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. All Champagne is considered “sparkling wine.” However, Paso Robles sparkling wines cannot use the name Champagne for this effervescent wine in California. There are a few grandfathered-in cases in Northern California. Champagne is strictly regulated. The wine must originate from the Champagne region in France. It must also adhere to specific grape varieties and production methods.
But, this should not detract from the quality and innovation found in sparkling wines produced in other regions. Paso Robles winemakers are not bound by centuries-old conventions. They have the freedom to innovate. This results in sparkling wines that push the boundaries. These wines broaden our understanding and enjoyment of different flavors and styles in the realm of bubbly wines.
California’s venture into high-quality sparkling wine production dates back to 1892 with the Korbel brothers in Sonoma County. Here on the Central Coast, the first Bubbly Wine was from Maison Deutz (now Laetitia) in 1986. Today, wineries on California’s Central Coast are creating their own story in this fizzy tale. They harness our wine region’s unique climate and grape varieties. These wineries craft wines that honor tradition while boldly embracing the future.
Central Coast California & Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Methods
Winemakers in the Central Coast region of California use various sparkling wine techniques. They range from the classic méthode traditionnelle. This method is labor-intensive and is the same as Champagne’s méthode champenoise. Others use the quicker, more modern Charmat method. These different methods result in diverse sparkling wines, each with unique characteristics:
Méthode Traditionnelle: This method mirrors Champagne’s process. Secondary fermentation happens in the bottle. It’s followed by aging on lees. This produces complex flavors like brioche and nuts. The result is 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. It involves bottling the wine before the primary fermentation completes. The carbon dioxide produced during fermentation naturally carbonates the wine.
Read more about all the ways to make Sparkling Wine.
Paso Robles Sparkling Wines
Paso Robles is known for its bold and inventive wines. It 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 drinking Bubblies forever. Ready to get your sparkle on? Here are some of our favorites!
See all Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Trails.
Rava Wines
We kick off our sparkling wine tour of Paso Robles at Rava Wines, the area’s first winery dedicated to the méthode champenoise. Known for its exceptional sparkling offerings, Rava Wines is a favorite among Paso Robles wine enthusiasts. They have earned their Bubbly 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
At Hoyt Family Wines, the grapes are hand harvested from estate vineyards in the Willow Creek AVA on the west side of Paso Robles. 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 that won a Gold Medal for Sparkling Wine at the California Mid-State Fair! Winemaker Raymond Smith of Indigené Cellars crafted the 2019 Yeux De Chat Cuvée Sparkling using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Harvested at optimal ripeness for traditional method sparkling wine (as done in Champagne, France), the wine aged on the lees for several years. Prior to bottling, a 5g dosage was added, creating an Extra Brut Cuvée with focused acidity, a restrained mousse, and a long, elegant finish.
Location: Downtown Paso Robles
See all Paso Robles Sparkling Wine Trails.
Let’s Pop Some Bottles!
You’re all set to dive into the cool scene of Paso Robles Sparkling Wines. Paso Robles Wine Country offers a sparkling experience that will broaden your palate. Whether you’re enticed by the brioche and apple flavors of a classic brut, or captivated by the dark fruit richness of a sparkling red, this region will surprise you!
More about Paso Robles Sparkling Wine
San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) has over 80 Sparkling Wine and California champagne producers. They range from Paso Robles wine country (with 60 Bubbles producers) to the wine trail right around San Luis Obispo. The producers extend into Arroyo Grande and even to Avila and Pismo Beach.
SLO CAL has a large range of sparkling wine producers from French classics to Italian Proseccos fun Pet-Nats. You’ll even find fun grape varieties like sparkling Marsanne, Grenache and Syrah.
Get the entire SLO CAL Sparkling Wine Map.
Check out our guide to CURRENT PLACES to get Bubbles Flights & Bites in SLO County. Then head out on the Sparkling Wine Trails!
Sparkling Wine Tasting Event in Pismo Beach – Nov 2
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