Serial Wines: Holiday Food Pairing Guide

A feast-driven guide to pairing classic holiday dishes with Serial’s Paso wines. 

The holidays aren’t delicate. They’re loud, indulgent, aromatic, and gloriously chaotic — a sensory season built for people who cook too much, pour generously, and linger long after the plates are cleared. That’s exactly the world Serial inhabits. Our wines are unapologetically expressive, shaped by the intensity of Paso Robles and crafted for tables where conversation rises and flavors deepen. 

Consider this your guide to pairing the season’s most iconic dishes with the wines that match their spirit — bold, layered, and unmistakably Serial. 

Prime Rib 

Pair with: 2021 Serial Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 

Prime rib is holiday theater — slow-roasted, marbled, and commanding. The 2021 Serial Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon steps effortlessly into the spotlight. Dark-berry intensity, cedar, tobacco leaf, and firm structure cut through richness with precision while amplifying the meat’s natural sweetness. 

Why it works: 

• Tannins rise to meet prime rib’s unapologetic decadence. 
• Dark fruit lifts the roast’s caramelized edges. 
• Cedar and herbal tones mirror the crust’s seasoning. 

A pairing defined by power and poise — the kind of structured intensity that has become Serial’s signature in Paso Robles. 

Roast Turkey & Classic Holiday Sides 

Pair with: 2023 Serial White Blend Paso Robles 

Turkey may be the mellow center of the plate, but the sides bring the noise. The 2023 Serial White Blend Paso Robles has the freshness and polish to hold it all together. Bright citrus, stone fruit, and lifted acidity weave seamlessly through stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, and buttery everything. 

Why it works: 

• Crisp acidity refreshes rich, savory sides. 
• Stone-fruit notes complement roasted and herb-driven dishes. 
• A clean, elegant finish keeps the entire plate in balance. 

A bright, graceful counterpoint that reflects Serial’s commitment to balance and modern Paso freshness. 

Glazed Ham 

Pair with: 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño 

Sweet, smoky, salty — holiday ham is a study in contrast. The 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño slices through those layers with citrus snap, minerality, and a cool vibrancy that resets the palate between bites. 

Why it works: 

• High acidity counterbalances a glossy, sweet glaze. 
• Citrus and stone fruit illuminate caramelized edges. 
• A refreshing finish keeps even the richest bites lively. 

An unexpected yet seamless match — proof of Serial’s instinct for crafting wines that thrive alongside bold, seasonal flavors. 

Braised Short Ribs & Winter Stews 

Pair with: 2021 Serial Adelaida District Zinfandel

Slow braises are the essence of winter comfort — deep, savory, and hours in the making. The 2021 Serial Adelaida District Zinfandel mirrors that depth with dense black fruit, spiced pomegranate, herbal threads, and a mineral-stamped finish. 

Why it works: 

• Dark, brooding fruit echoes the sweetness of long-cooked meats. 
• Subtle herbal and savory notes — rosemary, earth, pepper — align with reductions and root vegetables. 
• Full-bodied weight and structure linger through every rich, slow-cooked bite. 

A companion built for depth and resonance, echoing the layered, slow-building character that defines Serial’s red wines. 

Cheese & Charcuterie 

Pair with: 2023 Serial Willow Creek District Viognier

A well-built board is indulgence by design — creamy, salty, buttery, briny. The 2023 Serial Willow Creek District Viognier rises to meet it with aromatic lift, silky texture, and a luxurious palate that flatters everything from soft cheeses to pâté. 

Why it works: 

• Pear, peach, and floral notes elevate creamy, bloomy cheeses. 
• Lush texture pairs seamlessly with rich spreads and charcuterie. 
• Bright acidity keeps the grazing dangerously endless. 

A luxurious, aromatic pairing that showcases Serial’s talent for elevating even the simplest indulgences. 

Dark Chocolate & Spiced Desserts 

Pair with: 2022 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley

Holiday desserts often lean into warmth and depth — dark chocolate tortes, gingerbread, spiced cakes. The 2022 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley matches their intensity with dark fruit, moody spice, and a structured, confident finish. 

Why it works: 

• Dark-berry and plum notes mirror chocolate’s richness. 
• Pepper, baking spice, and earth echo holiday spice profiles. 
• Bold structure holds its ground without overwhelming the sweetness. 

A striking, memorable finale — a testament to Serial’s pursuit of wines with both power and elegance. 

The Serial Holiday Table 

In the end, it’s the bottles that shape the experience — each one revealing its own character, each pour adding a new layer to the meal and the conversations around it. That’s the heart of Serial: wines that invite discovery and turn a shared table into a shared story. 

Find where to purchase Serial wines and bring the story to your own table.

A Season of Gratitude at Serial Wines

Paso Robles shifts in autumn. The light goes softer, the days shorten, the vineyards exhale. It’s a season that asks you to look up for a second — to notice what’s been building all year. Thanksgiving is our excuse to do exactly that.

We’re grateful, yes. But not in a Hallmark way. In the real way: for the people and places that make Serial possible, and for the curiosity that keeps it moving forward.

Our Vineyard Partners

Serial starts long before the cellar. It begins in the vineyards — scattered across Paso Robles and beyond — where growers farm with intention, restraint, and a belief that character is worth chasing. We’re grateful to work with partners across the Adelaida District, Willow Creek, Estrella, El Pomar, the Highlands, and Santa Margarita Ranch, along with the incredible teams at Halter Ranch, Hawks Hill Ranch, Defiance Vineyard, and Bien Nacido Vineyard. Each site brings its own edge, its own energy, its own truth to the wines — the structure you feel in our Cabernets, the lift in our blends, the details you taste long after the glass is set down.

And then there’s Deseo — our estate vineyard — where the work falls under the quiet precision of our vineyard manager, Jesus Velasquez. Deseo is a study in patience and potential, a place that keeps revealing new layers each season. It’s where our 2024 Serial Deseo Vineyard Rosé, Estrella District takes shape, bright and expressive, and where we get to farm with our own hands, experiment with our own instincts, and watch the landscape write itself into the fruit.

To all of our growers, partners, and to Jesus at Deseo: your skill, nerve, and feel for the land shape every vintage we make.

The People Who Choose Serial

You found us because you were looking for something. Not a brand that shouts, but one that signals. Wines with a point of view. Paso Robles through a sharper lens.

Whether Serial shows up at your table, on your porch, or across the bar from a good conversation — you give these wines their real life. Thank you for choosing discovery over default, and for making room for us in the moments that matter.

For many of you, your first encounter was through one of our tastings. We’re grateful you stayed.

Our Collective Members

You’re the ones who lean in. First to taste, first to ask questions, first to get excited about a release that doesn’t fit the usual script.

Your trust lets us stay curious — to chase new sites, new blends, new expressions of Paso. Serial isn’t a finished idea, and you make that possible.

The Serial Team

Every bottle carries a lot of hands. Quiet skill, long days, high standards, and a shared refusal to cut corners.

We’re grateful for the people behind the work — Jeff Kandarian, our winemaker, whose instincts shape every vintage, and the hospitality team who bring the wines to life every day. A special thank you to Terri Harrington, our tasting room manager, and Jennie Joslin, our tasting room lead — the ones who make Serial feel effortless to experience and serious in its intent.

Paso Robles Itself

This place is the anchor. The heat, the limestone, the wide-open edge of it all. Paso doesn’t make polite wine. It makes wine with structure, energy, and something to say.

We’re thankful to work here, and grateful for the community that surrounds us — from the growers and artisans to organizations like the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, who continue to champion this region and the people shaping it.

Every bottle we make is, in some way, a translation of this place.

The Nods Along the Way

To everyone who’s written about the wines, poured them, scored them, or told a friend — thank you. Recognition matters mostly because it means the message is landing: Paso Robles is deep, and there’s more to uncover.

A special thanks to James Suckling and Sunset International, — whose recognition this year affirmed the work happening in our vineyards, cellar, and glass. From 90-point scores across the portfolio to a Double Gold, 96-point award for our Albariño, we’re grateful for every nod.

Looking Ahead

Harvest is in the rearview, the cellar is full, and the next chapter is already taking shape. We’re heading into the new year grounded, grateful, and still doing what Serial was built for: making wines for people who want to discover.

From all of us at Serial Wines, happy Thanksgiving.

Here’s to good company, great food, and bottles that keep the night interesting.

Thank you for being part of this. Cheers!

A Killer Weekend Awaits

Win a Weekend to Die For

Serial Wines x Murder Mystery Weekend™

Serial Wines reveals the delicious secrets of the Paso Robles AVA, inviting the curious to discover this world-class wine region. And in celebration of the season, the curious are offered the chance to win a Weekend To Die For.

The lights dim. A hush settles over the room. Somewhere, a glass clinks against the silence. And then—the plot thickens.

Serial Wines has partnered with Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery Weekend™ to bring you an escape unlike any other: a luxury, getaway where intrigue lingers in every corner and every pour raises new questions.

It begins innocently enough—an invitation to dinner, a glass of  wine, a room filled with strangers. But soon the evening twists into something else entirely. Someone isn’t who they claim to be. A secret is about to surface. And you, along with one chosen accomplice, must decide whether you’ll play the detective, the suspect, or something far more wicked.

 

A Prize Designed for Intrigue

This is not just a weekend away. It is a carefully crafted stage, complete with the elements of suspense, indulgence, and discovery:

• Round-trip flights for two to your chosen Murder Mystery Weekend™ destination
• A full Murder Mystery Weekend™ package—immersive theater, decadent meals, and a story that won’t let you look away
• A $500 Visa gift card for transfers, dining, and the unpredictable turns every mystery demands
   

One winner will step into the shadows of suspicion, where nothing—and no one—is quite what it seems.

 

Serial Wines: Paso Robles, in Every Pour

Why Serial Wines? Because our story mirrors the mystery. Each bottle is a chapter, each vintage a clue. Bold, layered, quietly confident—our wines don’t reveal themselves all at once.

Paso Robles is where the details matter most. Soils that shift mile by mile. Coastal fog that sneaks in at night. Winemakers who refuse to stop asking questions. From District-designate wines to single-vineyard expressions, Serial Wines captures this region’s complexity with precision and curiosity.

Just as no character in a mystery is ever one-dimensional, Serial Paso Robles wines are more than meets the eye. Each bottling carries layers waiting to be uncovered—if you’re willing to pay attention.

 

Where Mystery Meets the Glass

This partnership isn’t accidental. Serial Wines and Murder Mystery Weekend™ are united by a fascination with the unknown. With peeling back the surface. With savoring the details others overlook.

Over the course of one suspense-filled weekend, you’ll raise a glass not just to Paso Robles wines—but to discovery itself. Because the true thrill lies in what you don’t see coming.

Your alibi? A luxury, all-inclusive escape. Your accomplice? Someone you trust—or perhaps someone you shouldn’t.

The rest is up to you.

 

Curious? Step into the mystery at serialwines.com/entertowin

 

Curiosity Meets Community: Serial Wines Supports the Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction

Paso Robles in September is alive with anticipation. The days are long and golden, the nights cool and crisp, and in the vineyards the first signs of harvest stir—bins filling, tractors humming, the scent of ripening fruit hanging heavy in the air. It is a season of questions: Which block will peak next? How long will the tannins hold? What will this vintage reveal that last year did not? At Serial Wines, curiosity drives these questions, but it also pushes us beyond the cellar and into the community we call home.

This month, as Paso Robles readies itself for the transformation of harvest, we are proud to support the Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction—a celebration of craftsmanship, generosity, and shared discovery.

A Rare Opportunity to Give Back

Now in its fifth year, the Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction returns September 15–20, 2025, aligning with California Wine Month. For one week, Paso’s most dedicated producers come together with curious wine lovers worldwide to bid on rare, custom-curated experiences.

Hosted by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA), the auction is more than an event—it’s a commitment to Paso’s future. Proceeds benefit the PRWCA Foundation, which invests directly in the region by supporting local organizations and scholarships for high school seniors. In just four years, the Foundation has awarded 55 scholarships totaling $118,000—turning the promise of Paso into opportunity for the next generation. That impact is vintage Paso Robles: bold, enduring, and deeply rooted in community.

Our Contribution: The Serial Sunset Experience

Harvest is a reminder that time is fleeting—that a season, a moment, a balance of flavor and light cannot be repeated. We designed our auction lot with that truth in mind.

The Serial Sunset Experience | For 3 couples

An evening crafted to immerse you in Paso Robles through the Serial lens—where curiosity meets community, and where the story of harvest is written not just in the vineyard, but in the connections forged along the way.

• Check-in at the 16th Street House: A modern, stylish residence located just minutes from downtown Paso. Settle in and let the experience begin.
   
• Pick-up at Serial Wines: Begin your journey in our downtown tasting lounge, where your group will be welcomed with pours that speak for themselves.
   
• Private Sunset Vineyard Tour at Deseo: Ride with our Vineyard Manager into the rows of Deseo Vineyard. Here, the soils, the light, and the air all conspire to reveal Paso’s intensity. This is harvest up close.
   
• Return to Serial for Supper: Gather in the tasting lounge for a private, chef-prepared meal paired with Serial wines. This is wine hospitality with intention.
   
• Evening Sips at Libretto: After dinner, stroll to Libretto, our favorite downtown haunt, where live music and a few final pours await.
   
• Parting Gift: Each couple will take home a bottle of their favorite Serial wine—because great nights deserve a lasting pour.
   

Every detail of this package was chosen to tell a deeper story—one of place, process, and people.

 

A Shared Philosophy

Harvest is when curiosity and craftsmanship collide, but it is also when community matters most. The Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction captures that spirit, inviting the world to experience our region from the inside out. At Serial, we are honored to contribute, to give back, and to invite others into the evolving story of Paso.

 

Join the Story

We invite you to register, explore the lots, and bid generously. Support local students. Celebrate discovery. And experience Paso from the inside out.

Curious?
🔗 Explore the auction lots
🔗 Learn more at serialwines.com

 

A Double Golden Hour for Serial Wines by Sunset International Wine Competition

Serial Wines is honored to be among the few Paso Robles wineries to receive Double Gold and Gold by Sunset Magazine recognizing the best of the best wines in the West. This long-standing and renowned competition is judged by Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and our fellow vintners and winemakers.

Both winning releases are from the 2023 vintage when cooler temperatures and longer hangtimes allowed for bright acidity and complex flavors to develop in certain varietals and AVAs across Paso Robles. The 2023 Serial White Blend earns a Gold with 93 Pts–a testament to Paso’s diverse terroir and ability to grow myriad varietals to their perfect expression. A unique blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Clairette Blanche and Albariño–each carefully grown to add their unique characteristics to the blend.

The 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño scored a Double Gold and 96 Pts for its singular focused bottling of this tantalizing Iberian varietal from a tiny estate in northeastern Paso Robles.

Both wines are the vision of winemaker Jeff Kandarian, originally from the Central Coast, who learned his craft among the best of Paso Robles winemaking mentors. For Jeff; our exceptional winegrowing partners; FARM Paso Robles, vineyard management team; and John Anthony Truchard, Founder and Vintner, we are humbled and grateful for the honor and recognition given to Serial Wines.

As summer sunsets into Fall, and the mammoth task of harvest comes upon us, we invite you to join us for a golden hour tasting top celebrate these wines at the stunning Serial Wines Tasting Lounge (LINK to reserve) in downtown Paso Robles. The golden light and delicate aromas reflected in these incredible wines will capture you as they did the esteemed judges at Sunset International Wine Competitions.

Curious? Read on for the challenges and inspiration behind each bottling - or simply collect them here.

2023 Serial White Blend, Paso Robles

Paso Robles
Gold | 93 Points

Paso gives us space to experiment. With the 2023 Serial White Blend, Paso Robles we took that freedom and created something intentionally layered and refreshingly different. The composition—Chardonnay, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, and Albariño —brings together varietals that each carry their own personality. Together, they speak as one.

Fermented and aged on neutral French oak with a small addition of lightly toasted acacia, this wine is built for texture without heaviness. On the nose, it opens with lemon curd, ripe pear, and white peach. The palate follows with richer tones of orange marmalade, a touch of marzipan, and a lingering note of toasted almond.

The 2023 vintage was defined by extremes. A cool spring delayed the growing season, and a long, slow ripening period added depth. These grapes were picked late, under pressure, and they delivered something compelling.

Seasonal Pairing:
Pair it with roast chicken over fennel, grilled halibut with stone fruit salsa, creamy corn soup, or a charred peach and burrata salad. This is a white wine that commands attention at the table and brings dimension to even the simplest summer fare.

 

2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño

Estrella District, Paso Robles
Double Gold | 96 Points

Albariño is not native to Paso Robles. That’s exactly why we were drawn to it. Grown in the Estrella District, where warm alluvial soils meet stark diurnal shifts, this wine captures a clarity that’s rare and compelling. The fruit was cold-fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its natural expression.

In the glass, it shows pale gold with shimmering edges. Aromatics of green apple, lychee, and white blossom rise first, followed by hints of sea breeze and white pepper. The palate is precise and mineral-driven, with notes of stone fruit, lemon meringue, and honeydew melon layered over a crisp, electric line of acidity.

We made only 200 cases. It’s Albariño at its most focused—pure, and fleeting. The kind of wine that disappears before you realize it, especially when the sun is low and the table is full.

Seasonal Pairing:
Serve chilled alongside oysters, citrus-dressed ceviche, grilled scallops, or a watermelon and feta salad. It’s the wine you reach for when the evening still feels like daylight and the air is thick with summer.

 

Hot Nights, Cool Pours: Summer at Serial Wines

Paso doesn’t sleep in summer—and neither do we. When the days stretch long and the heat settles over the hills, the Serial Tasting Lounge becomes the place to be: air thick with music, glasses full, and conversation flowing. This July through September, we're turning up the volume with a packed calendar of bold flavors, immersive experiences, and a rhythm that carries well into the night.

We kick things off on Friday, July 11 with a night of live music in the Lounge. These evenings have quickly become a Serial signature—where blues, rock, soul, and country weave through the room while our guests taste through some of Paso’s most expressive wines. It’s not a formal affair—just a chance to unwind and lose yourself in the perfect balance of sound and sip.

The following weekend, on July 18 and 19, we welcome you to Art of Pairing, our immersive food and wine experience led by the talented Chef Logan Foos. It’s an elevated 90-minute exploration of flavor, craft, and chemistry. Think: carefully selected Paso wines, culinary pairings that highlight their complexity, and a setting that invites you to slow down and savor. Whether you’re new to food and wine pairings or already think of yourself as a seasoned palate, this is the kind of experience that leaves a lasting impression.

As we slide into August, we’ll celebrate National Albariño Day on Friday the 1st with a coastal-inspired tasting flight that captures the essence of summer in a glass. Albariño may not be the loudest voice in the room, but it’s the one that lingers: bright, citrusy, floral, and made for warm evenings. A week later, on Friday, August 8, live music returns to the Lounge. The vibe? Effortless. The wine? Anything but.

Later in the month, on August 28, we raise a glass to the king of Paso—Cabernet Sauvignon. For National Cabernet Sauvignon Day, we’re pouring our boldest expressions of this powerhouse varietal. Deep, structured, unapologetically big—if you know, you know. And if you don’t, this is your moment.

September brings more chances to connect. Music returns on Friday, September 5, and on Tuesday, September 16, we dive into the science behind the wine in our Educational Series Happy Hour. This one’s for the curious minds—the wine lovers who want to understand why a tasting flight is built the way it is, what oak really does in the cellar, or how acid and tannin create balance on the palate. We’re partnering with Cal Poly to bring a little academia to the glass—because at Serial, education is just another form of pleasure.

And finally, we wrap the month with our Fall Release Eclipse Party on Saturday, September 27. It’s more than a pickup—it’s a gathering of the Serial Collective. A seated tasting, a spread of cheese and charcuterie, and a chance to connect with the team, the wines, and your fellow members. There’s even talk of a partial eclipse that day—nature’s own light show to go with your glass.

Summer in Paso was made for this. Let the nights stay warm. We’ll keep the wine cool.

 

Paso Robles is our Wild Frontier.

It’s not a wine region—it’s a proving ground. Fragmented. Extreme. Unruly. That’s why we love it. We source from seven of its most distinctive AVAs to craft wines with tension, character, and unapologetic identity. Each one leaves its mark. No two are alike, and that’s the point.

We don’t chase sameness. We chase story. Here’s where it begins:

Adelaida District
High elevation. Limestone bones. Adelaida gives us fruit with power and poise. It’s where our Cabernet gains its muscle and restraint—elegant structure that defines our Hawks Hill Ranch Cabernet and anchors our Serial Red Blend. But that’s not all. Adelaida also gives us Grenache Blanc with electric acidity and mineral depth—and Zinfandel that speaks in rich, dark tones, with bold fruit and spice shaped by the rugged terrain. This is mountain fruit with something to say.

El Pomar District
Big swings between day and night build expressive whites and structured reds. Our El Pomar District Clairette Blanche starts here—zippy, floral, electric—and the red blend gets its poise and polish from this terrain.

Creston District
Warm days, plush fruit. This is where opulence lives. Defiance Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon fills out our blends with richness and volume, giving Paso’s signature grip a soft landing.

Highlands District
For power, we head to the Highlands. This rugged district gives us the structure, depth, and intensity that define our boldest reds—nowhere more evident than in our Highlands District Red Blend, a Collective exclusive that captures the full force of Paso’s elevated terrain.

Estrella District
This is Paso Robles at its core—the home of our Deseo Estate Vineyard and the heart of Serial Wines. Here in Rhône country, Paso-style, the sandy soils and warm sun ripen Syrah and Grenache into lush, spicy fruit that define our Rosé. It’s also where we source Albariño, a white that shines in the heat, delivering citrus-bright energy and a zesty, refreshing finish. Deseo is where it all begins.

Willow Creek District
Cooler, higher, more refined. Willow Creek gives Syrah finesse and edge—adding lift, acid, and depth to our blends with unmistakable aromatic complexity. We also source the grapes for our Viognier here, where the elevated terrain and cooler climate bring vibrant acidity and expressive floral aromatics to the wine.

Santa Margarita Ranch
Historic roots. Coastal influence. Santa Margarita Ranch gives us Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, distinction, and a signature freshness shaped by marine breezes and ancient soils. It’s a site that brings nuance, structure, and a sense of place to our Paso Cabernet portfolio—shining in both our Santa Margarita Cabernet and in the layered complexity of our Santa Margarita Red Blend.

Additional Sub-AVAs in Paso Robles
We don’t make wines from these districts—yet. But we’re always curious. Paso’s a patchwork of extremes, and these sub-AVAs each hold their own intrigue. We’re keeping an eye on them. You never know what might end up in bottle next.

San Juan Creek
Gravelly soils, hot days, and serious ripening power. It’s a district that leans bold and unapologetic—just the kind of place that keeps us curious.

Geneseo District
Old vineyard roots meet sandy loam soils in this approachable, fruit-forward slice of Paso. Easy to overlook, but hard to forget.

San Miguel District
A transitional zone with range—soils, temperatures, and potential. There’s quiet promise here, and we’re always listening.

Templeton Gap District
Cool air, natural lift, and an elegance that’s rare in this wild region. It’s a district that whispers instead of shouts. And we’re curious what it might say next.

Paso Robles isn’t just our playground—it’s our partner in experimentation. These 11 AVAs are more than names on a map. They’re the source of every edge, every layer, every ounce of personality in a bottle of Serial.

We don’t chase perfection—we chase expression. Serial is a series: each wine a new chapter, each district a different voice. One AVA brings depth, another brings lift. We blend them, bottle them, and let the story unfold.

Curious? Explore our wines.

 

The Other Side of Paso: Exploring White Wines with Serial

Paso Robles may be best known for its powerful reds, but those who’ve spent any real time with the region know: there’s another story unfolding in white. It's quieter, perhaps, but no less expressive—a reflection of microclimates, soils, and a winemaker’s curiosity.

The truth is, Paso Robles is incredibly diverse—geologically, climatically, and creatively. With over 600,000 acres, 11 sub-AVAs, and everything from calcareous shale to sandy loam, it's a region that welcomes experimentation. While Syrah and Cabernet may dominate the conversation, white wines are quietly carving out a compelling narrative of their own.

At Serial Wines, we’re drawn to what’s emerging just beneath the surface—to the varietals that aren’t always the first poured, but often the most revealing. White wines let us explore new districts, challenge expectations, and push into new territory, both stylistically and geographically.

As Jeff Kandarian, our Executive Winemaker, puts it: “Paso gives us freedom. There are very few rules here. That kind of creative space lets us experiment—and when we experiment with whites, we learn something new every time.”

Take rosé, for example. Ours is not an afterthought—it’s a deliberate expression from Syrah grown exclusively for rosé production at our estate vineyard in the Estrella District. Pressed directly, cold fermented, and aged in stainless steel, it drinks like a Provençale daydream with a California heart.

Albariño is another standout. Originally from Galicia, it’s taken to the Estrella District’s diurnal shifts with enthusiasm. Bright citrus and a mineral backbone make it a natural choice for warm weather and anything pulled from the sea.

Clairette Blanche, a relative rarity in California, tells a different story. From El Pomar, this wine begins with a Pied de Cuvée—a spontaneous ferment that adds wild complexity. Barrel fermented with 50% native malolactic, it’s a textured, aromatic wine that rewards attention.

Grenache Blanc, pulled from Adelaida’s rugged hillsides, shows roundness and saline depth, with orchard fruit and neutral oak rounding out the structure. It’s a wine that surprises with how much it gives, and how quietly it does so.

And then there’s Viognier. The Willow Creek District is home to some of the most compelling Viogniers in the state, and Jeff’s take on it—split between acacia and neutral French oak, partially through malolactic—is a lifted, expressive wine that layers perfume with precision.

These wines reflect more than just style—they speak to place, process, and the kind of exploration that keeps Paso Robles dynamic. They are wines shaped by curiosity, crafted with intention, and deeply tied to the land.

Want to experience them all in one place? The Illumination Tasting flight brings together our current white and rosé releases in a single, refreshing lineup.

Available now at the Serial Wines Tasting Lounge in downtown Paso Robles. Walk-ins welcome. Open late Friday & Saturday.

Curious?

Exploring the Depths of Willow Creek District with Serial Wines

Nestled in the rolling hills on the west side of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area lies the acclaimed Willow Creek District—a hidden gem that embodies the rich diversity and complexity of Paso Robles terroir. This region has garnered attention for its ability to produce wines with remarkable layers of flavor and character, owing its acclaim to its distinct terroir and climate. Serial Wines captures the essence of Willow Creek, offering a taste of what makes this district so special.

The Unique Terroir of Willow Creek District

What sets the Willow Creek District apart from other wine-growing regions is its diverse and unique soil composition. Much like the Adelaida District, Willow Creek’s terrain features rich limestone, alkaline clay loams, and soft calcareous shale fragments. These soils, combined with meticulous vineyard management, produce wines that are complex and multi-layered, with a remarkable sense of place.

The rich limestone soils impart a distinctive mineral character to the wines, enhancing their structure and longevity. The bright acidity and balanced minerality fostered by these soils help preserve the freshness of the fruit, resulting in wines that are lively and vibrant on the palate. The wines from the Willow Creek District are a true reflection of this unique terroir and a testament to the artistry of winemaking in Paso Robles.

Climate: The Mediterranean Influence

The Willow Creek District enjoys a Mediterranean climate marked by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, significantly influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. Coastal fog seeps through mountain gaps into various plateaus and arroyos, where ocean breezes help moderate daytime temperatures. This cooling effect, accentuated by the Templeton Gap, is crucial for maintaining acidity in the grapes and minimizing humidity in the vineyards.

This diurnal temperature shift—hot days followed by cool nights—extends the growing season, allowing grapes to develop rich flavors while preserving their freshness. This gradual ripening is particularly advantageous for Bordeaux and Rhône varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, leading to wines that are complex and reflective of their distinctive terroir.

Signature Wines of the Willow Creek District

Serial Wines focuses on crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir and climate of the Willow Creek District. Among their standout offerings are Viognier and Syrah, both of which thrive in this exceptional region.

The 2022 Serial Willow Creek District Viognier beautifully captures the essence of this full-bodied Rhône varietal. Aromas of stone fruit, persimmon, and candied lime gracefully emerge from the glass. On the palate, yellow peach and blood orange reveal enticing nuances of tangerine oil and thyme. A lively entry broadens across the palate before landing with a focused finish, embodying the full character of Viognier.

The 2019 Serial Willow Creek District Syrah exemplifies the notion that "Syrah loves a view." Its intensity is a direct result of the dramatic elevations in the Willow Creek District. It bursts with vibrant flavors of boysenberry, huckleberry, and blackberry, each note amplified by the high-altitude terroir. This Syrah offers a depth and richness that is both captivating and memorable, and it is exclusively available for purchase by members of The Collective.

The Willow Creek District provides an immersive experience into one of Paso Robles’ most distinctive terroirs. With its unique soil composition and Mediterranean climate, the region is ideal for producing wines of remarkable complexity and character. Serial Wines expertly harnesses these natural advantages, crafting Viognier and Syrah that showcase the artistry of winemaking. For those fortunate enough to enjoy them, Serial Wines represents a rare opportunity to savor the unique and compelling expressions of the Willow Creek District.

Syrah Loves a View: The Unique Terroir of Bien Nacido Vineyard

High above the valley floor, where the relentless Pacific winds meet the rolling foothills of the Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido Vineyard has carved its name into California wine history. This legendary site, whose name means "well born," is one of the most coveted vineyards in the state—celebrated for its cool-climate Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Among its storied blocks, Serial’s 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah hails from Block 11B, where the combination of elevation, wind, and ancient seabed soils create a wine that is as structured and complex as the vineyard itself.

A Vineyard Shaped by Wind and Time

Bien Nacido is unlike any other site in California. Established in 1973, it stretches across more than 800 acres of vines, planted on an ancient marine terrace that rises above the valley. This terroir is a testament to extremes—battered by the elements, shaped by the rhythms of the Pacific, and defined by patience. The vineyard’s rare east-west orientation funnels cool, salty ocean air directly into the rows, stretching the growing season to one of the longest in the state. Each afternoon, the vines brace against these onshore winds, forcing the fruit to develop thick skins, intense concentration, and stunning natural acidity.

"Syrah from Bien Nacido has an unmistakable energy—it’s lean yet powerful, dark yet lifted," says Serial Winemaker Jeff Kandarian. "Block 11B is particularly special. Rows 77-86 sit nearly at the top of the site, directly in the path of the afternoon winds. The fruit develops this classic varietal characteristic—plum, black pepper, and aromatic violets—all framed by piercing acidity and structure. It’s Syrah that doesn’t just sit in the glass—it moves."

The 2021 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah

The 2021 growing season in Santa Barbara County was nothing short of ideal. Cool, steady temperatures throughout the year allowed for extended hang time, letting the fruit reach full phenolic maturity while maintaining freshness. Lower yields produced small, intensely flavored berries—resulting in a Syrah of exceptional depth and balance. Sleek yet powerful, this Syrah reflects both the resilience of the vineyard and the patience of its long growing season.

A Label That Tells a Story

The label itself captures the soul of Bien Nacido—a figure wrapped in veil, engulfed in the winds that define this vineyard. Just as the vines bend and twist under the unyielding elements, this image embodies the movement, energy, and endurance required to thrive in such an untamed landscape.

Bien Nacido Vineyard demands patience—from the vines, from the winemaker, and from those who drink its wines. The 2021 Serial Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah is a reflection of that journey—structured, expressive, and deeply connected to its place of origin. A wine born of wind, time, and discovery.