We recently rounded up a bunch of wine loving associates and friends to visit the beautiful and relaxing Paso Robles wine country of Central California. This started up as a Twitter wine “tweetup” event and was renamed a “Twamping” event (Twitter+ camping) – by-the-way we’re currently the #2 winery on Twitter – please follow us at @eaglesnestwine
Paso wine country is centered off Highways 101 and 46, the Paso Robles wine region includes 26,000 vineyard acres, producing more than 40 winegrape varieties – from Spanish to Italian, Bordeaux to Rhône, including the area’s heritage variety Zinfandel. There are over 130 wineries in the region.
Our group stayed at the Wine Country RV Resort off Air Port Road. Wine tasting and wine making research aside, we spent several evenings enjoying the company of new and old friends and culinary delights including fresh grilled oysters, chicken, and beef, ravioli soup, clams and linguine, and spaghetti with red sauce, fajitas, and assorted salads and desserts – and of course wine.
We visited wineries including Caparone Winery a small father and son operation that makes only red wines including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Aglianico- all were smooth and very enjoyable. Several cases were purchased. See the YouTube video here.
The owner Dave Caparone was gracious and informative. He also showed us his private collection of restored and in-restoration antique autos.
Next was Jada Winery – a newer winery that focuses on Bordeaux and Rhône-style blends. Their swanky tasting room was quite a contrast to Caparone’s minimalist approach (but isn’t it all about the wine?) and they pair some excellent cheeses with their wines. We paired up on the tastings to remain within their limited industry complimentary tastings policy. A few bottles were purchased.
A late noon tasting and picnic was planned at Justin Winery. Justi
n features “left bank” Bordeaux style blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, named ISOSCELES, and JUSTIFICATION, it’s “right bank” Merlot and Cabernet Franc cousin, along with varietal bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and limited amounts of Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Malbec, Petit Verdot, OBTUSE (Port wine), Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. The tasting room had a warm rich feel, and the picnic area under old walnut trees providing shade and a view of the surrounding vineyards. Several bottles were purchased.
We then 
proceeded to Tolo Cellars’ historic 1800′s farm house tasting room where Josh the wine maker explained his approach to winemaking in a YouTube video we posted to the Internet.
Tolo features Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and exotic Rhone blends. Tolo’s wines are fermented on native yeast and in Josh’s words ” allow the robust and wild flavors of the vines to exude in the wines.” Several bottles were purchased.
We wrapped up the day with a delightful visit to Tablas Creek Vineyards the source of Eagles Nest Winery vineyard’s Picpoul Blanc vines used in grafts from Santa Rosa’s Nova Vine nursery. Megan Buss was our knowledgeable and enthusiastic tasting room host featured in this YouTube video.
Megan and John (tasting room manager) also introduced the winery to our group and discussed the Picpoul Blanc grape in this YouTube video. Several bottles were purchased. 
The following day we visited Jeff Pipes at his family’s Pipestone Vineyards. Jeff is a former environmental engineer and lawyer. His small family operation is 100% solar as of a year ago and is an organic operation. He even used draft horses to plow his vineyard rows to reduce his use of petroleum. A couple of cases were happily purchased.
We talk with Jeff in this YouTube video.
Our group also visited several other wineries in the Paso Robles area. We encourage wine lovers to visit the many wine regions of California and support the many smaller family and boutique wineries that need your business and love!
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