Winter in Paso Robles Wine Country is unlike anywhere else on earth. It’s not just the temperate days and friendly people—it’s the world class wines you’ll discover while you’re here. If you’re planning a trip now through spring, congratulations! You’re coming at the most relaxing time of all. Between harvest in autumn and bud break in spring, you’ll experience the most chill conditions here on the Central Coast (plus, all the heart warming holiday traditions). Remember these 5 tips for a perfectly Paso winter vacay and you’ll be sure to stay merry and bright.
1. Stay Cozy
Warm winter days in Paso rarely dip below 60 degrees, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to the shivers. Many wine lovers actually know that Paso Robles is indeed famous for its warm, temperate days and cool (sometimes downright frigid) nights. This incredible swing in temperature—often as much as 50+ degrees between day and night—create fantastic, balanced wines that boast both juicy sugar and refined acid. So, pack your cowboy boots, denim shorts and t-shirt, but also make room in your suitcase for a sweater, vest or coat for comfy evening outings.
2. Bring your Shopping List
Downtown Paso Robles is old fashioned, charming, and amazingly friendly. You might think that a downtown square so “old timey” might be packed with antiquated offerings. You’d be wrong! Situated alongside some of the most incredible farm to table restaurants in the county, you’ll also find fabulous boutique shopping that rivals the coolest neighborhoods anywhere. A plethora of wine tasting rooms downtown also mean that you can swing by a tasting room and pick up a few bottles—or a case—just in time for holiday gift-giving.
3. Know your Paso Stay Style
Are you into vineyard views and plush robes or are you more of a keep-it-simple traveler? Whatever your Paso stay style, we’ve got you covered. From resort-style accommodations with heated pools, luxurious bedding, and gourmet meals to budget-friendly rooms with outstanding quality for your buck, Paso Robles is the perfect place to find your home away from home. Prepare ahead of time and find which stay suits you best.
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture.
Click here for mapping and directions to La Bellasera Hotel
Allegretto Vineyard Resort is the ultimate in Paso Wine Country indulgence and elegance. This Mediterranean-inspired refuge is bathed in acres of sprawling vineyards and orchards, blending the region’s best food and wine experiences with European-style hospitality that invokes joy and harmony.
Click here for mapping and directions to Allegretto
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is budget friendly yet fabulous. It is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions.
Click here for mapping and directions to Hampton Inn
The Adelaide Inn; is an iconic, locally 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.
Click here for mapping and directions to AdelaideInn
4. Hit the Tasting Trail
Harvest may be over in Paso Robles and the vines may have gone dormant, but the region’s more than 300 winery tasting rooms remain as lively as ever. Traverse the vines and oak studded hills by day, where blue skies rarely threaten rain (let alone sleet or snow). Pop in for a quick taste, longer flight, or even a snack or full meal (each tasting room is different – all are amazing). Added bonus: Since winter is considered “off season” here in Paso, you are certain to come across amazing wine discounts on your wine trail travels.
San Marcos Creek Vineyard specializes in small lots of finely crafted, single vineyard, estate grown and produced varietals. The family owned and operated winery takes great pride in providing wine enthusiasts with a memorable tasting experience.
Mapping and Directions to San Marcos Creek Vineyards
We invite you to experience Tooth & Nail Winery where they’re proudly pouring Rabble, Tooth & Nail, Stasis and Amor Fati wines. Their mission with their wine, events, weddings and service is always to over deliver, and exceed expectations.
Mapping and Directions to Tooth & Nail
Seven Oxen is a family-owned, estate winery producing small-batch Rhone and Zinfandel wines. The Estate vineyard is located off of Kiler Canyon Road in the Templeton Gap of Paso Robles’ Westside and the Tasting Bar is located inside Thomas Hill Organics Restaurant through December 31. Their new tasting room will open in February 2018 at 3340 Ramada Drive, Paso Robles.
Mapping and Directions to Seven Oxen Estate Wines
5. Dine on a Dime
January is Restaurant Month across SLO County, meaning some of the best eateries across the area will feature fixed price menus you won’t want to miss. For as little as $30 per person, you can enjoy multi-course meals as well as limited-time-only wine offerings at participating businesses. Keep your eyes peeled for restaurant deals this time of year, when dining rooms are a tad slower. More for you to enjoy!
Pappy McGregor’s Irish Pub & Grill has an atmosphere with both Irish and American traditions. Always lively, always fun and always busy, Pappy McGregor’s is the best place for you to have a cold pint, eat a great meal, and meet up with friends.
Mapping and Directions to Pappy McGregors Pub
Located in Paso Robles, Fish Gaucho is a purveyor of California Mexican food and Tequila from the people who brought you Pappy McGregor’s. A fresh, healthy twist to traditional Mexican food, with an authentic atmosphere, latin inspired music and a tequila selection made up of the finest tequilas.
Mapping and Directions to Fish Gaucho
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally 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.
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.
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.
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®
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.
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.
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.