Paso Robles: Sonata Red Blend Wine Flight & Tasting

Three Vintages of Sonata Red Blend, One Afternoon at Al Lago

You taste three vintages of the Sonata red blend—2019, 2020, and 2021—guided through the tasting notes and the year-to-year shifts by someone who knows the wine. The 2020 won Double Gold at a major competition. You leave understanding what a blend does and why these particular grapes matter in Paso Robles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paso Robles Sonata Red Blend Tasting

• Arrive at Al Lago Winery
• Meet winemaker Guillaume Fabre
• Taste 2019 Sonata starter wine
• Taste 2020 Sonata main wine
• Taste 2021 Sonata dessert wine

The Experience

"So this is what old world Italian tastes like in California," someone says, and you're already three sips into the 2020 Sonata—the one that took Double Gold at the OC Fair. Guillaume Fabre, a sixth-generation winemaker, designed the Sonata Flight to walk you through Tuscany without leaving Paso Robles. You're tasting 2019, 2020, and 2021 back-to-back, each one a different year of the same blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese all in the glass at once.

The 2019 opens with flinty reduction and black fruit that sits heavy. Then the 2020 arrives—crushed violets, candied citrus, sweet smoke—and suddenly the glass feels alive. Your guide walks you through what you're actually tasting, not just what the label says, and the differences between the years become obvious once someone points them out. The 2021 is still finding itself, tighter, less resolved, but that's the point: you're watching the wine age in real time across three bottles.

Al Lago handles the logistics—you show up, the wine is poured, the expertise is there. The tasting happens indoors, the space is wheelchair accessible, and if you need to bring kids or a service animal, that's fine. Public transportation gets you close if you're not driving, though most people come by car and stay in the valley for dinner after.

What’s included

• Three tastings of Sonata red blend (2019, 2020, and 2021 vintages).
• a guide who walks you through the tasting notes and year-to-year differences.
• all service at Al Lago Winery in Paso Robles.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Al Lago Winery

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to understand how a blend changes year to year and why the 2020 won recognition—the flight format lets you taste the difference instead of just reading about it.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What grapes are in the Sonata blend?

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese.

Which vintage won an award?

The 2020 Sonata won Double Gold at the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition.

Who makes the wine?

Guillaume Fabre, a sixth-generation winemaker, crafted the Sonata blends for Al Lago.

Is the tasting accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring children?

Yes, infants and small children can come in a pram or stroller.

Do I need to drive to get there?

Public transportation options are available nearby, though most visitors drive.

What language is the guide in?

English.

How many wines do I taste?

Three: the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Sonata red blends.