Forget what you’ve experienced elsewhere: indifferent tasting room attendants, high tasting fees, and too-crowded bars. Here in unstuffy Paso Robles, expect an awesome glass of wine and some casual conversation (we promise, you’ll make a few new friends by the end of the whites). Here, you can experience the high standard of a world class wine region paired with a big, plucky dose of Paso Robles hospitality—on a budget, even. When wine tasting meets a truly friendly atmosphere, you get the best experience. Surrounded by sweeping vines and backdropped by a baby blue sky, there is no more perfect place to meet and enjoy your wine tasting outing than on this wine tasting trail.
1. Robert Hall
Classic and casual can mean marvelous wines. Robert Hall’s barrel-stacked wine cavern—with 16,000 square feet of usable space—is the perfect example of rustic-meets-refined. Visit the beautiful hospitality center for a tour, or kick back on the bocce ball court, where you can also find giant chess and Connect Four. Sure, lawn games offer up childlike wonder, but the wine list here is all grown up. Taste through a luxurious list of award winning wines while hanging with your best pals in this stunning winery (the tasting room can accommodate groups up to 20 people, with a reservation). Hey, even invite some of your less-than-best pals. The more the merrier!
Won’t you be my neighbor? When the twinkle lights flash on at Rio Seco Winery, the magic truly begins. The beauty of this authentically Paso Robles tasting room is in its super casual indoor vibe (filled with baseball memorabilia!) and alluring outdoor views. After all, you came to Paso Robles for the wine and the landscape, right? Not only can you stay in the warm and cozy guest house (featuring four rooms, a barbecue, and a fire pit), but you can camp in the vineyard with your RV, too. Family owned and operated, this award-winning winery offers up a charming, welcoming and peaceful retreat for the whole gang. The babbling creek and bountiful olive trees alone make us want to unplug for a few days.
Taste the art on Paso’s Union Road Wine Trail. Park yourself here, and soak in paradise and lovely views. Penman Springs is the place to be if you’re looking for fabulous wines and a fun, laid-back environment. Stop in for a Sip and Paint event and get creative while you swirl (check our calendar for upcoming events). This quaint tasting room is about more than funky gatherings: Check out the lively bar and shop local, artisan products, too. Affordable yet incredible bottles of estate grown cabernet sauvignon make for great table reds all year long. Could there be a better souvenir?
Photo opportunists, meet your moment of joy. The hillside view at Pear Valley off Union Road is well worth the trip—but the friendly atmosphere and the stately tasting room keep folks coming back for more. Stop by the 5,000-square-foot tasting room for Friday night music (beginning Feb. 1) and let loose while savoring star wines. Yes, Pear Valley has become a meeting place for locals as well as a mecca for wine travelers (that’s how you know it’s a true Paso Robles haunt). Tip: Bring a picnic and plan on catching the sunset—you never know who you’ll meet or how long you’ll linger.
It only looks like it should belong in an architecture and design magazine. Beautifully exposed beams, a stunning cobalt blue floor, and a gleaming community table greets tasters at Rails Nap, atop a hill with scenic views. A lounge-style indoor/outdoor area and attentive staff make for a welcoming stop (stay for an hour or an afternoon). Head to the spacious bar and taste through six different releases paired alongside delicious light bites, like artisan cheeses and charcuterie galore. With customized experiences offering private and semi-private tours, nothing is ever hurried here. Take your time. Drink it all in. You’ve got time.
Food-friendly wine, wallet-friendly wine and visitor-friendly hosts at Barr Estate make this a must-visit winery. As native New Orleanians, and foodies, Tealy and Greg Barr grew up in a culture of great jazz, food, and wine, so their second chapter in life, owning a winery, seemed natural. Living in Europe during the 70’s and 80’s had also enhanced the couples’ wine appreciation, and in the 90’s, they returned to California and developed a love of California wines. After working for an international company for 30 years, the couple decided to throw caution to the wind, and start a second career dedicated to growing grapes and making great wines that don’t break the bank for their customers. According to the Barr’s: “We were drawn to Paso because of the welcoming environment that we experience everywhere. It’s a place where neighboring vineyards and wineries are more than willing to help and collaborate and where the vineyard farmer and the winemaker are the same person. This is high on our list of importance since winemaking starts in the vineyard.” Taste the story and enjoy your moments at Barr Estate.
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected] or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
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.
