Jim Coniglio
Jim Coniglio
GRAPE- C ATION
Cass Winery +Geneseo Inn Offering gratitude By Leslie A. Westbrook
T
he word “awesome” gets overused a lot (I plead guilty), but I can’t think of a better description of Cass Winery and the Geneseo Inn in Paso Robles, unless I added an expletive. A windy country road, not previously taken, leads to my destination (turn off the 101 to bucolic Highway 41). Dotted with California live oak trees, cow, sheep, horses—the perfect prelude to afternoon arrival at the winery and six-unit luxury “bed and breakfast” set on 145 acres. Mary Wessley, the tarot card reader at Porch in Summerland, recently suggested I keep a gratitude journal, writing down three things each day, and I began
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my list on a winter overnight at the vineyard. I was offered a lovely place at the table, at the wine club’s holiday dinner for 55 guests, next to Cass Winery’s debonair and frisky partner/builder-contractor Ted Plemons, who is responsible for the dreamy inn. 1. I am filled with gratitude to spend the night in a bright, high-ceilinged room with a super comfy bed, lots of glass, mirrors, and light that’s been thoughtfully and sustainably designed and fashioned out of recycled shipping containers and other materials with a beautiful view of the vineyards. My favorite music playing on Alexa, (Tony Bennett and Antonio Carlos Jobim, among others)
and no television is also pretty great. A hearty, delish breakfast in bed delivered to my room the next morning wasn’t too shabby either. 2. I am particularly grateful that I attended one of Cass Winery’s wine club dinners in the “barn” where I met terrific people from near and far. Cass Winery partner Ted Plemons is the P.T. Barnum of the wine world. The surfer/former hippie/current builder contractor could have a second career as an amazing auctioneer—especially for charities. He loves promoting his highly rated wines, and for good reason. With labels featuring the contractor/builder’s likeness and named “Rocking Ted” and “Vintage Ted,” why wouldn’t he?
3. I am also thankful that I experienced terrific Cass Winery Rhône and Bordeaux varietals at dinner, as well as at a tasting the following day with a few delectable nibbles. Hamburgers from onsite chef Charlie Paladin Wayne looked amazing at the tasting room and restaurant open to the public daily. If Paso wasn’t so far, I’d join the wine club, hang out here weekly, attend all the events, and take advantage of the private tastings and dining at the barn. Cass Winery+Geneseo Inn, 7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles. 805-2391730. casswines.com. Winery tasting room & café open 11 am–5 pm daily, reservations recommended. W W W. F O O D – H O M E . C O M
