Pulchella Winery

I'm no wine expert, but I am discovering what I like and enjoying the journey.  Being a native Californian, it seems like a good place to start on my adventure.  California has long been known for it's superb wines, but for me it's about so much more than that.  For me, it's about the experience.   I thought it might be interesting to document my journey and discoveries and see what happens along the way.

My most recent foray into the world of wine started with a friend and a visit to a fairly new wine tasting room.  We met up at the Pulchella tasting room mostly to catch up over a glass of wine, but it quickly turned into more of an experience.  It really turned into what felt like a visit with new friends.  The atmosphere is classy and cozy without being snobby.  The music provides an upbeat backdrop while ensuring you can hear your conversation.  Megan, the wife of one of the winemakers, was warm and welcoming, and everyone was very attentive.  Although I didn't join their wine club the first visit, I did during my second after an equally warm and welcoming experience delivered at the hands of Joey and Goalie.  Now this is my go-to place.  I regularly meet, and run into, friends and each time I go there, I feel like a welcomed guest.  It's a great place to relax from a crazy day at work and having to deal with LA freeways, and an equally good way to start, or enhance the weekend.  Now, you may be saying, that's all fine and good, but what about the wine?  Well, that's the kicker.  You can go many places where you feel welcomed, but Pulchella also delivers on the wines.  Winemakers Steve and Nate know how to get this right.  You can tell with each glass the time and care of crafting and artistry that they have invested.  The wines are substantial and take you on a journey of the westside of Paso Robles, where they get their fruit.  They are small producers and you can taste the passion in each glass.  They release new wines every 6 months or so which is good and bad.  Good, because it's really exciting to taste what they've been up to, and bad because it means my current favorite is probably in short supply.  It's my cue to stock up and ensure I'll have that special bottle to enjoy later.  Many of their wines are made to be cellared and they provide a "best by" date so you know how long you have to savor these flavors.  Don't worry, though, decanting your favorite bottle means you can have your wine and drink it too!  Pulchella's latest releases include fruit not often experienced alone, but used in blending various wines, so go with your taste buds ready for an adventure.  Two of my favorites right now, their 100% tempranillo called "Watchdog" and their 100% tannat called "Henchman."  Bring in some food, or order from one of the local restaurants, sit back, relax and enjoy a great night out.  You deserve it!