Holiday on the Trail offers ‘off beaten path’ wine experience
Pleasant Valley Wine Trail event is a 12-mile wine tasting extravaganza
– On the weekend of Dec. 3 and 4, hikers and wine tasters can take a walk off the beaten path with Pleasant Valley Wine Trail‘s “Holiday on the Trail,” a unique wine-tasting experience. Twelve local wineries are teaming up to offer special vintages, complimentary food pairings and unique holiday gifts along a 12-mile trail. Visitors can experience an unforgettable day in the wineries while enjoying spectacular views. Along the trail, hikers will find warm hospitality, hand-crafted wines, and undiscovered values that this small yet diverse group has to offer.
“If you haven’t yet experienced the wineries of Northern Paso Robles, you’re definitely in for a treat. ‘Holiday on the Trail’ is a great weekend to visit all the boutique wineries of the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. You’ll experience several 90+ point wines, numerous Best of Class winners, as well as, food pairings and unique gifts at most locations,” said Kimberly Morelli, owner at San Marcos Creek Vineyards.
Pleasant Valley Wine Trail event details
From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can start out at Bon Niche Cellars, 2627 Golden Eagle Way in San Miguel, where they are pairing award-winning red wines with meatballs simmered in a delightful estate-grown Malbec glaze. Finish off your tasting with rich Ecuadorian chocolate paired with a Bordeaux-style blend.
Meanwhile, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards & Winery at 2995 Pleasant Road will offer complimentary food and wine pairing, plus live music by Darren Kerr (Gypsy Jazz & Latin) from 1 to 4 p.m. Exclusive case specials on sparkling wines, holiday gift baskets, and fun treats, holiday empanadas (vegetarian available) paired with their limited-release Tempranillo/Grenache blend. Enjoy Four Sisters 90+ point and Gold and Silver Medal wines, and their recent Limited Edition wine releases, with spectacular 360-degree scenic views atop the hill.
Graveyard Vineyards at 6990 Estrella Road, also from 11 am to 5 p.m., is participating in the “Holiday on the Trail” with their log-burning fireplace and a glass of Graveyard wine, gourmet bacon mac n’ cheese, warm brownies and live music on the vintage 1930’s baby grand piano. Many wines to be poured are gold medal (90-98PTS) and Graveyard will feature a couple new releases as well. This may be a hot spot to wrap up your holiday shopping.
From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. visit the spectacular two acres of gardens at Hartley Farms at 6770 Estrella Road while enjoying mini donuts paired with their organic jams. Do some early holiday shopping with a variety of vendors. Pad your stomach with a few more mini donuts before hitting the trail, bring a picnic and bottle of wine to enjoy on the lawn, or end your day there.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., J&J Cellars, at 2850 Ranchita Canyon Road offers complimentary food and wine pairing. J&J will be serving homemade smoked brisket chili with their estate grown Malbec all day. Finish your tasting experience with a winemakers choice barrel sample.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Locatelli Vineyards & Winery at 8585 Cross Canyons Road offers some comfort food including prime rib with twice baked potatoes paired with Estate Cabernet Franc, a perfect complement on a chilly afternoon. New arrivals are just in time for gift giving as well as wine specials for holiday entertaining.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mystic Hills Vineyard at 77869 Ranchita Canyon Road offers wine tasting and food pairing with some added holiday magic—visitors are invited to enjoy gold medal-winning wines and tasty treats with Academy Award winner Joel Cox, as well as be among the first to try Mystic Hills’ brand new 2013 releases. Check off names on your list with special gift-giving items and have a blast.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit the newest member of the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, PS Cellars, at 13350 River Road, for a Gruyere Gougeres (French cheesy puff) paired with a “Silky” Rhône blend (65% Grenache, 35% Syrah). There will be live music on Saturday from 1-4 and special holiday gift items all weekend long. Visitors can linger for a while, try the chocolate or cheese pairings, or just enjoy wine by the glass.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, Riverstar Vineyards, at 7450 Estrella Road, offers cheesecake bites paired with dessert wines- Solara, Twilight, and Estrella Brillante. The Kenny Taylor Band will be performing live music from 1-4 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 3rd. Groove to this awesome pop rock/folk country trio. Riverstar will have dessert wine specials just in time for holiday gatherings and gifts, as well as case specials all weekend long. At the crossroads of Airport and Estrella Road.
San Marcos Creek, at 7550 North Hwy 101, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., invites you to their special sanctuary. “It’s not just a winery, its a little piece of Eden.” Pull into the drive off the 101, take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the swaying willows. Roberto, Kimberly, and Sunni will be pouring Nebbiolo, which pairs very well with anything Italian, so they will be pairing homemade Bolognese with meatballs and garlic bread. San Marcos Creek also offers gifts galore in their gift shop. Visitors can stay at their inn, or the villa.
Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, at 3439 Ranchita Canyon Road, will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., pairing their award winning wines with savory sausage. Take your picture with their Cowafornia Cow and meet the artist Kerry Donlon-Bowen. Rafter Diamond L will be selling goat soaps and lotions. They have autographed cookbooks and more fun gift ideas for holiday shopping.
Tackitt Family Vineyards, at 6640 Von Dollen Road, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will put out warm home-baked cookies paired with their 2013 Estate Petite Sirah. Pick up a bottle or two for your holiday celebrations and don’t forget to throw the ball for Harley, Gus and Lincoln
From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., stop by Villa San-Juliette Winery, 6385 Cross Canyons Road, and help them celebrate the holiday season in style. Chef Charlene has added a delicious pork belly and lentil soup to their small bites menu that makes the perfect accompaniment to their Cabernet Franc. She’ll have samples of each available to try. Looking for the perfect gifts this season, Villa San-Juliette offers a great selection of unique gifts and wine specials.
And be sure to stop by Cinquain Cellars and meet owner Beth Nagengast, at 6404 Independence Ranch Place in San Miguel.
