What if we humans were more like our dogs? For one, there’d be a lot more wagging and a lot less whining! When it comes to enjoying life, our canine friends just seem to know The Big Secret.
In Paso Robles Wine Country, at least you can drop your worries and pick up a glass of wine (or a tennis ball, if you’re into that sort of thing). Looking for the bliss that comes from sticking your head out the car window on a bright sunny day? Of course you are!
Follow your nose to the best tasting rooms on the California Central Coast, where you can roam, sniff, slurp and fetch a bottle of two. Here, every wine is a winner—and every animal has its day.
1. Sniff sniff hooray!
Dogs know that scent—and inhaling the gorgeous bouquet in your glass—is a large part of the entire wine tasting experience. While it can be temping to swirl and sip without getting a big whiff of the wine, don’t forget to use your most important tasting tool: your nose. Put your face right inside the glass and experience the perfume as the world melts away. Slow down and think about what you’re taking in: Do you smell floral, spicy, or earthy notes? Our noses may be a lot less sensitive than Fido’s, but focusing on smell can still unlock a new dimension of flavor. Parrish Family Vineyard offers classes where you learn about aromas and pairing wine with food. Keep your eye out for these fun, interactive classes.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Parrish including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
2. Get your paws on
Paso Robles is known for its rich, velvety cabernet sauvignon, which grows beautifully in the hot, rocky soil of eastern Paso Robles. Eberle Winey built its classic brand on bold reds, like their Full Boar Red, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend with splashes of zinfandel, barbera, syrah and sangiovese. Taste the black cherry and—most importantly—smell the rustic spiced notes that really round out the entire experience. Woof! That’s good.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Eberle including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
3. Live in the moment!
A dog’s most precious gift might be the ability to live in the moment—and the ability to inspire us to do so, too. Perhaps you’re interested in taking part of an arts and craft night, dancing to live music, or getting in on a good natured game of corn hole. However you define “zen” you’ll find it in Paso Robles Wine Country. Chronic Cellars is the place you’ll want to hang and play corn hole and billiards, it’s dog-friendly too!
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Chronic Cellars including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
4. Get your wiggles out
Tooth and Nail Cellars and Vines on the Marycrest are both amazing tasting rooms and rocking live music venues in their own right. Tooth and Nail has live music nearly every week. Check out their calendars often for an array of tunes, tasting and tantalizing treats. A real treat is to visit with owners, Victor and Jenni at Vines on the Marycrest to sip their small lot, beautiful wines and hear Victor’s stories about famous musicians that he worked with when he was a sound engineer in Los Angeles. Whatever you do, be sure to lose yourself in the moment.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Tooth and Nail including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Vines on the Marycrest including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
5. Get in my belly!
If you ask the family dog, belly rubs and belly filling meals are both equally satisfying. Of course, we can totally understand that logic. While we can’t recommend a great place to get your belly rubbed, we can recommend a slew of eateries sure to get you crooning for more such as Cass Winery and Parrish Family Vineyard who are plating gourmet lunches including locally sourced fare.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Cass Winery including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Parrish including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
6. A seat at the table
Hungry pups should make a beeline for downtown Paso Robles, where Fish Gaucho serves up icy margs and local wines paired with fish tacos, Mexican favorites and lots of guac. Nearby Pappy McGregor’s offers up all the charm of your favorite Irish pub with a Central Coast twist. No need to beg. This meal is all for you!
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Fish Gaucho including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Pappy McGregors including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
7. Hit the doggy door
In Paso Robles, the indoors are just as gorgeous as the outdoors. Get out there! With hundreds of acres of vines stretching on into the blue, you’re free to bound, explore and savor our little slice of heaven. Perhaps you prefer to play a game of bocce ball with a few friends or shoot some pool. We’ve got you. Sit. Stay. Play! Fetch some fun and check out Robert Hall Winery’s dreamy bocce ball court, then hit Sextant Winery, where you can take a romp through the historic townsite of Edna Valley just south of Paso Robles.
For an all-time thrill you can frolic in a most beautiful Paso vineyard the 2nd Saturday of every month. Discover distinctive Italian wines unique to Pelletiere Estate by walking with winemaker, Amy Butler and Vintner, Janis Denner as they explain the process involved in making limited production Italian style wines. Learn about the heritage of Italian grape growing and origins Pelletiere Estate’s rare Italian varieties, compare old world and new world approaches to winemaking and discuss Paso Robles’ unique micro-climate. Then experience these exceptional wines first hand with a guided tasting. You’ll feel like the top dog.
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Robert Hall including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Sextant including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
For quick, easy mapping and directions to Pelletiere including a one click to hail UBER or Lyft click here
8. Go for a ride in their car
Go for a ride? Oh yes! These are magic words to your dog—and they’re also the magic words that allow you and your friends to enjoy a day of wine tasting 100% worry free. Allow us to take the wheel so you can focus on the excitement of your Paso Robles adventure. We know all the best drivers, tours and limo services. Two faves are Pearl of Paso Limousine and The Wine Line. Yep, we’re your best friend when it comes to wine.
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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