A Wine Lover’s Guide to Syrah
Wine enthusiasts, unite! International Syrah Day is February 16, and there’s no better place to celebrate than downtown Paso Robles, California. This dynamic region is renowned for its rich winemaking history and diverse terroirs, and it’s home to some of the finest Syrah in the world. And the downtown wineries provide the perfect atmosphere to sip, savor, and celebrate this bold red wine.
Why Syrah?
This vibrant red wine is known for its deep color, bold flavors, and rich aromas of dark fruit, black pepper, and spice. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah has found a perfect home in Paso Robles’ unique climate, producing wines that range from juicy and fruit-forward to complex and age-worthy. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual drinker, Syrah offers something for everyone.
Read all about Syrah here.
Let’s explore Downtown Paso Robles wineries where you can indulge in world-class Syrah and enjoy International Syrah Day.
Downtown Paso Syrah
Alamar
Nestled in the heart of Paso Robles, Alamar Winery is an intimate, boutique winery offering a personalized experience for Syrah lovers. Their focus is on creating wines with balance and finesse, and their Syrah is a true expression of the region’s terroir. The rich and complex layers in their Syrah will make it a memorable part of your celebration. With a cozy tasting room and a welcoming atmosphere, Alamar offers a perfect space to savor a glass of Syrah while soaking in the charm of downtown Paso Robles.
Bushong Vintage Company
Bushong Vintage Company is known for its welcoming and knowledgeable staff, offering a unique wine-tasting experience. They specialize in crafting small-lot wines, and their Syrah is no exception. Expect full-bodied, bold flavors with a mix of ripe fruit and smoky spice, an ideal pairing for celebrating International Syrah Day. The vintage-inspired tasting room gives a nod to Paso’s winemaking history, adding a touch of nostalgia to your wine journey.
Cendre
Cendre Winery is a hidden gem in Paso Robles, and its Syrah offerings are sure to impress. With a focus on creating wines with depth and elegance, Cendre’s Syrah showcases the rich and powerful characteristics of this grape variety. Whether you’re visiting for a tasting or enjoying a glass of wine in their stylish tasting room, Cendre is the perfect spot to enjoy Syrah’s full-bodied flavor profile.
Derby Wine Estates
Derby Wine Estates offers an extraordinary tasting experience with stunning views of the Paso Robles countryside. Their Syrah is one of the highlights of their wine list, with bold fruit flavors balanced by a smooth finish. Whether you’re perched on their outdoor terrace or inside their beautiful tasting room, Derby’s Syrah will be the perfect wine to enjoy on International Syrah Day.
Hope on Park
Hope on Park is a contemporary winery known for its fun and relaxed vibe. Their Syrah, a rich and peppery delight, captures the essence of Paso Robles winemaking at its finest. Enjoy the cozy and stylish tasting room as you sip and celebrate the bold flavors of Syrah with friends or fellow wine enthusiasts. With a central location in Paso Robles’ downtown, this winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their Syrah experience.
Indigené Cellars
Indigené Cellars celebrates the unique terroir of Paso Robles and focuses on wines that reflect the natural beauty of the region. Their Syrah is a standout—deep, spicy, and full of rich fruit flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a glass at their tasting bar or relaxing in their inviting space, Indigené Cellars offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the complexities of Syrah from one of Paso’s finest boutique wineries.
LXV Wines
LXV Wines is all about a sensory experience. Their Syrah, rich with dark fruit flavors and hints of spice, is crafted to engage all of your senses. The winery’s beautifully designed tasting room and exceptional service make it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy International Syrah Day. Sip on their Syrah as you take in the winery’s luxurious ambiance, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Pianetta Winery
Pianetta Winery is a family-owned gem that brings together rich tradition and contemporary winemaking techniques. Their Syrah offers a deep and complex profile, with bold fruit notes and a touch of earthiness. The inviting atmosphere and gorgeous views make this a perfect place to indulge in a glass of Syrah and celebrate the day.
Sea Shell Winery
Sea Shell Winery is a small, hidden treasure in Paso Robles that focuses on sustainable farming and artisan winemaking. Their Syrah is bold and smooth, offering layers of ripe berry flavors with a hint of pepper. Located just off the beaten path, this winery provides a serene environment to relax and savor the true essence of Syrah.
Serial Wines
Serial Wines is all about creativity and innovation, and their Syrah perfectly reflects this ethos. With a focus on small-lot production, their Syrah is a beautiful expression of Paso Robles’ diverse terroirs. Bold, fruit-forward, and peppery, this wine will give you a whole new appreciation for Syrah. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging experience, Serial Wines should be at the top of your list for International Syrah Day.
Sol de Paso
Sol de Paso is a family-owned winery that prides itself on crafting wines with true character. Their Syrah is elegant and smooth, with flavors of dark fruit and spice that make it the perfect wine for any occasion. With a focus on creating approachable yet refined wines, Sol de Paso is a great spot to unwind and savor some Syrah.
Stilson Cellars
Stilson Cellars offers a truly unique and intimate experience. Their Syrah is rich, dark, and packed with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and spice. Known for their commitment to quality and excellence, Stilson Cellars provides a welcoming space where you can enjoy Syrah in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a newcomer, Stilson’s Syrah will make your Syrah Day celebration special.
Read all about Syrah here.
Syrah Blends
While Syrah on its own is a powerful wine, there’s something magical about blending it with other varieties, especially in the style of the Rhône Valley. These Rhône-style blends, often featuring Syrah as the star, offer a harmonious balance of flavors and complexities that showcase the versatility of the grape.
Several Paso Robles wineries are masters at crafting these exquisite blends:
- CaliPaso creates Rhône-inspired blends that meld Syrah with Grenache and Mourvèdre, offering a bold yet smooth wine with layers of dark fruit and subtle spice.
- Cloak & Dagger produces Rhône-style blends that are deeply expressive, with Syrah combining beautifully with other varietals for a rich, full-bodied wine.
- Cypher is known for their experimental approach, producing exciting and complex blends that often feature Syrah as a key component, bringing together flavors of blackberries, white pepper, and herbs.
- Hayseed & Housdon blends Syrah with varietals like Grenache and Cinsault to create a wine with rich texture and fresh, bright fruit flavors balanced by earthy undertones.
- Tank Garage produces Rhône-style blends that are structured and approachable, with Syrah leading the way alongside other complementary grapes, creating a harmonious, well-rounded wine that’s perfect for Syrah enthusiasts looking for something a bit different. These Rhône-style blends from Paso Robles wineries bring out the best in Syrah, offering unique expressions of this versatile grape while celebrating the spirit of the Rhône Valley.
Paso Robles is the perfect destination to celebrate International Syrah Day, with its vibrant winemaking community and exceptional Syrah offerings. From boutique wineries to stunning tasting rooms, the region’s downtown wineries are the ideal spots to indulge in this bold and complex wine. Whether you’re a Syrah connoisseur or a first-time taster, Paso Robles has something for everyone. So, gather your friends, head downtown, and raise a glass to the beauty of Syrah—today, and every day!
