DEEP THOUGHTS…WITH DAVE MCGEE: MONOCHROME WINES

Monochrome Wines, California White Wine
Monochrome Wines, California White Wine
From the winemaker
“Heady, aromatic and smooth, I broke my own rules when creating this Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend. (My rule was to never make a blend.) Full of blackberry, fragrant garden roses and an earthy richness, this is now a standard in our lineup. 380 cases produced.”
“Floral aromatics of black cherry, purple freesia, molasses and toasted almond with prominent baking spice notes. The palate is rich and round with notes of strawberry, allspice, green peppercorn and vine ripened olallieberries.”
“The 2014 Syrah is dark, bold and gamy, with tons of intensity and cool-climate spice. Firm tannins support a core of pungent fruit, giving the wine much of its energy and drive. There is plenty to like here. The 2014 was done with 15% whole clusters and aged in neutral oak. And the vineyard sources? Bien Nacido and John Sebastiano. Municipal’s 2014 Syrah is a superb value, especially for a wine made from such pedigreed sites.”
“Deep, dark purple in color with abundant red fruit and dark berry aromas and flavors.”
“Full-bodied with ripe fruit, and classic Bordeaux savory character and firm tannins, this wine is a complex and serious version of Merlot that announces to the world that this is a grape variety with serious intentions.”
2002 TH Estate Wines The Hedge, Paso Robles/ $60
2013 Calcareous Estate Syrah /$49
2007 Stanger Library Reserve Syrah / $48
2014 Wild Coyote Adelaida District Syrah / $25
One of the absolute most exciting things about Spring on the Central Coast? That’s right, its Wine Festival Season! Not sure which one is right for you? Check out the options below, grab your sandals and sunscreen and celebrate the vine with these amazing events.
Hospice du Rhone
Hospice du Rhone is An international vintners’ association that provides promotional and educational opportunities to the wine industry, trade and Rhône enthusiasts. Each year over 1,200 Rhône lovers converge in Paso Robles, California USA for the annual Hospice du Rhône Festival. The group is a mix of Rhône producers and importers, wine industry representatives, restaurateurs, Sommeliers and enthusiasts who possess an unwavering passion for the 22 Rhône varieties. The event hosts upwards of 160 Rhône wine producers and importers, from throughout the world at the Friday Rhône Rendezvous and the Saturday Grand Tasting. These worldly Rhône wine producers and imports gathered from France, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Chile and the USA. The states represented from the USA are Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington.
Tickets to attend the Paso Robles installment are now on-sale through the organizations website! This weekend, dedicated to nothing but Rhônes, will include four in-depth educational seminars, two spirited tastings and three lively meals. Attendees should gear up for a weekend of serious Rhône fun brimming with Rhône wines, Rhône zealots and Rhône producers from throughout the world. Passes are currently on sale for the Paso Robles Installment of Hospice du Rhône taking place April 14 – 16, 2016 at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California. Event and Seminar passes begin at $100. To purchase passes and to learn more visit www.hospicedurhone.org.
CAB’s of Distinction Media, Trade & Sommelier Events
If you’re ready to get your CAB on, here the Festival for you! With Seminars like :Know Your Cab Clones: Learn how to differentiate the different clones of Cabernet in Paso, and how choices in the vineyard are elevating Paso Robles wines. Join this session for an opportunity to taste and compare five different Cabernet Sauvignon clones and discuss vineyard and winery practices with the winemaker panel.
And there’s a bot o’ the ol’ competish here as well. Take the final seminar – The Judgment of Paso. Just as the Judgment of Paris proved that California Napa Valley Cabernet and Chardonnay were on a level playing field with Bordeaux in 1976, we aim to show that Paso Robles has risen to a global stage along with celebrated appellations like Napa and Bordeaux in producing superior Cabernet Sauvignon. Join this session for an opportunity to blind-taste and compare eight different Cabernet Sauvignons along with a panel of top sommeliers. After each wine is tasted, and its region strategically analyzed and guessed, it will be revealed!
If you’re in the mood to sip more than study, there’s the En Primeur & Current Vintage Tasting: Be the first to sample the latest vintages from both the barrel and just-released bottle from all 22 member wineries.
Info can be found at the Paso Robles Cab Collective’s website www.pasoroblescab.com
Earth Day Food and Wine Festival
The Earth Day Food & Wine Main event delivers a top quality food and wine experience paired with a casual, low-key atmosphere, all while celebrating the passionate people behind a sustainable food movement. Nestled under the oaks at Castoro Cellars in Templeton, California on April 23, premiere entry begins at 1pm, with general admission at 2pm. Wear your boots, wear your flip-flops. Relax at VIP tables, or enjoy yourself picnic style. Event proceeds benefit educational scholarships for relatives of farmworkers and Spanish education programs of the Vineyard Team.
Borne from the desire to share sustainable wine and food with hungry eaters and caring connoisseurs, Earth Day Food and Wine has become the acclaimed culinary experience of the season. Forget the carrot sticks—these chefs, farmers and winemakers are serving up sustainable fare that dares to be delicious.
For ten years Earth Day Food and Wine Festival has set the bar for top quality food and wine experiences, with the added bonus of celebrating a sustainable food culture. Tickets begin at $75 for the Main Event. From twenty-somethings to seventy-somethings, the goal is to connect like minded folks all for the greater good!
Additional info and tickets here: www.earthdayfoodandwine.com
These amazing Events are only the beginning of a season of incredible Wine Exploration. Stay tuned to the Breakaway Blog for the latest on Wine Festival happenings around the Central Coast!
The buttery cookie pairs well with the smooth oak and vanilla in the Chardonnay. It’s a deliciously rich pair!
Chocolate Chip and Cabernet Sauvignon
America’s favorite Red and Americas favorite Cookie. Use a dark chocolate chip to draw out the deep flavors in this Bordeaux bottle.
Gingerbread Cookies and Dry Riesling
The slightly sweet and crisp Dry Riesling balances nicely with the spice in the gingerbread.
The savory, salty oatmeal compliments the big fruit in the Syrah.
This combo is as close to an adult PB&J as you can get! The roasted salt in the Peanut Butter and the sweet, deep, dessert wine are made for each other.
This classic British cookie is a perfect fit for classic French bubbly!
Soft Molasses Cookies and Pinot Noir
This rich and chewy cookie goes well with the bright acidity and berry flavors in the Pinot Noir.
The bright, crisp effervescence of this sparkling wine balance the sugar and butter in this Holiday staple.
The jam in these Cookies is echoed in this smoothest of Reds.
Ok, so Oreo’s don’t make it onto many Holiday Cookie lists, but who doesn’t love an Oreo? The rich earthiness of this South American varietal keeps up with that big chocolate crunch.
Welcome to Wine Country on California’s Central Coast! Here at Breakaway Tours and Event Planning, we’re passionate about wine and sharing it with others. We’ve been Uncorking it since 1995!
We specialize in Deliciously Fun, Educational Wine Tours in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.For an afternoon, all day, or the weekend, we have a wine tour for you.
In 1995, before the term “Wine Tourism” was coined, ahead of the industry and with keen vision, Breakaway Tours began leading “Deliciously Fun, Educational Wine Tours” in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Beginning with Custom Wine Tours & Events for small private parties to large corporate and social groups and in 2009 adding Scheduled Wine Tours for the individual or couple; priced by the person with easy on‐line booking.
Our Specialty Tours include in-depth Wine Education Options, including Blind Tasting, Cause ‘n Effect, Blending Trials, Winery Tours and Vineyard Walks. For groups we also serve Hearst Castle Tours, Combination Castle & Wine Tours, Zip ‘n Sip Wine Tours, Private Winery Dinners, Culinary Tours and more… All available from the most experienced, connected, trusted and respected wine tour operator on the Central Coast.
Our wine tour business quickly grew to encompass all aspects of wine and culinary tourism including destination management. Today our long term relationships afford our guests access and privileges within the wine industry that no other wine tour operator can provide. We are considered the premier wine tour company on the Central Coast with an emphasis on Corporate and Incentive Groups. Our level of service has earned us Rave Reviews and high rankings across the board.
We focus on Wine Education but you won’t find any wine snobs or geeks here; we look to dispel the intimidation that can follow wine tasting. We will tailor the level of education to meet your needs and interests; whether you’re a novice or enthusiast. We welcome you to put our reputation to work for you and look forward to having you on board soon!
Until then ~ Cheers!
The image of the wine country visitor sidling confidently up to the wine bar, her swirling technique down pat, is an iconic one. But the reality is, it’s not always clear what to do, and – perhaps more critically – what not to do once you’ve arrived at the tasting room. Herein, tips on how to ace this vinous activity.
The Itinerary
The majority of wineries on the Central Coast are open to the general public 5-7 days a week depending on the season, but some are only open on weekends or by appointment; call ahead to ensure you’re able to go where you want.
This goes for groups, especially. Most wineries need to make special arrangements for groups of 6 or more, and some are not able to accommodate groups at all. Special arrangements may be needed for large vehicles such as limousines and tour buses, too.
Tours are offered at many wineries, and reservations for these activities are often strongly advised or even required. Especially on busy weekends, calling ahead to reserve tours or private tastings is essential.
Touring wine country with kids can be a fun family activity, and kid-friendly wineries abound, but call first to make sure the spots where you plan to stop fit this category. Same goes for your four-legged fuzzy kids.
Be Prepared
Wearing comfortable and casually elegant clothing to tasting rooms sets the tone for a sophisticated outing and is a sign of respect for wineries. You should always be comfortable,
Be sure to take weather-appropriate gear (e.g. jackets and sturdy shoes during the rainy season; lighter clothing, hats and sunscreen in peak summer periods), especially if outdoor activities like vineyard treks and picnics are on your agenda.
Don’t wear perfume or heavily scented cologne to tasting rooms; the scents can overwhelm the subtle aromas in wine – and interfere with your own and others’ experience.
Quick note on decorum: Wineries are wineries, not bars. Although alcohol is being served, it’s a relaxed and conversational environment. Save loud banter and raucous activities for later!
The Nitty Gritty
Fees to taste are standard operating procedure at most wineries, though some still offer complimentary or very low-cost tastes. Many will waive tasting fees with a wine purchase (which takes some of the sting out of higher fees), so be sure to inquire about such incentives.
Splitting a tasting with a companion is acceptable, especially in light of ever-higher fees and a need to avoid becoming overly inebriated. It’s also a great way to stoke debate about the wines between you and your pal.
Splurge for a reserve tasting – when available, an optional sampling of a winery’s higher-end or limited production wines – if you’re interested in getting to know a spot’s more rare and exclusive offerings.
The Technique
It goes without saying that tasting is largely about having fun. But for those looking to glean the most from the wines on pour, swirling is a great way to stoke (read: aerate) wine’s myriad aromas. For maximum control, place your glass on a flat surface and swirl while grasping the stem.
When tasting, hold glasses by the stem rather than the bowl; holding them by the bowl coats glasses in greasy fingerprints and can disturb the temperature of the wine (ideally it’s been poured at just the right temp).
Inhale deeply before taking a sip; wine’s aromas comprise one of its most beguiling offerings! Upon drinking, swirl the wine around in your mouth to ensure it coats all the surfaces; we pick up different texture and flavor sensations in different parts of our mouths.
Taste white and lighter wines before heavier wines, such as bold reds, and save the sweetest wines for last. This ensures the boldest and sweetest wines don’t overwhelm the more delicate ones you sip first. Wineries know their wines best and will structure your tasting experience to present all the wines in the best light.
The Quantity
Pacing yourself is a critical if not often talked about aspect of tasting. Build moderation into your day by selecting a manageable three or four wineries to visit. Incorporating activities like tours and a big lunch breaks up the day and ensures you do more than just drink.
When at wineries, make use of tasting buckets (dump buckets) – ask for one if it’s not at the ready. Spitting all or a portion of the wine you taste will help you to remain alert and get the most out of your experience. Never feel obliged to finish a taste.
Keep tabs on how much you’re consuming. Typically, wineries dispense tastes in the size of one-ounce pours. As a reference point, there are four to six ounces of wine in a typical glass; know your limit and spit or stop when you’ve reached it.
Drink plenty of water to stave off dehydration
Always have a designated driver, or better yet – let Breakaway Tours take the wheel!
The Buy
Purchasing wines you’ve enjoyed is a great way to keep the memory going once you’re back at home. Make sure you’re aware of shipping laws applying to your state if you need to ship wine back home; if you’re flying, consult your airline about weight, quantity and liquid restrictions. Tasting rooms are well equipped to help you figure out if shipping is a viable option for you, so feel free to ask!
Again, tasting fees may be waived or reduced if you purchase wine on your visit. Be sure to inquire about such incentives; you may find that you spend the same amount or only slightly than you would for a tasting by purchasing a bottle. Tasting rooms exist to sell you wine.
Most wineries have wine clubs that offer periodic shipments of wine on an ongoing basis. Besides the wines that come with memberships, benefits and perks abound. These may include complimentary tastings, release parties, access to limited release wines, and discounts on wine purchases. Don’t hesitate to ask about membership price, quantities shipped, when they’re shipped, and any other perks that might be included.
Following these tips should ensure a smooth wine country visit and – even better – afford you the ability to focus on making memories rather than sweating the details.
Cheers to that!
What’s more convenient than having wines show up at your door on a regular basis? Not much. A wine club offers the convenience of having a variety of exceptional wines delivered to you or available to pick up on your next visit to the winery.
A wine club guarantees that a regular delivery of superb wine is delivered within a consistent time frame (usually monthly or quarterly shipping), without the burden of having to select each wine yourself. It’s a curated collection of wines from your favorite
winery.
Who doesn’t like trying new wines? Sure we all have our favorites, but a wine club ensures that you are getting new and varied wines each shipment. It gives you a chance to find a new experience that you may have not have tried otherwise.
Grocery stores usually have a nice selection of wines, but these are the same commercial wines that they know will sell. A wine club often provides a much larger and broader selection of wines than you would typically find in the store. This is done because the wine club curator has more flexibility to select unique, fun, or rare wines, and not be burdened with taking up expensive shelf space. Most wines available through clubs won’t be found in your grocery and store, unless you live close to the winery.
If you’re like many, you tend to stick to your tried and true wine varietals. It took a long time for a friend of mine to venture out from big, bold, cabs, but he took a leap of faith and really discovered that he likes Sauvignon Blanc & Riesling almost as much. With a wine club, it encourages you to broaden your horizons, and try new varietals you may never have even known you loved.
Membership has it privileges, and joining a wine club is no different. Joining a Winery’s wine club will get you exclusive invitations to events, discounts on regular purchases, and more. You receive complimentary tastings on visits to the Tasting Room for you and your guests. This is just a few of the perks you can get.
By joining a wine club, you are putting your money in someone else’s hands to select wines for you. But this isn’t a bad thing. By letting professional select wines for you, you increase your chances of receiving a superior wine. The winery knows their wines like no one else, and you get the benefit! When your Winemaker or Wine Club Manager selects wines for the club, they have to be certain that it’s an exceptional wine that represents the best they offer. It’s good to know that someone who really know wine took the time to carefully try many wines to choose one that meets the club level expectations.
Remember how excited you got for Christmas as a child? Rushing down to open your gifts. A wine club is like that except it’s for adults and it happens more than once per year. When you join a club you have new wines to enjoy but also know that you have another shipment on its way to look forward to as well!
One of the best perks of belonging to a wine club is first looks at new wine releases, limited production releases, and special offerings. Many times these wines are not even available to the general public at all. Wine Club membership will ensure you don’t miss out on these special wines.
Wine Clubs offer discounts on regularly priced wine a few ways. Sometimes you are getting 3 wines for less than you would pay if you bought them individually, sometimes the wine is discounted for members only, and other times you get special offers on wines from the winery.
Wine preferences is another great benefit. Clubs come in many shapes and sizes. Some clubs may be low cost, some may be for the seasoned collector, some may focus on a region, and some on a varietal. They key is, you can find a club that focuses on your favorites, or pick one that features wines you aren’t familiar with. Life is better with wine, and clubs are a tool for better enjoyment. Currently we feature 3 clubs to choose from.
One of the benefits of joining a wine club is the exposure to wine in general. Reading up on the wines you receive, you’re going to find out more about the winery, the vineyards, the regions, the varietals, and the vintage. And on and on. You’re also going to learn about yourself and your personal experience with wine.
Most wine clubs offer a newsletter. Here you will find out about the comings and goings of the winery, the wine world, etc. Central Coast Wineries newsletters show wine club members were you can find out more about the wines featured, and what is going on in the Central Coast Wine Community.
I have made some incredible wine-loving friends at pickup parties, winemaker dinners, and other Wine Club events. These are awesome people who share your passion for wine and can be an amazing resource on expanding your wine experience. They can join you on your next wine adventure!
Probably the Number One benefit of joining a wine club… You Get Wine! IF that isn’t reason enough to join, I don’t know what is. So let Breakaway Tours take you for an adventure in Central Coast Wine Country, and start discovering for yourself!
To learn more about Central Coast WIneries and the amazing Clubs they offer visit: Paso Wine , SLO Wine , or Santa Barbara County Wines today!