Weekend Getaway

Wow it has been an amazingly relaxing weekend. The central coast really was an ideal spot for vacationing.

Friday
Joe and I drove down through 101 and stopped in Paso Robles. First stop was J. Lohr. I love how most wineries at Paso have complimentary tasting. But that's a very smart move..I got suckered into buying 11 bottles of wine this weekend. First purchase were 2006 Bay Mist White Riesling and a bottle of the 06 Zin. Hey it is the Zinfandel Festival weekend, I couldn't pass up the Zin. Next stop was Eberle. Again, complimentary tasting. I had heard and read so many great reviews on this place but I thought most of the wines I tasted that day were so so. The one I did really liked was the full boar red. (I bought 2 bottles at $15 each.) Really beautiful view though, and they had friendly poodles roaming around the estate. Last stop was Castoro. Their slogan is "Dam Fine Wine" because their symbol is a Beaver. Complimentary tasting!...Score! I fell in love with the Zinfusion and the Tempranillo, bought one of each. Castoro has lots of picnic tables outside. Joe and I had packed a picnic lunch so we ate there and enjoyed the nice and quiet view. I was glad we visitied wineries on Friday instead of Saturday because later on I heard that it was ridiculously crowded.




We then proceed to our Hotel in Morro Bay. Joe just had to take this crazy curvy shortcuts to get there, and there I was, so buzzed from the wine. It was not a pleasant drive but I think he had fun though. Our hotel is called Ascot Suites. I highly recommend this place to anyone who's planning on visiting the central coast. Great and friendly staff and service, CLEAN facility, free continental breakfast and free afternoon wine pour (Salmon Creek Wine), HBO, whirpool jet tub, small but nice sun deck up top with views of the bay and the morro rock...etc. Morro Bay is such a small town, most places are within walking distance. We went to a tiny tiny Thai joint called the Thai Boat. This place literally has 2 tables inside and 2 outside. We ordered take out and ate at the hotel. Around 7 bucks per person and was so yummy.

Saturday
We visited the Hearst Castle bright and early. (Or the proper name is "Hearst Ranch") It was breathtakingly beautiful. It was supposed to rain but didn't. We took the 1st tour which was designed for 1st time visitors. Every little detail about the castle is amazing. The shuttle ride up there was a little scary though hahaha



Between Morro Bay and Hearst Castle, there's a tiny little town called Harmony. Population: 18! There's supposedly a famous cellar there but we didn't go. Joe and I were joking that the majority of the Harmony population works at the cellar. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped by Moonstone Cellar. I had to pay $3 for tasting fee, but well worth it. (for $10 I could've gotten more choices of wine, plus appetizers, cheese, ribs, and a glass.) I loved their Viognier but they only had samples, nothing for sell until Tuesday. Boooo! They also had lovely Dessert Wines "Por Do Sol" for $24. I ended up with a bottle of 2004 Cabernet, their winner of 2 gold medals.

We went back to Morro Bay, stopped by Crills for some good old fashion homemade saltwater taffy. There really is a difference to store bought ones and freshly made taffy. Yum! Joe of course got his Apple Rings.

Dinner was at Windows on the Water in Morro Bay. It was a really romantic restaurant to dine at, with a view of the bay and Morro Rock right next to you. Food was delicious as well. Started off with Albacore Ceviche. Joe ordered the Duck Breast and I had the Sand Dabs. Dessert was blood orange and Cantalope sorbet.



Sunday
We checked out and left Morro Bay around 10:30. I still wanted to check out a couple wineries before we leave. First stop was Eagle Castle just because everybody said to check it out. It is literally a medieval castle in the middle of nowhere. Their 2005 Royal Red was amazing. Everything else was just okay. Last stop in Paso was Peachy Canyon. I'm so glad we stopped there because this was my favorite winery from this trip. $5 tasting plus I got to keep the glass. They specializes in Zinfandels and I tried all of them. The owner was outside pouring the Old School House Zin, and he was doing a vertical pouring meaning the same wine but from 2000 to 2007. I tried 00-02, and 05. I bought a $40 bottle of their 05 Especial Zin, and $25 Zin Port. They were probably my favorite wines out of all the wineries I've visited.

Definitely planning on going back to Paso Robles. I actually preferred it over Napa. Napa may have all the fancy decked out wineries but they are expensive! Paso Robles is all about their wine. People are passionate about their wine and they are extremely helpful and friendly. And they're only 3 hours away!