NEWS
January 7, 2023 | Sarah Walter
Copia's Love Affair with Cheese
If you’ve visited us and experienced our lounge tasting, you’ll know we love to experience our wine with artisanal cheese. Cheese is incredibly delicious and enjoyable on its own, of course. But, there is a reason that wine and cheese are a match made in heaven.
Let's talk tannins! Tannins are an astringent compound abundantly found in nature. When it comes to wine, tannins are extracted from grape skins, seeds, stems and oak barrels. Think texture, structure and mouthfeel. Have you ever had the sensation of a the moisture leaving your palate after enjoying wine? That is the tannin in the wine.
What does this have to do with cheese? Cheese is composed of protein and fat and is rich on the palate. There is an interaction that happens when you combine wine tannins and the fat in cheese. A bite of cheese before a sip of wine smooths out the "rough edges" of some wine tannins. The perception of astringency in wine is reduced as it glides like silk over the palate. Studies have also shown that certain cheeses with certain wines can work to enhance fruit qualities and aromas.
At Copia, we take time as a team sampling several cheeses with each wine before presenting them to you. It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it! Our goal is to always find a cheese match that doesn’t change or overpower the wine. We look for a pairing that puts the wine on a pedestal and simply lets it shine.
We’d love to see you in the tasting room soon and take you on this wine and cheese journey! You can also have fun with pairings at home. Check out your local grocery store, or find a cheese shop near you and get your hands on some of our favorites below.
CURRENT RELEASE
PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
2019 The Story (Grenache)
pairs with Ossau-Iraty
2019 The Cure (G-S-M)
pairs with Cave-Aged Gruyere
2019 The Source (Syrah)
pairs with 5-Year Aged Gouda, Artikaas
Jan 7, 2023 at 9:00 AM
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March 1, 2021 | Sarah Walter
Inspired Citizen | Anthony Berklich
A BOUTIQUE VINEYARD THAT TAKES THE CAKE FOR 2021
FOOD | NOVEMBER 16, 2020
Copia Vineyards, owned by Varinder and Anita Sahi, is a dynamite operation on California’s Central Coast – putting forth a small but stunning variety of wines into a market ready to receive them. In the span of five years, Copia Vineyards has made a big name for itself and its wines have won innumerable awards. Their poetic approach to winemaking and their operation through the lens of gratitude is obvious, setting forth a clear path to success now and in the future. Anita and Varinder’s journey together began in 2015 so, if success has reached them so soon, there’s no telling what the future holds. I recently had the privilege to taste some of their offerings as was completely blown away with their product. 
Copia established their Copia Estate Vineyard in 2019 but have been sourcing their grapes from some of the area’s top grape growing properties, 12 of them in fact. The varying microclimates and elevations of vineyards in the paso Robles area as well as Santa Barbara County create nuances that are unique to Copia wines. There’s something about Anita and Varinder’s selection, along with their hospitality manager, Sarah Boone, that have made this wine-making moment blossom for them. The Copia Estate Vineyard is planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. Their other vineyard partners offer grapes cultivated in unique growing conditions that add to the complexity of all Copia wines.
I received the following wines from Copia, and fell in love with every single one of them. Below are the wines and my thoughts on the product.
The Story is a Grenache-dominated blend with grapes hailing from the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. In this wine, from the terroir, you will taste oceanic influences from the Pacific as well as juicy notes and minerality that make for an incredible flavor. The taste is sweet and spicy and incredibly smooth. The wine is full-bodied with ripe red fruit and tart berry. This wine is fabulous on its own or with food. The wine is typically rested for 20 months before release and is derived from grapes picked in September and October.
The Cure is Copia’s take on the Rhône’s classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The grape varietals, mainly Grenache and Syrah, are grown in the Central Coast’s Edna Valley, Willow Creek District and Santa Barbara County. Following traditional Rhônes, cassis will perfume the glass and flavors of chocolate, spice and slight wood might be noticed with a smooth finish. You might also taste elements of pepper, blackberry and deep red fruits as you sip this. I absolutely fell in love with this wine on its own without anything needing to be paired.
An elegant wine composed of 90% Syrah, The Source comes to life from the area’s cool climate which brings out spice and earthiness, while still remaining very drinkable on its own. Wine lovers will notice notes of white pepper and incense, while tasting firmly, dark red fruit without a jammy flavor. This is the perfect wine for a fatty red meat like lamb or duck.
I love Cab…and this one stunned me. Composed of grapes from the warmer Santa Ynez Valley’s “Happy Canyon”. This wine is incredibly drinkable and elegant, rich and silky – with notes of tobacco and blue fruits. What you might notice here is a full body, yet a soft and easy wine that is perfect on its own or with food. This is my favorite cab I have tried this year – hands down.
After experiencing Copia Vineyard’s offerings and seeing their true dedication and understanding of the art of winemaking, I am truly astounded by what they’ve done in such a short time and am excited for the future. The family and small team here are passionate about what they do and, it seems, were drawn to Paso Robles from the Midwest with a higher purpose in mind. Their wines are not just loved by me, but are rated incredibly high by publications like Wine Enthusiast and Connoisseur’s Guide.
Wine lovers can visit Copia Vineyards for a tasting or even a stay. They offer tastings in their tasting room and overnight stays in the Willow Creek District area of Paso Robles at their guesthouse. For TRUE red wine lovers – this is a vineyard and winemaking operation that must be on your 2020-2021 bucket list. Now is the time to go before the secret is out – the wines are just THAT good.
Mar 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM
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November 10, 2020 | Sarah Walter
Thanks and Giving 🍂
I have begun to UNDERSTAND that business and life have a lot in common with a HUG.
The best way to get a good one
is first to GIVE one.
- DANNY MEYER, "SETTING THE TABLE"
If you know anything about Copia Vineyards, you know that we are passionate about HOSPITALITY. It is at the very core of who we are. The story that is told around the bottle is just as important as the story that is contained within the bottle. That is what makes for the best days and nights. That is what makes the memories.
We credit hospitality greats, like Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group in New York, with inspiration to make each and every experience a memorable one. Pages out of his playbook for success, Setting the Table, remind us of two recurring philosophies that we employ all the time:
#1 Never forget to "surprise and delight."
Connecting on a very genuine level with our guests, friends and family is what allows us to create those fond memories around a tasting table. For example, if our guests appreciate travel, we may craft a global-themed menu from their favorite regions.
#2 Customize each and every experience.
It can be something as small as personalized menus or place cards, but we hold a lot of value in making everyone at our table feel special.
It can be something as small as personalized menus or place cards, but we hold a lot of value in making everyone at our table feel special.
As we round the corner of 2020, it's worth remembering all the things that bring people joy. For us, that includes a table full of goodies and some lovely wines to set your holiday table right. Whether you're hosting your own Thanksgiving holiday dinner or need to send a gift to a loved one, here are two specially priced holiday pairings that are sure to please everyone on your list.
WHITE + GRENACHE DUO
A full, floral and citrusy white to start with the ever versatile red grenache to follow: it's a perfect pair from start to finish.
In this holiday duo:
2018 Grenache Blanc | Viognier White
2017 The Story Grenache
$99
club price: $82
inclusive of UPS ground shipping
club members log in for special rates
SHOP NOW
In this holiday duo:
2018 Grenache Blanc | Viognier White
2017 The Story Grenache
$99
club price: $82
inclusive of UPS ground shipping
club members log in for special rates
SHOP NOW
Finally, we wanted to thank you for your continuous support through this ever-changing year; whether you have visited us or purchased wine online, we are so very grateful!
If you asked us back in March if we thought we would be navigating outdoor tastings in November, our answer would have been no. But here we are, embracing it and continuing to share our journey with you. We are still taking every step and precaution to keep you safe, including continuing to follow local and state guidelines by conducting all experiences outside.
We hope you make Copia part of your itinerary. Make a reservation, check the weather, bring a jacket and we'll take care of the rest!
Cheers to you and yours this holiday season,
Sarah Boone
Hospitality Manager
If you asked us back in March if we thought we would be navigating outdoor tastings in November, our answer would have been no. But here we are, embracing it and continuing to share our journey with you. We are still taking every step and precaution to keep you safe, including continuing to follow local and state guidelines by conducting all experiences outside.
We hope you make Copia part of your itinerary. Make a reservation, check the weather, bring a jacket and we'll take care of the rest!
Cheers to you and yours this holiday season,
Sarah Boone
Hospitality Manager
Private Wine Tasting Experience · by reservation only
There's just something about this place! We invite you to see what makes it so special. Embark on a short (5-10 minute) drive from downtown into the countryside and rolling hills of the west side of Paso Robles wine country. Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the land that made us fall in love with Paso. A private, in-depth experience with our hospitality team awaits you!
Downtown Wine Tasting · by reservation only, walk-ins welcome based on availability
We can't wait to share our wines and story with you! Our tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles.
Currently, we are conducting tastings at our outdoor seating area. We are excited to share our latest release with you, including a flight of 5 wines; a White, Rosé and 3 Rhône style red wines.
There's just something about this place! We invite you to see what makes it so special. Embark on a short (5-10 minute) drive from downtown into the countryside and rolling hills of the west side of Paso Robles wine country. Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the land that made us fall in love with Paso. A private, in-depth experience with our hospitality team awaits you!
Downtown Wine Tasting · by reservation only, walk-ins welcome based on availability
We can't wait to share our wines and story with you! Our tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles.
Currently, we are conducting tastings at our outdoor seating area. We are excited to share our latest release with you, including a flight of 5 wines; a White, Rosé and 3 Rhône style red wines.
LOOKING FOR A CUSTOM TASTING
OR CORPORATE GIFT?
Nov 10, 2020 at 11:25 AM
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November 4, 2020 | Anita Sahi
Varinder
Meet Varinder • owner + winemaker • he heads up all winery operations and is full speed ahead in building our beautiful estate • world traveler • dances when everyone’s looking • a passionate student of Syrah
Nov 4, 2020 at 10:42 AM
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November 3, 2020 | Anita and Varinder Sahi
Who says tattoos are for teens?
Eat your heart out 2020. We’re heading into the best year yet.
Nov 3, 2020 at 10:41 AM
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October 31, 2020 | Sarah Walter
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween! 🎃 We’re taking the day to relax, drink some wine, eat some chocolate and celebrate the [almost] end of harvest. We’ll be back open tomorrow @ 12pm!
Oct 31, 2020 at 10:40 AM
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October 27, 2020 | Anita Sahi
Anita
Meet Anita • owner/gm at Copia Vineyards • she’s passionate about hospitality at the tasting table, gets down and dirty at the winery, and a storyteller at heart. ❤️ Try the wines with her + hear how we began this journey.
Oct 27, 2020 at 1:52 PM
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October 25, 2020 | Sarah Walter
Olives
Our vineyard and property is studded with these beautiful olive trees. The real question is... are we ambitious enough to pick and process them!?
Oct 25, 2020 at 1:50 PM
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October 24, 2020 | Sarah Walter
Artikaas
Artikaas has quickly become our favorite! This 5-year aged Gouda is best paired with our 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon 🍷
Available at: Vivant Fine Cheese
Oct 24, 2020 at 1:49 PM
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