Wine Tasting - Tuscan Villa - in Paso Robles, Ca

Not the first, and sometimes not the second stop on your train of thought when it comes to "wine country," Paso Robles was a delightful and different overnight wine and Bed and Breakfast experience. The first thing you notice when flying in to Paso Robles Airport is that the valley is literally covered in vinyards. The second thing you notice, especially on this July day, was that it was hot; ninety five degrees, on its way up to 109 (not a typo).

Home base for this trip was Villa Toscana bed and breakfast. A production of the Martin and Weyrich winery and vinyard, it is a beautiful reproduction of a Tuscan villa nestled in the midst of the vines. If you know where their tasting room is located on route 46 at Buena Vista Drive, the Villa Toscana is not far away down the same street. Better photos than I could take are located at http://www.myvillatoscana.com/com . The winemaker's suite is the hot ticket if you have the need for luxury (but I am not sure how much it costs). A jacuzzi sits on the balcony outside this suite overlooking the vinyard. Regular rooms start at $350 plus. The breakfast was tasty and very comprehensive. In addition to a large cold buffet, the chef will make eggs and waffles to order in the spacious dining room. While there is no on-site spa, the Pacere Spa in Paso Robles will provide in-room Facials, Massage and Reflexology. Other Bed and Breakfast recommendations in the area can be found at www.thecanyonvilla.com and www.ledomainebb.com .

Seems like good food always goes with good wine and Paso is no exception. Lunch consisted of a sampling of appetizers at the comfortable Villa Creek on Pine Street downtown. Dinner was the real highlight, however, at Artisan Restaurant on Park Street. Owner/Manager Mike Kobayashi led us to our table in the main room of this contemporary style restaurant. It features American cuisine, meaning a wide range of regional dishes, most based upon traditional French techniques, but sometimes with a hint of the unusual: peppadew butter sauce, sides of grits, fried green tomatoes, and house-made ketchup to name few. You'll like the extensive wines by the glass as well as the traditional list and dessert is not to be missed. Try the assortment of artisan cheeses.

While there are many, many wineries of note in this valley (go to the Wine Attic on Park Street and ask Robert Sanda for advice of which to see and what to buy), an interesting, but small winery is Four Vines; www.fourvines.com. Wine maker Christian Tietje has a passion about making different wines. From his "Naked chardonnay" (no oak), to Zins including "Biker," "Sophisticate," and "Maverick." If you'd like to taste some big wines try a Tempranillo called
"de Toro Loco" or a Sirah called "the Heretic." Christian started out life as a chef in Boston before moving to California to nurture his passion for wine. If you visit their tasting room at 3750 Hwy 46, a little-known fact is that they have temporary tattoos for some of the labels and a few "editorial" tatoos as well. Get a set and be the hit of your next wine tasting party.

The Paso Robles airport is fairly easy to find but there is only one FBO (Paso Robles Jet Center) which has friendly service and the basic functionality you need. The best kept secret for this airport is Matthews Restaurant, located right on the field. www.matthewsattheairport.com . It is, without question, the best fly-in restaurant in the western states. You won't believe me until you try it for yourself.