Wine Club: January 2026
Time to come back stateside, honing in on California’s most popular up-and-coming region: Paso Robles! Paso Robles is located in the broad ‘Central Coast’ region of California that comprises everything south of Monterey down to just north of Los Angeles. Paso is in the northern part of this swath, east of the coastal mountains, which protect it from much of the cool Pacific air. Something of a blend of Napa and Sonoma Counties, Paso sprawls across a large chunk of land like Sonoma, offering varied growing sites and ample opportunity for diversity in plantings. Similar to Napa, however, there is much more warmth here, leading to vast plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes that favor more ripening.
In addition to Cab, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah there are many producers focusing on the Rhone varietals of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre as this is where the ‘Rhone Rangers’ (California producers making Southern Rhone style wine) originated. There are also many pockets of Italian influence, which makes sense as the climate here is very similar to much of the Italian peninsula. Our white wine this month is a highlight of one of these winemakers, weaving Falanghina, Vermentino and Trebbiano together into a vibrantly delicious cuvee. This wine, from Giornata, is the passion project winery of the woman who is the winemaker for Broadside, whose wines I’m sure many of you have bought at some point in the shop. Broadside is a little more traditional where Giornata explores the fringes of Paso Robles.
The majority of this month focuses on those Napa-inspired reds mentioned earlier: Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and others vinified into big, bold crowd-pleasing wines. It’s a style we don’t often explore with these wine clubs because there are only so many regions in the world that can deliver such a wine within our parameters: small producer, affordable, high quality. Thankfully, we’ve found three such reds for you here! All are full bodied but present very differently, from a more aromatically driven Cab to a purple, dense Petite Sirah/Petit Verdot bend. Two of the wines come from High Camp, an extremely small winery tucked northeast of the city of Paso Robles in a warm valley. The other red, from First Sight, is a tiny operation that uses exclusively organic fruit from various holdings around Paso. Their wines are on the fresher side while retaining a fairly classic profile.
We have a good stock of all four of these wines, so if any really resonate, come grab some more!
Giornata ‘Il Campo Bianco’
The Grapes
40% Falanghina, 40% Vermentino, 20% Trebbiano - Certified Organic
Tasting Notes
Vibrant and fresh tropical fruit, bright acidity, lots of florality, chamomile, white flowers. An almost saline minerality and lovely long finish.
Pairing Suggestions
These wonderful California-style Fish Tacos will go perfect with this vibrant white.
Can it Age?
Recommend drinking now.
First Sight Cabernet Sauvignon
The Grapes
98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot/Petite Sirah - Certified Organic
Tasting Notes
Bright red currant, red plum, brambly fruit, eucalyptus leaf, touch of vanilla and clove. Chocolate notes come out on the palate, balanced tannin and acid, smooth finish.
Pairing Suggestions
With this fresher style of Cab, try this spicy Italian-style meat-loaded pizza.
Can it Age?
Yes, drink now to 2030.
High Camp ‘Estate Reserve’
The Grapes
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Petit Verdot - Sustainable Viticulture
Tasting Notes
Ripe raspberry, ripe red plum, wild strawberry, rose, violets. Rich vanilla and cedar toasty notes. Touch of leather and tobacco.
Pairing Suggestions
Give this Central Coast tri-tip steak recipe a try… a fun take on a tricky cut of meat.
Can it Age?
Yes, drink now to 2032.
High Camp ‘Petit Stampede’
The Grapes
55% Petite Sirah, 45% Petit Verdot - Sustainable Viticulture
Tasting Notes
Dense black fruit, black plum, blueberry, blackberry, chocolate and coffee notes from oak. Low acid, medium tannin, more coffee and chocolate on the palate.
Pairing Suggestions
This dense wine needs some serious flavor coming back at it, give this mushroom-heavy spaghetti recipe a try. Don’t skimp on the parmesan.
Can it Age?
Yes, now to 2030.
