Grab your picnic basket and unfurl that old blanket. It’s that magical time of year when being outside feels like a dream. Neon green hills and cloudless blue skies provide the backdrop for a modern picnicker’s fantasy (especially when there’s plenty of Paso wine in that basket). Go on. Frolic in the wildflowers. Dance to the live band. Buy the fancy double cream brie from that artisanal cheese shop or (as you can do these days) order food to be delivered directly to you, while exploring the vineyard! Yes, it’s picnic weather in Paso Robles Wine Country and the sky’s the limit.
1. Dover Canyon Winery
Bring your own basket
Don’t let the bees hog all the nectar. Wildflowers are known to bloom along the vineyard-covered hills at Dover Canyon Winery, located on Vineyard Drive in the Willow Creek appellation. This past wet winter has brought a rainbow of colors to Paso’s verdant hills—and now is the best time to explore these bodacious blooms. Dan Panico, owner and winemaker of Dover Canyon, has long believed that the West strip of calcareous soil is optimum for growing Zinfandel and Rhône varieties. We can’t argue! Stop in for tasting and stay for a picnic. Easy, breezy, beautiful.
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
For Mapping and Directions to Dover Canyon Click Here
2. ONX
Nosh here
Allow the picnic pros to craft a delicious bite for you. ONX Winery, located in Paso Robles’ Tin City, has your munchies covered. Gourmet cheeses, olives, almonds, and fancy chocolate are all available during your tasting of these unique, rule-breaking blends, which range from light to bright to bold. Seeking the full vineyard experience? Book a vineyard tour and experience a breathtaking hike through the winery’s Templeton Gap vineyard, home to 18 varietals. Yes, you can order lunch among the vines (local fare is available, plus wine by the glass). This is picnicking in the modern world!
For Mapping and Directions to ONX Click Here
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
3. Barr Estate Winery
Bring your own basket
Hang with the Barr Estate Wines family, who are often on-hand at this charming boutique winery and tasting room located on Union Road on the East side of Paso Robles in the Geneseo District. Here, warm spring days and cool nights are ideal for grape growing (and enjoying lunch under a stately oak tree). Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Tannat and Albarino are grown on the family’s 57 acre vineyard so that you can sip, bask, and savor. Keep an eye out for deer (and don’t let the birds grab your charcuterie).
For Mapping and Directions to Barr Estate Click Here
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
4. Parrish Family Vineyard
Nosh here
Nosh on! Parrish Family Vineyard takes its pairings very seriously. In fact, a new food menu will be released at the scenic tasting room on April 5, including such mouthwatering morsels as herb goat cheese and red pepper pesto with house made sourdough crostini and wild mushroom and olive tapenade with house focaccia. Plus, there’s a new spring tasting flight to devour, too! Take a vineyard tour, sprawl out on the sun-dappled porch, or just kick back with your dog. Whether you choose the new spring 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc or a reserve bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, you can rest assured there’s a corresponding snack on its way. Yes, this is our idea of heaven, too.
For Mapping and Directions to Parrish Family Vineyard Click Here
For a 2 for 1 Wine Tasting Coupon Click Here
For a VIRTUAL TOUR of Parrish Click Here
5. Penman Springs Winery
Bring your own basket
Taste the art at Penman Springs Winery, located on (you guessed it) Penman Springs Road in Paso Robles. This family owned artisan winery is nestled among rolling hills where Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Muscat Blanc, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot thrive. Stop by on April 6 and enjoy a picnic surrounded by scenic vines and wildflowers—plus, know that a portion of all wine sales will go toward helping out the local Woods Humane Society. You’ll feel just as warm and fuzzy as the Easter Bunny!
For Mapping and Directions to Penman Springs Click Here
For Complimentary Wine Tasting for 2 Coupon 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
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