Bring on the holidays and the houseguests! This is the time of year for connecting with loved ones over a great glass of Paso Robles wine. When relatives gather in Paso Robles Wine Country, there’s so much to explore, taste, and discover. From rustic tasting rooms surrounded by natural wildlife to wine caves, eateries, and coastal escapes, solidify your reputation as “host with the most.” So, grab the dog, pack the car, and make a date for these five family-approved spots. Your clan will thank you.
1. Breeze in to Centrally Grown at Off the Grid
Start an unhurried holiday brunch tradition. Cambria is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Paso Robles Wine Country and offers up calm untouched coastal views perfect for getting everyone in a relaxed, joyful mood. Share half a dozen oysters or perhaps an “Exotic Eggs Benedict” with poached eggs, Brussel sprouts, spinach, mushrooms, and house made Hollandaise (or stop in for a farm fresh lunch or dinner bite complete with local wine list). Centrally Grown at Off the Grid offers a great lazy day setting and a fantastic photo-op for your family (think dramatic cliffs, soaring gulls, and blue skies). Explore edible gardens, breezy patios, custom sculptures, and sustainable water features all a stone’s throw from the glittering Pacific Ocean. Bring the kids. They’ll be enchanted.
Click here for mapping and directions to Centrally Grown
2. Shoot Pool at Chronic Cellars
The holidays can be a busy and hectic time, but when you’ve got family in town, it’s important to slow down and focus on what really matters. Catch up with the ones you love while surrounded by Paso Robles’ famous rolling hills and award winning wineries. Chronic Cellars is a totally casual spot that’s perfect for your in-laws, grandparents, and siblings. Go for a round of billiards and you might even discover that grandma is a total pool shark! This kind of celebration calls for a taste of the winery’s famous Spritz and Giggles sparkling wine, perfect when paired with Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham.
Click here for mapping and directions to Chronic Cellars
3. Dine Among the Vines at Cass Winery
When tummies are rumbling, you’ve got to make a date for more than a simple cheese plate. Grab the fam and head to Cass Winery, where you can nosh on pulled pork sandwiches, estate beef burgers, fresh salads, and (of course) lots of fabulous tasting flights featuring a long lineup of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. Grab a table on the patio surrounded by estate vineyards and allow a friendly server to bring delicious wine country treats straight to you. Added plus? You don’t have to a cook a single thing. What a relief.
Click here for mapping and directions to Cass Winery
4. Rest Easy at Pelletiere Estate Winery
Imagine your family nestled in the heart of Paso Wine Country, snuggled up in a rustic farmhouse appointed with the finest appliances, linens, and decor. This is not a dream! This three bedroom two bath Farmhouse located a quick stroll from Pelletiere’s tasting room boasts a charming kitchen complete with a coffee service island, breakfast nook, granite countertops, and a timeless vintage stove-oven. The dining room and living room both boast French doors that open onto the expansive private multi-level deck that overlooks our estate vineyards and beckons you to enjoy the sunset, while sipping a glass of our vineyard’s exceptional wine. The refined rustic furnishings and cozy fireplace are sure to make your stay unforgettable. Congratulations. You just won the holidays.
Click here for mapping and directions to Pelletiere Estate Winery
5. Drink Like a Local at Wine Boss
Want to introduce out-of-town friends and family to Paso Robles’ unique downtown? We don’t blame you. This walkable square is ground zero for incredible restaurants, tasting rooms, and (very timely) holiday shopping. When your feet need a rest, be sure to stop in at The Wine Boss Lounge for an ever-changing drink menu that features the latest and greatest from area craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. The casual lounge atmosphere makes for a perfect end-of-the-evening experience without the fuss of a fancy reservation. Plus: The menu is so diverse, everyone can find something they love! It’s easy. Unwind, try a few offerings, and allow your loved ones to mingle with Paso’s famously friendly population. Be careful though: They may want to move to Paso Robles, ASAP.
Click here for mapping and directions to Wine Boss Lounge
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
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.
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
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
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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
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