SLO County Drinks to Welcome the Summer
As the weather warms, shed heavy winter drinks along with your sweaters and start sipping a crisp, refreshing local libation. Wineries and breweries around the county are offering new vintages, varietals and styles to add a special touch to summer celebrations.
Special occasions and sparkling wines are an inseparable pair. That is the reason Lauren Rava and her husband Chad decided to fulfill a niche that was lacking in the Paso Robles area. With weddings in mind, they began producing sparkling wines crafted using méthode champenoise. The wines have a casual elegance that allows their enjoyment to extend beyond wedding receptions, fitting right in with a spontaneous summer barbecue.
Rava Wines’ most popular offering is their Sparkling Brut Rosé. The pretty pink hue is supported by aromas of red currants, pomegranate and rose petals. The refreshing bubbles are light on the tongue, making way for crisp notes of black cherry and strawberry rhubarb.
Two new sparkling varietals to look for this summer are their sparkling pinot grigio and sparkling albariño, both released in May at the Paso Robles Wine Festival. The winery also offers still wines that are ideal for hot summer days. Their still 2016 Albariño has a balance of natural acidity with hints of white nectarine, green apple and citrus.
When driving along Highway 1, take a scenic detour down the winding road to Stolo Vineyards in Cambria specifically for their 2018 Estate Dry Gewürztraminer. A varietal that is a rare find in the area, this specialty will erase any preconceived notions you may have about wines made from the grape. Stolo’s version is pleasantly dry. On the nose, there are crisp nectarine, peach and lemon drop. On the palate, there is a creamy texture with notes of white peach, honeysuckle and the subtle earthiness of wet stone.
Chardonnay lovers should also give in to the temptation to try their 2017 Estate Chardonnay. Its complexity might also win over those who haven’t previously considered themselves fans. The most notable characteristic? Salinity. The hint of sea salt and lime is undeniable. The wine’s creamy texture also pops with flavors of crisp pear, vanilla and tangerine.
With the thriving craft beer scene in SLO County, beer lovers will not be left out of summer celebrations. In the heart of downtown Paso Robles, Silva Brewing is turning out beers that boldly let you know they were brewed in wine country. Chuck and M.J. Silva have built a menu full of light and refreshing regular and seasonal offerings that are ideal for an afternoon of sipping, whether you are toasting to a special occasion or grilling in the backyard.
A few of their year-round favorites are perfect for summer. Their 1st Gold, a German-style kölsch, is lightly hopped, crisp and refreshing. Their Paso Pale, an American pale ale, will please hop lovers, as it offers a balance of bright and pungent hop varieties for a complex flavor that is still light enough to enjoy on a hot afternoon.
If you want to serve a conversation starter at your gathering that is fit to please both beer and wine fans, grab a bottle of The Pink Stuff, a kettle sour rosé. The beer is made through the co-fermentation of wine grape juices and kettle sour brew. The result is an effervescent, fruity, slightly tart beer with a pleasing dry finish.
This summer, be sure to look for their new seasonal beers which include Gateway to Hefen, a Bavarian-style hefeweizen; MJ’s Spicy Ginger, a ginger saison; and Farm Tart with Peaches, a tart saison made with fresh seasonal peaches.
With all of these delicious summer beverages right at our doorstep, there is no excuse for toasting to the season with anything less than the exceptional. Whether it is a gathering of many for the nation’s birthday or simply you and a loved one on the back porch, celebrate with a drink from a local producer.
Enjoy these top summer drink picks
Rava Wines
2016 Sparkling Brut Rosé
2016 Albariño
2017 Rosé
Stolo Vineyards
2017 Estate Chardonnay
2018 Estate Dry Gewürztraminer
2018 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Estate Rosé
Silva Brewing
The Pink Stuff kettle sour rosé
MJ’s Spicy Ginger aison
Gateway to Hefen Bavarian-style hefeweizen
Farm Tart with Peaches tart saison
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Test out these pairings for your summer celebrations
Rava Wines Sparkling Brut Rosé with smoky chicken and vegetable barbecue
Stolo Vineyards 2018 Estate Dry Gewürztraminer with grilled fish tacos
Stolo Vineyards 2017 Estate Chardonnay with lemon chicken and greens
Silva Brewing Gateway to Hefen with manila clams
Silva Brewing MJ’s Spicy Ginger with nigiri sushi
Silva Brewing The Pink Stuff with raw oysters and mignonette[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
