Best Western Plus Black Oak Blog

Centrally located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California’s breathtaking Central Coast, the Paso Robles wine scene attracts wine-lovers from across the globe. Here are six things you probably don’t know about the region’s vibrant wine scene…
 
1. The Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest and most diverse wine region in California, boasting 30 distinct soil series, many microclimates and varying topography within its 612,000 acres.
 
2. In the last decade, Paso Robles has seen the amount of wineries triple from 75 to more than 200 type two bonded wineries.
 
3. More than 40 wine grape varieties are grown in Paso Robles, ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to Syrah, Viognier and Roussanne, to Zinfandel, the area’s heritage wine varietal.
 
4. Aromas and characteristics typically associated with the many varieties grown in Paso Robles include:
·         Albariño – Fresh acidity and aromatic with grapefruit, lemongrass and peach as well as slight marine.
·         Cabernet Franc – Fragrant with raspberries, black currant and pencil shavings, typically light bodied and feminine.
·         Cabernet Sauvignon – Black raspberry, black cherry, cassis, tobacco and cocoa.
·         Chardonnay – Floral, peach, apricot, nectarine, lightly spiced pear and light minerality.
·         Grenache – Violet on the nose with cranberry, raspberry, plum fruit and all-spice.
·         Grenache Blanc – Bright acidity, wet stone, with green fruits and grapefruit.
·         Marsanne – Scented with moderate acidity and flavors of cream, honey, and citrus blossom.
·         Merlot – Cherries, sweet spice, fresh/dried herbs, olives, red and black berries and cocoa.
·         Mourvèdre – Rich in tannin, velvety with aromas of red fruit, chocolate/mocha, leather, and earth.
·         Petite Sirah – Black fruit, earth, clove, black pepper and spice.
·         Roussanne – Honey, lemon-lime, floral, apricot, corn, pear, allspice and lanolin.
·         Syrah – Blackberry, white pepper, black pepper, smoky, tar, blueberry, violets, roasted game, leather and dried herbs.
·         Tempranillo – Leather, tobacco leaves, strawberry, with strong tannins and moderate acidity.
·         Viognier – Peach, apricot, citrus blossom, floral, wet stone, honeysuckle and sweet spice.
·         Zinfandel – Black pepper, sweet “zin” spice, red/black berries, jammy, fruit bomb, wild bramble berry, raisins and prunes.
 
5. In addition to wineries with estate vineyards, there are nearly 120 Paso Robles Wine Country grape-growers who sell their fruit to wineries both within and outside the Paso Robles.
 
6. In San Luis Obispo County, wineries are an important tourist draw, attracting over 1.2 million visits by tourists spending locally more than $113 million.
 
The BEST WESTERN PLUS Black Oak Hotel is a perfect accommodation option if you’re planning to check out the region’s incredible vineyards. Family-owned and operated since 1961, this beautifully-landscaped property features a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites, along with an onsite restaurant, heated pool, sauna, hot tub and fitness center. The hotel has earned a stellar rating from Trip Advisor, so you can rest assured that your comfort is a priority.