UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

One Big Party At Opolo Vineyards

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Opolo Vineyards long driveway is surrounded by rolling vineyards in all directions
Opolo Vineyards long driveway is surrounded by rolling vineyards in all directions

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!

Relax under the water misters on the huge outside patio at Opolo Vineyards
Relax under the water misters on the huge outside patio at Opolo Vineyards

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. [Read more…]

Fess Parker Winery Is Grandiose In Every Way

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Fess Parker's rambling estate is impressive
Fess Parker Winery & Vinyard’s rambling estate is impressive

When it comes to Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, nothing is understated!  The grounds are perfectly manicured and stretch endlessly in all directions.  Weddings are commonplace here and dogs are welcome!

Manicured grounds at Fess Parker are ideal for picnics and wine tasting!
Manicured grounds at Fess Parker WInery & Vineyard are ideal for picnics and wine tasting!

Baby boomers will recall that Fess Parker was an American film icon in the 1950’s and 1960’s, playing the roles of frontiersmen Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett.

Raccoon skin caps adorn the wine bottles and shelves as a tribute to founder Fess Parker, aka Davy Crockett
Raccoon skin caps adorn the wine bottles and shelves as a tribute to founder Fess Parker, aka Davy Crockett

[Read more…]

Start Your Sideways Wine Tour At Koehler Winery In Foxen Canyon

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Koehler Winery's vines are over 30 years old
Koehler Winery’s vines are over 30 years old, making it one of the valley’s oldest vineyards

Call me a creature of habit.  But whenever I visit Los Olivos, I make my way first to the  delightful and unpretentious Koehler Winery on the beautiful Foxen Canyon Trail.  There’s something endearing about Koehler Winery–perhaps its the peacefulness that you feel as you cross the one-lane bridge over the creek through the vineyards upon approach…

Or, perhaps it’s the baby emus that eagerly greet you at the split rail fence–a first time I’ve ever seen baby emus!

Tasting room at Koehler Winery exudes farmhouse charm
Tasting room at Koehler Winery exudes farmhouse charm

Or, maybe it’s the quaint tasting room which resembles an old farmhouse with lazy cats on the veranda…  Or maybe it’s the hearty welcome from Dan Zurleine, fondly called “Dan The Man” who runs the show and Koehler Winery‘s wine club. [Read more…]

Oso Libre Vines, Wines, Angus Are Oso Fine

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Oso Libre Winery ~ Paso Robles
Oso Libre Winery ~ Paso Robles

No trip to Paso Robles is complete for me without a visit to Oso Libre Vineyards!  Something magical happens when you step through the door.  Within a few seconds,  you are warmly greeted and welcomed by the Behr family.  Chris and Linda Behr, along with Jeff and Liz Freeland have put their hearts and soul into making Oso Libre one of the most fun, top wineries in Paso Robles.

Sustainability in Practice philosophy at Oso Libre
Sustainability in Practice philosophy is held in high regard at Oso Libre

Oso Libre, Spanish for Free Bear, (a compilation of Behr and Freeland family names), is certified as  Sustainability in Practice (SIP), which is no easy feat.  To be certified as SIP, the goal is to grow crops  and raise farm animals with the least impact to the environment, without the use of harmful pesticides.  Not all wineries qualify for this coveted designation, and this is only one reason that makes Oso Libre so special.

Free range, grass-fed Black Angus cattle along with Babydoll sheep (used for organic weed abatement and organic fertilization) and a few alpacas (who protect the sheep), are raised side-by-side on the 90 acre spread.  The outside patio is positioned as an observation area high above the working farm. [Read more…]

Great Wine & Contemporary Art — Perfect Duo at Lorimar Vineyard & Winery

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Lorimar's Award Winning Wines
Lorimar’s Award Winning Wines

What two things blend better than great wine and contemporary art? Add a little live music and you have a winning trio! Lorimar Vineyard & Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country is one of the newest additions to the valley and is at the top of the charts!

IMG_5938Family owned, Lorimar follows a Tuscan theme with Sangiovese being one of the primary grapes grown. Other varietals grown on the 22 acre estate are Syrah, Grenache, Muscat, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon.                                                                                                                                         [Read more…]