Sunshine and surf, burgers and ketchup, pool floats and heart-shaped sunglasses—these quintessential summer pairings will never go out of style. Similarly, Paso Robles Wine Country honors its own cache of spectacular hot-weather duos each July. With endless blue skies, welcoming tasting rooms and more stellar summer sippers than you can shake a hot dog at, you’re sure to be made in the shade!
1. A chill grenache blanc and a grand sunset – Sextant Wines
The best things in life are free: Tart, lemony goodness, zesty grapefruit and dried apricots blossom in the glass while light notes of pineapple and melon linger on the tongue. Yes, this is summer as you imagined it: perfectly carefree, juicy and refreshing! Sextant Wines 2019 Estate Grenache Blanc has that uncanny ability to transport the weariest traveler into a pool of pure, Golden State vibes. When paired with a gorgeous sunset—best viewed at their Edna Valley tasting room with a killer cheese plate—you’ll swear you’ve entered a new dimension of relaxation entirely.
Mapping and directions to Sextant Edna Valley click here
2. A unique rosé and an adventure off the beaten path – Rio Seco
Get lost! You know those fun-loving summer days that start one way and end in another? Chase that sense of spontaneity along a lesser-beaten path (we promise, you’ll be glad you took the chance). When you embark on a romp along Paso’s pastoral backroads, you’re sure to encounter cows, vines and a whole lot of warm hospitality. A dry, European style rose with hints of surprising cotton candy, Rio Seco Winery’s 2018 Syrah Rosé is as playful as it is perfect for outdoor sipping. Bet you didn’t see that one coming!
Mapping and directions to Rio Seco click here
3. A funky-fresh white and a rockin’ playlist – Penman Springs
Not quite feeling yourself these days? That’s what Summer playlists were made for! Kick-start the weekend with a fresh-picked mix of feel-good jams from the likes of The Beach Boys and Stevie Wonder (seriously, have these guys ever steered you wrong?). Pair a jubilant backyard dance-off of one with an equally high-energy white. Penman Springs Vineyard’s 2018 “Dry Humor” Alsatian style wine is a blast in a glass: Savor the super creamy mouthfeel and fresh aromas highlighted by tangerine, green apple and a hint of peach. Trust us: you’ll be busting a move in no time.
Mapping and directions to Penman Springs click here
4. Desert wine and a beach date – Cass Wines
Sweet and salty—that’s how we prefer our dates to be! Summer is the perfect time to rekindle the romance: just add one part dessert wine, one part sandy stroll. This 2018 Lake Harvest Roussanne from Cass Winery is bursting with sexy honeysuckle and meringue pie sumptuousness. Pack a light picnic and set your heart for the cool, coastal breeze (after all, Paso Robles is only a few miles from Highway 1 and the glittering blue Pacific). Whether you hunt for moonstones in Cambria or kick back on a towel in Cayucos, you’ll feel just like the lovebirds in Grease. Summer lovin’ happened so fast…
Mapping and directions to Cass Winery click here
5. A bold red and a drive-in movie – JUSTIN
And now for our feature presentation: When it comes to bold Paso Robles reds, JUSTIN reigns supreme. Although you might not think of JUSTIN’s 2017 Right Angle—an intriguing blend of cabernet, petite verdot, petit sirah and malbec—as a traditional “summer wine,” just wait till the sun goes down at the locally-loved Sunset Drive-in. Located just a few miles south of the Cuesta Grade in San Luis Obispo, this iconic hangout offers up all the summer traditions you’ll remember from childhood: hot dogs, nachos and lots of opportunities to smooch your seat-mate. Cheers to nostalgia (and a long, lingering finish). Remember, the designated driver gets extra butter on their popcorn!
Mapping and directions to JUSTIN click here
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
Hoyt Family Vineyard Retreats Two very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
Directions: speedfind.com/hoytfamilyvineyards
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
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
The Kiler Canyon Vineyard Retreat Perched on top of a hill on ONX Estate’s vineyard with gorgeous 360 degree views of the Willow Creek AVA
Directions: speedfind.com/KilerRetreat
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
Oxford Suites Paso Robles You’ll find that from our lobby, our on-site restaurant, to our meeting spaces, to our 101 spacious suites, every space is beautiful + functional as well as comfortable + chic.
Directions: speedfind.com/oxfordsuitespasorobles
Peachy Canyon Guest Inn Sits above Peachy Canyon Winery + acres of vines at Mustang Springs Vineyard. The house has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, family room + panoramic views.
Directions: speedfind.com/PeachyInn
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
Rio Seco Winery Guest House 2 comfortable suites each with 2 bedrooms, complete with kitchens are set amongst the vines at iconic Rio Seco Vineyard & Winery. Enjoy your own barbeque + firepit.
Directions: speedfind.com/riosecovineyard