It’s already nearly Spring? Yep, the first part of the year has gone by quickly, indeed. You may not have crossed every to-do on your 2018 resolutions list, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the reset button and start again refreshed. Make time for some real RWR (rest, wine, and relaxation) at one of these five fantastic Spring Break spots located in always-pleasant Paso Robles Wine Country. You’ll emerge from your vacation in a sunnier disposition, to be sure. You might even be able to give the Easter Bunny a run for his money!
1. Bring out your inner Picasso
There’s something magical about putting paintbrush to canvas, isn’t there? If you can’t remember the last time you chilled out and did something remotely artistic (was it college? Kindergarten?), then you need to get out to San Marcos Creek for the winery’s fun filled art and wine events. This March 5, attend a Tree Hugger Tire Swing painting party, where you’ll paint exactly that (hey—it’s a relaxing still life image that won’t be too hard to execute). Your ticket includes a glass of wine and your very own piece of art to take home. All supplies are provided, just bring your inner Picasso. Yes, there will be lots of happy little clouds and perky little trees alongside great wines.
Mapping and Directions to San Marcos Creek Vineyards
2. Go nuts with donuts!
Donuts, wine and live music—that’s what Tooth and Nail Winery is all about every Sunday in spring. If your idea of unwinding includes some over the top indulgence, dancing, and shameless selfies whilst nibbling on donuts with your best pals, get your rear to Tooth and Nail for this energetic “anti-brunch” tradition. Each Sunday from 10am-1pm, nosh on artisinal donuts provided by Twisted & Glazed and sip on specially paired wines. Groove to the sounds of Billy Manzik playing tunes in the tasting room from 1-4pm, then head back to the hotel for a much-needed nap. Ah, that sounds like vacation success, doesn’t it?
Mapping and Directions to Tooth & Nail
3. Feast like Royalty
Ever wonder what a real life winemaker dinner is truly like? While your average winemaker might nosh on pizza or leftovers when at home on a normal weekday, this extra special winemaker dinner is all about pie-in-the-sky dream eats fit for a queen. Opolo is set on providing more flavor than you can shake a salad fork at during its anticipated Zinfandel Festival Winemakers Dinner, kicking off March 16 on a picturesque hilltop. Dig into salt roasted red and golden beets with French feta, pepitas and preserved lemon vinaigrette, duck confit and mushroom strudel with blackberry gastrique and rainbow chard, red wine braised boneless beef short ribs with horseradish crème and white cheddar mashed Yukon gold potatoes with charred broccolini. Desert? Why, double stout chocolate cake with Guinness caramel buttercream and oatmeal, of course! Tip: Even kings and queens need to wear an elastic waistband or pair of jeggings every now and then.
Mapping and Directions to Opolo Vineyards
4. Get lucky (in wine, at least)
St. Patrick’s day is all about “beer?” I don’t think so, buddy. Paso Robles would rather raise a wine glass filled with glorious gilded white wine… or at least sort of greenish pinot gris. Harmony Cellars’ festive March 17 celebration promises to toss you back into some sort of Leprechaun storybook dreamland. I mean, come on! When St. Patrick’s Day falls on Zinfandel Weekend, a 100% Irish Winemaker converts his winery into a pub, of course! Harmony Cellars invites the Irish (and those who love them) to pull up a chair at “Charlie Mulligan’s Pub.” Enjoy hearty Irish stew and a slab of soda bread with a library flight of Charlie’s fab Zinfandels. Add in live Irish music and the emerald green countryside, and you might forget you’re not in Ireland.
Mapping and Directions to Harmony Cellars
5. Savor the Sound of Silence
OK, not total silence. Did you know Kiamie Wine Cellars is home to not one but two winery dogs (and one of those dogs is an adorable puppy)??? Sometimes you just gotta go where the folks are friendly and there’s nothing on the agenda but wine tasting and dog cuddling. At Kiamie (pronounced key-ah -mee), grapes are blended from distinctive Westside Paso Robles mountain vineyards so that you can experience a swath of unique terroir tastes without stepping foot outside the tasting room. Think of it as your one-stop-shop for tasting the Paso-bilities. Sometimes, “easy” is the best plan of action. OK, it usually is!
Mapping and Directions to Kiamie Wine Cellars
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, lo
cally 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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
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
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.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals