Roaming Paso Robles: "BlendFest on the Coast" Stars Discovered
Wine Tasting Experiences Explored
TriciaConover
Mar 25, 2026
Last month I was invited to BlendFest on the Coast sponsored by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. This is the only wine festival in the US dedicated to blends. Prior to the event I visited several wineries for a more in-depth tasting experience. My visit to Justin Estate Vineyards was detailed two weeks ago, “Justin Estate Vineyard & Winery: a Paso Robles Pioneer,” March 11, 2026, Wine Wanderings. This week I’d like to make some wine recommendations based on portfolio tastings at these star wineries: LeVigne Winery, Tobin James Cellars, and Jada Vineyard.
Jada Vineyard & Winery, Paso Robles, Patio tasting
About Paso Robles Wine Region
The 610,000 acres of Paso Robles are vast, diverse and encompass 11 AVAs or Appellations all with distinct terroir. Until a few years ago Paso Robles was a single AVA*. Justin Winery founder, Justin Baldwin, almost singlehandedly elevated Paso as a premium region for Bordelaise** grapes four decades ago. In 1994, Tablas Creek Vineyard partnered with the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel, known for their Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhône wines. Tablas Creek imported cuttings of the Rhône grapes Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Roussanne to create a “vineyard-to-bottle” movement defining the modern Paso Robles. They began the “Rhone Rangers” movement in Paso Robles.
*AVA – American Viticultural Area – When a U.S. winery wants to tell you the geographic pedigree of its wine, it uses a tag on its label called an Appellation of Origin. The AVA is a designated wine grape-growing region in the U. S., a federally recognized region.
** Bordelaise grapes – (grapes of Bordeaux) consist of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère for red wines and Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon Gris for white wines.
Le Vigne Winery, Showcasing their Blend, GM, Phillip Anderson, Winemaker: Ben Mayo, at BlendFest on the Coast, Paso Robles, CA
· Le Vigne Winery – An in-depth interview with General Manager, Phillip Anderson about their four decades of winemaking excellence and artisan blends. Two-time 2025 Winery of the Year recipient. The wine portfolio tasting was extensive as was their cheese pairing. I have made recommendations below, some of my favorites of the region.
Tobin James Winery Guest House, Paso Robles, California
· Tobin James Cellars – The “James Gang” Wine Club is California’s most popular wine club. Defined by over-the-top fun and overseas group excursions, there are lots of activities for this large wine club. I spent time with much of the staff and enjoyed two incredible experiences: A 4-course staff dinner catered by their private chef, and an unscheduled but fun sabering exercise where I taught Bent Lunt, Assistant GM, Tobin James, to saber the top off sparkling wine. I stayed on-property at the ranch-style Guest House where I was able to soak up the James Gang western-style atmosphere. The James Gang festival is held every Spring.
· Jada Vineyard of Riboli –the private tasting was memorable. I interviewed Jada’s public relations consultant, Sao Anas, about this small, sustainable estate which produces world-class, small-lot Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines. The patio and estate settings for their tasting experiences are wonderfully intimate. Wine recommendations are below. Introducing Empire: A new ultra-luxury chapter for Jada Winery, a luxury wine line, just announced February 2026. More on this brand to come.
Recommended Wines
The Whites
2024 Jada Winery Lotus Eaters Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara $65
Musqué clone Sauvignon Blanc, only 222 cases produced. I bought 4 bottles! This is a wonderful wine to pair with seabass or a Dover sole.
Wine Enthusiast, 93 points
2021 Le Vigne Winery Estate Isabella Blanc de Noirs Sparkling, Paso Robles, $39
Vinous, 90 Points. The Isabella would pair well with oysters or even parmesan popcorn.
2021 Tobin James Chardonnay, James Gang Reserve Library Release, Monterey, $28
Vivino, 3.9 of 5 This wine pairs brilliantly with a grilled salmon or as your aperitif at your next Mahjong Group event.
See Mahj Tile Talk, “
2021 Le Vigne Sangiovese, Paso Robles, $42
James Suckling, 91 Points, Los Angeles Invitations Wine Challenge GOLD, Best of Class. Pair this wine with a Margarita pizza or pasta with marinara sauce.
2019 Le Vigne Patria (Super-Tuscan-like), Paso Robles, $75
Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points. Pair this wine with a hearty Bolognese pasta dish.
2019 Le Vigne Acquarello Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles $66
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, GOLD. This full-bodied wine pairs well with a grilled steak.
2021 Tobin James Fat Boy Zinfandel, Paso Robles, $55
Vivino, 4.4 of 5, The gang is known for its range of Zins. Serve this wine with a beef brisket or spicy burger.
2019 Tobin James Cabernet Franc, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, $48
Vivino, 4.1 of 5. This wine pairs well with grilled pork or a rich beef stew.