Selecting the first pumpkin of the season, slicing into just-ripened heirloom tomatoes (enjoy them while you can), and listening to the satisfying crunch of oak leaves underfoot. What do all of these experiences have in common? They all signify the start of fall (and continuation of harvest) in Paso Robles Wine Country. This cozy and commotion-filled time is also signified by the swirling and sipping of fine wine (and lots of it). Now, you too can partake in Paso Robles’ most beloved fall traditions—with glass in hand, of course. Here’s 5 autumnal adventures to get you in the mood.
1. Dive into harvest
Harvest Wine Weekend Oct. 18-20: Get ready for Paso Robles’ most exciting and exhilarating season. Visit Paso Robles during Harvest Wine Weekend and you’ll come away with a better understanding of all that goes into each boutique bottle. More than one hundred wine events are uncorking across Paso Robles for this annual celebration, including barbecues, live music events, winemaker dinners, seminars, behind the scenes tours, barrel tastings and more. Check out special harvest events at Hope Family Wines, Opolo, Chronic Cellars, Eberle Winery, Peachy Canyon and JUSTIN. There’s lots to do, so plan your route early.
2. Savor some pie
Wine and pie tasting at Harmony Cellars – Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20: Pie has a way of kick-starting that happy fall feeling, don’t you think? Flaky pastry crust, gooey filling and the scent of pumpkin spice (the real deal, not the latte) await you at Harmony Cellars, just a quick cruise west from Paso Robles. Farm fresh pies by Linn’s of Cambria are the perfect match for winemaker Chuck’s award-winning wines. Mini pies (in your favorite flavors) will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. No reservations needed—just show up! Also expect specials on featured wines by the glass and bottle. Want more to nosh on this fall? Check out the winery’s cheese and charcuterie workshop, unfolding Sunday, Oct. 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Get Tickets
3. Hunt and gather
Hunters and Gatherers Winemaker Dinner at Four Lanterns Winery – Friday, October 18: Just like the California Black Bear who gathers surplus berries in preparation for the long winter hibernation, we too are looking to fill up on all the good grub we can find (also like the bear, we might even take a long nap afterward). Allow Four Lanterns Winery to do the hunting and gathering for you during a festive winemaker dinner centered on local grapes, vegetables, meat and fish. This cornucopia of fall flavors will be prepared by Chef Justin Monson and paired with new and old releases. Come and get it! Get Tickets
4. Feast with New Friends
Harvest Winemaker Dinner at Seven Oxen – Saturday, October 26: It’s just not fall without a big table filled with good conversation, right? Smiling faces and clinking wine glasses will light up Seven Oxen during a very special five-course meal prepared by Chef Spencer Johnston of Danior Catering (every ingredient will be local and sustainably sourced, in case you were wondering). Chef Spencer has created a menu that pairs perfectly with a long line-up of Seven Oxen wines, including a preview of a yet-to-be-released 2016 bottle. Plus, kick off the night with a special “harvest edition” winery tour and tasting with winemaker Bastien Leduc, starting at 6 p.m. Get there early—you won’t want to miss out on a moment. Get tickets
5. Get Spooked
Tooth and Nail Winery Halloween Costume Party – Friday, October 25: When’s the last time you donned a head-to-toe Halloween costume and danced the night away? Last Halloween? Ten Halloweens ago? Either way, it’s been way too long. The ghouls and witches—along with your favorite Netflix characters—will be sipping fabulous wine at Tooth and Nail Winery’s annual Halloween Party, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the famed castle. Join the freaky fun! Break out those old Monster Mash moves and perhaps you’ll even win best costume (fang-tastic prizes awarded to the best dressed). Delicious bites and wines will also available for purchase (this event is 21+; undead welcome). Get tickets
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
cally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Treat yourself to the ultimate Paso Robles wine country experience by booking your stay at The Inn at Opolo Vineyards. Guests enjoy our luxurious, spacious rooms and all of the sensory pleasures of Paso Robles in one destination. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/oploVineyards
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals