A Ranch Stay With A Vineyard View – Lekai Ranch
Getting away from the bustling city life can feel impossible at times. But when the traffic clears and you find yourself cruising the vineyard-swept hills of Westside Paso Robles, you know freedom is within your grasp. Lekai Ranch is tranquility personified: a breath of fresh air that truly stirs the soul. This rustic-chic rental showcases an expansive view spanning 50 miles, including the rear portion of scenic Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and more vineyards than you can shake a bottle at. Your neighbors? Meet the folks at Halter Ranch Winery, named a Top 10 Hot Winery brand—and beyond that, explore dozens of fantastic tasting rooms featuring wine, olive oil, and more.
Just 15 minutes from downtown, you’re far enough out to feel secluded yet not so far to make dinner a trek. With a private entrance, relaxing porch for morning coffee, and a soothing Tempurpedic bed (and three twins for kids or co-vacationers), you’ll never want to return to the land of honking cars and too many Starbucks again.
With Friendly Accommodations, You’ll Feel Right At Home – Adelaide Inn
“Heritage” is thrown around a lot these days, but at Adelaide Inn, it truly stands for something. This longstanding lodge is one with the community, the region, and the award-winning wine scene in a way that can only be described as “authentic Paso.” Located conveniently off Highway 101, you won’t need to tap Google Maps in your search for a soft bed and a good night’s rest. The hotel itself—which harkens back to simpler times—is comfortable, serene, and tinged with old California charm at every turn. What more would you expect from a hotel that has been proudly family-owned and operated for a whopping 50 years? Looking for a joint where people actually say, “howdy neighbor?” This is it. They say Paso Roblans are a notoriously friendly bunch, and Adelaide Inn is proof, indeed.
Two Charming Downtown Hideaways – The Call Booth & Carriage House
One perfect Vine Street location—two options for a truly walkable wine vacay! Built in 1989 in the ornate Queen Anne Victorian style, The Call Booth House is a true work of art. The quaint three-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts old-fashioned sophistication heightened by striking, modern allure. The exterior is decorative and picturesque; the interior boasts a fresh bohemian vibe that beckons you to unplug and reinvigorate. Like to cook? Bike or walk down to the local farmer’s market and bring back some fresh produce to prepare in the Call Booth House’s elegant, of-the-period kitchen. You’ll want to invite the whole gang to dinner, and that’s a good thing, as the quarters can accommodate about a dozen people. Hello family reunion!
Nestled on the same property (between 13th and 14th streets), you’ll find The Carriage House, where “cozy” is about more than a luscious glass of Cabernet Sauvignon a comfy couch—it’s a state of mind. This cute one-bedroom, one-bath cottage is all-out charming, from its gorgeous gardens and crackling fireplace to the antique fountain bubbling out front. A handy foldout sofa in the living room is perfect for an extra guest, and a compact kitchen (and outdoor barbecue) allows for low-key family fun. Both homes offer the perfect springboard to enjoy downtown Paso Robles, making this property ideal for food and wine seekers. Just a stone’s throw from more than a dozen downtown tasting rooms—not to mention an array of fine dining establishments that range from fresh fish and craft margaritas to farm-to-table fare—you’ll never need to call an Uber. Whether you stroll to Downtown City Park for a picnic or just laze about the property soaking up the sun, adventure is never more than a hop, skip, and a jump away.
A Pampering Playground – The Inn at Opolo Winery
Opolo Winery is known for its famous Mountain Zinfandel, wood-fired pizzas, and boisterous parties, yes. But did you know all of that fun never has to end? Look no further than The Inn at Opolo, which features all the sensory pleasures of Paso Robles wrapped into one luxurious stay. Located off rustic Vineyard drive in Paso Robles, this boutique bed and breakfast softly whispers “romantic getaway” in style. We’re talking about spacious rooms, cozy fireplaces, relaxing soaking tubs, and handcrafted gourmet breakfasts served fresh each a.m. from the winery’s incredible Mediterranean Kitchen. If you should get peckish in the afternoon, just nibble on an array of complimentary wine and appetizers (believe me, you will not leave hungry).
Choose from the Mourvedre or Rousanne suites (featuring king sized bed, couple’s bath with massaging jets, and remote controlled fireplace in both) or spring for the Rhapsody Suite (with all the comfort of the first two, coupled with patio access and cushioned lounge chairs). Guests can also expect to enjoy long conversations on the sun-dappled outdoor dining area, find adventure on a range of scenic vineyard walking paths, and fun at the bocce ball court. Throw in a soothing massage package and—of course—wine tasting for two, and you may never, ever want to leave this paradise on earth again.
Wine Country Convenience – La Bellasera
Can a retreat be both “casual” and “elegant?” At La Bellasera, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Here, stately columns and plush accouterments provide a charming backdrop for wine tasters looking to unwind and relax. Dine at the hotel’s outstanding onsite restaurant, Enoteca, and get all of the sophistication of Paso Robles’ renowned culinary scene without the fuss (no dress code required; cowboy boots encouraged). Rooms also offer up the best of both worlds: Choose from Executive, Deluxe, Luxury, and Superior Suites, all of which feature a range of amenities like Whirlpool tubs and fireplaces to dishwashers and cook top stoves.
If you’re really serious about refreshing the senses, might I suggest a trip to the hotel’s well-stocked spa? Facials, messages, and body therapies are all available for your pleasure (and did I mention, there’s a pool?). There’s no doubt about it: This is where convenience meets wine country. You’ll be glad to know that the hotel is located just off highway 101—a good thing, since you’ll be spending most of your days getting joyfully lost on the region’s dusty back roads.
A Farm-Fresh B&B Stay – Rancho Dos Amantes
Clucking chickens, curious goats, a lush edible garden, and rustic-chic rooms make this rural ranch stay a must-book for your next wine country adventure. Removed far from the big city life, this little slice of Americana is as authentic as it gets. Three Rancho Dos Amantes Casitas are nestled on the bucolic Bradley property, and each features its own unique appeal. With dual sink, queen bed, and twin bed, Casita One is perfect for a family getaway, and the ample porch beckons guests to savor each precious sunset. Casita 2, which accommodates up to four people, offers even more space, a kitchenette, and an alluring view of open fields. If you want the true “barn” experience, Casita Three is for you. The adorable red structure (like something out of a turn-of-the-century postcard) offers up two full beds, a twin, and a fold-away; full private kitchen, and an upstairs studio apartment “loft” overlooking serene rolling pasture.
As if this farm stay couldn’t get sweeter, breakfast (including fresh fruit, granola, farm fresh eggs, and from-scratch breads) is always served with a bunch of cheery flowers. Of course, those flowers are perched in a mason jar that seems to charmingly say, “welcome to wine country.” Bradley is about 21 minutes from downtown Paso Robles, which may feel a bit “out there.” We aren’t arguing with you there. However, that’s the magic in this spot. As the folks at the ranch like to say: “it’s a little out of the way, and a lot out of the ordinary.”
A vineyard vacation – Chateau Susana
If you want to really experience the slow-paced lifestyle of Paso Robles Wine Country, book a stay at a real working vineyard. With a gorgeous 360-degree view showcasing blue skies, rolling hills, and fascinating wildlife, you’ll feel at one with the vines at Chateau Susana, located at Poalillo Vineyards’ Villa Vino. This hidden-away vacation rental boasts a gourmet kitchen replete with state-of-the art equipment and condiments, (very) easy access to onsite wine tasting, and is just a short drive from Hunter Ranch Golf Course, downtown Paso Robles, and a slew of nearby wineries.
The best part? No matter where you are in this spacious, 2,000-square-foot, two bedroom, one-and-a-half bath rental, the view follows. Sink into picturesque views of the Adelaida Valley while lounging in an elegant living room. French doors open to a 500-square-foot deck perfect for sipping wine and unwinding among the oaks. An elegant private dining room overlooks the vineyards and even features a gas grill for al fresco feasting. This is as close to a true vineyard stay as you can get.
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.