The Willow Creek District AVA is said to be nearly identical in climate to France’s Rhone Valley, and as such Niner makes an incredible wine dubbed GSM, a blend of syrah, granache and mouvèdre in the style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. They also make great cabernets and Bordeaux blends (most notably the Fog Catcher) as well as very nice albariños and sauvignon blancs. The extensive line-up is a bit overwhelming, really.
Tastings at Niner are by reservation only, conducted outdoors on a beautiful socially-distanced terrace. Prices start at $20 per person, which is a steal considering they come with a charmingly creative picnic tiffin filled with charcuterie, local cheeses, pickles and housemade jams.
Niner Wine Estates, 2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles, California, 805-239-2233, ninerwine.com
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