Wine & Food pairing

Caution: after using this section you may never taste wines the same way, it will no longer be just ‘wine tasting’ it will be ‘Wine Touring & Food Pairing”!
Our goal is to help you plan out such an amazing winery tour that you will come back to us again and again. You’ll find that you will have a much better time when pairing foods with your wine tasting experience.
This is also not a connoisseur’s guide to scoring wine, but this is about taking the wine tasting experience up a level giving you the opportunity to seek out wines in a unique way. It is all a matter of taste.
Pairing food with wine enriches the experience and lowers the level of intoxication as you taste. Take a sip. Take a bite and then another sip. Feel the explosion of flavor. Sit back and enjoy a spectacular new way to tour the wineries of the California Central Coast.
Ever fall in love with a bottle of wine just to take it home, serve it with food and wonder what you saw in it? What if you could change that? Buy a bottle of wine with confidence that it will taste as great in your home as it was in the winery where you discovered it.

WARNING:
With any amount of wine consumption you should not drive. It is no fun being the designated driver, watching as everyone else reacts to the art that can only be appreciated in the nose and mouth.  A chauffeured transportation vehicle is really the only way for your entire group to safely enjoy the day.

It is our hope that you will be able to plan out your tour, and then prepare a few food items that accompany you along your tour. And have the time of your life!
As a matter of fact we would love to hear from you after you’ve tried this method of tasting. What worked for you? What didn’t? What hidden jewels did you find? Not only do we have a very long list of cheese and the items they pair with, we have a few notes from some wineries themselves interspersed throughout the information, enjoy!
Costa de Oro Winery of Santa Maria suggests these special pairings
Grilled Fish w/ mango relish with their Estate Chardonnay Gold Coast Vineyard
Smoked Salmon with their Estate Pinot Noir Gold Coast Vineyard
Charcuterie with their Rose Wine Central Coast
BBQ or Pasta with Red Sauce with their Vintage Red, Central Coast Blend
“Drinking the ‘right’ wine with the ‘right food is all about
practice, Practice, PRACTICE!” –
Gary Burk - Winemaker

So here we go: cheese and food on the left and wine on the right, have fun tasting, touring and pairing with Gold Coast Limosines!

Cheese

Wine

Abbaye de Belloc

Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc

Affidelice

Chardonnay

Alpine Shepard

Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot

Amarelo

Sauvignon Blanc

Ardrahan

Cabernet, Gewurztraminer

Arina

Petit Syrah

Asiago

Sangiovese, Viognier

Asiago Fresco

Pinot Gris

Azeitao

Tempranillo

Baby Swiss

Pinot Blanc, Sparkling wines

Banon

Pinot Gris

Beaufort

Sparkling wines

Bel Paese

Chardonnay

Benning

Petit Syrah

Berkswell

Pinot Noir

Bleu d’Auvergne

Rhone reds

Bleu des Basques Brebis

Dessert wines

Bleu de Sassenage

Dessert wines

Blu del Moncenisio

Muscat

 

Norman Vineyards of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Thanksgiving Turkey with their’05 Vino Rosado
Grilled Salmon with their ’06 Reserve Chardonnay
Leg of Lamb with their Petite Syrah
Prime Rib Steak with their No Nonsense Red
BBQ Spare Ribs with their Monster Zinfandel
“The most important ingredient in winemaking is FUN!” Steve Felten – Winemaker

Cheese

Wine

Blue

Tawny Port, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Viognier, Dessert wines

Blue Castello

Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

Bra Tenero

Cabernet

Brick

Chardonnay

Brie

Champagne, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling wines, Bordeaux reds

Brilliant-Savarin

Viognier, Sparkling wines

Boschetto al Tartufo

Sangiovese

Boursin

Gewurztraminer

Buche

Pinot Noir

Bucheron

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Cambozola

Chardonnay

Camellia

Pinot Gris

Camembert

Champagne, Cabernet, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sparkling wines, Bordeaux reds, Rhone reds

Canestrato

Viognier

Cantal

Chardonnay

Cantalet

Merlot

Caprino Tartufo

Pinot Gris

Cashel Blue

Chardonnay, Malbec, Dessert wines

Chalosse

Cabernet, Merlot, Bordeaux reds

Whalebone of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Chocolate with their Syrah
Redmeat, game with their Bob Wine (table)
Cioppino with their Cabernet

Cheese

Wine

Chaource

Chardonnay

Cheddar (mild)

Chardonnay, Champagne, Pinot Noir, Sparkling wines

Cheddar (sharp)

Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Syrah, Tempranillo, Port

Cheshire

Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

Chevrotin des Aravis

Rhone reds

Chevre

Champagne, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Sparkling wines

Clochette

Sauvignon Blanc

Colby

Champagne, Pinot Noir, Riesling

Comte

Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Riesling

Cooleeney

Sparkling wines

Cotija

Chardonnay, Riesling

Coulommiers

Sauvignon Blanc

Coupole

Sauvignon Blanc

Cream Cheese

White Zinfandel

Crème fraiche

Dessert Wines

Crescenza

Sparkling wines

Crottin

Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc

Danish Blue

Cabernet

Darcy

Petit Syrah

 

Bianchi Vineyard of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Muenster cheese, Cranberries with their Zinfandel
Black Forest cake with their Syrah
Gruyere cheese, Chestnut with their Merlot
Sharp Cheddar, Walnut with their Cabernet Sauvignon

Cheese

Wine

Derby

Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

Doddington

Merlot

Double Gloucester

Sauvignon Blanc

Drunken Goat

Sauvignon Blanc

Dry Jack

Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc

Dry Sonoma Jack

Viognier

Durris

Gewurztraminer

Edam

Champagne, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Shiraz, Syrah, (dry) Sparkling wines

Emmentaler

Pinot Grigio

Epoisses

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Explorateur

Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling wines

Feta

Cabernet, Pinot Blanc

Fium ‘Orbu

Tempranillo

Fleur du Maquis

Tempranillo

Fotina

Nebbiolo, Sangiovese

Fontina D’Aosta

Pinot Blanc

Fourme d’Ambert

Muscat, Dessert wines, Rhone reds

French Mountain cheeses

Chardonnay

Fromage de Meaux

Sparkling wines

Curtis Winery of Los Olivos suggests these special pairings
Cold cuts & dry cured meats with their Crossroad Grenache
Pasta with red sauce with their Heritage Cuvee
Grilled Ribeye/ Top Block with their Mourvedre
Lamb & Duck!!! with their Syrah Vogelzang or Syrah Ambassador
BBQ pork ribs/chops & seafood with their Heritage Rose

Cheese

Wine

Fumaison

Pinot Noir

Gabletou

Bordeaux reds

Garrotxa

Chardonnay, Pinot Gris

Georgia Pecan Chevre

Sangiovese

Goat Cheese

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier

Gorgonzola

Muscat, Pinot Noir, Port

Gouda

Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Shiraz, Syrah, Sparkling wines, White Zin

Gouda (smoked)

Red, White

Gouda (aged)

Cabernet

Grafton Village Cheddar

Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc

Grana Padano

Nebbiolo

Graddost

Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

Gruyere

Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier

Havarti

Chardonnay, Tempranillo

Iberico

Malbec

Ibores

Merlot

Kasseri

White

Jack (Monterey)

Pinot, Riesling

Jarlsberg

Chardonnay, White

 

Daniel Gehrs Wines of Los Olivos suggests these special pairings
Linguine with clam sauce with their Pinot Gris
Chicken Pad Thai with their Riesling
Spicy Italian Meatballs with their Zinfandel
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with their Cabernet Sauvignon
Flourless Chocolate Cake w/ Raspberry Coulis with their Fireside Port
Jennifer Gehrs favorite quote is: “A dinner without wine is like a day without sunshine.” (unknown author)

Cheese

Wine

Lancashire

Pinot Noir

Langres

Sparkling wines

Le Moulis

Cabernet

Livarot

Viognier

Llangloffan

Cabernet

Madrigal Baby Swiss

Whites

Mahon

Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo

Majorero

Sauvignon Blanc

Manchego

Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo

Mascarpone

Dessert Wines

Maytag Blue

Viognier, most Whites, Dessert wines

Mini Babybel

White

Montasio

Merlot, Pinot Blanc

Monte Enebro

Muscat

Morbier

Riesling

Mozzarella

Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc

Mozzarella (Fresh)

Whites

Muenster

Gwurztraminer, Pinot, Zinfandel, Viognier

Neufchatel

Sauvignon Blanc

Anglim of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Triple cream cheese with their Viognier
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus with their Rousanne
Sausage, cheese (Compte is great) with their Rose (Rhone blend)
Grilled beef or lamb with their Syrah
Dark chocolate &/or(?) blue cheese with their Nightcap (late harvest Syrah, port style)

Cheese

Wine

Ossau-Iraty

Pinot Blanc

Ouray

Cabernet

Panela

Chardonnay, Riesling

Parmesan

Cabernet, Cianti, Merlot

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Chardonnay, Riesling, Sangiovese

Pau

Viognier

Pave Affinois

Sauvignon Blanc

Pave d’Auge

Chardonnay, Viognier

Pecorino

Chardonnay, Viognier

Pecorino Romano

Gewurztraminer

Pecorino Toscano

Merlot

Piave

Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Viognier

Pierre-Qui-Vire

Petit Syrah

Pierre-Robert

Pinot Blanc, Sparkling wines

Pont L’Eveque

Pinot Blanc, Sparkling wines

Port Salut

Pinot Noir

Provolone

Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Syrah

Raclette de Savoie

Chenin Blanc

Reblochon

Cabernet, Rhone reds

 

Rancho Sisquoc Winery of the Santa Maria Valley suggests these special pairings
Nutty cheeses, Shrimp, Lobster or crab salads, roasted chicken or turkey with their Chardonnay
Light cheeses, fresh fruit, quiche or Spicy thai dishes, smoked salmon with their Sylvaner
Mild cheeses, chocolate, pasta dishes, grilled salmon, chicken, steak & pork with their Pinot Noir
“Santa Maria style BBQ tri-tip”, pasta, pizza, grilled vegetables with their Sisquoc River Red
Dark chocolate, grilled meats, prime rib, lamb, beef stew with their Cabernet Sauvignon
Drive down our scenic driveway past farm fields, cows and maybe a deer or two
to arrive at one of the oldest wineries in the region. Our estate grown, finely handcrafted,
award winning wines also include: Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah & Reisling.
Our lush, beautiful grounds are a great picnic destination. – Becky Rodriguez

Cheese

Wine

Redhawk

Riesling

Ricotta

Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc

Robiola

Gewurztraminer

Robiola Bosina

Merlot

Robiola Vite

Pinot Blanc

Romano

Merlot

Roncal

Merlot

Roquefort

Syrah, Tawny Port, Zinfandel

St. Andre

Riesling

St. Nectaire

Pinot Gris, Shiraz, Syrah

Saint-Florentin

Petit Syrah

San Andreas

Cabernet

Saval

Riesling

Sbrinz

Pinot Blanc, Sparkling wines

Selles sur Cher

Sauvignon Blanc

Serena

Tempranillo

Shropshire Blue

Chardonnay

Sonoma Jack

Sauvignon Blanc

Soumaintrain

Petit Syrah

Cheese

Wine

Stanser Rotelli

Riesling, Viognier

Stilton

Port

Swiss

Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio

Taleggio

Malbec, Pinot Blanc, Dessert wines

Tarentaise

Riesling

Teleme

Sauvignon Blanc

Tete de Moine

Chardonnay

Tome d’Aquitaine

Gewurztraminer

Tome de Bordeaux

Bordeaux reds

Tome de Couserans

Cabernet

Tome des Recollets

Bordeaux reds

Tomme de Savoie

Tempranillo

Tomme Fermiere d’Alsace

Riesling

Tourmalet

Viognier

Toussaint

Merlot

Tumalo Tomme

Gewurztraminer

Valdeon

Muscat

Wensleydale

Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer

Zamorano

Tempranillo, Viognier

Vinfuzion of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Seafood/ Eastern fare/ Thai with their “Archangel” infused Viognier / Biodynamic
Sushi/ Asian Infusion or Lamb with their “Om”- infused organic Syrah/ Petite Syrah
Game Meat or Dark chocolate with their “Amethyst” 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cheeses, fruit tart – candied nuts with their “Telos” – Late Harvest biodynamic Viognier
Quotable Quote: “Vinfuzion is the premiere ‘infused’ winery. We make fine wine and delicately infuse them with longevity botomicals. These wines delight the palate and infuse the imbiber with restorational tonics. A friend commented: “This is the wine they serve when you get to heaven!”

Fruit

Possible Wine Pairings

Apple

Chardonnay

Apple (green)

Sauvignon Blanc

Apricot

Riesling

Avocado

 

Banana

 

Blueberry

 

Blackberry

 

Cantaloupe

 

Cherry (black)

Cabernet

Citrus

Sauvignon Blanc

Clementine

Red wines

Cranberry

Zinfandel

Dried Fruits

Pinot Noir

Fig

Pinot Noir

Grapefruit

 

Grapes

 

Guava

 

Honeydew

 

Kiwifruit

 

Kumquat

 

Lemon

 

Lime

 

Mango

Chardonnay

Nectarine

 

Olives

 

Orange

 

Papaya

 

Peach

 

Pear

Riesling

Pineapple

 

Plum

Merlot

Pomegranate

 

Strawberry

Pinot Noir

Tangerine

 

Watermelon

 

Dunning Vineyards of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Chocolate covered cherries with their DV Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Hershey’s dark chocolate kisses with their DV Private Reserve Estate Zinfandel
Buttery popcorn with their DV Estate Chardonnay
Black Forest ham & cheese sandwich on focacia roll with their DV Estate Syrah
Spaghetti & Meatballs with their DV “Vin de Casa” Red Blend house wine
Quotable quote: “Come find us… you never know what happens at the End of the Road!” – JoAnn & Bob – Winemakers/owners

Veggies

Possible Wine Pairings

Asparagus

Sauvignon Blanc

Artichoke

(usually none)

Beets

Syrah

Bell Pepper

 

Broccoli

Cabernet

Cabbage

 

Carrot

 

Cauliflower

 

Celery

 

Chili pepper

Riesling

Cucumber

 

Eggplant

Zinfandel

Green Bean

 

Green Onion

 

Lettuce

 

Mushroom

Pinot Noir

Onion (caramelized)

Merlot

Peppers (grilled)

Zinfandel

Potato

Chardonnay

Radish

 

Squash

Chardonnay

Sweet Corn

 

Sweet Potato

 

Tomato

Cabernet, Merlot

Tomato (stewed)

Syrah

EOS Estate Winery of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Lemon tart or proscuitto wrapped melon slices with their Rayons de Soliel (Muscat Canelli)
Barbequed Ribs with their Zinfandel
French Bread & Gouda Cheese or tomato sauce & pasta with their Norella Tuscan style Blend
Filet mignon or Peeking duck with their Petite Syrah Resene
Quotable Quote: “Drinking wine is divine at EOS” - Katherine Hunt, EOS

Herbs & Spices

Possible Wine Pairings

Basil

Chardonnay

Chives

Sauvignon Blanc

Cilantro

Sauvignon Blanc

Cinnamon

Pinot Noir

Clove

Pinot Noir

Currant

Syrah

Ginger

Riesling

Lavender

Cabernet

Mint

Merlot

Nutmeg

Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

Oregano

Syrah

Pepper

Zinfandel

Rosemary

Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling

Sage

Syrah

Sesame

Chardonnay

Tarragon

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Domaine Alfred of San Luis Obispo suggests these special pairings
Garlic chicken with their Chamisal Vineryards Chardonnay
Duck Pate with their Chamisal Vineyards Pinot Noir
Pizza any style, including veggie with their Domaine Alfred Red
Blueberry cheesecake, chocolate crust with their Chamisal Vineyards Syrah
Quotable Quote: “Come in and enjoy DA award winning wines. Specializing in burgundy style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay… Cheers!” - Andrea Chan

Nuts

Possible Wine Pairings

Almond

Chardonnay

Chestnut

Merlot

Hazelnut

Syrah

Pine nut

Sauvignon Blanc

Walnut

Cabernet, Pinot Noir

Walnut (candied)

Riesling

Midnight Cellars of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Chicken with a cream sauce with their Chardonnay – Equinox
Grilled ribeye steak with their Cabernet Sauvignon- Nebula
Roasted stuffed filet of beef with their Mare Nectaris (a bordeaux style blend)
Pizza, Pot Roast, Dark chocolate with their Zinfandel Estate
Quotable Quote: “Drink no wine before its time… Its time!”

Meats & Fowl

Possible Wine Pairings

Beef

Zinfandel

Beef Stew

Cabernet

Chicken

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc

Duck

Riesling, Zinfandel

Filet Mignon

Pinot Noir

Grilled Meats

Merlot

Lamb

Pinot Noir

Pepperoni

Syrah

Pork

Chardonnay, Zinfandel

Rib eye

Cabernet

Sausage

Pinot Noir

Smoked sausage

Riesling

Spicy sausage

Syrah, Zinfandel

Steak

Merlot

Turkey

Sauvignon Blanc

Veal

Chardonnay

Venison

Cabernet

Firestone Vineyard  of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Sauteed Sandabs or Caesar Salad with their Sauvignon Blanc
Roast Chicken with their Chardonnay
Crab Cakes with their Gewurztraminer
Grilled Pork Loin with their Syrah
Rib Eye Steak with their Cabernet Sauvignon
Quotable Quote: “Firestone Vineyard Paso Robles offers a full tasting experience with a great selection of wines from both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.”
Katy Smith – Firestone Vineyard

Desserts

Possible Wine Pairings

Apple pie

Riesling

Banana bread

Chardonnay

Berries

Merlot

Black Forest cake

Syrah

Caramel sauce

Riesling

Carrot cake

Zinfandel

Chocolate (bittersweet)

Cabernet

Chocolate (dark)

Merlot

Chocolate (white)

Pinot Noir

Crème brulee

Pinot Noir

Fondue

Merlot

Gingerbread

Zinfandel

Key lime pie

Sauvignon Blanc

Rhubarb pie

Syrah

Sorbet

Sauvignon Blanc

Spice cake

Zinfandel

Vanilla pudding

Chardonnay

Sylvester Vineyards & Winery of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
St. Agur – double cream blue cheese with their Kiara Reserve Pinot Noir
Old Amsterdam- Aged Gouda with their Le Vigne Merlot
Chaubier- ½ cow ½ goat cheese Kiara with their Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Piave`- Aged Italian Cow’s Milk Cheese with their Kiara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Quotable Quote: “If God didn’t want us to drink wine, he wouldn’t have given us an elbow.” – Ben Franklin (Zina)

Seafood

Possible Wine Pairings

Blackened fish

Zinfandel

Cioppino

Zinfandel

Crab

Chardonnay

Halibut

Chardonnay

Orange Roughy

Pinot Noir

Oysters

Sauvignon Blanc

Salmon

Syrah

Scallops

Sauvignon Blanc

Sea bass

Riesling

Shrimp

Chardonnay

Sole

Sauvignon Blanc

Swordfish (grilled)

Merlot

Trout

Riesling

Tuna

Merlot, Pinot Noir

Tuna (grilled)

Cabernet

Chumeia Vineyards of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Crabmeat, spinach bisque or pears marinated & grilled Silver Nectar
Melon wrapped in prosciutto with their 2006 Viognier “3 time Gold Medal winner”
Stuffed Portabella mushrooms or Salmon burgers with their Pinot Noir San Rafael
Roasted or grilled game meats or rustic Italian cuisine with their Barbera
Warm crab, Swiss & red pepper dip with their Chardonnay
Quotable Quote: “It’s all Greek to me!” – Lee Nesbitt – Winemaker

Sauces

Possible Wine Pairings

Barbeque

Syrah

Barbeque (sweet)

Riesling

Béarnaise

Merlot

Bolognese

Merlot

Brown sauces

Cabernet

Cajun

Zinfandel

Chutney

Riesling

Citrus

Sauvignon Blanc

Cream sauce

Chardonnay

Heavy sauces

Syrah

Light sauces

Sauvignon Blanc

Mushroom sauce

Pinot Noir

Pesto

Chardonnay

Red sauces

Pinot Noir, Syrah

Salsa

Zinfandel

Spicy

Riesling, Zinfandel

Tomato

Cabernet

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines of Paso Robles suggests these special pairings
Salmon, Pork with their Fogs Reach Vineyard Pinot Noir
Buttered popcorn, shrimp, chicken with their Arroyo Vista Vineyards Chardonnay
Crab with their Carl’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Beef with their Carl’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 

The Gold Coast Limousines
Chauffeurs Bible of
Wine Touring and Food Pairing
2008 Edition
by Phil Conklin

                This incredible one-of-a-kind guide will help you plan the most amazing wine tour of the Central Coast you’ve ever imagined.

  • This valuable guide is ONLY available on this website for $19.95
  • With every 6 hour wine tour that YOU book online, YOU will receive a FREE copy of this Wine Touring & Food Pairing guide!
  • Great strides were taken to include every winery of the Central Coast that has an active tasting room from Summerland to San Miguel!
  • Local wines are listed within the pages with some interesting food items suggested as pairing partners to enrich the explosion of flavor
  • Mini winery touring groups are set up within this guide
  • This is definitely one guide you’ll carry with you
  • Easy and fun to use, with many extras, such as words from the winemakers themselves in the form of “quote-able quotes”
  • This book is due to be released early 2008
  • Reserve your copy TODAY at $19.95 each!
  • Use our online limo reservation form to purchase the book or receive a FREE copy by reserving your 6 hour Wine Tour today!!