Expensive guide books and half-hearted listicles are no match for our totally local-approved must-dos! From fab EVOO and down home barbecues and behind-the-scenes peeks behind the winemaking curtain, there are a few things you simply cannot miss on your next trip to Paso Robles. No, you don’t need to pay a tour-guide (or bribe a local) to experience authentic Paso Robles Wine Country. It’s really quite simple, in fact. We believe that the best information in life is shared freely. Consider this advice open source.
1. Dine Downtown and at the Tasting Room
No, you don’t have to choose, and anyone who tells you otherwise is just plain wrong (we feel sorry for them). From steaks and seafood to farm-fresh meals plucked from local fields, downtown Paso Robles offers all the tasting trappings of any hip foodie hangout, without the long waits. Check out Pappy McGregor’s for elevated pub grub; Thomas Hill Organics for farm-to-table fare; and Fish Gaucho for a fresh and fiery twist on Mexican seafood. Unlike other wine regions, you can also enjoy top notch food while you hit the wine trail (making Paso Robles Wine County a great stop for dinner as well as lunch). Plan to swing by Cass Winery for wine flights and delicious burgers delivered straight to your table, or make a reservation at JUSTIN Restaurant, where each gourmet nibble is perfectly picked to heighten your wine tasting experience. Looking for even more tasting rooms with great sit-down restaurant experiences? See our post: 6 Wineries With Sit Down Restaurants in Paso Robles Wine Country, here.
2. Meet the Winemakers
Yes, it’s easy to meet the folks behind the wine in Paso Robles Wine Country (and the vineyard managers, and the assistant winemaker, and the winery dogs, and the owners—you get the idea). Before you leave the tasting room, take a good long look around the bar. You might just be rubbing elbows with the winemaker in no time (the winemaking couple behind Ecluse Winery can be often be found hanging around their own tasting room). One of the best parts of visiting this friendly and scenic wine region is the fact that the barrier between bottle and buyer is pretty much nonexistent. Take advantage of this charming and chill vibe while you still can! Looking for a festive event worth writing home about? Stop by Villa San Juliette for Casino Night this March 9, where you can wine prizes and try your hand at Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps. Seeking a more casual, family-friendly day of fun? Hang at low key Chronic Cellars, where you can play lawn games while meeting the who’s who of Paso.
3. Don’t skip the EVOO!
With all the wine flowing from every direction, it’s easy to miss all of Paso Robles Wine Country’s great agricultural offerings. We recommend that all wine tasting visitors take a moment to (momentarily) put down the wine glass and instead sample some of the region’s famous extra virgin olive oil. Pasolivo is home to an expansive ranch and tasting room off Vineyard drive and a second tasting room in downtown Paso Robles. Fresh and citrusy, herbaceous and savory—there’s an EVOO for every taste. P.S.: plenty of wineries, including Hearst Ranch Winery (located in Paso Robles and San Simeon) offer estate grown olive oil, too! Keep your eyes peeled and your appetite handy. These chef essentials also make great souvenirs to bring home and enjoy all year long.
4. Embrace the cowboy culture
Paso Robles is all about vines, yes. But don’t let the world class distinction fool you: this is still cowboy country! Nowhere is this rustic charm more on display than at wineries like Oso Libre, and Rangeland Wines, where you can taste fine wine and pick up a few pounds of estate raised beef. Tasting Rooms like Lone Madrone are less interested in fancy finger sandwiches and more about meaty barbecues where everyone can kick up their heels (head to their the tasting room’s first Sunday Burger Event of the year, kicking off March 17 from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.).
5. Stay for one more round!
Home to world famous Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles is a surprisingly beer-loving town. In fact, local winemakers are often known to say: “It takes a lot of beer to make good wine.” That goes for spirits, too. Don’t leave Paso Robles Wine Country without enjoying creative craft spirits handmade by KROBAR and Willow Creek Distillery. Whether you grab a cold one, a goblet of grappa or whiskey on ice, we promise that you’ll experience that “Paso Robles” magic on your lips. Even your new winemaker friends won’t mind. It’s all part of the true Paso Robles Wine Country experience. Cheers!
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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