Skip to main content

Visiting Paso Robles - Ancient Peaks Winery & The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA


Shake off your traveler's fatigue and start your trip the way that I did with a visit to Ancient Peaks Winery for some refreshing Ancient Peaks Rosé 2016 made from 100% Pinot Noir from the cool estate Margarita Vineyard site in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. Fresh and crisp with cherry, peach and zippy grapefruit notes, this limited release wine will revive even the most weary of wine lovers and have them ready to explore the terroir from which it came.

 How do you do that?
Go across the street and you will find the Margarita Adventures office for all of your Paso Robles adventuring needs. You can book these experiences on-line in advance of your trip. I recommend the zip-lining jaunt to get your adrenaline pumping while allowing you to see some amazing views while learning the history of the southernmost portion of the Paso Robles area which includes Wild West tales of Frank and Jesse James.

 This two and a half hour tour gives the more daring an incredible view of a California landmark, the Santa Margarita Ranch. The area's wine history began in 1790, sixty years before California became a state. Franciscan friars planted vineyards upon their arrival and others followed. Today, the ranch practices sustainable grape growing and is a part of the historic California Mission Trail.

The marine influence from the Pacific Ocean combined with the typical cold spring weather creates a long and late growing season. There are five unique soil types in the area- ancient seabeds, granitic, rocky alluvium, shale and volcanic. There are no other vineyards nearby, the Margarita Vineyard stands alone in the Santa Margarita AVA.

 The tour includes six zip-lines which span over 7,800 feet with an amazing 2,800 foot valley crossing over a Pinot Noir vineyard with expansive views. Drink plenty of water prior and during as there is some walking/hiking involved.
When the tour is over, head back to the Ancient Peaks Winery tasting room where tour goers receive discounted tasting fees and discounts on wine purchases. Try the super smooth Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge Red 2013, a juicy yet elegant Cabernet-Sauvgnon based wine to celebrate your successful zip-lining experience.

 Stay tuned here all month every Monday and Saturday for a summer vacation to Paso Robles.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading Wine Life - Houston.

Popular posts from this blog

Lust Zinfandel 2007

     My husband loves this wine so he purchased quite a few bottles at a recent Michael~David  dinner that we had attended. Last night, I decided to open a bottle to serve with dinner. I was making a roasted southwestern pork tenderloin, sweet potato fries (w/ chipolte ketchup) and a salad consisting of baby lettuce (fresh from my garden) with strawberries, red bell peppers, red onions and walnuts tossed with a white balsamic-raspberry vinaigrette.      This turned out to be a great pairing. It is a bold wine that really stood up to the strong chipolte seasoning while complementing the fruit flavors. I opened the bottle a 1/2 hour before I served it as I have found this wine to be more enjoyable when I do so.      The Lust Zinfandel by Michael~David 2007  was a dark purple color with a ruby rim. It has intense aromas of very ripe mixed berries and baking spices-both allspice and ginger with hints of ...
6 comments
Read more

Introducing Oltrepò Pavese - An Italian Sparkling Wine that You Should Know

Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy to taste the wines of Oltrepò Pavese. I discovered that these sparkling wines are based on Pinot Noir, they are made in the traditional method, like Champagne, and most importantly, they are an Italian hidden gem that bubble lovers across the world need to put on their radar. In the August issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I introduce these wines to my readers.
Post a Comment
Read more

World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara -on location

Tasting Rombauer Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with Pacific Ocean views. I was given the opportunity to attend the annual World of Pinot Noir event last month which brings together the foremost Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers from around the world in a weekend-long celebration of this enticing wine. Champagne to Bourgogne in France, down under wines from Tasmania in Australia, Pinot focused wineries in South America, and all along America's premium West Coast Pinot regions including Santa Barbara, Russian River Valley, up to Willamette Valley, this is truly a celebration of Pinot Noir from around the world.  A Grand Tasting of Pinot Noir at the Ritz Carlton Bacara. Though the house was full ,it was still easy to maneuver to the different tasting tables to sip with the many winemakers on the floor. Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy tasting classes, paired winemaker lunches and dinners, and two Grand Tastings in the refined comfort of the Ritz Carlton Bacara Hotel in ...
Post a Comment
Read more