This fall, watch the vines become wines in beautiful Paso Robles. The grapes are ripe, the vineyards are bustling and the wine? Well, it’s in that magical, mystical stage of transformation known as “harvest.” Witness the colors of the vineyard change from green to gold as you relax at these outdoor tasting rooms designed for maximum comfort and safety. Friendly winery staff await your arrival with bottles to spare! Let’s cheers to a new vintage together. Here’s to a happening harvest!
1. Sip like a VIP at Jada Vineyard & Winery
Sure, you can book a virtual tasting appointment with Jada via Zoom, but this time of year, you’ve just just got to see the Westside property to believe it. Lounge on a covered, outdoor deck overlooking the 48-acre, sustainably vineyard while you sample six current releases paired with gourmet cheeses. Yum! No need to get out of your chair: Jada’s wines will appear at your table just when you’re reaching for the next sip. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more “VIP tasting experiences” coming soon (like barrel samples chosen to fit your unique preferences and more). Yes, this is just the kind of excellence we’ve come to expect from Jada, a winery that continually crafts premium, all-estate, limited-production Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines that wow. Take it from Josh Reynolds, Editor and Wine Critic, VINOUS “Producers such as…Jada have significantly stepped up [its] game and must now be counted among the Central Coast’s best wineries . . . which is excellent news for everybody, especially consumers.”
Details: Six guest maximum per reservation. Reservations can be made online up to four in advance. For last-minute reservations, call the 805-226-4200. Hours are 11am to 4:45pm daily.
For mapping and directions to Jada, click here
2. Downtown vibes at JUSTIN
They say JUSTIN wines are exceptional from every angle, and we tend to agree. Try a sip of their famous Isosceles Reserve for yourself and you’ll soon understand why the regal blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot has captured the hearts of wine critics (and regular wine lovers like us) the world over. The winery’s virtual tastings lead by certified wine sommelier Jim Gerakaris are fantastic, but their downtown tasting room offers up all the excitement of harvest without the need to drive down a bumpy country road. Yes, the buzz of the harvest season is alive in downtown Paso Robles, where winemakers rub elbows with farmers, chefs, and travelers. Savor bold reds and crisp whites by the glass or bottle paired with exceptional food and know that you’re truly in the center of it all.
Details: Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable via the winery website or by calling the tasting room at 805-591-3225. Group size limited to six maximum. Hours are 9:30am to 5pm daily. Reservations required. Last reservation at reservation 4:30pm
For mapping and directions to JUSTIN, click here
3. Royal Romance at Tooth and Nail Winery
It’s been a long summer and the folks at Tooth & Nail Winery are ready to celebrate (in the royal way only they know how). Storm Paso Roble’s oft-Instagrammed castle and plunder the robust riches of the season. At Tooth and Nail, you never have to choose between varietals because, well, they have them all and we’re certain you’ll find a handful that you can’t live without! Reserve our spot now and sample reds, whites, blends and single varietals grown across Paso Robles and the Central Coast all on the tasting room’s sun dappled veranda. In desperate need of a date night? Taste through reserved wine club exclusive wines and enjoy a selection of fine charcuterie each Friday and Saturday night. Need to bring out the big guns? Treat your queen or king to a bit of added romance: a private rooftop twilight tasting might just do the trick?
Details: Open Saturday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm and Friday from 10am to 8 pm. Twilight tastings available at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday only. Reservations required. Email cheers@toothandnailwinery.com or visit the website for more information.
For mapping and directions to Tooth and Nail Winery, click here
4. Savor the labor at Rotta
Harvest is a ton of hard work, but the blood, sweat and tears are always worth it at Rotta. Known as the oldest family-owned winery in San Luis Obispo County, you’ll get a true taste of Paso Robles winemaking history with every swirl of your glass. Book an outdoor wine tasting at Rotta and enjoy a sit-down experience designed to educate and delight. Nestled within a fragrant garden area bestowed with plenty of picnic-worthy places to kick back, you’ll have all afternoon to enjoy the Rotta’s famed cabernet sauvignon, refreshing whites and distinctive dessert offerings. Of course, all of this wine comes with a heaping side of friendly Paso Robles hospitality. That’s the way it always been, from the 1800s to 2020!
Details: Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 11am-3pm. Reservations required. Check the website or call (805) 237-0510 for more information. Guest size ten people maximum.
For mapping and directions to Rotta, click here
5. Unwind at Four Lanterns Winery
Not only is Four Lanterns Winery dog friendly, but they just celebrated resident tasting room dog Brix’s first birthday! If puppies and wine sound like your kind of fun, this laid back Westside tasting room should be on your must-visit list. Got kids? Bring ’em along for the adventure. Book a relaxing seated outdoor tasting and get acquainted with some of the best Rhone and Bordeaux offerings Paso Robles has to offer right here. With a lush lawn for sprawling out, blue skies above and the latest vintage underway, you can both unwind and take a peek behind the curtain to see the wonders of harvest in action while sipping on their beautifully complex, balanced and exceptional wines.
Details: Hours are 11am to 5 p.m. daily. Make a reservation at the website or by calling (805) 226-5955.
For mapping and directions to Four Lanterns Winery, 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