​The 2022 Dolcetto Estate from Clesi Wines eloquently captures the charm and vivacity of this Piedmontese variety in a Paso Robles setting. Sourced from the Nevarez Vineyard in the Templeton Gap AVA, this is Clesi’s signature red variety—one of the first they made and now a staple of their Italian wine repertoire. With an ABV around 13.5%, the wine embraces Dolcetto’s naturally juicy, inviting profile while maintaining an elegant structure. It embodies Chris Ferrara’s belief in wine that is both food-friendly and soulfully expressive—rooted in California terroir yet inspired by Italian tradition.

​Clesi describes this Dolcetto as "elegant fruit and complementary structure," noting flavors of black cherry, violets, licorice root, and fig jam, all supported by refined tannins and balanced acidity. The wine’s 14 months in oak—10% new French oak and the remainder neutral barrels—lends a subtle warmth without overwhelming the varietal’s character. It’s a red that’s joyful and welcoming, designed for the table and best enjoyed with pasta, poultry, pizza, or a lively family meal.

​The 2023 Somos Café de Olla by Rúakh Wines is an evocative and unconventional wine that defies category, inspired by having the spiced coffee drink known as café de olla, which originates in rural Mexican kitchens. Rúakh’s interpretation captures the earthy, warming essence of this traditional beverage and channels it into a complex, aromatic red wine experience. While still technically a wine, this bottle walks the line between natural winemaking and culinary art, layering bold spice, roasted character, and textural intrigue. Crafted in Paso Robles with a bold vision and minimal intervention, Somos Café de Olla isn’t just a wine—it’s a conversation piece.

​This 2023 vintage opens with a captivating nose: an interplay of piloncillo (raw cane sugar), cinnamon, and dried chili, lifted by a faint note of orange zest and dried herbs. The palate follows through with rich, savory depth—think black cherry, baking spice, and a smoky, earthy undercurrent—balanced by moderate acidity and soft tannins. It’s bold, textural, and deeply rooted in cultural expression. Whether sipped slowly on its own or paired with mole poblano, roasted root vegetables, or dark chocolate desserts, this bottle offers a singular journey through memory, place, and flavor.

​The 2024 Chardonnay from Escolle Vineyard by Zanoli Wines is a standout example of cool-climate elegance from the Santa Lucia Highlands. This wine showcases a vibrant interplay of bright citrus, green apple, and delicate stone fruit aromas, all framed by subtle hints of toasted oak and creamy vanilla. Crafted with precision, the wine balances freshness and richness beautifully, offering a medium-bodied palate with crisp acidity and a smooth, mineral-driven finish. It reflects both the unique terroir of Escolle Vineyard and Zanoli Wines’ commitment to crafting wines with finesse and expression.

Highly praised by critics, this Chardonnay earned an impressive 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, recognizing its depth, balance, and refined character. It is a versatile wine perfect for pairing with seafood, poultry, or creamy pasta dishes, and it holds promise for further aging. The 2024 vintage continues Zanoli’s tradition of producing Rhône-inspired wines with California soul, making this bottle a prized addition to any wine lover’s collection.

​The 2022 Rosé by Seven Oxen is a meticulously crafted, dry rosé that showcases the estate's commitment to quality and sustainability. Sourced from their organically farmed vineyard in Paso Robles, this wine is a harmonious blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Zinfandel. The vineyard, situated in the Templeton Gap and Willow Creek Sub AVAs, benefits from cooling coastal breezes, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, which is crucial for producing wines with balanced acidity and vibrant flavors. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the fruit's natural characteristics to shine through.

​In the glass, this rosé presents a delicate salmon-pink hue, inviting the taster into a bouquet of fresh, bright aromas. The palate is equally inviting, offering a crisp, refreshing experience with flavors that mirror the nose. This wine's balanced acidity and clean finish make it an excellent choice for a variety of culinary pairings, from light salads and seafood dishes to grilled vegetables and soft cheeses. Whether enjoyed on a warm afternoon or as an aperitif, the 2022 Rosé by Seven Oxen embodies the essence of Paso Robles' terroir and the winery's dedication to producing exceptional estate wines.

​The 2024 3‑SUM continues Loma Seca’s tradition of crafting a vibrant and racy white blend from their organically dry-farmed estate in the Adelaida District. Named for its co-fermented triple-grape lineup--Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and Riesling—this is a wine that’s both thoughtfully composed and irresistibly energetic. While exact percentages for 2024 have not been published, past versions have hovered around equal parts or slightly heavier Vermentino content, adding gracious mid-palate weight without sacrificing freshness. Fermented in stainless steel and finished on neutral French oak, the wine delivers clarity, elegance, and subtle depth.

​The 2023 Malvasia Bianca from Son of a Son, bottled by Clesi Wines, is a vibrant, floral-driven white that captures the purity and aromatic power of this Mediterranean variety with a distinctly coastal California lift. Sourced from vineyards in Monterey County—where morning fog and cool Pacific breezes preserve acidity—this bottling is beautifully poised between expressive perfume and refreshing structure. Known for honoring Italian varietals in a minimalist, site-first style, Clesi’s winemaking brings clarity and restraint to this wine, allowing the Malvasia's natural exuberance to shine without veering into excess.

​In the glass, this vintage offers a clean, dry expression of Malvasia Bianca that’s both playful and sophisticated. Intensely aromatic yet balanced, it leads with floral energy—think honeysuckle, orange blossom, and jasmine—followed by citrusy freshness and a mineral thread that adds definition to its juicy core. Light in body but long on character, it’s an ideal wine for spring and summer drinking—perfect with fresh cheeses, grilled vegetables, or citrus-cured seafood. For those seeking aromatic lift without residual sugar, this wine delivers elegance and edge in equal measure.

​The 2022 Viognier from Four Lanterns Vineyard & Winery is a beautifully refined expression of this aromatic Rhône white, grown in the cool, wind-swept hills of Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District. Sourced entirely from the estate’s Glass Hawk Vineyard, this vintage reflects a delicate touch in both farming and winemaking. The winery describes it as their most elegant Viognier to date—subtle and balanced, rather than overtly floral or tropical. It’s a wine shaped by the unique terroir of the Westside: calcareous soils, coastal influence, and a long growing season that allows Viognier to fully ripen while maintaining freshness. The result is a white wine that delivers lifted aromatics, ripe stone fruit, and a polished texture that never feels heavy.

​Critics have praised the wine for its warm notes of toasted hazelnut, buttery soufflé, and a generous core of ripe peach that flows seamlessly across the palate. The finish carries surprising freshness for a Viognier, offering subtle threads of herb and minerality that enhance its food-friendliness. This is a wine that bridges richness and restraint—showing just enough weight and creaminess to satisfy lovers of full-bodied whites, while still offering vibrancy and elegance to those who prefer finesse. It’s an ideal pairing for nuanced dishes: roasted poultry with herbs, creamy risottos, or even mildly spiced Moroccan tagines. The 2022 Viognier is a quiet standout—confident in its subtlety, and a clear reflection of Four Lanterns’ maturing style.

The 2023 Jugo De Puma Chardonnay from Ruakh Wines is a striking expression of cool-climate fruit from the renowned Santa Maria Valley. Known for its marine influence, foggy mornings, and ancient sandy soils, the region brings elegance and restraint to this wine. With a name that translates to “juice of the puma,” (and referred to as "cougar juice") the wine channels both agility and power—offering a clean, vibrant profile that remains true to the vineyard’s coastal origins. Fermented and aged with a minimalist approach, this Chardonnay balances ripeness with tension, giving it a focused structure that shines both on its own and at the table.

​On the nose and palate, expect purity and freshness: lifted citrus, crisp orchard fruit, and a subtle thread of minerality that defines the Santa Maria Valley style. There's just enough texture to round out the mouthfeel without overwhelming the wine’s natural precision. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif or paired with shellfish, roast chicken, or creamy pastas, Jugo De Puma shows Ruakh’s commitment to site-driven, unmanipulated winemaking and the hidden strength in subtlety.

​Harvested from Loma Seca’s estate vineyard in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, the 2023 Garnacha Tinta embodies the spirit of Old‑World Grenache crafted with New‑World clarity. While this particular vintage’s tasting notes aren’t widely published yet, Loma Seca’s previous releases beautifully illustrate the variety’s red-fruited expressiveness and crisp acidity. The winery describes its Garnacha as “highly aromatic” with a “fruit-forward nose,” offering raspberries, strawberries, and cherries on both nose and palate, just enough tannin to hint at cellaring potential—and a generosity that begs to be enjoyed now alongside a meal.

​With an ability to balance vibrant fruit and refreshing structure, this Garnacha Tinta reflects Loma Seca’s dry-farmed approach and attention to vineyard character. Expect a wine that feels resonant with its limestone-inflected soils and breezy, elevated hillside exposure. From lighter meats and herbed dishes to richer stews or grilled fare, this Garnacha is as versatile as it is expressive—and unmistakably Paso Robles in spirit.

​The 2020 Los Amigos from Via Vega Vineyards is a joyful, fruit-forward red blend that reflects both the warmth of Paso Robles and the playful spirit of its winemaker, Larry Gomez. Composed of 69% Malbec and 31% Petite Sirah, this estate-grown blend is a Paso original—bold, approachable, and meant to be enjoyed with good food and even better company. Grown on the organically farmed estate vineyard and aged with Via Vega’s signature long-barrel approach, the wine shows a natural depth and smoothness that speaks to both careful vineyard practices and a low-intervention style in the cellar. The name “Los Amigos” is a nod to the kind of wine Larry sets out to make—one that’s vibrant, inviting, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

In the glass, the 2020 vintage bursts with ripe dark fruit, gentle floral tones, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. The Malbec provides plush texture and generous plum and berry notes, while the Petite Sirah adds structure and a touch of peppery intensity. It’s a wine that doesn’t demand a special occasion—it makes any occasion better. Perfect with tomato-based pastas, barbecue, or even tacos, Los Amigos is a bottle that thrives in the center of a shared meal. Whether you’re a longtime Paso Robles wine fan or just getting to know the region, this blend delivers the sun, soil, and soul of Via Vega in every glass.