Mid-summer madness (and Mid-State Fair food) has arrived! That means there’s no better time to get out into the sunshine with a glass of fantastic Paso Robles wine. Take advantage of all dynamic Paso Robles has to offer, from the carnival rides to grassy concerts under gorgeous oaks. These fun-loving wineries are shaking the summer season up with funky-fresh live music, choice gourmet eats, and a whole lot of outdoor activities that have zero to do with checking your work email. Seriously. Work can wait till Monday! Is that a bocce ball court over there…? YOLO!
Music Mania at Four Lanterns
Summer Sundays at Four Lanterns are anything but quiet. In fact, the scenic westside winery is igniting with country, blues, singer-songwriter jams, and catchy pop music galore! Oh, and of course you can’t have wine and tunes without serious grub from Hurricane Kitchen Food Truck, so don’t worry about packing a lunch. This August 7 catch Noach Tangeras, August 14 groove with Route 66, on August 21 get your fill of Rocky Montijo and the Mojitos, and on August 28 gear up for an intergalactic trip with One Time Spaceman.
Summer Sipper: Sway and chill with a glass of Lamplight Viognier 2015, a white wine with balance, minerality, and notes of pear and stone fruit.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/FourLanternsWinery
Twilight is the Magic Hour at Harmony Cellars
When the golden sparkle of day fades in to a balmy night it’s a magical thing, indeed…but during summer in scenic Harmony, it’s even more unforgettable! Refresh your senses with cool coastal breezes and a dazzling sunset at Harmony Cellars’ popular Twilight Hours Events, held each Friday from 5-7 p.m. This July 29 you can enjoy the sounds of Luke Byron paired with food from The Pairing Knife and on August 5 get down with Marcus DiMaggio while grubbing on Boni’s Tacos. This is just a small taste of what’s happening at Twilight Cellars this summer. And the best part? 
The fun rolls on through September!
Summer Sipper: Stop to smell the honeysuckle and lose yourself in this delicate, floral 2014 White Riesling, perfect with a refreshing cheese and fruit plate.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/HarmonyCellars
Sizzling Pizza Perfection at LXV
This month, LXV’s Summer Recipe Series is transfixed by the transformative magic of fire. When the sun goes down and temps cool off, you’ll be ready to experience the sizzle for yourself with exotic, mind-bending pizzas crafted by Chef John McDevitt of Farmstead Catering. Swing by the swanky lounge the first Friday of the month, including Aug 5, for an Indian-inspired pizza you’ll be dreaming about come fall.
Summer Sipper: Inspired by Aindrajala, the KamaSutra art of Magic, LXV Wine’s 2013 Lover’s Spell is strong enough to stand alongside this rich, seductive entree. A dynamic ruby red union of Cabernet and Syrah cascades into the glass, flirting first with the eye.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/LXVWine
Intimate Concerts at Pelletiere Estate
A relaxed, down home vibe is comes with the territory at Pelletiere Estates’ Live Music Series, running now through Oct. 15. Cozy up to your sweetheart or bring your four-legged friend for an intimate and charming concert at this elegant westside winery. On Aug. 13 you won’t want to miss Chris Beland and on A
ug. 27 Kenny Taylor will rock the guitar. You might even be called to take a slow dance or two!
Summer Sipper: With a golden hue that rivals the summer sun, this 2014 Viognier is crisp and captivating, like a dip in a perfectly-chilled pool.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Pelletiere
Sunday Funday at Rotta Winery
The birds are chirping, the kids have the day off, and the wine and music is flowing. This isn’t heaven—it’s exactly what’s happening at Rotta Winery during their famous Sunday Funday events. This Sunday, July 31 gear up for Ricky and the Mojitos, then wind down on August 7 with an acoustic set from local songbird Amy Estrada. Al
l the while, try your hand at the bocce ball court or simply sip and sunbathe. These are easy decisions to make, no?
Summer Sipper: Pink with a zesty, strawberry hue, this rose is as ripe and irresistible as a slice of watermelon at a picnic.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/RottaWinery
An Edna Valley Escape at Sextant Winery
When temps sizzle into the triple digits, it’s time to hop south on the grade and take a cruise through temperate Edna Valley. This July 31, be sure to stop at Sextant Winery, where you can grab a gourmet lunch at their deli counter and a unique concert by the Central Coast’s own Chris Beland. Vacationing is fun, especially when you only have to 
drive 20 minutes to escape for the day!
Summer Sipper: When a celebratory chardonnay is in order, grab a few best buds and pop the cork on Sextant Winery’s 2014 SLH Chardonnay, bursting with apricot and pineapple notes.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/Sextant
Big Time Concerts at Tooth and Nail
With a professional sound system and ample stage overlooking a real life castle moat, there is no other winery that offers such a “grand” concert experience. Will Champlin and Rewined will serenade the prince and princess in all of us this July 31. Not all concerts at the castle are free, but this one is—so there is no excuse not to get the 
royal treatment.
Summer Sipper: With a light viscosity and fruity personality, this 2013 Stasis Pinot Noir is perfectly acceptable for a summer afternoon strolling the grounds.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/ToothAndNail
Watch the Songwriters Play at Sculpterra
If you’re a local music fan, you are probably well aware of Sunday Songwriters at Play at Sculpterra…but did you know that there’s now a Wine Down Wednesday event series bringing even more local acts to the winery’s wondrously manicured lawn? This Aug. 10, catch Bear Market Riot and relax knowing that hump day just got a little bit 
easier.
Summer Sipper: Sometimes you just need a crisp, acidic wine that cleanses the palate. Sculpterra’s 2014 Sauvignon Blanc foots the bill perfectly, and does double duty cleansing the mind.
Mapping and Directions: speedfind.com/SculpterraWinery
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
L
a 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.
D
irections: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796