Comparing experiences, Sylvia and Saralyn agreed that the one thing that changed in Paso over the intervening seven years between visits was the wine—both the styles and the numbers have blossomed. Since 2000, the number of bonded wineries in Paso Robles wine country has tripled, from 50 to more than 180. The area is a haven for smallholdings, boutique, and family-owned wineries. Winemakers are attracted to the potential of the place from elsewhere in California, as well as from further afield—“local” winemakers include talents from Europe, Australia, and South Africa, to name a few. When Saralyn visited, Tablas Creek was just developing wines from vine cuttings they had imported from their home property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in southern France. By the time Sylvia arrived, Tablas Creek was enjoying a well-deserved stature internationally. From the Tablas nursery, grapevine cuttings have been sold and have helped immensely to seed a whole new range of Rhône-style wines throughout the area. Wines from the southern France-inspired Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah (and blends of these) exist side-by-side with the California staples of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. For white wines, Paso wine lovers can choose from Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and others alongside Chardonnay. Today there is a new elegance
Tablas Creek Vineyard (Photo by Gary Hewitt)
in the wines of Paso, driven by the positive energy that has existed for centuries. Happily, the price of a good Paso wine even today does not resemble a mortgage payment. After a day or two in downtown Paso Robles, Saralyn thought: “I could live here.” For Sylvia, another trip might be good: a few Paso restaurants remain to be explored.
MEDITERREANEAN – GOURMET ODYSSEY Come onboard L’AUSTRAL and experience an unforgettable journey to delight your discerning palate.
After the success of the first edition of Cuisine et Vins de France (the cuisine and wines of France), we are pleased to invite you on a new gourmet odyssey. Enjoy the gentle Mediterranean spring and a prestigious program organized by Irene KARSENTY, the Editor of Cuisine et Vins de France, who will be aboard accompanied by her guests. Experts from the editorial team will organize tasting sessions of fine wines and cooking workshops. Some of the most
famous French Michelin-starred chefs will prepare gala dinners accompanied by perfectly matched wines, selected by our expert Sommeliers. Amongst the entire Cuisine et Vins de France team, guest of honor, Emmanuel RENAUT, will accompany you through this fantastic food and wine journey. Come join us on this gourmet cruise between Andalucia, the Balearic islands and the Costa Brava onboard L’AUSTRAL.
All inclusiv e prices st arting from $3 ,300 per person. April 13 Sail from M – 20, 2013 alaga to M arseill – a gourm et odyssey… es