Last week we headed over to Caliza Winery in Paso Robles for a Viognier tasting put on by the Rhone Rangers. Actually, thanks to our friend Steve B. for telling us about this little event…otherwise we would have missed it.
Basically, there were 14 to 20 (I didn’t take a count but I heard some say 14 and some say 20) local wineries pouring their Viogniers on an absolutely beautiful Tuesday night here in Paradise. Annie and I were in heaven as Viognier is one of our absolute favorite varieties and there were some great ones at this event.
I’m not going to sit here and say that one was better than any other because that’s not what I do. That’s the adventure of wine tasting, to explore the many different varieties and styles to see what your palate enjoys. I will say that many of our favorite people were there pouring their wines like Amy from Ranchero Cellars, Steve from Anglim Winery, Katie from Derby Wine Estates, Jenny from Vines on the Marycrest, and of course Carl (and our friend Danielle) pouring Caliza wines.
Including the above wineries there was also Adelaida (we need to get out there again soon), Alta Colina (love these folks, making amazing wines), Cass Winery (awesome eastside location to eat and sip), Clautiere (haven’t been in years), Eberle Winery (recently wrote about some time we spent out there), Ecluse (haven’t had their wines for quite some time), Hearst Ranch Winery (always enjoy their wine), J. Lohr (a long time favorite of ours), Steinbeck (haven’t had for quite some time), Summerwood (haven’t been here for quite some time either), and Ambyth Estates (need to go, never been).
It really was a fun evening for us, not only did we have a babysitter for Sammy but this event was small and filled with lots of local wine people and friends that we truly enjoy spending time with. Since we don’t get out quite as much as we used to, it’s always so great to catch up, although it’s so funny how often people ask about Sammy when he’s not with us…we love it!! It shows that he will be growing up in a very tight knit, caring community…you can’t beat that.
Check out the video below of our impromptu interview with Carl Bowker of Caliza Winery. If you have not ever had the opportunity to have wines from Caliza or chat with Carl, you are really missing out. Carl is one of the good guys in this business and it’s always cool to catch up with him. I truly think he is making some extremely impressive wines in Paso Robles.
Last item of business to take care of…it’s Memorial Day and we really would like to pay our respects and give thanks to all those who have died protecting this country. There is no greater sacrifice and it’s amazing to think that so many men and women are willing to do that. Thank you never really seems like enough but it’s what we can do today…so thank you!
Matt and Annie:
How fun to enjoy 14-20 Viogniers @CalizaWinery. I have had the best time with Carl. I know he must have been a great host. Thanks for sharing your visit. I must return to Paso Robles!
Greg, he is an awesome guy, he never disappoints. Let us know when you come back to Paso!! 🙂
Glad I could steer you to it! Definitely a really great, low-key event…had a very “local” feel to it. The Rhone Rangers did good with this event and hope to attend many more like it in the future!
…and the ceviche from Pier 46 was some of the best I have had!
Steve, they sure did do a good job. We had a good time and it was really interesting to taste so many Viognier’s together like that. Always fun seeing what different wineries are doing.