would be fish. A pepper-crusted ahi tuna would pair beautifully with Cabernet. Another food pairing would be roasted mushrooms stuffed with a herbed asiago to accompany a Cabernet soiree. Cabernet is a wine that works best paired with food, but can be enjoyed solo with a quiet night featuring a cozy fire, a good book, and jazz in the background. Create your perfect pairing with our Cabernet Sauvignon.

New Food Offerings for Wine Tasting

Ready to enjoy wine with food? We released our newest food menu to accompany our wine tasting at our Paso Robles tasting room along Adelaida Road. Our husband and wife kitchen team try to release a new menu every few months to keep things fresh and seasonal. Here is a look at the latest dishes that join our classic bread and oil, cheese and charcuterie, and BLTA.

Harvest Burrata: Ethan and Cecily sourced Italian imported burrata. With this mozzarella being so delicious, they wanted a way to highlight it without it being another caprese. That is when Cecily's childhood memories of working in their apple orchard kicked in. She created a warm spiced apple and butternut squash roast to pair with the burrata. The team finishes the burrata with pecans, olive oil, balsamic reduction, and a pinch of salt. It's a simple dish that pairs wonderfully with our 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grilled Cheese: Who doesn't like grilled cheese? It's a classic, soul-warming sandwich. Ethan and Cecily created this version to feature salty and nutty havarti, buttery brioche, and black currant gelée. The currant gelée is made to match the black fruit notes found in most of our red wines. This messy sandwich pairs best with our food-friendly 2019 Silken.

 

Gardener's Pie: This Summer, Ethan and Cecily grew a bountiful garden, which inspired many vegetable dishes. They felt it was time to release a shepherd's pie but with just the veggies. The pie comes in a cast iron skillet with zucchini, peas, carrots, leeks, haricot verts, and mushrooms. The vegetables are sauteed in Sauvignon Blanc and served with a vegetable gravy. The dish is topped with mashed potatoes as well as fried fennel. This vegan-friendly pie pairs well with the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc and 2019 Four Chords.

Duck Mole Flatbread: This flatbread was inspired by duck mole nachos that the couple loved from the old Villa Creek restaurant in Paso Robles. After the restaurant closed, Ethan and Cecily learned to make mole, which is a labor of love. The duck is braised slowly and then shredded on the flatbread with the mole. It is then topped with pickled manchego cheese, which Ethan created to add acidity in a new way. The flatbread is finished with a zest of orange and micro cilantro. It is not spicy, so it pairs with our 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon or 2023 Rosé.

Maple Crème Brûlée: Last but not least is dessert! This dessert was created by Ethan's nephew, James, who joined the team to help on the weekends. Ethan and Cecily decided it would be fun to let him do his specialty, crème brûlée. James brought in a maple crème brûlée and wowed the entire team. We recommend finishing with this custard dessert and the 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc.

Are you ready for wine and food, now? Visit us at our 3590 Adelaida Road location in the beautiful hills of Paso Robles. Reservations are always encouraged. We look forward to you trying our new menu with our estate wines!

 

Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc Pairing Suggestions

Our 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc is our sweet wine on the menu and delivers notes of apricot, pineapple, banana and orange sherbet. It features estate grown Sauvignon Blanc that we allow to stay on the vine longer into the season to develop more sugar, so it is considered a dessert wine. The wine is perfect with sweet treats or cheese & charcuterie plates. Sweet wines pair best with sweet foods, but cheese with the creaminess and salt can also be a delicious pairing.

I've compiled a list of desserts and cheeses that would pair well with our Late Harvest to inspire your upcoming hosting and holiday season! (Graphic Above) One last idea for using the Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, is that you can do a reduction to create a delicious sauce to top desserts like ice cream, flourless chocolate cake, or cheesecake. We hope you enjoy this sweet treat at your next get together or just because!

How to Prepare for Wine Tasting

How to prepare for wine tasting? Whether it's your first-time wine tasting or your fifth trip to wine country, you may have asked this question while preparing for your trip. Your wine tasting itinerary is as important as picking the hotel and where to eat. Since we work in the industry and have been a part of thousands of visitors' wine tasting trips, let us offer some helpful tips for a successful visit to wine country (we hope it is Paso Robles)!

Choose the Wine Region
California has several wine regions to choose from. Each area offers different wine varietals based on the area's terroir - elevation, location, soil, and climate.

For example, Paso Robles wine country has a diverse catalog of wines due to 11 sub-regions with unique terroirs. We are known for our Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and blends. We have white varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, but red varietals are most common in our region. Paso Robles' variety of wines gives visitors a plethora of options whether it is to expand their tastes or meet many preferences in a group.

To learn about California's wine regions the Wine Institute has this helpful map.

Research & Pick the Wineries
Once you've chosen a wine region, we recommend researching the wineries before visiting to create an itinerary that fits your interests and needs.

Paso Robles offers not only a variety of wine but also experiences. Wineries offer different wine tastings ranging from casual at the bar to elevated and seated service. Visitors can also find immersive, special experiences such as wine and food pairings, vineyard excursions, or behind-the-scenes tours. At Parrish Family Vineyard, we offer elevated, friendly experiences with beautiful views of our vineyard, estate wines, and house-made food offerings. We can check the boxes for those who are looking for a view, wine from estate vineyards, and food.

Once you compile a list of wineries you are interested in visiting, you may wonder how many wineries can be visited each day. We highly recommend 2-3 wineries per day as you will not be rushed and avoid palate fatigue, which is the result of sensory overload. Anticipate wine tastings to be 1 1/2 to 2 hours at each location.

Check Guidelines
Along with researching wineries, it is important to review the guidelines and policies of the wineries you would like to visit. Each winery differs on children, dogs, reservations, large groups, and outside food. To ensure your trip runs smoothly, it is wise to read the guidelines instead of being surprised about not being able to have a picnic or bring your dog.

You may wonder why there are policies. Some procedures are in place to maintain overall customer experience and safety. Other policies are required by county and state agencies because of food or alcohol service. Compliance is necessary for wineries to keep their licenses and permits.

Research Food Options
Another tip prior to visiting is to plan where you will eat as not all wineries offer food. This may be surprising, but not every winery offers cheese and charcuterie as it depends on the permit they have. Some wineries have light offerings like cheese plates and others offer picnic areas. In Paso Robles, there are a handful of wineries with full food service. Our best advice is to plan on stopping at a winery with full food service around lunchtime. At Parrish Family Vineyard, we offer a food menu featuring light bites, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Our husband and wife team create dishes to compliment our wine tasting, so guests can enjoy the full experience while taking in the vineyard views.

We highly recommend reviewing menus prior to visiting wineries to ensure they offer what you like and can eat. If you need more options, most wine country towns, like Paso Robles, have restaurants, bistros, and delis.

Make a Reservation
We recommend making reservations at wineries regardless of time and party size. The reason is that it is another way to create a seamless visit for guests. It gives wineries the ability to prepare in advance whether it is in stocking the correct amount of wine, setting the tables, preparing the right amount of food, and bringing in an accurate number of team members for service.

If you are traveling with a large group, reservations are necessary. A large group for some wineries is 6 people. For a winery like ours, it is 8 plus guests. This varies from winery to winery, but there are very few wineries in Paso Robles able to accommodate large groups. The wineries that are able to take large groups still require reservations as tables may be limited, especially on weekends.

Speaking of weekends, below are suggestions on how far to book out a reservation for wine tasting.

Weekdays: With this being our slower time, reservations can be booked within the week.

Weekends: We recommend booking a few weeks out as this is our busy time during the week.

Busy Seasons: Wine regions have busy seasons such as April through May, September through November, festivals, and holiday weekends. For these times, we recommend booking a month or two before the visit. If it is a very popular winery, 3 months out may be best.

If you are wanting to wing it, many wineries still accept walk-ins as long as they are not busy. If you decide to do so, just be patient as wineries can get busy unexpectedly (even on a weekday).

Plan the Driving
Many wine regions, including Paso Robles, are several miles wide and rural. They feature curvy roads that add 10-20 minutes to drive times, which guests may not plan for.

One way to make your trip more enjoyable is to hire a driver and let someone who knows the area drive for you. There are tour companies (Toast Tours, Grand Cru, Elegant Image Limo) and drivers that drive your car (Destination Drivers) which are perfect for creating a more relaxing visit. Driving professionals can also assist in developing the wine tasting itinerary.

Uber and Lyft are available in most areas, but it does depend on the location. Paso Robles does have Uber and Lyft as options, but it may not be a dependable option as some wineries are in rural areas. This can impact phone reception and your ability to access the apps. Uber and Lyft can also charge higher rates for rides in wine country, so it is best to depend on these options for in-town only.

If you want to avoid driving altogether, wine countries have darling downtowns that generally offer wine tasting. In Paso Robles we have two walkable locations for wine tasting with Downtown and Tin City.

Plan on Bottle Purchases
Wine is sensitive to light and heat so it is important to consider what you will do with wine purchases when out tasting for the day. A beautiful 80°F day is wonderful for your visit but will cook any bottle of wine in the car as wine can tolerate up to 70°F. For this reason, we highly recommend thinking about how you will transport and store your newly purchased bottles as you travel. One cost-effective solution is to purchase a wine bottle carrier or an ice chest to store your wine bottles. There are even wine suitcases to keep your bottles out of light and heat's way. Whatever you choose just be sure to plan for hot temperatures during late Spring-early Fall in California.

Check the Weather 
Speaking of the outdoor temperatures, one overlooked aspect of planning is checking the weather forecast. The night before leaving be sure to check the weather for the wine country you are visiting. Weather forecasts can change over a couple of days. On the Central Coast, we have micro-climates that vary. For example, Paso Robles can be 85°F with a light breeze while Morro Bay is foggy and 57°F.

At Parrish Family Vineyard, we do our best to create a comfortable environment for wine tasting by offering shade, fans, swamp coolers, AC, heaters, and blankets. Even with these accommodations, there are some days that we are still not a match for the natural elements. To help you prepare, here are a few recommendations for Paso Robles' weather seasons:

    Spring & Fall: Temperatures are typically mild, but layers are encouraged to prepare for crisp, windy mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. Rain is sometimes possible in the Spring.

    Summer: We prove we are the Sunshine State during this season with warm, sunny days. Expect the average temperatures to be 85°F-95°F, which means dresses, shorts, and t-shirts are best. July and August are the hottest months where 100°F days can occur. That being said even on the hottest of days our nights cool to 60°F-70°F, so a light cardigan or jacket may be smart.

    Winter: The weather can be mild this time of year, but it can be frigid so it is a good idea to pack a coat. While we have been in a drought, the last few Winters have brought a lot of rain, so pack a raincoat or umbrella.

To help you stay up to speed on the weather, the National Weather Service has the most accurate forecast.

Learn & Take Notes

To round out our recommendations, one last tip for a wine country visit is to be open to learning! Each wine region and winery is different so you can learn something with each visit. There may be a new variety or blend, an unheard story, a rich history, vineyard developments, or winemaking practices. These are all things that can grow your knowledge of wine, but also your appreciation for the work that goes into the vineyard and winery.  

A great way to remember the information is to take a notebook. You can organize it by wine region, winery, or wine varietal. This helps you remember the winery and the wines so you can revisit in the future, or place orders from home. There are notebooks for wine tasting, but any notebook will do. A specific notebook for wine tasting that will help grow your palate is the De Long notebook, which we have used in the past to help train our team.

No matter where you decide to visit, we hope these suggestions will help create a memorable trip. If you would like to learn more about Paso Robles Wine Country, check out this blog on why you should visit. We look forward to hosting you soon, click here to make a reservation! 

Why Choose Paso Robles Wine Country?

Why choose Paso Robles Wine Country? With California having nearly 150 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), there are some choices in which wine country you should visit next. Whether you are returning or looking to discover a new area, Paso Robles is a beautiful wine country not to be missed! 

Wine Varietals In Paso Robles
Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Paso Robles, but the wine country also offers many varieties such as Rhones, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, exciting blends, and historical Zinfandel. Paso Robles grows 60 varieties of wine grapes! That is correct, 6-0, which means you can enjoy many styles of wine. This variety in wine is perfect for specific and adventurous palates. No matter who is a part of your group, you can find a winery that specializes in something for each person. Cabernet Sauvignon is our flagship wine at Parrish Family Vineyard but we serve other estate wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Rosé, Bordeaux blends, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Franc.

Paso Robles can offer a range of wines because of the 11 sub-AVAs, which each have varying microclimates, soils, and topographies (hills to flats). The varying terriors cultivate different grape varieties and create diverse characteristics in the grapes, for instance, cool vs. warm styles. The variety of grapes then gives winemakers the ability to make not only different wine varietals but also various styles of wine.

To learn more, click these links varieties and geography. 

Family and Boutique Wineries in Paso Robles
In Paso Robles Wine Country, we are primarily family and boutique wineries. Approachability and unique experiences are at your fingertips. You may be able to do a private tour with an owner who will share many behind-the-scenes stories, or the server pouring the wine is a family member with a generational passion for wine.

Not only will family and boutique wineries deliver memories that will create an impression, but they will also offer access to new wines. Wineries at this scale may not be in BevMo, so you will discover gems that excite your palate.

Wine Country in Central California
Paso Robles is considered a part of the Central Coast in California. With the Central location, Paso Robles is halfway between Los Angeles and the Bay Area making it very accessible. Paso Robles is a perfect rendezvous to meet friends and family as you can easily access U.S. 101 and Hwy 46. You can even make Paso Robles a stop on a Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) road trip, which features stunning views of the California coastline. 

If you prefer flying, Paso Robles is 30 minutes from the regional airport in San Luis Obispo. The San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP) has direct flights from big cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas. Traveling to Paso Robles has only been made easier with the additional flights to SBP over the last few years.

Sustainable Winegrowing
Our Paso Robles wine region features rolling green hills in the Spring but Paso is becoming green year-round with many wineries pioneering sustainable practices. Many grape growers focus on organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming. Many wineries are installing solar panels to shrink their carbon footprint. 

At Parrish Family Vineyard, we focus on being eco-friendly in the winery and vineyards. In the vineyards, we have always focused on using organic compost to enrich the soil and naturally give nutrients to the vines to create quality fruit. We also plant diverse cover crops in the rows to naturally control weeds. At our Creston and Adelaida vineyards, we installed solar to reduce our carbon footprint to zero in operating our AG pumps and buildings. At our winery, our state-of-the-art water treatment system recycles water for vineyard irrigation with non-detectable nitrogen.

Furthermore, the Parrish Family gave a portion of the Adelaida vineyard to the county of San Luis Obispo to restore an onsite creek to its native vegetation. Restoring the vegetation has slowed the creek's flow in the Winter by assisting in erosion control and replenishing the aquifer beneath the area. At Parrish, we do a lot for sustainability but several other wineries and vineyards are taking similar action to preserve our precious environment.

Historical Wine Region
Paso Robles may be new to you, but it is an established wine region with a grape history. The first grapes were planted in 1882, but it wasn't until the 1920s that vineyards flourished in the Paso Robles area. Zinfandel was one widely planted variety that still holds a place in the hearts of many wineries. That is how Parrish Family Vineyard’s history began as David Parrish's grandfather came to the area in the 1920s from Fresno, California. He planted and grew over 740 acres of grapes, including Zinfandel, in the neighboring area of Atascadero. 

To become more enriched in our history, view more here. 

More than Just Wine
Being a wine region we will always promote wine, but even the wine industry appreciates other craft beverages. Paso Robles offers great options for those seeking breweries, distilleries, and coffee roasters. Therefore, a weekend itinerary can include wine, beer, ciders, spirits, and coffee. We highly recommend booking with a Paso Robles tour company to assist in itinerary creation and navigation.

Foodies
Paso Robles offers Michelin-star restaurants to quaint local hangs for those seeking to enjoy delicious food while in wine country. Our darling Downtown offers a selection of well-appointed restaurants and eateries from Italian, French, elevated Mexican, Farm to Table, Fusion, Soul, and Vegan. You can also find delicious eats in the Paso Robles Market Walk and Tin City area.  

The Central Coast is a cornucopia of farms, ranches, groves, and orchards. You can find local vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheeses, meats, vinegar, and olive oil. Also, being along the coast you can find local seafood like oysters, fish, and harvested seaweed. Visit one of the wonderful farmer’s markets to find these local treats. 

Coastal Influence
As we have alluded, Paso Robles is near the coast which influences our grapes as well as makes our area a well-rounded travel destination. We are a 20-30 minute drive from the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can spend a few days in Paso Robles Wine Country and then venture to the coast for various activities. Our coastline features beautiful beaches and quaint towns with perfect spots for hiking, surfing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and visiting historic monuments like Hearst Castle. We recommend first stopping in Paso Robles to pick wines for your coastal adventures!

Paso Robles Festivals & Events
Paso Robles offers various festivals and events throughout the year for wine enthusiasts and those with varying interests in music, crafts, lavender, olive oil, cars, and cycling. Visitors can plan a wine-country trip alongside a fun festival to deepen their understanding of what makes Paso Robles, Paso. 

We highly recommend visiting around the first few weeks of December to enjoy the annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase, which has graced the town for almost 40 years. The walking event features singing, dancing, notable characters (Scrooge and Santa), treats, and local goodwill to bring holiday cheer and a sense of small-town charm to your heart.   

Dog Friendly Wineries & More
Last but not least, Paso Robles Wine Country is paw-rific! Many of the wineries allow furry friends to join wine excursions and multiple hotels offer accommodations for you and your pups. We love dogs so much that many local businesses host an annual fundraising event, Wine4Paws, supporting our local Woods Humane Society.

Prior to visiting, we still recommend that you check business guidelines to create a seamless trip for you and your dog. At Parrish Family Vineyard, we welcome friendly dog patrons and serve fresh water as well as treats on our porch overlooking the vineyard. Idyllic for all involved.

Time to start planning your next wine trip to Paso Robles Wine Country and we hope that you will add Parrish Family Vineyard to the itinerary as we offer estate wines, house-made food offerings, and beautiful vineyard views in our Ranch house. Book your next visit here! 

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Download the Paso Robles Wine Country Map

 

Your Dream Winery Wedding Venue Awaits!

After years of crafting exquisite wines and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, we're delighted to extend our offerings to those seeking a truly magical setting for their special day. After much anticipation, we are delighted to offer our picturesque vineyard as the perfect backdrop for your special day. Whether you're planning a romantic wedding ceremony or a memorable rehearsal dinner, our serene and enchanting surroundings will make your celebration unforgettable.

Why Choose Our Winery for Your Special Occasion?

Located in Paso Robles Wine Country: Our estate is along Adelaida Road, just 5 minutes from Downtown, making it an easily accessible Paso Robles Wedding Venue for your guests.

Breathtaking Views: Say "I do" surrounded by lush vineyards, rolling hills, and stunning sunsets. Our winery offers a captivating backdrop that will leave you and your guests in awe.

Exceptional Wines: Treat your guests to an exceptional selection of wines crafted right here on our estate. From crisp whites to rich reds, our award-winning wines will add an extra touch of elegance to your celebration.

Personalized Service: Our dedicated team is committed to making your wedding or rehearsal dinner dreams a reality. From the initial planning stages to the last toast of the evening, we'll be by your side every step of the way.

Unforgettable Memories: Create memories to last a lifetime with your loved ones as you celebrate amidst the beauty of our vineyard. Whether you are exchanging vows under the open sky or enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars, every moment will be filled with joy and love.

Book Your Dream Winery Wedding Today!

Ready to toast to your happily ever after at our enchanting winery? Contact our events team today to schedule a tour, discuss your vision, and start planning the vineyard wedding of your dreams.

Check out our wedding and rehearsal dinner packages! 

Parrish Family Vineyard Wedding Brochure

Contact us for more information 

Chloe Kline
Event Manager
events@parrishfamilyvineyard.com
(805) 286-4028

How to Plan an Overnight Visit to Paso Robles & Cambria!

Can you plan a stop at Parrish Family Vineyard with a coastal trip? Of course! We would love to have you stop by for wine and lunch before you settle into your coastal visit. Paso Robles is not far from many of the beautiful beaches on the Central Coast. We are talking only 30-40 minutes. Spring is a lovely time of year to visit as wine country is serene with cool days and the coast quiet with moody views. 

To assist, here's an itinerary for a quick visit in wine country with an overnight stay in Cambria! 

12:30pm Parrish Family Vineyard - Stop by in Paso Robles for a wine tasting and lunch. It is the perfect time to take in the beauty of the tranquil vineyard, enjoy house-made food offerings, and figure out a wine for dinner. We recommend the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon if you are planning on a dinner with seafood. 

2:00pm Pasolivo Ranch - Continue up Adelaida Road and turn onto Vineyard Drive for an olive oil tasting. Their shop features various olive oils from the ranch, seasonings, treats, and kitchen goods.

3:00pm Enjoy a gorgeous drive through wine country to the coast by taking Hwy46E to Cambria. Along Hwy46, before turning onto Hwy1, there is a pull-out on the left-hand side. This spot offers stunning views of Morro Rock and the coastline. 

3:45pm Check into your room and get settled in. We have two accommodation recommendations:

White Water Lodge - A lovely lodge right along Moonstone Beach. The beach has a wood boardwalk for strolling and taking in the views. 

J. Patrick House & Inn - A cozy B&B among the pine trees. The inn is a close walk to the beautiful Cambria Pine Lodge grounds and only a 3-5 minute drive to the ocean. 

5:30pm Enjoy an early dinner at one of these restaurants: 

Sea Chest Oyster Bar - This small restaurant is a beloved seafood spot. They are known for their oysters, but fresh fish and pasta are offered. Sea Chest does not take reservations (hence show up when they open or before) and cash only. 

Robin's - A cozy and charming restaurant in the west village of Cambria. Robin's menu is fresh and eclectic. Our Culinary Director, Cecily, used to live in Cambria, and her favorite dish was the salmon bisque. 

The following day drive up the coast to the famous Hearst Castle, or visit the William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach (known as the Cove to local kids). And just like that, you've taken in the beautiful countryside of Paso Robles and the wooded oceanside of Cambria with an overnight stay. 

There are plenty of quick trips you can plan along the Central Coast, but if you are looking for a three-day trip in wine country, this itinerary is for you. 

 

New Year, New Food Menu

Ready for wine & lunch in the beautiful Paso Robles wine country featuring our delicious new food menu at Parrish? We are, and we work here!

We are excited to offer our new food menu, which kicks off 2024 with delightful twists. Before we dive into the new offerings, we should clarify that the wildly popular BLTA, with its praline bacon and house-made Cabernet sourdough, will return. We will also be returning the Lamb Enchilada. If you haven't had the Lamb Enchilada, it is a must, featuring braised lamb, house-made sweet potato tortillas (gluten-free), guajillo sauce, pickled shallots, and crema. It is collectively a team favorite that we highly recommend pairing with the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Our married culinary duo, Ethan and Cecily, are bringing some creative new dishes to the menu. The couple, being a part of the Parrish family, love having the freedom to imagine and design dishes to complement the wine that their family works hard to make. "We can pull from childhood favorites to things we just want to try and make. We're able to do whatever we like, but it has to fit along with the wine tasting. It can be challenging, but it's an honor to be a part of showcasing the work of our family," says Cecily. 

So, here's the upcoming menu without further ado. A sandwich that will be popular is the Brisket French Dip. This sandwich features braised brisket on a house-made cheddar and onion roll and served with au jus. Ethan loves cooking up brisket, so it was an obvious choice for the sandwich. You might think of French onion soup with this dish.

Another offering is the Caprese Waffle, which features a waffle infused with basil oil and served with burrata, confit tomatoes, balsamic reduction, and fresh basil. Cecily loves caprese and margherita pizza, so this dish merges her favorite dishes together, but with a savory waffle involved. The Caprese Waffle pairs wonderfully with the Rosé as it will make the wine a little creamy!

If you are looking for a more vegetable-forward dish, Cecily has crafted a Gnocchi Salad. This salad features potato gnocchi and roasted vegetables served with sprigs of arugula, house-made cashew ricotta, pea pesto, and toasted pine nuts. It's a flavorful and light offering that we highly recommend with a glass of our Four Chords blend.

Last but not least is dessert! And this will be for the chocoholics, a Skillet Brownie. A Mexican cocoa brownie served with house-made vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of coffee caramel. This dessert surprised us as Ethan and Cecily worked with the Tasting Room team on a wine pairing. We loved it with the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, so this will be a decadent finish to your wine tasting. While the dessert comes in a personal cast iron skillet, it is shareable between 2-4 people. Although, we know die-hard dessert enthusiasts will only request one spoon, which we understand. 

If this whetted your appetite, feel free to book a reservation to enjoy our wine and food offerings soon. Come to think of it, the writer of this blog may need to make a reservation for that Skillet Brownie. 

Meet Andrea & the 2020 Zinfandel!

Meet Andrea, our Lead Tasting Room Associate, who recently joined the Parrish Family Vineyard team! She is excited to share her favorite wine with you - the 2020 Zinfandel. Andrea is a big fan of chocolate and she loves that the fruit forward Zinfandel carries notes of cocoa and dark chocolate. She also loves the luxury and elegance on the palate and says “Everyone should have a bottle…it’s that delicious.” 

Andrea would pair the Zinfandel with a movie night! For her, horror flicks, friends, and freshly baked brownies are the perfect Zinfandel accompaniments.

Ready to create your own Zinfandel pairing and occasion? Here are the details on the 2020 vintage from our Winemaker, Cody Alt.

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2020 Zinfandel 

Owner and Winemaker, David Parrish is drawn to the Zinfandel variety in memory of his grandfather, Earl Henderson, who planted Zinfandel in the 1920’s. Grandpa Earl was able to acquire cuttings from the renown Paderewski Ranch in Paso Robles. He took the cuttings and planted them in Atascadero, where he managed 740 acres. Today, the Parrish Family grows a half acre of Zinfandel near the gates to the Tasting Room along Adelaida Road. 

Tasting Notes: Red Cherry, Fresh Cranberry, Pomegranate, Cocoa, Leather, White Pepper

Pairing Suggestion: Pork Tenderloin with a Mushroom and Sage Stuffing

Release Notes: Released to Wine Club

AVA: Adelaida

Vineyard Notes: Head Trained and Spur Pruned. Half an acre.

Yield: 4 Tons

Alcohol: 14.75%

PH: 3.62

TA: 5.9 G/L

VA: .69 G/L

Fermentation: Stainless Steel with Pumpovers and Punchdowns 

Oak Profile: 50% New French Oak - To allow the fruit to be the focus 

Vintage Notes: The 2020 vintage is memorable much like the year for obvious reasons. Bud break was a little late due to rainfall in the Spring, but there were no frost issues with it being a warmer year. The flowering was normal and occurred in good conditions. Summer arrived with hot weather and record heat waves in August and September. This encouraged the 2020 harvest to begin and be completed quickly. During the beginning days of harvest, Paso Robles and most of the Central Coast was overcast with smoke from fires in Northern California. Despite this challenge, the Zinfandel was left to complete its ripening and the winemaking team worked their magic to save the wine from smoke taint. Therefore, the 2020 vintage showcases the hardwork and determination of our winemaking team to keep the quality that you have come to know and love at Parrish Family Vineyard.  

Purchase the 2020 Zinfandel Here or Join the Wine Club! 

 

Enhance your visit - Porch heaters and all-weather shades!

NEW AT PFV: 

Experience the welcoming atmosphere of our tasting room porch, regardless of the weather!

We’re excited to introduce our new heaters and shades that ensure you’re protected from the elements, allowing you to enjoy a cozy ambiance with a stunning fall vineyard view. No need to worry about the weather – cherish your holiday moments with friends and family in comfort!

Grab your wine-tasting besties, and join us this holiday season for a delightful tasting of our award-winning wines paired with delicious, chef-prepared food. We can’t wait to share these magical holiday moments with you! 🍷✨🍂

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Check out the videos on Instagram!