I haven’t visited Tooth and Nail’s iconic castle since before the glorious rains drenched the thirsty Central Coast, so I was delighted to see a watery moat surrounding the steps as I entered on a recent sunny afternoon. My mission: to find some awesome wines for my friend’s bachelorette party. I wanted to bring the magic of the Paso Robles wine region to this motley group of ladies hailing from all over the state. We would then conduct a wine tasting experience within a gaudy room at the Madonna Inn (how #SLOlife is that?) Although I expected to fall in love with a bold red blend at Tooth and Nail, I was instead smitten by their whites. Maybe it was the hot weather, but I left with a super luxurious, smooth as silk Amor Fati Reserve Chardonnay that more than exemplifies the incredible terroir of the Santa Maria Valley (an impressive Mother’s Day wine, FYI). However, it was a really smashing “everyday white” that is the focus of this review—a white that truly walks on the wild side and isn’t afraid to mix things up. This alluring blend of chardonnay, albariño, gewurztraminer, and muscat, is slightly sweet and delightfully unexpected. Kind of like the friend that, unbeknownst to you, orders the male stripper.

• Tooth & Nail’s 2014 Fragrant Snare—$26 a bottle; 3090 Anderson Road, Paso Robles.

Do you really want to taste the best? Really? Then you’ve got to bust a mission, high, high—higher still—into the breathtakingly gorgeous hills of west Paso Robles. There is no better view in Paso. There might not be a better cab, either. Taste this offering while looking out at 360 degrees of undulating hills and you will understand why so many dream of tilling this mysterious, illustrious soil.

• Daou’s 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon—$85 a bottle; 2777 Hidden Mountain Road, Paso Robles.

Hayley Thomas is salivating for what she’ll soon be tasting again. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.