Along the southern border of the Paso Robles wine country lies Santa Margarita\u2014a charismatic small town steeped in local history. This is where the Ancient Peaks Winery resides.<\/p>\n
Our estate Margarita Vineyard is the only vineyard located in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA of Paso Robles on California\u2019s Central Coast. The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is distinguished by one of the coolest, longest growing seasons in the Paso Robles region. It also features a rare diversity of soil types\u2014a testament to the tectonic friction that created the surrounding Santa Lucia mountain peaks.<\/p>\n
Visit the Ancient Peaks tasting room to sample our current releases, including our limited-edition Pearl Collection reserve wines. We are conveniently located just one mile from Highway 101 in the heart of San Luis Obispo County.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"amenity":[723,253,1442,666,230,1141,167,893,860,1140,803],"wine_style":[919,968,920,205,1532,204,1531],"experiences":[2678,2776,2649,2779,3332,3480,2727,3481,3431,3221,2728,2798,2888,2679,3479],"class_list":["post-8432","winery","type-winery","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","amenity-dog-friendly","amenity-event-space","amenity-food-wine-pairings","amenity-great-service","amenity-great-views","amenity-outdoor-patio","amenity-restaurant","amenity-small-bites","amenity-vineyard-views","amenity-wedding-venue","amenity-wine-tastings","wine_style-dry-red-wines","wine_style-dry-rose-wines","wine_style-dry-white-wines","wine_style-red-wine-blends","wine_style-red-wines","wine_style-white-wine-blends","wine_style-white-wines","grapes-cabernet-sauvignon","grapes-chardonnay","grapes-malbec","grapes-merlot","grapes-petit-verdot","grapes-pinot-noir","grapes-sauvignon-blanc","grapes-zinfandel","destinations-california","destinations-paso-robles","destinations-united-states","regions-california","regions-paso-robles","regions-santa-margarita-ranch","experiences-adventurous","experiences-beautiful-views","experiences-couples-travel","experiences-family-travel","experiences-food-wine-pairings","experiences-kid-friendly","experiences-outdoorsy","experiences-pet-friendly","experiences-restaurant","experiences-romantic","experiences-solo-travel","experiences-vineyard-views","experiences-weddings","experiences-wine-tastings","experiences-zip-lining"],"acf":{"featured":false,"featured_order":"","content_title":"Winery in Santa Margarita, Paso Robles, California","logo":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/ancient-peaks-winery-logo-winetraveler.png","website_url":"https:\/\/ancientpeaks.com\/","established_year":"","head_wine_maker":"Mike Sinor","hours_of_operation":"","yelp_id":"ancient-peaks-winery-and-tasting-room-santa-margarita","contact_name":"","phone_number":"805.365.7045","email_address":"","region":{"ID":8110,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2019-06-26 13:07:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-26 17:07:21","post_content":"\n
As Paso Robles becomes recognized as one of the world\u2019s premiere producers of Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a> and red Bordeaux varietals<\/strong><\/a>, the area has seen significant growth in red Bordeaux plantings. Today, more than 57 percent of Paso Robles vineyard acreage are made up of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. The resulting wines are approachable, complex and age-worthy, and continue to win over critics and wine enthusiasts alike with their terroir-driven nuances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Situated inland on the Central Coast, but close enough to the Pacific Ocean to enjoy maritime influences, Paso Robles is a superb region for growing grapes. Here, mountainous slopes, diverse soil types and large diurnal shifts in day to night temperatures result in idyllic growing conditions for grapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPaso Robles is a rare phenomenon,\u201d shares Daniel Daou, Co-owner and Winemaker of DAOU Vineyards & Wines<\/a><\/strong>, \u201cit has the soils of Bordeaux and the climate of Napa, and when you put this combination together, it\u2019s something that is rare and special. It allows us as winemakers to take a very minimalist approach to making wine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adds Doug Filipponi, Co-owner of Ancient Peaks Winery,<\/a> \u201cThe climate here in Paso is quite unique. We get heat during the day, but at night we have these intense diurnal shifts in temperature, putting more minerality into the berries and creating unique flavor profiles.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","post_title":"Paso Robles","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"paso-robles","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-08 16:16:38","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-08 20:16:38","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=8110","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":{"term_id":1804,"name":"Santa Margarita Ranch AVA","slug":"santa-margarita-ranch-ava","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1804,"taxonomy":"sub_region","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"},"address_1":"22720 El Camino Real","address_2":"","country":{"ID":418,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_date_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content":"","post_title":"United States","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"united-states","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_modified_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=418","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":{"ID":1431,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_date_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content":"","post_title":"California","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"california","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_modified_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=state&p=1431","menu_order":0,"post_type":"state","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"city":"Santa Margarita","postal_code":"93453","lat":"35.389063","lng":"-120.613002","place_id":"ChIJlTx_3ijs7IARGlDr90S73hE","tasting_details":"Walk-ins are welcome for small groups. Reservations are required for groups of eight or more (inquire for pricing details). Malbec is thought to have originated near Burgundy<\/a><\/strong> before spreading to other regions of France<\/a><\/strong>. Although it\u2019s probably best known as one of the red grapes allowed in Bordeaux blends, it\u2019s equally valued in Cahors in the Southwest. It also thrives in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/strong>, where it\u2019s known as C\u00f4t and is often used to produce lighter, more quaffable wines.<\/p>\r\n Malbec is, however, THE grape of Argentina<\/a><\/strong> due to Nicol\u00e1s Catena. He began a wine revolution in Argentina in the 1980s and studied the climate, the soils, the plantings, the farming. Every aspect of the winemaking process drove his passion to put Argentina on the international wine map. He inherently knew Argentina could and would make wine as great as anywhere else and had help from consultants such as Paul Hobbs and Attilio Pagli.<\/p>\r\n To this day, the Catena family and their Wine Institute continue to be the driving force in the development and propagation on making Argentine Malbec one of the best wines in the world.<\/p>\r\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n According to sommelier Kevin Cornish, Malbec is a lush, ripe wine with dark concentrated flavors. It contains beautiful black fruit flavors and aromatics of spice and some floral notes at times. There are different degrees of complexity in Malbec depending upon the winemaker and the region it is made in.<\/p>\r\n When from Cahors or Argentina, it can be positively inky, whereas it\u2019s lighter and brighter when it\u2019s from the Loire Valley. New World Malbecs outside of Argentina also tend to be muscular and bold. Expect lots of black fruit notes along with distinctive leather, mushroom, tobacco, smoke, pepper, and cacao. There are also hints of forest floor and clay in Malbec wines.<\/p>\r\n We\u2019re big believers in matching wine with cuisine from where it's produced, so try Malbec with grilled Argentine beef and chimichurri sauce \u2013 the pairing will pick up those smoky grilled notes along with the brighter herbal notes.<\/p>\r\n Cassoulet is another hearty pairing for French iterations. That said, since Malbec is so barbecue friendly, pair it with anything on the grill!<\/p>\r\n Argentina is basically a desert, due to the annual amount of rainfall (or lack thereof). For these high-altitude vineyards, careful study has been done for years to ensure the harvest is of the best quality, year in and year out. Water is in high demand and has been grandfathered in for use over the years. One can only use their allotment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n On the valley floor, there are different methods of harvest, different pruning, and vine training. Vines may be more stressed at higher altitudes, and there are different soils.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Cooler climates, like the Loire Valley, will produce those lighter wines that can be chilled and popped open to sip on an easy Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n Bolder Cahors and Argentine Malbecs can age quite well. Although it's not as tannic as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec has a similar heft to it that breaks down and evolves beautifully with time. Malbec works well with a variety of oak treatments and, because it\u2019s bold, it tends not to be overwhelmed by deep toasting.<\/p>\r\n Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she has recently landed in Northern California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n [jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]<\/p>","post_title":"Malbec","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"malbec-wine-grape-characteristics-taste-pairing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-07-31 13:10:01","post_modified_gmt":"2022-07-31 17:10:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/uncategorized\/malbec\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"grape","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1901,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_content":" Petit Verdot is mostly known for its role as a blending grape in Bordeaux-style blends, but this bold variety is making a name for itself as a mono-varietal wine. Named for it's small, thick-skinned berries, this grape is valued for its depth of color and tannic structure. Petit Verdot wines tend to have a dense, inky, violet-black appearance due to high levels of anthocyanin (a trait that is sought after due to its abundant antioxidents). It is one of the few varieties that will look deep purple in the glass.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n It is known for intense violet aromas and flavors, as well as black plum, black cherry and lilacs. The thick-skinned berries give this grape great tannic structure and it can achieve higher levels of alcohol due to its long growing period. This can give it a full and plush feel in the mouth. It also has a cedar and spice element that is amplified by oak aging. Many of these traits liken it to a Syrah in style.<\/p>\r\n It once was one of the more important grapes for many Bordeaux wines in the Medoc during the 1700\u2019s, but eventually became scarce. Due to phylloxera in the late 1800's most of the Petit Verdot in The Left Bank was ripped up. Then what little Petit Verdot remained removed from the vineyards in Bordeaux following the frost of 1956. Petit Verdot began to reappear in California in the mid 1970\u2019s\u2014 mostly in the Mt. Veeder appellation. Today, this grape does really well in many places\u2014it's made a name for itself in Virginia, is being grown more and more across California and Washington. Argentina, Australia, Chile, Italy, Portugal and Spain have all been having success with this grape as well.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Of course it is still used in the famous Bordeaux blends\u2014the largest plantings of Petit Verdot in Bordeaux are probably located at Chateau Bolaire in the Bordeaux Superieur region, which will include up to 40 percent Petit Verdot in a cuv\u00e9e. Interestingly, there are a few small producers in Bordeaux making wines from 100 percent Petit Verdot. The most famous estate is located in the Haut Medoc, Chateau Malescasse, which produces Le Petit de Malescasse. See below to check out other single-varietal Petit Verdots for yourself!<\/p>\r\n Written By Carrie Dykes<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Carrie Dykes is wine writer and reviewer living in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Her by-line can be also be found in Hudson Valley Wine Magazine, InCider Japan, The Cork Report and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She is an international wine judge for the IWSC, where she uses the skills she has learned in her WSET Diploma training.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n [jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]<\/p>","post_title":"Petit Verdot","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"petit-verdot","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-11-17 18:50:15","post_modified_gmt":"2022-11-17 23:50:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/uncategorized\/petit-verdot\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"grape","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1871,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_content":"\n Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape variety of the grapevine species vitis vinifera. It is the most widely grown red wine grape variety in the world, and its wines were recently ranked as the most searched and sought-after in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can form a full-bodied, complex, fruit-forward and dry wine when vinified correctly. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape has received most of its notoriety from being grown in the Bordeaux region of France<\/strong><\/a>. Traditionally speaking, these wines taste of heavy red and black fruit backed by noticeable tannins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The climate Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in has been known to substantially affect its taste. Cooler climate Cabernet will tend to yield a more dark-fruit-forward wine with evidence of acidity. While warmer climates tend to yield more evidence of rich red fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classic fruit notes are deep and dark: blackberry, black cherry, plum, cassis, and raisins. Earth and mineral notes can vary depending on terroir and vinification methods but classic notes include cedar, bell pepper, cracked spice, wood smoke, oak, tobacco, black olive, mushroom, mint, and wet gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of its complexity and high tannin structure, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice with any poultry or meat dish. The rugged spiciness of the wine combined with its dark fruit and earth will easily balance out grilled poultry, grilled pork, filet mignon, rack of lamb, or braised pork ribs perfectly. For vegetarian dishes, it works well with spiced mushroom, eggplant, or quinoa-based dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For cheese pairings, Cabernet Sauvignon works best with medium to sharp cheeses, like aged cheddar, apple-smoked gouda, asiago, gruyere, goat cheese, stilton, or bleu cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon is a choice grape variety for wine drinkers and vintners alike because of its taste profile and ease to produce. The vines are incredibly hardy and can grow in an array of climates and terroirs. They produce grapes with thick skins which are highly resistant to damaging weather like frost and hail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yields are often high, which can be a huge positive for winemakers considering that Cabernet is one of the most in-demand red wines around the world. On the other hand, controlling yields is also important for more boutique, craft wineries who are looking for a more refined product. This requires further investment in labor costs and a choice selection in terroir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ironically, if you were to look at it on a timescale starting when humans first tried wine, Cabernet Sauvignon hasn\u2019t been around that long. It was stumbled upon during the 17th century in Southwestern France<\/strong><\/a>, where Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a> and Cabernet Franc<\/strong><\/a> were crossed to form a new grape variety. (This was recently discovered in 1996 where DNA testing was done at the <\/em>UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology<\/em><\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Bordeaux, there are a plethora of quality Cabernet growing areas. Venture into regions like the Loire Valley, Lebanon\u2019s Beqaa Valley<\/a><\/strong>, Tuscany<\/strong><\/a>, and Navarra in Spain to truly expand your palate and see this grape\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While centuries of wine production in Bordeaux helped launch Cabernet to fame over time, other regions like Napa Valley<\/strong><\/a> have helped bring it to the forefront of the new world as a single-varietal red wine. Many Bordeaux winemakers are known for blending Cabernet Sauvignon with other varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With wine production is expanding globally at a record pace, wine enthusiasts should begin to look towards other old world and new world wine-producing regions to sample new takes on Cabernet Sauvignon. In North America, Washington State<\/a><\/strong> is growing gorgeous examples of Cabernet in AVAs including Yakima, Walla Walla<\/a><\/strong>, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills and the Columbia Valley. California wine lovers undoubtedly should continue to keep an eye on Sonoma County\u2019s wines<\/strong><\/a>. Paso Robles<\/strong><\/a>, and Lake County<\/a><\/strong>. The Santa Cruz Mountains<\/strong><\/a> are also crafting some delicious examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A variety of New World countries and regions produce fantastic Cabernet. From New Zealand\u2019s Hawke\u2019s Bay region to Australia\u2019s McLaren Valley, all the way to regions across Chile<\/strong><\/a> and even Stellenbosch in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cabernet Sauvignon produces some of the most age-worthy wines in the world. Cab loves oak \u2013 it\u2019s such a bold wine that it\u2019s almost impossible for oak to be intrusive. Instead, oak can really work wonders to round out the rough edges of young Cabernet Sauvignon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n French, American, and Hungarian oak all work well with Cab and it\u2019s rare that oak isn\u2019t used. High-end Bordeaux and high-end Napa Cabs can age for decades, and even less expensive Cabernets can age for a bit. While we don\u2019t necessarily recommend hanging on to an inexpensive wine for years \u2013 they are, after all, meant to be drunk young \u2013 with Cab, it could be a fun experiment just to see what happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\r\n
\r\nCaf\u00e9 Service<\/strong>
\r\n11 AM \u2013 5:00 PM daily
\r\n
\r\n$15 tasting fee for non-members.
\r\nClosed on Easter Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year\u2019s Day.","tasting_price":"","tour_details":"The Ancient Peaks experience includes innovative agritourism and adventure offerings on the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.
\r\n
\r\nOyster Ridge Events<\/strong>
\r\nLocated on the legendary Santa Margarita Ranch, Oyster Ridge offers breathtaking views in every direction. Named for the oyster fossils that riddle the soils of Ancient Peaks\u2019 adjacent Margarita Vineyard. Oyster Ridge is ultimately a world apart, offering a rare taste of unspoiled coastal California.
\r\n
\r\nZip-Lining<\/strong>
\r\nWhen you come to Margarita Adventures, your adventure isn\u2019t complete without participating in our ziplines! Rated as one of the \u201cbest things to do\u201d in San Luis Obispo County, our ziplines offer you the thrilling experience of flying over the beautiful terrain of Santa Margarita.
\r\n
\r\nPerfect for Families, Friends & Couples<\/strong>
\r\nSoar over valleys, oaks, mountainsides, and vineyards
\r\nTour includes six distinct ziplines spanning more than 7,500 total feet
\r\nCreate an unforgettable memory with friends and loved ones
\r\nEnjoy a post-wine-tasting tour at our neighboring Ancient Peaks Winery.
\r\nA top-rated experience listed as a Sunset Travel Award finalist in 2015 and 2016.
\r\nA five-star-rated TripAdvisor and Yelp experience.
\r\nDon\u2019t worry about mixing alcohol and heights, as we maintain an outstanding safety record that exceeds industry requirements.
\r\n
\r\nWildlife Hummer Tour and Educational Trail Walk<\/strong>
\r\nTake a break from the stress of work or school and learn something about the animals of Santa Margarita. Our nature walks and tours give you the chance to escape reality and explore the natural world around you! With this wildlife tour, you will be escorted to unique habitats before taking a walk with the wild to explore nature on foot!","tour_price":"","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"Call us at (805) 438-3120 or book online.","gallery":false,"grapes":[{"ID":1887,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_content":"\r\n\t
\r\n<\/a>What Does Malbec Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>Malbec Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Malbec<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>How is Malbec Aged? <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>Try some of these Malbec wine recommendations from around the world:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\t
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n
\r\nRecommended Petit Verdot Wines To Try<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\t
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How Cabernet Sauvignon is Aged<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Try some of these great Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Cabernet-based blends from around the world: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n