Four Vines & Lone Madrone

Leaving Morro Bay and taking the beautiful drive up the coast and across Route 46 toward Paso Robles, our first stop was Four Vines which is in the same building as "Farmstand 46" a small market and sandwich shop.

We had fun tasting and, oh oh, we joined their wine club! We had our rustic lunch there on the patio with a bottle of their Naked ("has not seen any oak, nor does it want to") Chardonnay.

Then it was on down 46 to Lone Madrone, recommended by the guy in the wine and cheese shop in Morro Bay. In fact he gave us a business card which provided two free tastings, an offer we couldn't refuse.

Lorri tasting, wine stuff for sale, Shannon our wine pourer, the vines...

Thursday evening: Bar/Food hopping with Greg & Kelly

We made our way to the Paso Robles Inn in "downtown" Paso where we joined up with our good friends, Greg & Kelly.

First stop: the Crooked Kilt, next was Villa Creek

At Villa Creek, G&K recognized Roger, the owner/winemaker of RN Estate where we were scheduled to visit on Saturday. The Vinoteca was our final stop.

We had sort of a private lounge and enjoyed a couple bottles of fine pinot, the perfect nightcap before returning to the Paso Robles Inn.

Friday, May 14, wine exploring with Putt, Brian, Greg & Kelly

One thing you can say for the PR Inn is that they have a very nice central garden area with walkways, pool and spa and the occasional feint whiff of sulfur from the mineral hot springs which permeate the area. The photo on the right includes Putt and Brian and was taken in front of "Artisan", the restaurant at which we ate on Friday night.

Our first winery was Eberle, the founder of which, Gary Eberle, happens to be a Penn State alumnus and played football there in the mid-sixties. I just happened to have a supply of Penn State hats in the van and Greg & Putt "volunteered" to join me in wearing one in honor of our visit to Eberle Winery.

Unfortunately Gary was not there so we didn't get to talk PSU football. Plus, when I told the people in the tasting room that I was a fellow Penn State alum and therefore entitled to a 50% discount, they told me I had to pay double!

I bet they wouldn't have said that if Mr. Eberle was there. At any rate, Dominick took us on a good tour of the cellars. All the tunnels were named, like streets, including "Cat Shit Alley" (see the sign in the photo on the above left).

Penman Springs was next. They had a nice dog. We liked the dog.

Leaving, Penman Springs, we headed to the west side and Booker Winery.

There were a few people at the tasting bar so Carolyn, our Booker wine person, brought our tastings to our table outside. They make nice wines at Booker.

Lunch was at Farmstand 46 and that is a photo of their salad case. Our final stop was in town at Ortman Family Vineyards tasting room. Teresa took good care of us there and there we parted with Putt and Brian. Brian was due to coach his 13-year-old son's soccer game in an hour or so. We think that he was duly fortified and up to the task.