Summer might have all the fun, but May has its perks in Paso Robles Wine Country. From welcoming barbecues and to bustling tasting events to savory appetizers and sunset soirees under the oaks, the events just keep on rolling in as the days get longer. The wildflowers are popping, the baby sheep are grazing, and the wine scene is in full bloom, to be sure. Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of the idyllic weather and general excitement of this breezy beautiful time in Paso Robles (and keep an eye out for the new buds, the grapes have begun their magical journey for the next vintage). Better grab that calendar and maybe even a few colored highlighters. There’s just too many good things going down! Don’t miss a moment.
1. Vitner and Vines Tour at Pelletiere
Date: Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m.
Location: Pelletiere Winery
Tickets: No tickets needed; normal tasting fees apply; RSVP appreciated
Why: You’ll get the hands-on Paso wine experience (and get a little dirt on those new cowboy boots).
What: Deep in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, discover distinctive Italian wines unique to Pelletiere Estate by walking (and talking) with winemaker Amy Butler and Vintner Janis Denner. You’ll learn just what it takes to make these limited production Italian style wines and compare Old World and modern approaches to winemaking. Then, experience these exceptional wines first-hand with a guided tasting! You may just be ready to make your own wine afterward (or at least feel semi-qualified to dream out-loud about it).
Bring: Sunblock, walking shoes, your best questions and your curiosity.
For mapping and directions to Pelletiere click here
2. Rava Concert Series
Date: Starting Saturday, May 4; running select weekends through spring; noon-4 p.m.
Location: Rava Winery
Tickets: No tickets needed; regular tasting fees apply
Why: Life is short, enjoy the moment and bask in the joy of an outdoor concert complete with food trucks and seasonal wine offerings.
What: Dance and dip your partner outside Rava’s elegant tasting room or sit and sip on the lawn (either choice sounds good to us). Gourmet food trucks will be onsite for nearly every show and all ages are welcome. The concert lineup: Saturday, May 4 Kentucky Derby Party with Sonic Boom (In honor of the Kentucky Derby, try the Rava style mint julep, made with sparkling wine); Sunday, May 5, Cinco De Mayo with Sonic Boom (Celebrate Cinco De Mayo by pairing your favorite wines with legitimate street tacos by Tacos La Potranca De Jalisco); and Sunday, May 12 Celebrate Mother’s Day with musician Jack Cimo (sip sparkling wine flights; The Pairing Knife food truck will also be serving fresh Spanish-style tapas). With so many concerts and pairings to choose from, you have no excuse not to pick one.
Bring: A comfy low-back lawn chair, blanket, friends, family, and your appetite.
For mapping and directions to Rava click here
3. Mother’s Day at Eberle Winery
Date: Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Eberle Winery
Tickets: Email Events@eberlewinery.com for more info.
Why: Mom deserves to be pampered in Paso Robles, too! Show your ma how much you care by giving her what she really wants (Paso Robles wine and your undivided company).
What: The annual tradition continues as Eberle celebrates Mom the very best way possible! Eat, drink and laugh the afternoon away. Join the winery on the vineyard deck for brunch by Paso Terrra, wine by Eberle and live music from Jan & Ted. Catch up with the most important lady in your life while enjoying the views from the deck (and sampling the amazing cuisine of Andre and Cristina Aversang).
Bring: Your mom (and a bouquet of fresh flowers, because your mom loves fresh flowers and it’s been a while since she’s smelled fresh lillies).
For mapping and directions to Eberle click here
4. Templeton Wine Fest
Date: Saturday, May 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Templeton Community Park
Tickets: Click here or call 805-434-1789.
Why: This casual community event feels like something from the Main Streets of yore. You’ll discover incredible small production boutique wines that we love (like Rails Nap, Clavo, and Dubost Winery), and perhaps even meet a few new friends around the neighborhood.
What: Swing by Templeton’s welcoming downtown for fine wine, craft beer, good food, and boutique vendors plus live music. Enjoy that authentic small town feel, so rare nowadays. It’s all happening at the charming Templeton Community Park, a sight to behold during this green time of year. Your ticket includes unlimited wine tasting, a souvenir wine glass, and unique specialty food samples. Spend the afternoon under the shady oaks and don’t forget to say, “howdy neighbor.”
Bring: Low back chairs, kids, and community pride.
5. Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting
Date: Saturday, May 18 from noon to 4 p.m. (early bird tickets available)
Location: Paso Robles Downtown City Park
Tickets: Click here for more info.
Why: Taste literally hundreds of Paso Robles wines from every varietal and AVA all in one place at the 37th Annual Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting. Seriously—you won’t find bigger, more exciting wine event all year in Paso Robles.
What: Held in charming downtown Paso Robles, you’ll explore offerings from more than 70 wineries. Each area is cleverly arranged by “region” for a seamless and focused tasting experience: Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines for your tasting pleasure. Yes, all that wine in a single day! With restaurants surrounding the park, you’re never far from a delicious bite, either. Try Pappy McGregor’s for pub grub with an elevated twist, Fish Gaucho for fresh seafood, or Thomas Hill Organics for the finest locally grown goodness.
Bring: A hat, sunblock, tasting notebook, refillable water bottle, sunglasses.
Photo Credit: SLO Safe Ride
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