Did you know that there was once a giant man-made lake located out where Still Waters Vineyards is today? It may have dried up and given way to rows of prized wine grapes, but its presence is still felt in every bottle of Still Waters wine. How? Thanks to the subsequent dip in the soil leftover from the lake, cool climate white wine grapes like sauvignon blanc are able to flourish in the notoriously hot Paso Robles sun. Like a lakeside vacation, this pear-and-green-apple-flavored wine is crisp, lively, and refreshing, too! Enjoy it at the tasting room with a bit of bread and extra virgin olive oil grown onsite. The property’s also got oak trees for picnicking under, corn hole, and plenty of happy dogs frolicking about. Who needs even a drop of water?
• Still Waters’ 2014 Sauvignon Blanc—$18 a bottle; 2750 Old Grove Lane, Paso Robles.
I am totally biased here, OK? I won’t even try to deny it. I sipped this incredible white wine while enjoying an amazing table-to-farm (not farm-to-table) dinner hosted by Thomas Hill Organics at Windrose Farm in Paso Robles over Earth Day weekend. Executive Chef Tim Veatch served up a lovely plate of farm-fresh asparagus, egg, baby greens, local olive oil, and capers that set this bright wine off like a springtime firecracker. Kaboom! Mind blown. You can still enjoy this sunny bottle in your own backyard, so please give it a try! Throw some fish on the barbecue and sink back into tropical citrus and melon bliss. Want to experience all that Thomas Hill Organics is cooking up? Check out their spring lineup of table-to-farm dinners that truly bring the table into the area’s most gastronomically grand growing grounds.
• Kenneth Volk’s 2013 Verdelho—$24 a bottle; Tepusquet Road, Santa Maria.
Hayley Thomas is sharing her favorite farm adventures on Instagram @flavorslo! Message her there or shoot over and “old fashioned” email at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in May 12-19, 2016.