Wine column: 36 hours in Paso Robles
Sam Mogull of Rúakh. Photo from winery’s website.
– On our most recent trip to Paso Robles, we made some new discoveries and enjoyed a “slice” of Tuscany. Mark these down for your future trip-you’ll be happy you did.
Sam Mogull of Rúakh
(Rúakh the Hebrew word for an intangible force that fills us with purpose) Samantha (Sam) Mogull Esquivel, owner & winemaker at Ruakh Wines, is a new, bright winemaker in Paso Robles’ Central Coast Wine Country. She is well worth a visit and someone to keep your eyes on.
When you meet Sam, Sam will tell you, “If I can’t make wine, I don’t know what I’d do with my life.” Sam is full of passion, excitement, and purpose, all while keeping busy with her husband, 16-year-old stepson, 5-year-old daughter, and another daughter on the way in December. But that doesn’t stop Sam from creating small lots of wines that are expressive, focusing on mouthfeel and displaying the terroir. Most of all, Sam’s wines define who she is, commenting: “I want to make a wine you can taste and feel in your soul.”
Her initial release sold out quickly; however, she held back enough for tastings (and during your tasting, you may well be treated to a barrel sample or two). The current tasting consists of:
- *2023 Un Capricho, 100% Mourvèdre
- *2022 Listen to the Mustn’ts, 90% Grenache 10% Syrah
- *2022 Conversations with Strangers, 100% Syrah.
Tastings are by appointment only (through the website). Don’t delay, book a taste with Sam today: sam@ruakhwines.com. Discover the wines from this passionate new Paso Robles winemaker.
Sam’s next release: May 2025, which will include several new, enticing blends. Cheers!
Photo by Don Sonderling.
Monarca restaurant- our new breakfast go-to!
We visit Paso…a lot! So, when our local friend asked, “Have you been to Monarca?” and we said no, they said: “You have to try it for breakfast or lunch.” We did, and yes, you have to try it!
Opening this past February, Monarca (across from the park, by the movie theatres) has already established a reputation for hospitality and creativity and is a local meeting place for breakfast and lunch. And, as the saying goes: “You only have one chance at a first impression.” Our first impression as we walked into the restaurant was nothing short of welcoming with gracious hospitality.
With a Monarch butterfly motif on the walls, pleasant music playing, and a fresh, airy interior, Julia greeted us with an infectious smile. With a “take your time looking at the menu but is there anything I can start you off with,” I ordered orange juice and watched them squeeze the oranges!
The food is described as “multicultural and dynamic…. a fusion of Mexican and American Cuisine.” It is delicious.
We ordered (and shared) a cheese omelet (with fresh avocado, cheddar, and added mushrooms), perfectly prepared! Our friends ordered eggs benedict (prepared perfectly, with hollandaise on the side), and a fresh fruit yogurt…delicious. Lots of choices here,
served with an inviting warm atmosphere.
We enjoyed our breakfast so much that a few days later we returned for lunch!
We’ll be back on our next trip! Bon Appetite.
Photo by Four Sisters Ranch.
Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards & Winery
How, in all my trips to the area over the last 20+ years, have I never been to Four Sisters Ranch? Maybe it’s the old saying: “So many wineries, so little time.” Well, this time I made it, and am I glad I did.
Four Sisters Ranch, Vineyards and Winery, one of thirteen wineries on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Paso Robles, takes you down weaving country roads, with serene vistas, hills, valleys, and vineyards. Discover a place to “sip” back, enjoying hospitality and the sights and sounds of nature.
Proprietors Serena Friedman, M.D. and Michale Drucker, M.D. found this piece of wine heaven 35 years ago and have built a solid reputation for wine and hospitality.
Growing premium grapes for respected wineries since 1989, Four Sisters Ranch released its own label in 2007 introducing estate cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah. Today, they produce highly rated estate wines, including whites, single varietals, and blends, receiving awards and accolades from publications and competitions such as Wine Enthusiast magazine, and the Sunset International Wine Competition, and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Building on their success and recognition, in 2015 Four Sisters Ranch opened its event center, a perfect setting for weddings, corporate and family gatherings, and any special event you can think of, accommodating up to 300 people. With the backdrop of an amazing vista, an event at Four Sisters Ranch is magical; this is a special venue to celebrate life and living.
Four Sisters Ranch offers everything a wine country visitor could want: Award-winning wines, a breathtaking view, an awesome event venue (indoors or outdoors), brought together with impeccable hospitality!
You will discover why a visit to Four Sisters Ranch will be more than “pleasant” as you discover the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail.
Churros, with cinnamon, sugar, and mouth-watering chocolate ganache. Photo by Don Sonderling.
Paso Robles’ Tuscan Villa
Villa San Juliette, (also on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail), is a perfect destination when you want to escape, drink well, eat well, and relax. It is enchanting, sitting on the expansive patio, letting your imagination wander, and enjoying a slice of Italy, as you hear the burble of the fountain in the courtyard, savoring award-winning wines accompanied by the artful and flavorful creations of amazing Chef Rachel.
In less than 20 years VSJ has earned a reputation for producing fine wines, and gourmet food to be savored in a setting of a small Tuscan Italian Villa on California’s Central Coast.
Head Winemaker Dan Smith (since 2015) is like a kid in a candy shop, as the unique terroir grows 12 different varieties, mostly Bordeaux with Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, in addition to Alicante Bouschet, and several whites. VSJ wines consistently are recognized by respected industry people and publications such as Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling in addition to continuously receiving awards at the Central Coast Wine Competition.
Wine and food just go together, and Executive Chef Rachel Ponce creates a menu that is “wine flight friendly,” and lovingly prepared. Sourcing locally, using the freshest of ingredients, the menu changes according to season and availability.
On our recent visit a few of the dishes we experienced, paired with our wine included:
- Beet hummus with grilled vegetables, garbanzo beans, and local olive oil with pita bread
- Jamon arancini, with arborio rice, roasted garlic, and a butternut squash puree
- Poached pear and ricotta toast, with house-made ricotta, balsamic and fried shallots
- Churros, with cinnamon, sugar, and mouth-watering chocolate ganache
We really need a repeat visit so we can enjoy the clams in white wine butter, the short rib stew, and harvest curry. Each dish is a visual masterpiece with creative flavors to match.
Treat yourself to a unique Tuscan experience on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle of wine, food and adventure. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com.
