purple cowboy – Purple Cowboy Wines: Tenacious Red, Trail Boss Cabernet

5 Reasons to Fall for Paso Robles

July 7, 2017wsbrandsites

Located along U.S. Highway 101 in the center of California’s Central Coast lies Paso Robles, one of California’s fastest growing wine regions. Paso Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” boasts a climate that is ideal for wine growing and is home to more than 40,000 vineyard acres.

Purple Cowboy wines are produced with grapes sourced from Paso Robles. Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red and Purple Cowboy Trail Boss Cabernet Sauvignon both capture the sense of maverick western adventure and open spaces found in Paso Robles.

Aside from being home to our favorite wines, here are our top five reasons to fall in love with Paso Robles:

Location

Close to the ocean, the mountains and the desert, Paso Robles is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast. Paso Robles is easily accessible by one of the area’s airports or by car via Highway 101.

History

Winemaking and grape growing were introduced to the area in the late 1700s by Franciscan Friars, but the area was first known for its rejuvenating hot springs. Later during the late 1800s, it became known as the “Almond City,” possessing the world’s largest concentration of almond orchards. The early twentieth century ushered in the city’s first commercial wineries.

Hot springs

Thermal springs in the area are said to have healing powers. The Salinan Indians, some of the area’s earliest inhabitants, knew the area s the “Springs” or the “Hot Springs.” Take their cue and after a long day of sightseeing and wine tasting, consider a relaxing dip in these therapeutic waters.

Sights and scenery

When you’re not wine tasting, take a stroll along one of the area’s scenic trails. Try the Salinas River Walk or Shoreline Trail. Don’t miss a visit to Hearst Castle. William Randolph Hearst, along with architect Julia Morgan, created an American castle to showcase Hearst’s legendary art collection. The 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways are worth a look, too.

The wine

Paso Robles Wine Country, with its warm days and cool nights, is home to more than 40 wine grape varieties. The region produces Bordeaux, Rhone and Italian wine varieties, as well as Zinfandel and almost everything in between. You may need to plan a return visit to check off more than 200 wineries in the area.

Use a few of these resources to plan your next trip to Paso Robles:

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Travel Paso

Fodor’s Travel Guide to Paso Robles

Happy traveling!

Father’s Day Grillin’ Gift Ideas

June 17, 2015June 17, 2015wsbrandsites

In case you haven’t heard, this Sunday, July 21, is Father’s Day. Though we’re hardly ever in need of a reason to light the grill, these fun grilling gifts can make it even more exciting:

Let them know just WHO grilled those steaks with a custom steak branding iron.

This set of wood chips gives him the option of infusing distinct and natural flavors of mesquite, hickory, or apple into his barbeque fare. They work for both gas and charcoal grills!

A regular after-hours griller? Pick up these grill tongs with built-in LED lights. Now we’re cookin’!

This summer is sure to get a whole lot hotter with a Jalapeno Poppers Grilling Rack. Yep, poppers, right on the grill. Genius!

And don’t forget that bottle of Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet Sauvignon – the perfect pair with just about any meat you’re grilling up. Find both in our online wine shop or fill out this form here and our Wine Sisters behind the scenes will help find it at a store near you.

George Strait TETWP Golf Tournament

December 10, 2014December 10, 2014wsbrandsites

The George Strait Tough Enough to Wear Pink Golf Tournament has become a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tradition. This year the tournament raised a whopping $15,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, dedicated to breast cancer awareness education and research about causes, treatment, and the search for a cure.

Watch the video above produced by Cowgirl Magazine, including interviews with Tough Enough co-founders Terry Wheatley and Karl Stressman, PRCA Commissioner, about how the organization began and where it’s headed.

Once again, big thanks to George Strait, Wrangler and PRCA for their support of Tough Enough to Wear Pink!

View more photos from the tournament on the Wrangler Facebook Page here.

Planning a Cowboy Thanksgiving

November 7, 2014November 7, 2014wsbrandsites

Over here at Purple Cowboy, we are thankful for the grapes that make the wine, the horses that carry cowboys near and far, and our health, home, and families. In celebration of the first American holiday, we’ve assembled a range of Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to please, and a few simple, homey decorating ideas for your celebration.

First, the Grub

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and that starts with a good, hearty meal. We’ve put together some of the web’s best recipes for turkey plus our favorite sides. And of course Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet partner up nicely with anything you see here.

5 Ways to Do Turkey

The big day calls for a big bird! Take a look at these turkey-cooking tips plus an overview of cooking methods that put the focus on moist and tasty results.

Brine It! The Pioneer Woman swears by brining for the most reliably juicy meat. If you’re considering this method, it works best with a fresh turkey (frozen birds have a saline solution added and they can end up extra salty). Also check out Saveur’s Brined and Roasted Turkey and Alton Brown’s Brined Roast Turkey.
Southwestern Flavors: Get creative with the rub and bring your favorite flavors together for a bit of kick. Spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander are ones to consider. Don’t forget the heat, from your chile of choice. There is no shortage of recipes to draw from if the flavors of the Southwest inspire you.
On the Grill: Why not bring the cooking outdoors? BBQing the turkey gives your kitchen a rest, and offers an easy way to work with individual turkey parts, or a spatchcocked bird if that is a better option for your family. For more on grilling turkey take a look at this overview at About.com, or Sara Moulton’s recipe on Food Network.
Smokin’ Good! If you take your BBQ seriously, why not smoke the bird, another way to guarantee seriously tender meat. You can use a regular grill, or a smoker. The guys over at Amazing Ribs and Smoker-Cooking have a lot to say on the subject. Esquire also offers up a tip or two, while Alton Brown has a brined/smoked combo.
In the Fryer: Deep frying the bird seals in juices and gives you moist and tender meat, crispy skin, and a lot of taste! Just be sure to keep it safe: only fry outside, away from anything flammable. This method works best with a small to medium sized turkey. The National Turkey Federation has a step-by-step tutorial that will get you frying your way to dinner in no time. If you are itching to try this method take a look at the recipes on Food Network and About.com as well.

Super Sides

Seems like every family’s got at least one or two favorite turkey-day recipes. But if you’re looking for a new take on an old favorite, there are literally thousands to sift through. Purple Cowboy has narrowed it down to just a handful that we can’t wait to serve up.

Buttermilk Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage: Buttermilk in the cornbread makes this, from the Beekman Boys, one of Country Living’s all-time best Thanksgiving recipes.
Sweet Potatoes with Praline Streusel: Here’s a rich and delicious sweet potato side from Country Living, topped with an irresistible pecan topping. Baked until it’s bubbly and crisp on top, this can be prepared ahead and reheated.
Green Bean Casserole is a classic, and this from-scratch version from Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) can’t be beat. She uses fresh green beans (but of course!) and a homemade cream sauce to bring all the ingredients together.
Chipotle-Corn Mashed Potatoes: Creamy with a touch of sweet and a touch of spicy, we love this take on traditional mashed potatoes.
Gratitude Rolls: What is the message of the day, if not to give thanks? Write out your own messages of gratitude on parchment paper, and roll ‘em up and bake with either store-bought crescent rolls, or the recipe shown here.

Spruce Up the House!

The focus is on the food for a reason, but we picked out a few easy and fun decorating ideas that work for all of fall.

Autumn Leaves Centerpiece: Fill an assortment of clear glass containers with locally found leaves, pine cones, or acorns. You can also use small apples, pumpkins, or other squash. You can even get in the mood for the big game by adding small football charms to the mix. Try Mason jars, vases, or pitchers for the right look to go with your table.
Family Photo Centerpiece: Print out family photos from Thanksgivings gone by, support them with floral card holders, and add to your own arrangements of seasonal flowers. Instructions are available in this tutorial.
Corn and Leaf Wreath: Add silk leaves or flowers in fall colors, plus small ears of dried corn to a plain twig wreath. Use this on the table as part of a centerpiece, or as a wall or door decoration. Learn how to do it here.

The Wine Sisterhood’s collection of wine bottle crafts offers more great ideas for seasonal decorating.

We hope you enjoy our Thanksgiving recipe and decorating round up. From all of us here at Purple Cowboy, we’re wishing you a holiday full of all the things to be thankful for: home, health, family and friends.

Capture the Moment – It’s a Wrap!

September 25, 2014September 25, 2014wsbrandsites

Over the past three months, we received hundreds of amazing photos from fans all over the United States, and Canada! These photos captured what reminded you of the West, from rodeos and weddings, to first horses and scenic landscapes. We loved seeing all of your photos and thank you for sharing them with us!

Bundles of Purple Cowboy goodies are on their way to our winners – Mary, Becky and Jan! Their Purple Cowboy prize package included the Purple Cowboy Baseball Cap, a Purple Cowboy Hoodie and a Purple Cowboy Wine Opener, all of these are available for purchase in our Wine Sisterhood Shop!

Next month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month AND the 10^th Anniversary of Tough Enough to Wear Pink. We’ll be sharing ideas all month long about how you too can support the cause.

And, make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter list so you don’t miss a thing!

Tailgating Tips, Recipes & Wine Pairings

September 9, 2014January 14, 2015wsbrandsites

With the changing of the leaves comes the start of football season, and that means tailgating! Are you the Grill Master this year? The Chef in the kitchen, the over-excited Super Fan, the Pre-Game DJ? Whatever your tailgating party role, Purple Cowboy wants to help you prepare, at home and by the field. So whip out those coolers, grills and team jerseys – let’s get cookin’!

Let’s face it, the best part of tailgating is the food. The smell of chili cooking, those pre-game baked jalapeño popper appetizers, chips, dip, deviled eggs… and brats and burgers. Let’s amp up that tailgating game with these munchables and party hacks!

A Super Game-Day Guacamole Recipe!

Finger foods are a necessity for any game-day party and we found a tasty DIY guacamole recipe that your friends won’t be able to resist! Get the recipe from Emerging Foodie.

Bacon Ranch Grilled Jalapeños
Add an oh-so-cheesy and spicy pop to your tailgating party with this simple “Bacon Ranch Grilled Jalapeños” recipe by Inside BruCrew Life. These poppers take 20 minutes on the grill and will be a total hit on game day. Plus, you can never go wrong with bacon bits!

The Nacho Hot Dog
Prepare to be the envy of every tailgater. We found you the best, and tastiest grilling recipe around. With equal parts crunch, guacamole and juicy hot dog, your main entrée on game-day… is served. Via A Spicy Perspective.

Game-Day Cupcakes

Can’t forget dessert! Gobble up some little football-field cupcakes during your tailgating party! They’ll spruce up your football decor and fix your sweet tooth after all those brats and salty hors d’oeuvres, check out this simple recipe by Miss Make.

Game Day is Wine Time

We’ve also found a quick guide to help you choose the right wine for your party. From your burgers to your desserts, this cheat sheet will help you find the perfect pair. Cabernet pairs best with bold flavors, so you’ll want to pair your Purple Cowboy with foods including burgers, BBQ ribs, chili and steaks.

For your shopping list, the Wine Sisterhood made it even easier for your party preperation created this handy dandy Tailgating Checklist:

For more tailgating tips and tricks check out the Wine Sisterhood blog post: “Toast to Tailgating Season.” And if you’re looking for Pinsperation, check out the “It’s Tailgating Time” board on Pinterest!

Take photos while you’re out tailgating this season, upload them to Instagram and you could win Wine Sisterhood goodies! Here’s how it works: Share your favorite football and tailgating photos with the Wine Sisterhood on Instagram by tagging @winesisterhood and using the #tailgatingtime hashtag in the caption of your images. Get all the details here.

We’re so ready for fall, so let’s hut, hut, hut and PARTY!

24 Hours in Texas Wine Country

August 15, 2014August 15, 2014wsbrandsites

The Wine Sisterhood team recently headed down to Texas for two big events: Around the World in 80 Sips Austin and Houston. They took their time between events and didn’t miss the opportunity to explore Texas wine country.

What they discovered were some exciting hidden treasures and not-to-miss eating and drinking establishments. If you’ve got 24 hours (or more) to spend in Texas Wine Country, here’s where we recommend stopping:

In and around Austin

Noble Sandwich Company – our favorite “destination” sandwich joint. Gotta try the Smoked Duck Pastrami Rueben, the Red Chile Braised Pork Cheek Sandwich and the Jalapeño Slaw. Next time we’re in town, we’re ordering the Fried Bologna Sandwich.

Friends and Neighbors – the coolest little vintage shop ever, featuring carefully curated vintage wear for ladies and kids, unique jewelry made by local artists, AND a coffee bar with tasty little treats and local wines and brews.

Pleasant Storage Company – tasty craft cocktail and rum bar. Named after a popular 1940s Havana joint, the menu features rum punch, rum-centric cocktails and Caribbean-inspired street food. Recommendations: the Chicharron de Pollo (rum-spiced chicken skin), Fried Conch Hush Puppies and Empanadas.

Texas Hill Country/Wine Country

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-b-que – where “It’s all about the meat.” Here, meat is not priced by the serving, but by the pound. Order your meat outdoors and sides inside, then dig into your order on long picnic tables with shared condiments including extra-thin sliced white bread, squirtable margarine, hot sauce and a giant tub of jalapeños.

Becker Vineyards – one of the most well-known wineries of the region, featured in Wine Spectator and Food and Wine Magazine. Their Rhone-style wines hit the spot.

Grape Creek Vineyards – aka. “Tuscany in Texas.” This estate has won over 100 medals from San Francisco to New York. Our favorites were the Cabernet/Syrah and “Bellissimo” a Super-Tuscan style wine.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm – relax in charming cottages patterned after the historic Sunday house cottages unique to the area. These quaint cottages have all the amenities of the 21st century — including flat screen HD TV, high speed internet and sleep-in worthy beds.

Headed to Texas soon? Check out the Wine Sisterhood’s “Texas Forever” board for travel ideas.

Summertime and the Grillin’ is Easy!

June 25, 2014June 25, 2014wsbrandsites

Summer is here, and that means grilling! We set out to gather up the most mouth-watering grilling recipes we could find to kick start your weekend. And we may have mentioned it before, but Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red pairs fantastically with all red meats. Here are some of our favorite finds:

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Hot Dogs

What else do we love to grill? Hot dogs! We came across this hearty hot dog on Simply Recipes and couldn’t wait to fire up the coals. If you love ALL of the toppings, with solid helpings of hot dog, mustard, ketchup, cheese, onions, sauerkraut and bacon INSIDE of the hot dog, this one’s for you.

Western Bacon Cheeseburger

What’s the best thing to grill? Burgers! This recipe for a Western Bacon Cheeseburger covers all of the bases, savory bacon, beef, cheese, and of course onion rings.

Grilled Steak Tacos With Avocado Salsa

For a lighter meal, we found the most delectable grilled tacos on the Food and Wine blog. Bring out the tomatillos, avocados and chorizo, this southwestern taco will fire up your taste buds!

Now light the grill and head outside for fun in the sun this weekend!

Trevor Knowles – Our New Purple Cowboy!

March 26, 2014March 16, 2015chelsea

Real Cowboys Love Purple Cowboy… and Trevor Knowles is a Real Cowboy!

Read Trevor’s latest update from the Pro Rodeo Circuit here.

We’re proud to introduce a new addition to the Purple Cowboy family – Pro Rodeo Cowboy Trevor Knowles! He’s joining our team as a Purple Cowboy Endorsee on the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association Circuit this year.

Trevor can celebrate his latest $25,000 win in steer wrestling with a glass of Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet Sauvignon.

All year long, he’ll be sharing his experiences and stories from the rodeo trail with us. We’ll be sharing his stories from the road here on our blog and over on our Facebook Page. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a word!

Originally from Baker City, Oregon, Trevor has been a PRCA competitor since 2001. His main events are steer wrestling and tie-down roping with his total PRCA career earnings topping more than $1.25 million! This cowboy has rodeo in his blood; his uncle is Butch Knowles, an NFR saddle bronc riding champion. His cousin, Blake Knowles is also a PRCA steer wrestler.

He’s qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo ten times since 2004 and currently holds a 6^th place world standing in his events. At the 2013 WNFR, he won Round 1 with a time of 3.1 seconds and placed in three other rounds.

He’s got a couple of superstitions when it comes to competing, including “don’t eat chicken” and “don’t shave on game day.”

When he’s not riding, this single cowboy is an avid hunter and fisherman and he’s got a knack for music. If you’re lucky, you may see him singing and playing his guitar – we have heard that he played at one of the WNFR Buckle Presentations and he is a regular singing cowboy at the Purple Cowboy Campfire during the California Rodeo in Salinas in July every year.

Join us in welcoming Trevor to our Purple Cowboy family and look out for his updates from the road all throughout the year!