Paso's Urban Side
Is Tin City your next wine country getaway?
Sometimes we like to switch up the countryside vineyard views for something a little more fresh and eclectic. Urban winemaking is gaining popularity all over the U.S., as it offers accessibility for more folks to enjoy wine and support the business; it’s a win, win!
In this week’s issue we highlight a unique urban wine tasting trail called Tin City and a wine we took home from our last visit there. Lastly, the end of March is shaping up to be a busy one, so check out the events coming up.
AVA Highlight (sorta):
Tin City, Paso Robles
While Tin City is not an official AVA, it is a small area in Paso Robles where you can find a ton of great wine! It is truly urban winemaking at its finest. Tin City is home to over 40 artisanal businesses, 28 of them being wineries/tasting rooms. Sweeping vineyard views are always enjoyable, but nothing quite beats the ability to saunter from tasting room to tasting room at your will.
Climate: Keeping in mind that Tin City isn’t necessarily where grapes are grown, this climate report is more for you to consider when you should plan your visit. Peak season in Paso Robles is from May to October. It can get real hot in Paso though, so we recommend a spring or late fall visit.
Soil: Just sidewalk here ;)
Varietals: One perk to an urban wine trail is that you will be able to drink a wide range of varietals. Most of these wineries are farming their grapes in Paso Robles districts, however some are also sourcing from down the coast in places such as Arroyo Grande and Santa Barbara County. This means you can find the Rhône varietals and big Cabs that Paso is known for, but can also sip on some Burgundian style wines like Pinot Noir. From what we saw, there are over 20 varietals represented in Tin City…something for everyone!
Visit: If you’re really trying to get the party started, start your day off at La Perdignus Wine with a chambong (Yes, that is champagne in a chuggable beer bong-like glass). Or just enjoy their flight and watch the train pass by. If you prefer a more private experience, try Desperada. It is open by appointment only and winemaker Vailia From specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, Italian varietals, and red blends.
For lunch, Etto is a must. It is an Italian eatery with a lovely ambiance and market attached. Of course the wine selection there is phenomenal! Finally, make your way to Sans Leige to enjoy wines that strike a balance between the traditional Rhône style and the freedoms of New World winemaking.
Tin City Cider is right next door, if your palette needs a break from wine at this point. Or if you’re ready for more (that’s the spirit!), some other honorable mentions include Field Recordings Winery and Union Sacre Winery.
When the urban scene begins to wear your soul down, don’t worry! You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from one of Paso’s more traditional districts within the AVA, like the Adelaida District highlighted in Issue #25.
Uncorked
Sans Leige The Offering
Coming from an urban winery in, you guessed it, Tin City, this approachable blend is 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. With a bit of whole cluster and a bit of new French oak, we find this wine to be a well balanced representation of 10 different sites.
Nose: oak, baking spices, chocolate, white pepper
Palette: cherry, blackberry, chocolate, sassafras
Pairs well with: shawarma
Available at: This wine is widely available online, but of course we prefer visiting the Sans Leige tasting room in Tin City.
What’s Happening
Rock 12 Distillery Anniversary Party: Celebrate one year of locally produced, wine-based booze in Lompoc on Friday, March 22nd from 4-7 pm. There will be cocktails, food, and live music and tickets are $35.
TREAD Wine Release Event: “Embark on a culinary journey with curated wine pairings featuring your favorite TREAD wines, dishes from Crabby’s Crab Cakes & Seafood Delights, and live music from Erinn Alissa.” This party takes place on Saturday, March 23rd from 11 am-3 pm at Zaca Mesa Winery and attendance is free if you RSVP!
Women of Wine Social: “Welcome to the Women of Wine Social event! Join us for an afternoon filled with delicious wines and great company. This event is all about celebrating and empowering women in the wine industry. The event will take place on Sun, Mar 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the beautiful Canary Hotel Rooftop. Ticket price includes charcuterie, cheese, live music, female vendors & of course wine tasting!” Only $25/ticket in downtown Santa Barbara!
Longoria Wines Anniversary Party: Another 1 year anniversary party! Longoria has successfully been around for much longer than a year, but their Santa Barbara tasting room is turning 1. Celebrate on Sunday, March 24th from 4-6 pm for $30/ticket.
Floraison Selections and Convivium Imports Portfolio Tasting: Taste over 20 wines (plus snacks!) at Satellite Santa Barbara’s Haley Street location with Dan Hess of Convivium Imports on Monday, March 25th from 4-6 pm for only $10.
SB Funk Zone Live: This is the first of a new bimonthly tradition to get people together and appreciate the art, music, food, and libations that the Funk Zone has to offer! Participating venues will be open 5-8 pm on Friday, March 29th.
Natural Coast Wine Festival: The second annual Natural Coast Wine Festival is back on April 20th in downtown Santa Barbara. Enjoy all the natural wine the central coast has to offer! Tickets go on sale April 1st.
Outstanding in the Field: Outstanding in the Field hosts extra special wine and dine experiences and they have released their 2024 tour schedule. The events will take place from May through June, as well as October. These are truly one of a kind evenings in the most beautiful locations along the central coast. Tickets are on sale now and they always go quick!
Cheers!