Given that the 2021 Presidential Inauguration is tomorrow, my husband and I selected one of our favorite bottles of wine to celebrate change. As we clinked our glasses filled with 2017 Vista Del Rey's Zin-Bera with to cheers, I realized that I had not yet given Vista Del Rey Vineyards the review and credit it deserves. So as they say, 'there's no time like the present."
If you want to experience the TRUE Paso Robles wine country--and, as a matter of fact the varietal Zinfandel--from BEFORE it became the next Napa or Sonoma, Vista Del Rey Vineyards (VDRV) is a must-visit! Prior to a weekend wine tasting trip, I had simply Googled where to find the best Zinfandels in Paso. I quickly discovered VDRV while skimming an article that identified all the top Zinfandels in the region. In fact, VDRV's Zin had rated within the top 3 on the list! Not to mention, they were one of the first, original 20 vineyards planted in Paso Robles and they celebrated their 25th year anniversary in 2020. Wowzers!
I reached out to the owner and winemaker, Dave and his wife Carol, via their Facebook page; though you can also call them to book. They are not open to the public without a reservation since their winery is on their home's premises. [Also, keep in mind any county wide Covid restrictions].
In order to get to VDRV, you have to drive along some rural, dirt roads to reach a hillside destination up above the town of San Miguel on the eastern slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains. After all, you are driving to reach your destination of "Vista Del Rey," translated from Spanish as "King's View." Once we arrived, we were greeted not only by a gorgeous 360-degree view, but the lovely couple, Dave and Carol. Oh, and can't forget their friendly dog and cat! Dave opened and introduced us to several bottles of wine including: a 2016 and 2017 Zinfandel, 2018 Barbera Lot 1 & 2, N/V Zin-Bera, 2019 dry Zin Rosé, and 2018 Barbera Dessert Wine. To be honest, all of them were simply spectacular, bold, and exactly what we seek out. I will say that the Zin-Bera was our favorite and such a perfect blend.
Although Dave used to produce his own grapes on his vineyard, he eventually refused to continue to water his grapes due to the endless droughts that have impacted the area for decades. Now he sources his grapes from other sustainable, low-irrigation vineyards nearby. Like most small, family-owned businesses, VDRV has been having tough times with their wine club and pandemic relief orders carrying them through.
What we loved most (besides the the wine obviously) is that VDRV was unpretentious. Dave and Carol introduced their wines (accepting all input and any criticism), their process, and welcomed conversation and questions. As fellow wine industry folks, it was super low-key and neat that Dave was willing to trade wine evenly as farmers use to do in the 'good olde days.' We continue to support VDRV to this day and it has become one of our favorite and most recommended stops in Paso Robles wine country. With this, I will end on: SUPPORT SMALL & LOCAL (Dave still hand signs each bottle himself!)--especially during this pandemic! read more