04 Sep 2013
Visitors seeking a truly unique wine region have flocked to the Paso Robles area for years. With more than 270 wineries to choose from, there’s no shortage of wine experiences in California’s “Rhone Zone.” And now that experience starts the moment a guest enters their room.
The Paso Robles Inn, located on the town’s city square in Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County, has launched a unique wine partnership with local wineries. The concept involves infusing various winery characteristics into the décor, ambience and amenities of each of the deluxe mineral spa rooms – starting with the unique naming on the guest room door.
The Paso Robles Inn dedicated 18 deluxe mineral spa rooms to the winery-branded project, coinciding with the hotel’s major renovation. While the guest rooms have been completely renovated from floor to ceiling, including updated bathrooms, furnishings, amenities and their famous private mineral water soaking tubs, winery partners have provided representative touches in art, furniture and accessories to theme the room. Guests receive complimentary tasting vouchers at their room winery as well as s glass of the featured wine in the hotel’s Steakhouse Restaurant. The suites feature a variety of unique decorative items, from a real grape vine in the Ancient Peaks Winery room, to wine barrel chairs in the DAOU room, to beautiful murals over the spa tubs and glass lamps filled with corks. Other touches include wine barrel art, sculptures, coat racks and photography from the vineyards.
“There certainly is no lack of creativity demonstrated by our wine partners,” said Noreen Martin-Hulburd, CEO of Martin Resorts which owns and operates the Inn. “This is a really exciting and interactive way for us to help tell the story of Paso Robles, and to celebrate our region’s reputation for wine, travel and hospitality,” said Nina Leschinsky, Direct to Consumer Sales Manager for winery. “Each of the winery themed deluxe rooms have been transformed into a unique experience for guests. We put a lot of thought into decorating our Ancient Peaks Winery room, so that the room is tasteful, educational and entertaining. We are honored that the Paso Robles Inn selected us to participate in this remarkable concept.”
From small, family-owned wineries, to nationally known brands, the wineries chosen by Paso Robles Inn are unique and worth a visit. The concept is an opportunity to strengthen the partnerships already in place with the Inn, and to broaden exposure to each winery partner in a new way. In addition to the enhanced wine décor, each guest receives a complimentary glass of their namesake suites’ wine in the Inn’s Steakhouse Restaurant, as well as a complimentary wine tasting at the vineyard.
Robert Hall, owner of Robert Hall Winery, says “The Martin Family has always been such a strong supporter of local wineries. We are proud to be part of the Paso Robles Inn’s wine branded deluxe suites and decorating the room for guests with Robert Hall Winery images and furniture made from barrel staves was a very fun project.”
Who’s who in wineries represented in Paso Robles Inn’s deluxe mineral spa rooms
California wine lovers will surely recognize the labels; Ancient Peaks Winery, Broken Earth Winery, Castoro Cellars, DAOU Vineyards, Donati Family Estate Winery, Eberle Winery, Hope Family Wines, J. Lohr Winery & Vineyards, Le Vigne Winery, Peachy Canyon, Rio Seco Winery, Robert Hall Winery, Sextant Wines, Tables Creek Vineyards, Tobin James Cellars and Vina Robles are among the winery partners. (Paso Robles Inn’s dog-friendly rooms were chosen by Eberle Winery and Rio Seco Winery.) Because Paso Robles has a growing craft beer movement, the Inn also selected a brewing partner for the concept; Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
Superior wine grapes a tradition in Paso Robles
The Paso Robles wine region is the largest and most diverse in California, with distinct soils, many microclimates and unique topography contributing to the depth of wines in the region. It is the fastest growing American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California; 32,000 vineyard acres. In the past decade, the number of wineries has swelled from 50 to more than 270 bonded wineries, ranging from nationally distributed, to mid-size and boutique. The area’s Zinfandel grape historically gave the Paso Robles AVA its start as a wine grape producing region and is celebrated annually with its own festival in March. Today the region is well touted as California’s “Rhone Zone” for its production of world class Syrah as well as Viognier and Roussane, while Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordelaise varietals remain king, comprising 50% of the region’s total acreage.
Commercial winemaking can be traced to the 1870s when Indiana farmer transplant Andrew York planted vineyards on his homestead. In the 1920s and 30s several families immigrated to the area to establish family vineyards and wineries. The Paso Robles region and the establishment known today as the Paso Robles Inn, gained more notoriety when Ignace Paderewski, the famous Polish statesman and concert pianist, visited Paso Robles Hot Springs. He sought the healing mineral waters which brought relief to his ailing hands, fell in love with the area, purchased 2,000 acres, and planted Petite Syrah and Zinfandel on his Rancho San Ignacio vineyard.
The idea forms over years
The Paso Robles Inn wine room concept is the brainchild of Noreen Martin-Hulburd, owner of Martin Resorts. The Paso Robles Inn is one of five boutique hotels owned and operated by the San Luis Obispo-based company. As the volunteer president of the Visit San Luis Obispo County, President Martin-Hulburd is constantly considering ways to bring more visitors to not only her properties, but to local restaurants, shops, farms and farmers markets, outdoor adventure companies, and wineries.
“We are located in one of the most historic spots in California, on top of a never-ending supply of natural hot spring water that has been used for healing and relaxation for centuries,” said Martin-Hulburd. “We are also steps from several wine tasting rooms – but that’s not enough. We needed to bring pieces and expressions of these incredibly diverse wineries into our renovated guest rooms so our guests realize they are in the largest wine region in the state and it is waiting to be explored outside their door.”
The company recently researched and developed a guide featuring places for travelers to experience when they exit Highway 101 in the county. The “101 Reasons to Exit Highway 101” is designed to promote little-known places and local favorites including wineries. It’s available free at www.martinresorts.com. The Paso Robles Inn renovation and winery room installation was completed in summer 2013. For reservations and information, visit www.pasoroblesinn.com, call toll free 800-676-1713 or direct at 805-238-2660.
About Martin Resorts
From oceanfront hotels in the popular beach towns of Pismo Beach and Avila Beach to an historic garden inn located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, each Martin Resorts hotel is a unique experience for California getaways. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, in beautiful San Luis Obispo County, the locations feature California’s best beaches, breathtaking ocean views and stunning sunsets, exceptional golf, an abundant wine country and farm-to-fork dining experiences, and historic Hearst Castle. For more information and hotel reservations, visit www.MartinResorts.com.
Press Contacts: Susan Wilson, Publicist, 602-996-4242, susanwilson129@gmail.com
Lori Keller, Vice President of Marketing & Sales, 805-547-2711, lorik@martinresorts.com
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About Paso Robles Inn’s Partner Wineries
Ancient Peaks Winery
Ancient Peaks Winery is a partnership between three local winegrowing families who are inspired to craft remarkable wines from their jointly owned Margarita Vineyard. Margarita Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked beneath the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. www.ancientpeaks.com
Broken Earth Winery
Broken Earth Winery, produces unique wines that are estate grown, harvested and bottled in Paso Robles. Broken Earth Winery remains committed to sustainable ideals, and to continuing to bolster the high-quality reputation of Paso Robles wines. www.brokenearthwinery.com
Castoro Cellars
Castoro Cellars sources grapes almost exclusively from their Estate Grown, sustainably farmed vineyards. They select their grape sources carefully, matching vineyard location with the grape variety that thrives in that particular setting and employing vineyard techniques that produce the desired characteristics of each varietal.
DAOU Vineyards
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. www.daouvineyards.com
Donati Family Estate Vineyard
The Donati Family Estate Vineyard site enjoys a variety of soils from limestone to decomposed granite to clay loam, and access to the cooling ocean breezes of the Monterey Bay. The vineyard is planted to various select clones of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Petit Verdot. www.donatifamilyvineyard.com
Eberle Winery
Eberle handcrafts 25,000 cases of wine each year from surrounding Estate vineyards. And, after more than 33 years since the release of the Eberle label, the winery consistently remains one of the highest award-winning wineries in the United States. www.eberlewinery.com
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker Brewing Company began as a small brewery with roots in wine country on California’s Central Coast. Firestone Walker’s ales are selectively fermented in the Firestone Union oak barrel brewing system. The Firestone Union incorporates 65-gallon, medium and heavy toast American oak barrels. www.firestonebeer.com
Hope Family Wines
As one of the pioneering families of the Paso Robles wine community, the Hope family is dedicated to sustainable farming and making wines that are delicious, accessible and memorable. Still family-owned and operated, Hope Family Wines now makes five individual brands: Liberty School, Treana, Candor, Troublemaker and Austin Hope. The two brands featured at the Paso Robles Inn will be Treana, and Troublemaker in two separate guest rooms. www.hopefamilywines.com
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines includes more than 900 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in Monterey County, with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir, 2,000 acres in Paso Robles dedicated to Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah and other red varietals, and 33 acres in Napa Valley, highlighting Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. From this rich and diverse palette of sustainably farmed estate fruit, J. Lohr crafts wines showcasing bold, concentrated flavors and a vibrant sense of place. www.jlohr.com
Le Vigne Winery
Located in the heart of the Paso Robles wine region, Le Vigne Winery produces quality wines that feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. Opened in 1995 the winery includes a tasting room that features a relaxed atmosphere, premium wines, and gourmet food items. www.levignewinery.com
Peachy Canyon
Peachy Canyon Winery is a small family owned winery in the beautiful wine country of Westside Paso Robles on the Central Coast of California; near Hearst Castle and Big Sur. Peachy Canyon Winery specializes in estate Zinfandels and has been family owned and operated by the Beckett Family since 1988. www.peachycanyon.com
Rio Seco Winery
As a small family owned vineyard and winery, Rio Seco considers itself fortunate to be part of a “New World” of wine exploration. Their passion goes into creating an exceptional vineyard, using intensive growing practices resulting in richly handcrafted wines. www.riosecowine.com
Robert Hall Winery
Tucked into the hillside east of Paso Robles, along California’s enchanting Central Coast is Robert Hall Winery, where years of hard work and infinite attention to detail are invested into every bottle of wine they make. Robert Hall Winery is the result of an old-fashioned work ethic combined with traditional winemaking techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and a team of dedicated professionals. www.roberthallwinery.com
Sextant Wines
Proprietors Nancy and Craig Stoller have a deep-rooted history in the wine industry. Glen Stoller founded the family owned and operated Sunridge Nurseries in 1977, and Craig is a third generation vine grower following in his father’s footsteps. What sets Sunridge Nurseries apart is their exclusive relationships with French, Portuguese, and Spanish dignitaries to import certified wine grape selections that can be traced back to the original mother vines in each of those countries. Sextant wines is devoted to creating unmatchable, old world varietal wines by taking full advantage of the ideal wine grape terroir of the Central Coast region, allowing grapes to grow to their optimal maturity, creating unique wines of supreme quality, including Chardonnay, Zinfindel, Cabernet Sauvignon, specialty wines and their property blend, Night Watch. www.sextantwines.com
Tablas Creek Vineyard
Tablas Creek Vineyard is the result of a decades-long friendship between the Perrin family of Ch'teau de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, longtime importer and founder of Vineyard Brands. The families created a partnership in 1985 and in 1989 purchased a 120-acre property in the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles for its similarities to Ch'teauneuf du Pape: limestone soils, a favorable climate, and rugged terrain. The partners imported the traditional varietals grown on the Perrins’ celebrated estate, including Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise for reds, and Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc for whites. www.tablascreek.com.
Tobin James Cellars
Tobin James Cellars, located 8 miles east of Paso Robles on Highway 46, sits among 71 acres of vineyards and oak dotted hills. Built from the ground up on the site of an old stagecoach stop, it might seem more natural to stroll into the old-fashioned western-style saloon, place your booted foot on the brass rail of the bar and order a shot of whiskey from the bartender. However, in the Tobin James tasting room, award winning wines are poured from behind the grand, antique 1860's Brunswick mahogany bar from Blue Eye, Missouri. www.tobinjames.com
Vina Robles
Vina Robles is the result of a unique personal trajectory, one that led winery founder Hans Nef from a rural village outside Zurich to the rugged terrain of California’s Central Coast, from the science of engineering to the art of winemaking. Vina Robles crafts wines that represent a stylistic bridge between the Old and New worlds, capturing the finesse associated with European wines while celebrating the bold natural flavors of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. www.vinarobles.com
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