Oso Libre Winery, Paso Robles AVA

Early June was a perfect Spaswinefood time to return to Paso Robles Wine Country. During our visit we dropped by Oso Libre Winery, a family winery located at 7383 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles. The winery name Oso Libre means "Free Bear" in Spanish. The name was derived from the owners blended names and reflects the spirit of early California pioneers. Oso Libre Winery uses sustainable agriculture practices that meet requirements to be Sustainability in Practice Certified (SIP Certified).  Oso Libre Winery is located within a unique micro-climate in the Adelaida area on the west side Paso Robles. The winery is one of over 200 wineries in the Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) (check update on SIP wineries). Oso Libre's location, plus the use of sustainable farming all contribute to making award-winning wines.

The vineyards at Oso Libre Winery © Spaswinefood

As you enter Oso Libre Winery you will see the estate vineyard along the roadside.

Signage at the entrance to Oso Libre Winery © Spaswinefood

Oso Libre Winery is part of Rancho Oso Libre © Spaswinefood

The limited production of artisanal wines produced by the winery include single varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Mourverde, blends and desert wines (see list of awards and accolades). The grapes are sustainably farmed and come from the 15 acre estate vineyard and other local high quality producers.

Two of the Oso Libre's award winning wines that we tasted during our visit included: (1) 2008 Central Coast Primorsoso, a winemakers blend and (2) 2009 Paso Robles Carnal (GSM). The 2008 Central Coast Primorsoso is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Mourverde and Petit Syrah. It received a Gold at 2011 LA International Wine Competition and a Gold at 2011 Orange County Wine Competition. The 2009 Paso Robles Carnal (GSM) received a Gold, Chairman's Best of Class at 2011 Long Beach Cru and a Gold at the 2011 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Oso Libre 2008 Central Coast Primorsoso © Spaswinefood

Oso Libre 2008 Central Coast Primorsoso © Spaswinefood

Oso Libre 2009 Paso Robles Carnal © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed the excellent service that we received at the winery. You can check reviews for Oso Libre Winery at Bundle, Snooth and Yelp. For articles on the winery see Central Coast Uncorked, Hoot N Annie and Wine and Beer Blog.

Oso Libre Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Oso Libre Winery is pet friendly © Spaswinefood

Oso Libre Winery is pet friendly. In fact we were welcomed by winery dogs Patrón and Ruby. We just happened to have Iris, another Australian Shepherd with us. She enjoyed meeting her new Aussie friends.  Rancho Oso Libre began with 90 acres of land, of which 60 acres are now devoted to the raising of black angus cattle.

Oso Libre is also a Ranch © Spaswinefood

Iris (center) was happy to meet Patrón and Ruby © Spaswinefood

Drop by the friendly tasting room and check out their SIP wines. You can check out my travels in Paso Robles Wine Country and elsewhere at Spaswinefood, or visit  my travel column at the Examiner. 

Sharon

June 2012

© Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook