Baby it’s (kind of) cold outside! Cozy up to Paso Robles wine this winter, where there’s no snow on the ground but plenty of holiday spirit to warm your soul on a chilly winter day. There’s no time like December to bundle up and head to a cozy tasting room surrounded by vineyards. Sure, those vines are dormant, but tasting rooms are as lively and festive and can be. Warm up at these 5 snuggly winter tasting rooms, all of which feature a crackling fire to keep you as snug as a bug in a rug.
1. Cozy Castle
Tooth and Nail Winery might look like a gothic castle, but inside it’s all storybook charm. Order up a flight (try the Defiant Flight, Unconventional Flight or the Provoker Flight) and warm your hands around the hearth. Enjoy offerings from Tooth and Nail’s unique and bold brands: Tooth & Nail, Rabble, Stasis and Amor Fati, all paired with fortifying snacks and lots of live music. Yes, this tasting room is ready to enchant all of your senses this winter.
The fireplace at Vines on the Marycrest is always a popular place to swap stories and meet new friends in this cool, mid-century vibe winery. Gather around a bottle of 2015 My Generation (a mix of Zinfandel, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Petite Syrah) and watch the sparks fly. Aromas of cassis and woodsmoke, plus a touch of licorice make for a festive-feeling flavor. Supple, rich and broad, with smoky flavors of dark berries and cola, this complex wine is simply perfect for savoring on a long, chilly afternoon.
At Kiame Winery, the diminutive antique wood burning stove burns hot and the wine is always at just the right temperature, too. With grapes sourced from local vineyards—Starr Ranch, Halter Vineyard, Rolph Family Vineyard, Hearthstone Vineyard, La Vista Vineyard—the wines are always a reflection of Paso Robles’ famed westside. We recommend the winery’s 2017 White Kuvee, with hints of peach schnapps and spiced applesauce (I just bought 2 bottles). Yes, it would be fantastic paired with a festive holiday supper!
Exclusive perks: Wine club members can warm up at an exclusive fireplace at Parrish Family Vineyard and Sextant Winery. Both are comfortable and welcoming tasting rooms to bring friends and family, too. Sextant Winery’s SLO location in Edna Valley is located near the old Edna Valley Townsite, smashing for holiday photo opportunities. The Paso Robles Sextant location shows off gorgeous limestone soil and oak trees. You can reserve a tasting for up to six guests at Parrish Family Vineyard, whose Paso Robles tasting room is plush and inviting. While you’re there, pick up a Parrish Holiday Pack (2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 Zinfandel, 2014 Petite Sirah) for everyone on your list.
With exotic artwork all around, lush vines visible from grand windows, and fantastic food, Allegretto Vineyard Resort is lovely to visit, whether overnight or just for the evening. Stop by Cello Ristorante and Bar for a garden-fresh meal and a glass of wine made on site. With a roaring fire and plenty of local tasting flights to taste, you’ll want to linger a little longer. Good thing you totally can.
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.
Make the most of your Paso Robles wine experience with our definitive wine tasting map – the most comprehensive guide available for navigating Paso Robles wine country.
Explore all of Paso Robles’ wine regions with our expertly curated map featuring every tasting room in the area. Today, there are over 200 tasting rooms and our recommendations are always highlighted in bold.
