Central Coast Food & Wine Journal
Learn about the latest food and wine happenings, as well as our recommendations for dining, wine-tasting, and relaxing.
Paso Robles Harvest is over and we are happy!
Wow, what a year! Rain, no rain, hot temps for only a week or so prior to harvest, and coolness again. What the heck is going on? I’m hearing that this season will produce wonderful grapes. I’m hearing the long hang-time on the vines at the end of the season will produce extraordinary fruit characteristics, and it seems we are not chasing the heat and potential alcohol content to tone it down. Listen to me: I just listen, observe and have yet to taste these wines. Though, don’t get me wrong: harvest is over and we are happy! and I’m looking forward to learning more about the wines and tasting them.
It was a sad event that our beloved Sonoma neighbor had such devastation with the fires. There are reasons why North of us and South of us, we are at risk of horrible fires. Anyone remember the Chimney Rock Fire? That was here in Paso Robles about 3 years ago.
With a very late harvest at our belt, we are busy getting into the final throws of a full harvest. With a Sub-Appellation of 11 different areas, you can imagine each area is different. At this late date we’ve had a freeze or two and several inches of rain – so anything still hanging on the vines will go back to the earth for fertilization.
Alas, our food and wine tours do not stop. We love the whole process of the circle of harvest.
Harvest is over and we are happy! Be sure to check in with us for one or the other of our tours! And know that with Central Coast Food and Wine Tours you’ll always have the insider access and attention to detail you’ve come to expect!
Cheers!
Laura
O.K., admittedly I’ve been hanging on to this Tomatillo and Cilantro Chimichurri recipe for all Summer. I’ve been playing with it. Trying to get the proportions just right for my taste sensibilities. I have recently discovered tomatillos, and have always loved cilantro as a seasoning. So, mixing the two was a natural.
I’ve made it several times. Once going heavy on the tomatillos (too acidic), other times adding additional herbs such as spicy oregano, and Italian parsley. I tend to like a little heat, so the addition of summer peppers has been a nice addition. You can use dried peppers or store bought fresh spicy peppers – I prefer the latter.
Those not familiar with chimichurri might ask what to do with this pesto-like blend. Originating from Argentina, chimichurri is a condiment used much like we use our beloved catsup. Smother your meat with it, ladle it on your fries, marinate meats or vegetables with it prior to grilling. I’m telling you that once I discovered this sauce, it’s a staple in my kitchen.
I love it on just about every protein we eat. Although, I think the vigor of the sauce does especially well to balance heavy proteins such as beef and venison, as well as a condiment for sausages made with beef, pork, chicken and venison. I don’t think light fish would work well, although I’m sure someone out there could prove me wrong. If you are looking for a great source for natural meats and over 40 types of sausage try J&R Meats.
I spoke with an Argentinian guest on our food tour and he told me that they ferment their chimichurri. Once made, their chimichurri sits on the counter, at the ready for whatever food merits this piquant wonder. All the recipes I’ve read, indicate the sauce should be refrigerated. I’m sure fermenting the sauce adds a lot more flavor, but not having tried this I can’t recommend it.
So, dear friends, do with it what you will (I think I’ll add it to the Thanksgiving table!) here is my best attempt.
INGREDIENTS:
5 tomatillos, slightly browned in skillet on stove
3 cloves of garlic – diced
1 Cup of packed cilantro leaves – remove stems
1 Cup of Italian parsley – remove stems
1 tsp of red pepper flakes (for hot) 1/2 for medium
1/4 Cup of fresh oregano – remove stems
4 Tbs of extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of black pepper
PREPARATION:
This is super easy once you brown the tomatillos in the skillet. Take the rest of the ingredients and throw into the blender or food processor. Blend until of a pesto texture.
WINES:
Where would we be without wines to pair with this goodie? Something I learned early that continues to make sense is to pair food with the wines from the same environment. So, what do we get from Argentina…Malbec! Grab your favorite Malbec and enjoy this delicious accoutrement to your meal.
Ideas for Paso Robles’ Malbecs:
Diablo Paso – tasting room in downtown paso Robles
Bodegas de Edgar – taste the lovely wines out on Adelaida Rd.
I share my tomatillo and cilantro chimichurri sauce with open arms and hope you will enjoy it as much as we have. I think this sauce would be an awesome compliment to the cranberry sauces we serve at thanksgiving. Give it a try – plus Malbec is entirely acceptable to serve at your thanksgiving table!
Cheers!
Laura
It’s not all that common to hear me scream from the rooftop that “I’m in Love”, though our neighbors heard it aplenty this weekend. What was said: “I’m in love…Paix Sur Terre You’ve won my heart!”
I’m sure my neighbors were laughing, at the least thinking I’m crazy. I mean, yeah, it has been a while since I’ve demonstrated such enthusiasm. Be it as it is, I’ve discovered a new Paso Robles white wine that I plan to share these warm summer evening with. Not to worry Yule (my husband) I’ll share this golden hued nectar; and, we will both succumb to the pleasures of late summer evenings overlooking the hills of Atascadero with this generous new addition to the Paso Robles Wine Scene: Paix Sur Terre’s Claret Blanc.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a sommelier, nor a wine expert by any stretch of the imagination. I do however know what I like, and have the benefit of having lived in Paso Robles for 30 years – watching this burgeoning wine industry blossom. My first word of advice for all our readers: drink what speaks to your palette, to hell with the rating Gods. And this is exactly why I am sharing my love of this wine.
I am NOT a wine GURU. I am an ordinary gal, who enjoys wines and enjoys finding something that especially speaks to my palette. But Paix Sur Terre you’ve won my heart. Thus, BINGO! White wines are not my thing, I am definitely a red wine gal. So, when I come across a white that knocks my socks off… well, I’ve got to share with my friends.
A Paso Robles Summer Food Tour is a quirky thing when it comes to the weather. In Paso Robles, we can often reach 100 degree temperatures; and let’s face it, heat is not your friend on a food tour. But our Summer in Paso Robles has been fabulous! We have had beautiful weather, nice breezes and plenty of our much loved sunshine.
Just this week, I led a tour of 8 woman which turned out to be one of our best! Eight is a big group for us, so we went all out to make sure every member felt special. Thomas Hill Organics is our first stop and we love the garden setting and super fresh greens and produce we get for our salad. Add to this a special wine paired with the salad and we have a good start to the day!
As a special surprise Debbie Thomas, the proprietor, of Thomas Hill Organics has brought on a new chef and we were treated to one of their new salads. Our salad was the “Bibb Lettuce Salad” and was as gorgeous as it tasted. Over the slice of Bibb lettuce, we found charred green goddess, almond caesar, smoked mushroom granola and pickled vegetables. All I can say is “WOW”! We all enjoyed this salad as we tried to figure out where all the lovely and different flavors came from.
Next up was a special tasting with Gail Todaro of Pasolivo Olive Oil. Gail, Clara and I have worked together for over a year now and I really appreciate the enthusiasm they share with their olive oil. You know you’re special, though, when Gail harkens you back to the hinterlands of Pasolivo for a private tasting.
Wow – how special! The oils, herbs, spices and vinegars were all much more than expected. We so enjoyed this tasting that we ended up 10 minutes late for our next stop – the Paso Robles Inn. Thanks Gail for a great time at Pasolivo!
Next up we headed to the most highly regarded Paso Robles Inn. The Inn is the center of the town’s history which goes back to 1854. Our tour is lucky to have the support of the Inn’s management, especially Hallie and Ryan, the manager and chef of the Steakhouse. Our usual offering is the coveted Prime Rib Sandwich (an overall 5 star sandwich) though Hallie just added their Grilled peach and arugula salad to our menu for vegetarians. OMG… Anything the steakhouse does is par excellence, but I have never seen a guest send back a half eaten plate of the prime rib. Yeah, it’s a bit of an “indulge yourself sandwich”. But why not: you’re on a food tour!
Most will be amazed that behind the 1940’s dinner facade on Spring Street, is a beautiful hotel with well bedded grounds that will take your breath away. The management has managed to preserve the hot springs water that made the town famous (it now is routed into several of the hotel rooms with balcony hot tubs.) This is one of only 2 hotels smack dab in the middle of down town Paso Robles and well worth the convenience.
What would a Paso Robles Summer Food Tour be if it did not include something cool and refreshing? We got you! After our stop at the Paso Robles Inn we head down the town park to SLO SWEETS. Yep, you are not going to escape something sweet on this tour! SLO SWEETS hosts LEO LEO Gelato, where we enjoy a lovely dessert to our day of fine food.
Finally – yes, we are almost finished: we end up at LXV Wine Tasting Room on 13th and Pine.
Here we enjoy a wine tasting that is paired with spices – yes! Spices! My guests are always surprised to hear about wines being paired with spices. They have heard about cheeses and chocolates, but never spices. Roll up your sleeves and open your mind to a wine pairing that is like no other. The wines are beautiful and lofty, worthy of a special occasion. The people behind and involved with the wine are equally wonderful. Owners Kunal and Neeta will win your heart in the first sentence. Chris, the tasting manager, shown here, and his staff are equally as special. You know you’ve got something quite special when so many quality people get behind the product. But, I leave it to you! LXV is a stop on our tour and one I hope you will most enjoy.
Thanks for listening!
Good food, good wine and good thanks!
Laura
I loved putting together this private wine tour for an anniversary celebration.
My guest was planning this as a surprise for his fiancee, so a certain amount of secrecy was needed in the planning of the day. My guest and I went back and forth, working together to design what would become the perfect day of wine, food and a most special shared experience.
6 Perfect Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wine Tour Destination
There’s nothing quite as delightful as tasting some of the high-quality wines with stunningly beautiful vineyards in the background! Yes, this is about a vacation in one of the world’s great wine regions, a truly memorable wine adventure.
Wandering through vineyards, meeting winemakers face-to-face, and sipping a glass of wine on the grounds where it was grown gives you a better awareness of that area and its grapes. The wine tasting experience should be a fine balance of education and fun for the senses in such an attractive and natural environment.
For having the tour of a lifetime, it is vital to think about the destination itself.
Choosing the perfect wine tour destination will give you a truly personal experience. Once you get back home, you will keep wanting to talk about the winery and the wines!
Here are 6 perfect tips for choosing the perfect wine tour destination:
For instance, if you are looking for a romantic getaway to share a bottle with that special someone, then the Napa Valley in California pairs best with romance. With the Californian weather and the stunning natural scenery year-round, the Napa Valley features more than 450 wineries that grow leading grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. Picnics in vineyards, romantic wine caves lined with oak barrels, white-tablecloth gourmet meals, and even hot-air balloon rides at sunrise all play a part in setting the mood.
Sneak away with your sweetheart to one of such idyllic retreats!
If history is your thing, then travel back in time to preserved 19th- century farm vineyards. Else select some of the oldest wineries in the world to learn interesting facts about their ancient founders.
A history buff’s dream destination, the French island wine region of Corsica is also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, a French dictator of the early 19th century.
If food is your first love, then you ought to choose from food and wine vacation hotspots. Some of these wineries also brew craft lagers like Grolsch beer. Who would deny the double treat!
For example, if you live a busy and hectic urban life, then you should make it a point to choose a dissimilar environment. A wine tour destination with an open and peaceful countryside could fit the bill.
Also, if you live inland, i.e. far from the beach, then a wine tour to a vineyard with scenic beaches would be an outstanding choice.
For wine lovers, a trip to prominent wineries that serve old favorites like sherries and also offer the chance to taste new types of wine can truly make a lasting impression.
In case you have your mind set on particular tastes of wines, then head straight for those wineries catering to your preference.
For instance, if smoky and spicy red wines are your thing, then you should choose a destination like Carménère in Chile. If fruity goodness and citrus flavors appeal to you, then take a summer wine trip to Barcelona. If you are planning to enjoy Christmas parties at wineries with sparkling wine cocktails made of dry curacao, then the French wine regions would be a great choice.
Image Source: Paso robles Wineries
If you want to go for a rich and flavorful Grenache, Paso Robles is the place to be. A Californian city famous for its wineries, Paso Robles is the perfect wine tour destination for a laid-back experience, especially for couples. At Paso Robles, you can also grab a bottle of Stella Rosa black to add to your luxurious collection of wine.
It’s ideal to visit this charming downtown during summer, particularly, early or late in the season, and at the time of the fall grape harvest. Paso Robles gets crowded during the wine festivals such as Zinfandel Festival in March and the Wine Festival in May, however, you can enjoy here all through the year. You can enjoy tasting Syrah and Mourvedre wines for free at many of the hundreds of wineries in this city.
For a thoroughly delightful wine-tasting experience, try any of these favorite Paso Robles wineries:
On the other hand, for newbies or people who aren’t totally comfortable with wine, it is best to opt for smaller wineries that normally produce craft wine. Here they can taste wines as well as spend some quality time with the winemakers behind the bar, asking them questions about wine and winemaking.
What’s more, the pretty views of the vineyards provide the perfect ambience for the beginners to get into a lifelong relationship with the wines.
Some destinations like Sicily (Italy), with their breathtaking ski slopes and rich red wines to warm you up, are good options for a winter wine tour.
Great choices for spring and summer are La Bella Campania in the Italian city of Naples, and the Spanish province of La Rioja respectively.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the French region of Bourgogne, what with the marvelous autumn colors on the vineyards and the region’s rich stock of world-famous red and white wine varieties.
If you’re touring on your own, you’d end up spending very little. However, expect to spend more on wine tours arranged through a tour operator.
The area that you’re touring greatly determines the final cost. For instance, a one-day trip that covers several wineries in the Sonoma Valley (California) costs slightly more than $100, while a two-week tour through the French city of Bordeaux will cost you in the thousands.
For instance, Château Mouton-Rothschild, a wine estate in France uses such amazing technology to remove weeds from vineyards.
On reading up these tips, leave no stone unturned to ensure that you make the apt choice of your wine tour destination. With proper planning, such tours can be truly fun-filled experiences. In fact, more than just visiting a winery, staying at one can be even more enthralling.
If you are planning to stay overnight or even longer on the grounds of a vineyard, then pack smart and make it a point to spare some space in your luggage racks to get some bottles of fine wine back home.
A special thanks to Harold Camaya for researching and submitting the above post.
A Private Honeymoon Wine Tour is just about my favorite tour of all time.
Yes, I enjoy all our tours: our food walking tours in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, as well as our food and vineyard wine tours in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. And, of coarse, any private tour offers the opportunity for me to get especially creative in crafting a most special experience. But, alas, a private honeymoon wine tour is something most special; I view it as a sacred trust of sorts. I mean, to trust your honeymoon tour to us – what a privalege.
We connected up about 2 months before the tour, and had plenty of time to plan this down to the small details. Carly, the bride, was a consummate planner for her wedding as well as her honeymoon. Like I said, I felt honored to be a part of her plan for her private honeymoon wine tour. We managed all of the below:
We managed a day of wine and spirits tasting, a special tour through the vineyards and into the depths of wine caves. It was a long day, but a most special day – and one that will be remembered for a long, long time.
This lovely couple will soon be settling overseas. Making a new life for themselves, sadly away from family and friends. I share my very best wishes for their adventure together and a great start to their new life.
Cheers!
Laura
When selecting your activity, be sure to check out Central Coast Food & Wine Tour Reviews.
We are a small company, and able to make customer service our number one priority. We do a smaller number of tours, and really like to focus on making each and every tour special for our guests.
Here are some of our reviews from Trip Advisor and Yelp:
Yelp:
“Yule Gurreau was our food tour guide today in San Luis. He was beyond knowledgeable about the area, the history and the food! So friendly and engaging. His stories were so interesting we almost forgot we were on a food tour! All of the restaurants and the artisan chocolate store were beyond delicious!! Thank you Yule for a most enjoyable day.” Sandra
“My friend and I had an opportunity to spend the afternoon with Laura touring downtown Paso Robles this past fall. Laura introduced us to several great businesses and provided us a personalized tour. She was knowledgeable and made our experience very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend signing up for one of her tours.” Eric
“Can’t say enough good things about Laura and our tour with her! Usually my wife and I do a group wine tour while we’re visiting the area and this time we decided to switch it up and are so glad we did. Laura tailored the experience to our tastes but also suggested a few unique experiences that we really enjoyed including an olive oil and spirits tasting. Laura was absolutely wonderful; you can tell that she is passionate about sharing Paso’s food and wine culture and takes pride in the quality of her guest’s experience. We plan on doing more tours with Laura in the future!” Taylor
Trip Advisor:
“We had the privilege of touring with Laura over the weekend. My husband and i were the only people in the tour and we got the VIP treatment. She had so much knowledge about the food, wine and the city. Totally worth everything second. We would do this tour again.”
Jessica
BEST TOUR GUIDE WE EVER HAD
Laura was terrific! We booked the 6 person food and wine tasting tour and enjoyed it so much that we booked a second tour with her a couple days later! She tailored the tours based on what our tastes were, and every winery we visited was fantastic. Laura is also full of knowledge about the local history and the culture. Not only were our tours full of great tastings but they were very educational. We will return to the Paso Robles area again soon with friends specifically to tour with Laura. Would highly recommend!
Adele
CENTRAL COAST FOOD TOURS Paso Robles
Took a fantastic walking food and wine tour today in Paso Robles! Beautiful weather as we met Mary our guide to find out we were the only couple on the tour! Talk about a private tour! She was fantastic, friendly and had us laughing and fascinated in all the history and stories she had about the town. I had erroneously assumed this would be small bites, but no, each stop just keep getting better with beautiful surrounding, great dishes and fantastic wine pairings! The prime rib sandwich at the Paso Robles Inn was so tender and went perfectly with the Cabernet from Castoria Winery! And who knew you could pair wine with spices, but oh so good. I will remember this tour for many years to come! If ever you are nearby, treat yourself and walk along with Central Coast tours for a delightful, culinary treat!
On our property one never knows what the olive growth will bring, with changing weather, windy storms and the 2 year on/off production of the olive trees.
But this year the olive growth looks to be phenomenal for the 2019 harvest! Yule and I are so excited by all the blooms we see in our small orchard that we are considering gathering the product and bottling our own estate olive oil.What a dream of ours to bottle our own lovingly grown, pruned and picked olives! We have several varietals, primarily Tuscan.
After all the rain (I’m not complaining) we love the warm weather in Paso Robles! My plants actually asked for water, and I loved sun bathing on the deck in the speckled sunlight. Are we entering into Summer? Our vineyards are turning from verdant green to variant shades of yellow.
The grape vines look healthier than I’ve ever seen them. Robust, green shoots, reaching towards the sky. Everyone’s one edge, though, wondering if some rogue storm will steal all the blooms off the vines. Farming is a tough occupation – meant only for the strongest amongst us.
We love the warm weather but let’s see what the weather brings over the next week or so. As well as the grape growers, the olive growers are also watching their crops closely. Everything is in bud, and it all could be lost with a huge windy storm. Yule and I grow a small orchard of 19 olive trees. We have the largest bloom I’ve ever seen. Cross your fingers, and we’ll have a healthy wine and olive harvest this season!
Laura
