Hooray! Paso Robles wineries and tasting rooms are re-opening! After a long, three-month closure due to state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions, winery patios, lounges and tasting bars will again clink to life. Mark your calendar for Friday, June 12—a celebratory date that we’ll all remember, to be sure.
Although the mood in Paso Robles Wine Country is decidedly joyous, winery owners, winemakers, and staff urge all visitors to heed all posted safety precautions, which may differ from winery to winery. We are not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, so be sure to temper that soaring enthusiasm with a dose of measured caution.
Still, what Paso Robles wine drinker isn’t jazzed about this new development? We’re certainly allowed to do a little happy dance. Here’s 5 things you should know about Paso Robles Wine Country re-opening. See you out there!
(Before you dive into the blog, ENTER the Wine Country Getaway SWEEPSTAKES! Click Here)
1. Enjoy the wine, but stay safe
Sure, you can’t wait to get back out to scenic Paso Robles for a day of world class tastings and epic sight seeing. We get it! Just remember a lot of other folks are stoked on the exact same idea. Summer is a popular time for tourists to head out to Paso Robles and the Central Coast of California in general, so be sure to employ social distancing when you can. Bring your trusty bottle of hand sanitizer or use the anti-bacterial wipes, sprays and gels provided to you, depending on the winery. While you’re never mandated to wear a mask in Paso Robles, some wineries may suggest a face covering for certain areas of the facility. Similarly, make sure you note any signage regarding tables and seating (it’s still a good idea to sit six feet away from others, whether inside or out). When in doubt, bring a picnic blanket to ensure you can spread out on the lawn and enjoy the simple pleasure of sunshine, wine and good times.
Enjoy responsibly: Eberle Winery is always a bustling tasting room in Paso Robles, especially during those fun-loving summer months. It’s always a great idea to take your wine outside to a table on the breezy tasting deck (not only is the scenery stunning, but you can ensure your distance from other patrons). The winery will re-open officially near the end of June. Can’t wait? Neither can we.
Mapping and Directions to Eberle click here
2. Branch out
Try something new and you might find your next favorite. Paso Robles wineries have taken a financial hit over the past few months. In simple terms: Many winery owners could use a boost! If you’ve always gone to one particular winery, consider branching out to support a few while on your journey in Paso Robles Wine Country. Small, family owned boutique wineries are bountiful across the region and they truly appreciate your support, especially now. Note: Be sure to check the updated hours for each tasting room you plan to visit ahead of time. Not all wineries will go back to their pre-COVID-19 hours right away or at all. You can always call the tasting room, as staff members are happy to give you the lowdown on their own version of “the new normal.”
Try this: If you’ve never experienced Seven Oxen Estate Wines, you’re in for a real treat. Sample their luscious Rhone reds, like Seven Oxen’s 2016 Mourvedre, with tart cherry notes and earthy undertones.
Mapping and Directions to Seven Oxen click here
3. Food is available
Dig in, friends! All this red tape surrounding exactly what wineries can and can’t do might have sent your head into a tizzy. We get it. Let us be the ones to reassure you that yes, many wine tasting rooms that served food before COVID-19 will continue to do so. However, do remember that some food-serving wineries may still be offering a limited menu. As tasting room staff—and celebrated winery chefs—prepare for this exciting reopening, come hungry, but don’t forget to pack a snack (just in case).
Nosh on: Dine at Villa San-Juliette, and lunch with the best of them. Whether you crave a turkey pesto wrap or a smattering of olives, hummus and gourmet cheese, you’ll never feel peckish at this gorgeous oasis nestled above the rolling hills of San Miguel.
Mapping and Directions to Villa San Juliette click here
4. You can still get curbside pick up and great shipping deals
Not sure you’re ready to venture out to Paso Robles wineries just yet? We totally understand. Not everyone is in a health position to visit these amazing tasting rooms in person. We hear you. Before you start to feel left out, remember: Many wineries are still offering incredible once-in-a-lifetime deals on bottles, cases and shipping costs. Perhaps you won’t be lounging on the veranda at your favorite tasting room for quite a while, but you can still enjoy the fruit of their labors. Cheers to that.
Virtually delicious: So you aren’t prepared to walk among the vines this month. You know what you can do? Take a virtual tour of Paso Robles tasting rooms here! It’s the second-best thing to being there in person. Pair with great wine for the full effect.
5. Stay in Paso
Rest easy. In recent months, Paso Robles area hotels were able to fill only half of its rooms (due to COVID-19 restrictions). Now, this order is no more. That means you can visit Paso Robles Wine Country without fear that rooms won’t be available. The more the merrier! For your peace of mind, you should know that local hotel owners are making a big fuss of keeping things spic and span: new safety protocols, like the frequent cleaning of high traffic areas have gone into effect across the region.
Stay: The Hampton Inn and Suites in Paso Robles offers up that perfect mix of down-home hospitality and a touch of luxury. Expect plush beds, free wifi and even pet friendly rooms. Located a hop skip and a jump from dozens of fantastic Paso Robles wineries, you’ll find a cozy home away from home paired with the best flavors around.
Mapping and Directions to Hampton Inn and Suites 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
