If you’ve never visited Paso Robles, California wine country, you must. One of your first stops should be Copia Vineyards and Winery where an upscale and comfortable tasting room is found at 5076 Mustard Creek Road, just a couple of miles out of town. Come for the award winning wine and stay for the stunning views and people who make anyone feel like family. You just might meet Anita and Varinder Sahi, owners, who always make time to chat with guests.
Anita and Varinder Sahi, Owners, Copia Vineyards and Winery
Raised in an Indian-Pakistani family in Chicago, Anita Sahi, Owner and General Manager, has plenty of experience in the hospitality sector as a restaurant professional. Anita holds a degree from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism where she studied broadcast journalism and subsequently wrote and engaged in field work at TV stations reporting on restaurants. Soon thereafter, she entered the restaurant hospitality and marketing arena in Chicago, Boston and New York City. The culinary scene, and now wine, are her passions.
Punjabi born Varinder Sahi, Owner and Winemaker, was raised in a family of agrarians, going back 13+ generations. He holds an electrical engineering degree from University in Bangalore, an MBA from York University in Toronto, and a winemaking certificate from University of California-Davis. During his many travels for work, his love and passion for wine grew. In 2015 Anita and Varinder purchased property in Paso Robles and the rest is history waiting for the next chapter to be written. For more about this power-couple’s fascinating story, click HERE.
Anita and Varinder Sahi – Photo Credit: Copia Vineyards and Winery
Copia is comprised of a 20-acre estate vineyard in the Willow Creek District as well as a second 20-acre estate in the Adelaida District. Grapes are from their estate vineyards as well as those from local growers. Cultivated are red Rhône and Bordeaux varieties on steep slopes atop limestone soils in Willow Creek District. Surrounded by oak forests, the estate uses organic approved materials. At their Adelaida District site, red grape varieties are grown, including their first Tempranillo, and white Rhônes. More vineyard information is found HERE.
Wine and Food at Copia Vineyards and Winery
Highly rated, Copia’s 2021 The Anchor ($65) is an exceptional blend of 80% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah, all estate grown grapes from their Willow Creek vineyards. 2021 was the first harvest from their Willow Creek location which is adjacent to vineyards of neighboring powerhouse L’Aventure and former neighbor Terry Hogue’s TH Estate. 2021 The Anchor is Copia’s first Mourvedre-dominant blend. The wine spent 20 months is 60% new French oak; only 125 cases were produced.
“As the name implies, our belief is that Mourvedre acts as an “anchor” to the blend,” stated Varinder. And what a blend it is! Although I could have saved this beauty for a few more years, I simply could not. Once opened for about 30 minutes, 2021 The Anchor was impressive with rich, broad aromas and savory flavors of meat, purple plums, dark cherries, blackberry compote, savory herbs and hint of peppercorn. Just-right acidity and tannic structure provide a firm foundation to this powerful wine.
The first time I tasted 2021 The Anchor was at Copia’s wine club gathering – and yes, I’m a very happy member! Anita’s culinary acumen was showcased, too, as the group paired a selection of newly released wines with generous bites. To complement sips of 2021 The Anchor, Anita presented mushroom pate with rosemary, walnuts, herbed parmesan, fried beech mushroom and sourdough crisp. My mouth is watering just thinking about this once again!
Since mushrooms are such a brilliant choice with the wine, I chose to put together a luscious (and easy to make) Pasta with Porcini Mushrooms and Cream Sauce. (Grab the recipe HERE.) As you may expect, the food and wine were brilliant together. The savory, earth tones of 2021 The Anchor met the textured pasta dish with its woodsy, hearty flavors of mushrooms in the most scrumptious way. Trust me, I’ll make this dish again and open another bottle of the wine. However, other memorable food pairings with The Anchor may be mushroom risotto, polenta, or stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Stay tuned.
Anita and Varinder Sahi named their label Copia, meaning “abundance” in Latin. When you visit Copia Vineyards and Winery you’ll want to ask for a tasting, but be sure to indulge in the seasonal food, curated by Anita, and wine pairings to elevate the experience, too.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
For more Grape Experiences, your free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” and a coupon code towards your purchase of my online course “Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!)” click here.
