One thing is for sure when you reach Opolo Vineyards on the westside of Paso Robles, you’re in for one big party! Doesn’t matter what day of the week really….there is always something going on at Opolo Vineyards! Plan to stay awhile!
On weekends, guests are treated to the homemade sausages of lamb, beef and pork grilling on the BBQ. Water misters are usually on as the temperatures in the late spring/early summer frequently hit the 90s. For a small fee, there is a wood fired brick oven that puts out some tasty hand tossed pizza. Opolo Vineyards is a good first stop on the weekend as few wineries serve food.
There’s no flash or glitz at Opolo….just plenty of good wines to taste. Belly up to the concrete counter and be ready to taste on both sides of the tasting menu. My favorite wine guru is Roger Sheridan, who has been there every time I’ve been there. Doesn’t this guy take a break? Seriously, Roger clearly loves what he does and will educate and entertain his guests and have you in the wine club before you leave!
Being that the temperatures were already soaring, I opted to taste more white wines this time around. Starting off with the 2012 Albarino, crispy apple and stone fruit, very light and refreshing, then moving onto the 2010 Sparkling — popular with the sweeter wine drinkers, showing notes of pear and citrus. My favorite white wine at Opolo Vineyards has always been their Viognier. The 2012 Viognier was tropical and fruity, with a little pear and honey, absolutely perfect for the warm weather on the patio!
Of course, I couldn’t leave without tasting a few of the award-winning reds at Opolo Vineyards. The 2009 Mountain Zinfandel is intense, (a whopping 16% alcohol) — a medley of black cherry, plum and spice. I also enjoyed the 2009 Mourvedre, described as Hibiscus (didn’t know that Hibiscus was associated with wine), vanilla and pomegranate. And, last but certainly not least, the 2010 Tempranillo was excellent, with flashes of cocoa and blackberry. www.opolo.com