If you do, let me know how it is. I’d love to hear.
One thing to note. In the Tablas Creek area we had no cell reception. There were 6 of us. Some had T-Mobile, others had Verizon. None of us had cell service. Tablas obviously has wifi but we were using our cell phones as a GPS. If you need a GPS, use one that is satellite based or be prepared to ask for directions.
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We went to Dunning, I think, late last year, and Bob was still doing the tastings himself. Incredible guy who has been involved in the paso wine scene since before there was a scene in paso. My favorite part of going to paso: chatting with Bob!
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Union Sacre and Desperada in Tin City. Allbaer (make appointment), Kukkula (a little out of the way, but a fun visit. Best to make appointment).
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I did this tour and it was very enjoyable. I was by myself and there was only 1 other couple with me. Went through some Beaucastel history/vine import history (very cool), walked through multiple vineyard areas, saw all the prep/machines for the harvest that was starting pretty soon, saw all the currently aging wine, and tons of answered questions from the group. You get a metal water bottle with the Tablas logo filled with cold water for the tour you can keep too.
Had an excellent tasting after I mentioned I had just joined the club about a week prior. Mentioned I was also considering upgrading to the waitlist for the library release version of the club and was poured a number of older releases. Upgraded on the spot as I really enjoyed them especially for the price points.
I had to rearrange my next tasting of the day as I was there much longer than I had expected. Fully recommend it.
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Thanks for the info on the tour. Sounds like something we would enjoy.
I’m curious about Royal Nonesuch…I don’t know anything about them. What did you like there?
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I’m also totally unfamiliar with Brecon. What makes them a “must try” stop?
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Anthony Yount was the winemaker for Denner for quite some time (don’t think he’s still there) and also has been making his Kinero label for 15+ years. He’s very talented and well respected.
Cheers
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for Brecon, very pretty outdoor tasting area with each group sort of separated providing a bit of privacy.Also, the biggest acorns you’ve ever seen, which reminds me, the giant acorns hurt a little bit if they hit you on the way down, so be aware of that! Some were easily the size of a golf ball. Ha! Oh, and really good wines. Also a couple super sweet dogs running around.
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We’ve been a couple of times and honestly didn’t love the wines.
It’s been a number of years, though, so maybe things have improved or maybe it’s just not our style.
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Went to Royal Nonesuch on the reco from Levo’s Brett Urness whom we really like and trust, and it was spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Younts. Having only recently begun hobby farming, we were keen to soak up all we could on raising pigs and farming topics like that. Anthony and Hilary obliged and graciously shared great tips. Just super cool people. So for me, more than just great wine.
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Again, so helpful to hear folks’ experiences.
Quick question: any good places to get sandwiches, etc. to go for a picnic while touring around?
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I’ve heard this place is good if you’re near Templeton. Was supposed to go last time but pivoted to taking my group to Firestone for a beer break at lunch haha
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Definitely worth trying what is on offer. Production is small so there is no guarantee what they have.
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Yes, but maybe not convenient. Wayward in Los Osos is worth a visit for baked goods and sandwiches after 11:30.
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I did the structural engineering for Brecon’s renovation when they moved in and took over from Norman years ago, so I have a little bit of a soft spot for the place. I liked some of their wines fairly well early on, but after a few years the prices climbed out of my range, so I haven’t been back in quite a while.
The last time I was up in the area, Red Scooter Deli near downtown Paso was recommended to me, although I didn’t get there myself. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, also near downtown, is a fun place that comes to mind, although many of their options might not be as portable as you’d want.
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Red Scooter Deli in Paso is by far my reco. I think it’s the B.A.L.T. sandwich or maybe the Turkey Club our group got every single day-it’s that good. We just ordered online and our driver would go pick them up while we were tasting. Sort of between tasting stops.
Think there are 2 separate locations of Red Scooter, tho, and we found one to be better than the other. Our driver knew which one was better, so I didn’t have to and can’t advise on that.
Side note: if you need/want a driver, I have a great guy out there I’ll gladly refer.
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There’s also a wonderful cheese shop that sells charcuterie stuff along with standard deli stuff and artisan bread products all of which they’re happy to basket up for you to take out on your own. Vivant Fine Cheese just off Pine near the Ava Hotel. We ended up doing this for light “dinner” a couple times when we were tired of the gluttonous eating/drinking. Promise it’s great and light and as easy as you want it to be. And the people there were fabulous!
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