Another California Wine Mecca

     We were going to Cambria for an art workshop and on our way stopped off in Paso Robles to explore some of the fine wineries that have grown up in that area over the last decade.  Talk about lots of wineries—there are over 250 in Paso Robles County.

      The two that we visited were excellent, each in their own way.  The first, Linne Calodo, had incredible wines served in a large modern high-ceiling wood tasting room.  It is a boutique winery with, by choice, a small wine production.  That combined with its large wine club, means that many of their wines have sold out.  Therefore, the winery may only be doing special limited tastings by appointment. Check out their website www.linnecalodo.com for more information on whether there will be any future opportunities for tasting their wines.  We hope so, because they were a real treat.

      The other winery we visited was Jada, located in the Santa Lucia Coastal Range west of Paso Robles.  We were there on a hot day so we had our tasting on their outside deck overlooking a stunning view of hills, trees and vineyards. Our wine tasting cost $10 each and included 5 wines, each accompanied by a small piece of unique cheese.

      We liked their citrusy summer white named “88” 2010, a nice blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Rousanne. The wine, named after the owner’s football jersey number, was served with a Dutch aged sheep’s milk cheese called “Ewephoria.”  As you know, we’re pushovers for clever names.

      Another nice summer wine was their rosé, “1149” 2010, which was a blend of their estate Cabernet Merlot, Grenache, and Syrah.  This was served with another Dutch cheese, called Honey Bee Goat.  We also liked their estate Syrah, Jersey Girl 2008, which had a “velvety smooth body” and was served with a northern California cow’s cheese called Baby Bella and Garlic Organic Jack.

     For more information on Jada, visit their website at www.jadavineyard.com.  It’s a lovely tasting venue to visit with some great wines and cheeses.

      We rounded out our afternoon by going olive oil tasting at nearby Pasolivo (www.pasolivo.com).  All of the olives are grown in the family’s 45 acre ranch and are pressed on site.  The tasting includes quite a few different olive oils, olive jams, and olive tapenades.  A very fun and healthy way to enjoy other gifts from the good earth around Paso Robles.