When you think of Nipomo, do you think of tequila? Probably not. But you totally should. Las Cazuelas Restaurant, which recently celebrated 50 years in biz (hooray!) offers up an extensive tequila selection that will impress even the nerdiest of your boozehound friends. Grab some authentic Mexican grub and try a lineup of tequilas, including blanco (white, unaged), joven (young), reposado (aged a minimum of two months and less than a year in oak barrels), and anejo (aged a minimum of one year and less than three years in small oak barrels), as poured by your knowledgeable server. Find one you fancy? A margarita is definitely in order!
• Las Cazuelas Restaurant’s Tequila Flight—Price varies; 131 Dana St., Nipomo.
A true renegade is a rebel, an outlaw, a James Dean in a sea of wallflowers. Big, bold, and peppery, this brand new 2013 Renegade syrah blend produced by Santa Margarita’s own Ancient Peaks Winery delivers on the promise of its name with adventurous swagger to spare. Life is short. Have a fling! With this wine, I mean.
• Ancient Peaks 2013 Renegade—About $24; 22720 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita.
Send your luscious libation letters to hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Mar 3-10, 2016.