A Taste of Wine

Happy 2010! I hope you all had a great holiday season.

I was fortunate enough to have almost two full weeks off of work so I did a lot of lounging around. After I was lounged out, I decided to take a little trip up to the Central Coast of California for some wine tasting. The destination--Paso Robles.

Located about 30 minutes inland from San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles is situated in a region comprised of over 250 wineries. While most think of Napa for California wines, the Central Coast is abundant with vineyards as well.

Instead of trying to decide which wineries to visit, we hopped on the Grapeline. This was an awesome decision! For $86, we got picked up at our hotel and taken to four wineries over the course of about five hours, given an amazing picnic lunch, then we were dropped off back at our hotel. It was great to get to taste all of the wines without the worry of having to drive.

I am not the biggest wine drinker. I drink it, but never know what kind to buy...usually picking the bottle with the coolest name that tastes the worst! Therefore I was excited to go on the tour and taste the wines and learn what I enjoy. And boy was there opportunity to try different variates.

At each winery we sampled anywhere from four to eight wines. I already knew I liked white and blushes, I learned to like some reds, and I now know I HATE port! Not my thing!

The scenery was so beautiful. It was a great little getaway and for a nice price. Using Priceline's "name your price," I booked a Courtyard Marriott room for $60 that rents for $145.

On the way home we drove down the 101 through Pismo Beach (pictured above), Santa Barbara, and back to LA. The drive was really plesant. There's nothing better than viewing the coast while driving!

If you live in the LA area, I suggest you take a trip to Paso Robles. From the city it only takes just over three hours to get to the gorgeous area.