Raise a glass to the sparkling wines of Paso Robles, where wineries are showcasing their take on this effervescent delight with a variety of tastings.
You may already know the difference between Champagne and other sparkling wines. Sparkling Wine is a very broad category, including all Bubbly wines made from grapes. So all Champagne falls under the category of “sparkling wine,” but we cannot use the name Champagne for Sparkling Wine in California (other than a few grandfathered-in cases in Northern California). Champagne is strictly regulated, requiring the wine to originate from the Champagne region in France and adhere to specific grape varieties and production methods.
Nevertheless, this should not detract from the quality and innovation found in sparkling wines produced in other regions. Paso Robles winemakers, not bound by centuries-old conventions, have the freedom to innovate, resulting in sparkling wines that push the boundaries and broaden our understanding of what can be achieved in the realm of effervescence.
California’s venture into high-quality sparkling wine production dates back to 1892 with the Korbel brothers (Sonoma County). Here on the Central Coast, the first Sparkling Wine was Maison Deutz (now Laetitia) in 1986. Today, Paso Robles is carving out its own narrative in this effervescent tale, harnessing its unique climate and grape varieties to craft wines that pay homage to tradition while boldly embracing the future.
Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Methods
Winemakers in Paso Robles use a range of sparkling wine techniques, from the classic and labor-intensive méthode traditionnelle (the same as Champagne’s méthode champenoise) to the quicker, more modern Charmat method. These different methods result in diverse sparkling wines, each with unique characteristics:
Méthode Traditionnelle: Mirroring Champagne’s process, secondary fermentation happens in the bottle, followed by aging on lees, producing complex flavors like brioche and nuts, with a creamy texture. Though labor-intensive and often more expensive, this method yields exceptional results.
Charmat Method: Secondary fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks, creating lighter, fruit-forward wines that are ready to drink sooner. This method is faster and more cost-effective than the traditional approach.
Ancestral Method or Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat): This is the oldest technique, and involves bottling the wine before the primary fermentation completes, allowing carbon dioxide produced during fermentation to naturally carbonate the wine.
Read more about all the ways to make Sparkling Wine.
Paso Robles Sparkling Wine
Known for its bold and inventive wines, Paso Robles is now making its mark in the sparkling wine world with over 60 Sparkling Wine producers. So grab your flutes and get ready for a fizzy adventure that might just change how you think about sparkling wine forever. Ready to get your sparkle on? Here are some of our favorites!
See all Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Trails.
Rava Wines
Let’s kick off our sparkling wine tour of Paso Robles at Rava Wines. Known for its exceptional sparkling offerings, Rava Wines is a favorite among Paso Robles wine enthusiasts. As the region’s first winery dedicated to the méthode champenoise, it has earned its reputation with a stellar collection to back it up.
From sparkling Riesling to Muscat, Rava’s selection is diverse, but their Sparkling Pinot Blanc/Meunier truly shines. This wine features bright lemon zest acidity from Pinot Blanc, balanced by the tannic texture of Pinot Meunier, and enriched by a touch of oak-aged brandy for a luxurious, refined finish. Visit Rava’s chic tasting room and picturesque vineyards for an elegant experience full of sparkling wine excitement.
Location: Paso Robles Eastside
Hope Family Wines
Hope Family Wines offers more than just a tasting—it’s a full immersion into the heart of Paso Robles terroir. With 2 locations, and several brands spanning various Paso Robles AVAs, it’s an excellent wine journey. Hope on Park, a downtown Paso sidewalk tasting bar and creative space by Hope Family Wines, offers a vibrant spot to enjoy their wines. Among their standout offerings is the Treana Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, made in the Templeton Gap area just north of Highway 46 West. This sparkling brut, crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, features bright notes of citrus and green apple.
Locations: Downtown Paso Robles & Paso Robles Westside
Hoyt Family Wines
This refined Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine is crafted from Chardonnay grapes sourced from Hoyt’s vineyards on Paso Robles’ west side. It’s light, crisp, and refreshingly bright. With each sip of Hoyt2Hoyt, you’ll taste sunshine in a glass.
Location: Downtown Paso Robles
Hayseed + Housdon
Looking for a laid-back sparkling wine experience? Hayseed + Housdon’s cozy downtown Paso Robles tasting room is the perfect spot for a well-earned bubbles break. While their reds and whites are impressive in their own right, it’s the Metronome Sparkling Wines that truly steal the show.
Crafted by Winemaker Holli Epperly, the Metronome Bubbles shimmer with a golden hue and delicate effervescence. These wines offer a beautiful depth and richness, balanced by a crisp, clean finish—like magic in a bottle. Bring your friends, both human and furry (the tasting room is proudly dog-friendly), and enjoy the sparkle!
Location: Downtown Paso Robles
Field Recordings
Field Recordings is constantly innovating with their Pét-Nat sparkling offerings, making it hard to keep up! They’re always experimenting with new bubbly styles, offering a flight and a club that’s available year-round. Their lineup includes various fruit-and-grape co-fermented sparklers, Piquettes (a wine “tea” made by steeping the leftovers from still wine production), Ciders (sparkling beverages made from fruits other than grapes), and Pét-Nats.
Location: Tin City
Indigené Cellars
Yeux De Chat is Indigené’s traditional-method Sparkling Wine, made from Santa Lucia Highlands fruit and aged on the lees for several years. With a 5g dosage, this Extra Brut Cuvée offers a focused profile, vibrant acidity, and a delicate, restrained mousse, all leading to a long, elegant finish.
Location: Downtown Paso Robles
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