Once an esoteric pursuit embraced only by dedicated oenophiles, wine country travels in recent years have become the passion of millions of Americans drawn by the beauty and romance of vineyard lands and the people behind the wines they love.

"Where do you like to stay?" is second only to "what's your favorite wine?" when I am asked about my travels as a wine journalist.

Consequently I have a deep curiosity about whatever is new or unusual in wine country lodging. A spot that is both is even more appealing.

So it was my great pleasure to visit the Canyon Villa on a recent trip to Paso Robles, California, to judge at the annual Winemakers' Cookoff.

A four-bedroom bed-and-breakfast with rates starting at $275 a night, the Canyon Villa is located 10 minutes from the main square in Paso Robles, heading west out of town toward the seaside village of Cambria. Warm and inviting, it is a Tuscan-style villa in rural Paso Robles, with sweeping views of one of California's fastest-growing wine regions.

What makes this charming spot unusual is the ownership team of Katherine Bloxsom-Carter and her husband William Carter. Chef William oversees the impressive culinary side of the Canyon Villa, which is truly world class, for William is a renowned chef who spent the better part of the past three decades as executive chef at the Playboy Mansion. He studied at UC-Davis, too, and knows his stuff when it comes to wine.

The Canyon Villa has been open for business for all of six months. For information on this hot new wine country B&B, call 805-238-3362 or visit the website at www.thecanyonvilla.com.

Best Value

Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer's enthusiasm for the recommended wine.

Dry Creek Vineyard 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley ($18) — I'm not often surprised by Dry Creek Vineyard. The wines are consistently good and have been for decades. Yet there is something beyond the ordinary going on with this latest release of its Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The 2014 is simply brilliant, perhaps the finest sauvignon I've ever tasted from this sauvignon specialist. This one is crafted in the style of a Bordeaux blanc, with gorgeous notes of white peach and melon, a hint of tropical and an inviting spice and floral nose that keeps on giving. A Bordeaux blanc this good could cost anywhere from $40 to $100. The DCV is under $20, and it's a steal, maybe the steal of the vintage. Rating: 95.

Segura Viudas Gran Cuvee Reserva Cava, Spain ($14) — The Gran Cuvee Reserva is a beautiful expression of Cava from Segura Viudas. Produced from estate vineyards in northeastern Spain, this cuvee is predominantly native grape varieties — macabeo and parellada — with a touch of chardonnay and pinot noir. It shows a floral nose with hints of spice, pear and apple. On the palate it is well balanced, creamy and fresh, with exceptional length and a crisp, clean finish. At this price one of the best values you are likely to find in top-notch sparkling wine. Rating: 91.

Tasting Notes

Duckhorn Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Late Harvest, Knights Valley ($45) — California wineries don't pose much of a threat to the great chateaux of Sauternes or Barsac, but occasionally one has its moment. The 2012 Duckhorn Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc could easily pass for one of its botrytised French cousins. Rich on the palate with impressive dimension, this vintage delivers enticing aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, spice, pineapple, orange zest and lychee. With enough acidity to balance out the sweetness of the fruit, it shows a long, lingering finish that is clean rather than cloying. Note the price is for a half bottle. Rating: 92.

Gascon 2012 Malbec Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina ($25) — Gascon's 2012 reserve Malbec is the epitome of the style of malbec from Argentina that has made this grape from that part of the world so popular in America. It doesn't cost a fortune, but it delivers impressive dimension and complexity, with notes of ripe blackberry and plum, hints of spice and beautifully integrated tannins. It is well balanced, delicious and priced right! Rating: 90.

Decoy 2012 Red Wine, Sonoma County ($25) — Decoy's red blend from the 2012 vintage is merlot-centric, but with enough cabernet sauvignon to provide additional depth and complexity and likely a longer life in the cellar. Notes of plum and blackberry dominate, with an overlay of spice and oak vanillin. The tannins are supple and smooth, making this wine an excellent choice for early consumption, though I wouldn't hesitate to hold it for another few years. Rating: 89.

Decoy 2013 Merlot, Sonoma County ($25) — The 2013 Decoy Merlot delivers a burst of red berry fruit with a generous overlay of oak vanillin. Drink this wine young, for it will be a crowd-pleaser, though it doesn't have the stuffing to hang in there for the long haul. Delicious and ready to drink now. Rating: 88.

Duckhorn Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($35) — This stellar Napa Valley producer is best known for its exceptional merlot and sauvignon blanc, so occasionally its other offerings fly under the radar. The chardonnay is a case in point. It isn't a wine many seek out, though it would please even the most discriminating wine consumers. The 2013 is made in a well-balanced style that shows a bit of oak but clearly has its emphasis on the fruit. Aromas of lemon oil and pear are the clearest notes this vintage hits, with hints of spice and a long, lingering finish. Rating: 91.

Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.