Best zinfandel wines in Paso Robles for the holidays in 2024
–A list of the best Paso Robles wines for the holidays would not be complete without a section on zinfandel. It’s known as the Paso Robles heritage grape varietal. Great zinfandel and Italian-style wines from Paso Robles are typically full-bodied, fruity with aromas of berries, sometimes jammy, and usually of moderate to high alcohol content. They pair well with roasted turkey, lamb, red meats, and anything Italian you might be making for the holidays.
Top local zinfandel and Italian-style wine recommendations
Ancient Peaks 2021 Quarry Sangiovese – $45
Inspired by the great sangiovese wines of Brunello and Chianti this wine, only available online and in the tasting room, presents nuanced aromas of black cherry, plum, thyme, and sarsaparilla spice. It unfolds with herbal textures and flavors of rich red fruits and energetic acidity, finishing with notes of coffee, earthy tobacco, and nutmeg. Pair with red sauce pasta, Italian sausage pizza, and grilled meats.
Barr Estate Winery 2018 Primitivo – $28
This wine greets the nose with intense floral, black pepper, and dark fruit aromas followed by a spicy, smooth taste. Pair with barbecued beef, Italian food, or blackened fish. Only 103 cases of this estate-grown and bottled wine were produced.
Brecon Estate 2022 Zinfandel – $69
This wine is lively and bright, rather than jammy with an intriguing spice layer, soft tannins, and underlying mixed white/black pepper notes. All while the interplay of fine American and French oaks provide a subtle, refine,d and seamless framework.
Dubost 2022 Zinfandel – $55Dark ruby with a cherry rim, this 80% zinfandel, 20% petite sirah, features notes of fresh berries, red plum, and cranberry with peppery spice accents. This balanced zinfandel has a pleasing grip on the mouth.
Eberle 2022 Paso Robles Zinfandel – $40
This vintage has a harmonious blend of boysenberry and strawberry notes, with a hint of spiced plum and a touch of cardamom and white pepper. The luscious flavors are complemented by a lingering finish of dusted chocolate. The well-structured tannins go nicely with a meat lasagna with red sauce, sweet & spicy barbecue, or a bowl of seasonal veggie chili. It was awarded a gold medal and 90 points at the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition 2024 and best of class at the Sommelier Challenge 2024.
Glunz Family Winery 2021 Zinfandel – $45
Fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks with daily pump-overs, then laid down to once-used 100% American oak barrels, this zinfandel features aromatics of mint, cherry, and eucalyptus. The palate is loaded with red cherry, raspberry, and notes of cinnamon and spice.
Graveyard Vineyards 2022 Ancient Rituals – $40
The nose offers scents of black currants, blackberry, and strawberry licorice. It is rich, smooth, and creamy on the palate and finishes with hints of currant, plum, and tobacco leaves. This wine can be enjoyed with or without food.
This zinfandel, aged for 34 months in French oak, boasts a deep purple color and a fruit-forward aroma of raspberry, blackberry, and cherry, complemented by a hint of black pepper. The 85% zinfandel, 15% cabernet sauvignon blend pairs beautifully with prosciutto-wrapped prunes, black bean chili, pizza, pasta with meaty tomato sauce, and barbecue baby back ribs.
McPrice Myers 2023 Pound for Pound Paso Robles Zinfandel – $20
This 96% zinfandel, 4% petite sirah blend features notes of dragon fruit, pomegranate juice, early season black figs, orange zest, candied hibiscus, and double delight rose. The palate is mineral-laden, with crunchy, energetic acidity, juicy and lively, with a persistent staccato finish.
Opolo 2022 Mountain Zinfandel – $32
The Opolo 2022 Mountain Zinfandel featured deep aromas of blueberry, cherry, and fruit leather with hints of sweet baking spices. Its mouthfeel offers flavors of ripe plum, black cherry, mulberry, and vanilla, finishing with a velvety smoothness and a touch of peppery spice. This wine pairs wonderfully with bacon-jam sliders.
Peachy Canyon XIII Zinfandel Port – $32
This 13-year blended zinfandel port is full of inviting notes of creamy hazelnut, walnut, and fruit leather. The palate is rich with mocha and brown butter flavors, finishing with subtle hints of caramel.
Penman Springs 2021 Aglianico – $32
Barrel-aged in American oak for 18 months, this complex wine offers earthy and spice-filled aromas followed by flavors of tart raspberries with a peppery finish. It pairs well with beef brisket, smoked pork, and prime rib. It also pairs well with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoky gouda cheese.
Riverstar 2018 Estate Zinfandel – $30
This wine features a medium body with boysenberry and red berry flavors. This zinfandel has a soft oak and a juicy finish.
Sculpterra 2021 Primitvo – $44
The 2021 Sculpterra Primitivo brings old-world charm and peppery bouquets, with new oak toast and a myriad of cola berry flavors, and shows off barbeque-smokey char as well as vanilla and chocolate accents. The wine is 100% primitivo yet a blend of three unique primitivo lots, adding to the complexity and overall depth of flavors. The finish lingers with marshmallow and graham-cracker flavors, ending smooth and supple throughout the mid-palate and finish. It’s drinkable now or wait until it peaks in 2027.
Seven Angels Cellars 2019 Zinfandel – $40
This is a big wine with spice on the nose and flavors of black pepper, dark fruit, and black licorice. It won a silver medal at both the 2023 Central Coast Wine Competition and the 2023 OC Wine Society.
Look for more local wine recommendations coming soon
- Best local sparkling wines
- Best local rosé wines
- Best local white wines
- Best local zinfandel wines
- Best local pinot noir
- Best Spanish-style wines
- Best local Rhone-style red wines and red blends
- Best cabernet, Bordeaux-style, and red wines
- Best local dessert wines
Publisher’s note: For the 11th year in a row we thought it would be fun to recommend local wines for the holidays. Once again, we received an amazing amount of participation from our local wineries. Over the last two weeks, we received more than 150 entries. Fortunately, there were many solid, well-made Paso Robles wines to recommend. We have created several lists of top local wines into categories. The recommended wines above are in alphabetical order.
