The first rule of harvest: There are no rules. By its very nature, harvest time in Paso Wine Country is always unpredictable (you may get rain, rot, or soaring temperatures, and each change in the weather can drastically affect ripening fruit). This year, things got hot, hot hot, with a string of days soaring to temperatures of more than 105 degrees. San Luis Obispo, just over the grade from Paso to the South, registered as the hottest place in the county at 108 degrees a few weeks back, just as Paso Robles harvesters worked to snatch rapidly ripening fruit from the vine. That being said, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s called Harvest Wine Weekend, and this year, more than 140 local tasting rooms are taking the time to put their boots up, raise a glass, and celebrate the hard work of harvest.
Brecon Estate
Why you should go: Enjoy blends that mix the allure of Bordeaux and Rhone styles with just a hint of Spanish flare.
Saturday: The entire Brecon team (and three winery dogs) will celebrate the weekend with Gypsy Flame pizza under the oaks. You can also attend the winery’s annual harvest festival winemaker dinner at 6 p.m., where wines will 
be paired with a seasonal five-course, gourmet dinner crafted by chef Alma Ayon of Sundance Bed and Breakfast in Paso Robles.
Sunday: Looking for some R & R paired with delicious wine? After all, isn’t Sunday the day for relaxing and enjoying the good life? How about a picnic under shady oaks? Great Wines? Great Conversation? Games? Grill fired pizza by the slice or cheese pairings? If this sounds like your kind of lazy Sunday, Brecon’s got you covered.
Website: BreconEstate.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/BreconEstate
Cass Winery
Why you should go: Rhone wines paired with gourmet grub that’s famous for a reason in Paso Wine Country.
Fr
iday: Enjoy a winemaker dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. paired with food by Chef Jacob Lovejoy (did we mention he’s cooking up a traditional pig roast dinner buffet?). Chill music meets a country wine setting with music by the Crisptones.
Sunday: Did someone say grape stomp and tacos? If that doesn’t sound like fun, you may be working too hard! Grab a friend and get down on a gourmet taco buffet, tunes, and fine wines.
Website: CassWines.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/CassWinery
Chronic Cellars
Why you should go: A fun loving and down to earth tasting room meets hip, bold wines that will blow your mind.
Friday-Sunday: Chronic Cellars may be Paso Robles’ edgiest and most irreverent winery, but the Becket brothers still understand the power of a classic pairing. Enjoy wines paired with expertly considered cheeses from Vivant Fine Cheese. Plus: Winemaker Josh will be offering barrel samples on Saturday that will be anything but conventional. Want more fun? How about a game of corn hole, horseshoes, or billiards in Chronic’s newly remodeled patio area?
Website: ChronicCellars.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ChronicCellarsWinery
Eberle Winery
Why You Should Go: As one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Paso Robles, you can’t beat their quality wines, friendly tasting room, and gorgeous wine cave.
Friday: Chef Lou Rook of Annie Gunn’s pairs gourmet cuisine with award-winning Eberle wines in the wine caves from 6:30 pm. Also for harvest weekend, enjoy complimentary wine tasting and cave tours, spectacular views from the vineyard deck, and new releases and special sales.
Saturday: Join Eberle Winery as they celebrate their 43rd Harvest in Paso Robles with live music, food and wine nibbles, and complimentary BBQ bites prepared by Gary and Marcy Eberle and friends. Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy a bottle of wine while relaxing on our outdoor deck with spectacular vineyard views.
Sunday: It’s time to chill and re-fill after a b
usy harvest season and an action-packed weekend. Visit Eberle Winery, enjoy live music with a bottle of wine, and relax on our vineyard deck with sweeping views of their estate. Join the Cellar Club and receive a 20% discount off your wine purchases and select access to award-winning Eberle wines. As always, the winery offers complimentary wine tasting and tours of its 17,000 square feet of our underground caves. Tip: Eberle Winery is also pet friendly and offers 40 percent military and police discount!
Website: EberleWinery.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/EberleWinery
Four Lanterns
Why You Should Go: Highway 46 West is your oyster when you stop at this scenic winery known for killer Rhones 
and even more killer sunset setting.
Saturday: Four Lanterns will be chock full of events, music, food, vineyard tours, and lots of wine tasting. Tip: Check their website for sign-ups for Tours.
Sunday: Want to meet Ryan Pease, the winery’s new winemaker? It’s on! He’s ready to meet you, too.
Website: FourLanternsWinery.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/FourLanternsWinery
HammerSky Vineyards
Why You Should Go: Manicured grounds, stunning views, and an impressive tasting room are bolstered by refined and elegant wine offerings.
Friday: Harvest can be stressful. Stop by for free breathing lessons. Come take in the free, clean country air while surrounded by the most preeminent, heavenly and breathtaking picnic views in Paso Robles. Once you’ve centered yourself, get in on some fun grape stomping action kicking off all weekend long!
Saturday: A meaty masterpiece: Nosh on Blue’s Famous Butter Burgers…yum!
Website: HammerSky.com
Mapping and Directions: HammerSkyVineyards
Harmony Cellars
Why you should go: There’s no place on earth quite like Harmony, CA (population 18, if you count the cows). Overlook this quaint scene while sipping on romantic wines that stir the spirit.
Saturday & Sunday: Savor the flavors of fall at the winery’s Harvest Wine & Cupcake Pairing. That means cupcakes baked with your favorite autumn ingredients—pumpkin, maple, apple—will be imaginatively paired with the winery’s fruit-forward, awarding winning wines. No reservations, required.
Sunday: Live music by local favorite, Jill Knight, and gourmet food truck fare come together in perfect Harmony. The winery’s new hilltop decks and cornhole boards are the perfect way to spend the day. Food: 12pm-4pm. Music: 1pm-3pm.
Website: HarmonyCellars.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/HarmonyCellars
Hearst Ranch
Why you should go: Mix in country hospitality, historic Hearst Family ties, and wines that sing with the luxury of Paso Robles and San Simeon terroir.
Friday – Sunday Stop by the Cholame Tasting Room at the Jack Ranch, where Wild West means wine country and a special Harvest Weekend Burger served up hot. What’s betwixt those buns? A Hearst Ranch beef burger of course, served with fries from Jack Ranch Café and a glass of Hearst Ranch Wine.
Saturday: Join the Hearst family at the private seaside Hearst Ranch warehouse in San Simeon for the winery’s Annual Harvest Dinner. Buona Tavola’s Chef-Owner Antonio Varia has expertly paired a beautiful Northern Italian five-course meal to accompany a slew of handcrafted wines. Tip: Guests will enjoy live music and special wine offers for the evening.
Website: HearstRanchWinery.com
Mapping and Directions to San Simeon Location: speedfind.com/HearstRanchWinery
Mapping and Directions to Cholame Location: speedfind.com/HearstRanch
Jada Vineyard
Why you should go: A sleek, refined tasting room meets obsessively crafted, biodynamic, small batch Rhone and Bordeaux style wines and estate olive oil, too!
Friday – Sunday: Experience the fruits of Jada’s labor as they pour wines sourced from their estate vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles (Willow Creek District). Select from two different wine and gourmet cheese pairing flights and finish your stay by sampling amazing estate olive oil.
Website: JadaVineyard.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/JadaVineyard
JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery
Why you should go: A tradition of excellence surround JUSTIN’s offerings, capped off by the one and only Isosceles Cabernet Sauvignon.
Friday: Join JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery for a special wine paired dinner prepared by Executive Chef Will Torres and the award winning culinary team of The Restaurant at JUSTIN. The evening will consist of a 30 minute welcome reception with passed appetizers followed by a four course dinner served with JUSTIN wine, including flagship wine, ISOSCELES. Tip: Tickets are limited, so plan ahead!
Website: JustineWine.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Lone Madrone
Why You Should Go: Terroir driven wines served without pretension are the bread and butter of this longstanding winery, which sources grapes from the best vineyards in the region.
Friday – Sunday: The tasting room will be featuring wine specials all weekend long and a fun lineup of dry-farmed wines.
Saturday: A winemaker dinner will kick off Saturday night featuring Chef Jeffrey Scott of Vineyards Events Catering paired with some of Lone Madrone’s most limited production and library wines.
Saturday & Sunday: More food! Sunday will bring the winery’s popular Burger Sunday event that runs from 12-3pm. Featuring Lamb, and Beef and Portabella burgers, live music, wine and cider specials to enjoy on multiple scenic patios.
Website: LoneMadrone.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/LoneMadrone
Michael Gill Cellars
Why You Should Go: This cozy boutique tasting room brings regal, old world charm to rustic Paso Robles, and the Syrah is to die for!
Saturday: Enjoy limited production Paso Robles syrah, viognier, counoise, and tempranillo heightened by a special cheese pairing and live music. Plus, you can do all this while enjoying the relaxing patio set into the vineyard.
Website: GillCellars.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/MichaelGillCellars
Opolo Vineyards
Why You Should Go: Known around the country for its lavish harvest celebrations, there is no better place to stomp, drink, and be merry. Plus, Opolo’s Mountain Zinfandel is a rite of passage for all Paso Wine lovers worth their salt.
Friday – Sunday Join Opolo Vineyards all weekend long as they celebrate the Harvest season with a nod to the Old Country. In between grape stomping, folk dancing, and of course, fabulous Opolo wine, the winery will be treating you to whole roasted lamb and carnitas with frijoles puercos, with all the fixings.
Friday & Saturday: Roll up your pants and get ready to stomp!
Website: Opolo.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/OpoloVineyards
Oso Libre
Why You Should Go: Bold blends and fierce Spanish varietals are perfect when paired with beef from the winery’s estate cattle.
Saturday: Chef Jeff Scott will be serving the winery’s famous Estate Angus BBQ Burgers on the vineyard patio. Enjoy Estate wines served along with Estate beef—what could be better? Tip: Get grubbin’ from noon to 3pm. You don’t want to miss what some patrons have called the “best burger” they’ve ever had.
Website: OsoLibre.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/OsoLibreWinery
Peachy Canyon
Why You Should Go: One of Paso’s founding wineries, Peachy Canyon is known for knockout Zinfandel and a truly friendly tasting room experience that defies the quickening pace of modern times.
Friday: Peachy will host some great live music from San Luis Obispo local Kenny Taylor beginning at about 1 p.m.
Saturday: Enjoy live music by Surfeza starting at about 1 p.m., along with catering starting at about noon from local 
favorite food truck, The Grilled Cheese Incident. Winemaker Rob Henson will also be on site with barrel samples, too!
Sunday: Winemaker Rob Henson will continue to share barrel samples with live music by Back Bay Betty starting at about 1 p.m., and the fantastic Farmstead Catering Company providing delicious lunch options beginning at about noon. Rally for one more day of fun in the sun!
Website: PeachyCanyon.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/PeachyCanyonWinery
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery
Why You Should Go: Elegant Italian, Rhone, and Bordeaux varietals are served up in a country-chic setting you have to see to believe. Plus: There’s an incredible farm stay with panoramic views just waiting for you.
Friday: Enjoy the wonders of Harvest among the vines. Indulge in a relaxing afternoon, while sampling the winery’s newest releases and Italian style wines. Immerse yourself in traditional harvest fashion by staying at one of the estate accommodations (Contact Janis at 805.239.9432 to make your reservation).
Saturday: The celebration continues! Relax with live music by locally renowned duo REWINED and a glass of wine or get down on gourmet food prepared fresh by The Hurricane Kitchen. Music kicks off after 1:30 p.m.
Sunday: Delight in the beauty as autumn falls upon the vineyard, while relaxing on the picnic patio! Take a self- guided tour of the estate vineyards and visit with working sheep all while enjoying our limited production Italian style wines.
Website: Pelletiere.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Pelletiere
Riverstar Vineyards
Why You Should Go: Chill out on a scenic lawn and bask in the Paso sunshine at this fun loving, casual winery where the wines are totally drinkable.
Friday: Hurry into the tasting room for wine and cheese pairings from 11-5pm
Saturday: Enjoy live music from The JD Project and Choco’s Mexican Grill food truck. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and hangout on the Riverstar meadow, a great place for family and friends. Tip: Be sure to ask about wine by the glass/bottle specials. Cheese and meat is also available for purchase in the tasting room if you’re feeling peckish. No entry fee required.
Website: RiverstarVineyards.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/RiverstarVineyards
ROTTA Winery
Why You Should Go: Truly a historic winery and one of the oldest in Paso Robles, ROTTA has an eye on the past and an ear to the future. See what new offerings are in store at the revamped, iconic tasting room.
Saturday: Get in on the Second Annual Argentinean Tomahawk Winemaker Dinner with Christian Tietje and the Rotta Crew. Enjoy grilled Tomahawk rib eyes cooked up gaucho style! (Meat, meat, meat – it truly is the steak dinner of your dreams). Appetizers start at 6 p.m., with dinner, music, and fun to follow. Seating is limited!
Saturday: Come hang at a complimentary Harvest Fest BBQ, from noon to 4 p.m. with barrel tours featuring Winemaker Christian Tietje on the hour, every hour, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music, Bocce games, and corn hole will also commence.
Sunday: Missed the Barrel Tour? No worries. The same tours are rolling on through Sunday, just to ensure everyone gets a taste of the new vintage.
Website: RottaWinery.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/RottaWinery
San Marcos Creek Vineyard
Why You Should Go: Everyone feels like family when they taste at San Marcos Creek, which also features well-appointed rooms f
or every traveler.
Saturday & Sunday: Join the winery all weekend for a unique tasting experience with San Marco Creek’s award winning estate wines paired with Roberto’s fine culinary offerings. Spend a relaxing afternoon on the patio listening to live music and enjoying the vineyard vistas, talk wine with the winemaker as he pours new and old favorites, and take advantage of case specials and wine country gifts, too!
Website: SanMarcosCreek.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/SanMarcosCreekVineyards
Sextant Wines
Why You Should Go: With impressive tasting rooms in Edna Valley and Paso Robles, Sextant knows a thing or two about making incredible pinot noir and chardonnay, in addition to the bold varietals you’ve come to know and love from Paso Wine Country.
Friday: Join owners Nancy and Craig Stoller with the Sextant crew for the 7th Annual Lobster Boil Winemaker Dinner – an unbelievable feast under the stars at Sextant’s cozy Estate Winery in Paso Robles. The evening features a traditional lobster boil menu including lobster, prawns, boiled artichokes, corn, and fresh dug fingerling potatoes. Tip: Get tickets soon, before they sell out!
Saturday: Are you feeling festive? So is Sextant! Get on board with Sextant’s Fabulous Fiesta, featuring authentic Carne Asada tacos prepared by Manuel, a longtime friend of Nancy and Craig Stoller. Included with your $20 tasting fee is a plate of tacos, rice, beans, and a glass of red or white ZINgria, as well as a full wine tasting. Tip: Additional plates are available for $5 each. Grab your sombrero and prepare for a good time at Sextant Wines!
Sunday: I scream, you scream, we all scream for Sextant Sexy Sundaes! Finish this harvest with a delightfully zinful ice cream sundae. The winery will be serving up vanilla ice cream drizzled with a decadent Sextant Zinfandel reduction sauce, topped with chopped nuts. Your $20 tasting fee includes one sundae and a full wine tasting. If you’re feeling extra sinful, extra sundaes are available for $5 each. Cool down, kick back, and enjoy the sweet life.
Website: SextantWines.com
Mapping and Directions to Paso Robles Location: speedfind.com/SextantWines
Mapping and Directions to San Luis Obispo Location: speedfind.com/Sextant
Tooth and Nail Winery
Why you shoul
d go: Nowhere else can you lounge in style at a true castle that pours multiple labels spanning more varietals than you can shake a stick at.
Friday – Sunday: Crush the Struggle at Tooth & Nail Winery for Harvest Weekend with new releases, food pairings and live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The winery is lining up a slew of class bands to pair with our world-class wines, so check our Facebook or Website for details. Storm the Castle! A French Industrial meets urban lounge atmosphere with tastings available outside on the terrace or in the beautiful tasting room. Wine, food, and live music: this is what Tooth and Nail is all about.
Website: ToothandNailWinery.com
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ToothAndNail
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, 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.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
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
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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine