Page 103 - SLO Visitors Guide Fall 2023

Wine Tasting
Carol Hoyt, the accidental winemaker
Hoyt Family Vineyards sets the cabernet standard
Carol Hoyt, The Accidental Winemaker. When Carol and Stephen Hoyt were just married, a
stay at a working vineyard inspired them to have a vineyard of their own. At the time, Carol was a working model and actress, best known for her popular character, the Villainous Divatox, in the Power Rangers series. Upon start- ing a family, Carol took a break from performing, and she and Stephen moved to Malibu. There they planted their first vineyard – in their backyard! Having no idea of what they were getting them- selves into, Carol soon discovered they would have a lot of fruit, and quickly learned to make her first wine in their kitchen.
Long gone are the days of mak- ing wine at home. Carol now makes wine and grows all her grapes in the heart of Paso Robles. Nestled in the renowned Willow Creek District, Hoyt Family Vineyards is a gem among local
wineries.
Hoyt Fam- ily Vineyards
Ranch is a
unique experi-
ence. “We are
in the heart of
some of the best
wineries, just a
hop, skip, and a
jump from near-
by vineyards and
tasting rooms.
You can have the
experience of
going downtown
to their tasting
room or book
a vineyard tour right there on the ranch,” said Carol, who is the owner and winemaker of Hoyt Family Vineyards.
The vineyard tour is like Mr. Toad’s wild ride! The host and
Riley (winery dog) who is the copilot take you on an ATV tour around the 130 acres learning about viticulture and what it takes to grow grapes. You never know what wildlife you will encounter from quail, hawks, turkey vultures, owls
even bobcats! Along with feeding goats and picking farm-fresh eggs. A one-of-a-kind experience!
“The views around Paso are pretty spectacu- lar and we feel lucky to have some that rival the best! Truly amazing,” said Carol.
The down- town Paso
Robles tasting room offers a beachy, laid-back feel
for guests. Chillax, enjoy its cool vibe and sip impressive wines by the flight, the glass, or the bottle. Make sure to try all their award- winning wines including the 2018 Tempranillo, 2018 Grenache, and
HOYT FAMILY VINEYARDS
SEE YOU DOWNTOWN AT HOYTS!
VINEYARD TOUR
TASTING ROOM
1322 Park Street THURSDAY-SATURDAY 12-8 PM SUNDAY 12-5PM MON.-WED. BY APPT.
8 0 5 - 3 6 9 - 1 0 9 2
ORDER ONLINE
OUR WINES
PAIR BEST WITH
friends
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