In Paso Robles Wine Country, the holidays aren’t just celebrated—they’re poured, savored and shared freely. From December through New Year’s, the region transforms into a hub for holiday wine celebrations, hosting everything from intimate winemaker dinners to lively community gatherings that capture the spirit of the season.
Trade shopping malls for farmer’s markets, crowds for twinkle lights and traffic jams for family-owned vineyard estates. Winter wine festivals light up the landscape—from Sensorio’s glowing bulbs to downtown’s twinkling oaks—while New Year’s wine parties and holiday wine events bring locals and visitors together to ring in 2026.
Whether you’re seeking intimate tastings beneath starlit skies, New Year wine events that pulse with live music and bonfire energy, or quiet moments wandering through vineyard rows, Paso Robles delivers authentic wine country magic—the kind that lingers long after the season ends.
This is your guide to experiencing the most magical winter season in Paso Robles Wine Country.
Early December: Light Up the Season
Downtown Paso Lights & Community Celebrations
Bring on the brilliance: December wine events in Paso Robles kick off with Paso Lights, setting the festive tone for weeks of holiday wine celebrations throughout wine country. Stroll through Downtown City Park where thousands of twinkling lights transform ancient oaks into an enchanted garden. Shop for holiday gifts at local boutiques, dine at farm-to-table restaurants or taste at dozens of downtown wine tasting rooms—all while soaking in the free, charming seasonal ambiance.
December 10: Christmas Cookie Exchange
Fresh-baked comfort: Hosted by local bakery Just Baked, this inaugural gathering creates a cozy community moment to share. The holiday cookies, music and festive lobby setting make this an ideal warm-up before exploring nearby downtown wine tasting rooms this holiday season.
Location: 4:00–6:00 pm, The Ava Hotel
More Info: Christmas Cookie Exchange
December 12–14: Winter Indoor Market
Shop ’til you sip: Artisan vendors, food booths and free family-friendly activities fill this indoor marketplace hosted by Paso’s festive Event Center. Whether you’re holiday shopping for loved ones or provisioning your wine country picnic with local cheeses, chocolates and artisan goods, you’re sure to unwrap a new fave find.
Location: Paso Robles Event Center
More Info: Winter Indoor Market
December 13–39th: Annual Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase
Victorian elegance awaits: Historic homes glow with sparkling décor, live carolers stroll between the lawns and holiday performers set the scene in downtown Paso. Sip wine from local tasting rooms while strolling one of Paso Robles’ most charming holiday happenings.
Location: (6:00–9:00 pm, Vine Street between 8th & 21st)
More Info: Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase
Wine Country Tastings & Vineyard Celebrations
Sip & Shop at Adelaide Floral
December 5 – Sip & Shop (4:00–6:00 pm)
Flower power: Kick off Paso Robles’ holiday season with a colorful evening of shopping, sipping and supporting local makers. Browse handcrafted gifts and fresh blooms while savoring complimentary wine tasting from Bella Luna Estate Winery. Work up an appetite while strolling the stalls? Choco’s Mexican Grill has you covered. Shop, eat and be merry!
Location: 300 S Main Street, Templeton, CA
More Info: Sip & Shop at Adelaide Floral
Paint, Sip & Celebrate at CASS Winery
December 5 – Paint & Sip: Ornament Painting (7:00–9:00 pm)
A brush with fate: Hand-paint your own custom ornaments while sipping CASS wines in a festive, low-key environment. It’s the kind of unique experience that captures what makes Paso special: no stress, just unfettered creativity and free-flowing holiday wine.
December 12 – Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Makers’ Market (5:30 pm)
The CASS Winery barrel room transforms into a winter marketplace where local artisan vendors showcase handcrafted goods you’ll want to give and get. Mulled wine and hot cider warm your heart while festive décor sets vines aglow. It’s holiday shopping the Paso way—intimate, curated and infused with artisanal wonder.
Local Tip: Both CASS Winery events fill quickly. Reserve early and consider pairing with CASS’s year-round Sunset Hike & Vineyard Tour (Tues–Sat at 4:00 pm) for a full day of winter wine experiences.
More Info: CASS Winery | Paint & Sip: Ornament Painting | Sip & Shop Holiday Makers’ Market
Ancient Peaks Winery – Christmas at the Ranch
Running Through December 21
Meet the man in red: Bootstrap your holiday season into a wine country adventure. Ancient Peaks Winery’s Margarita Ranch is where families gather, Santa greets visitors in the barn and hot cocoa steams alongside award-winning wines. It’s the perfect blend of rustic tradition and winter fun—kids can meet Santa while adults sip wines surrounded by rolling vineyards.
Wine Club Member Exclusive – December 13 (Wine Club Christmas Party)
Ancient Peaks wine club members will celebrate a fruitful year with an exclusive gathering at the Ancient Peaks barn. Get in on the action and sign up to join the party!
Local Tip: Paso’s extended holiday season (nearly a month) means you can visit multiple times. Come early when crowds are light, or return closer to Christmas for maximum festive energy.
Location: 5991 W Pozo Rd, Santa Margarita, CA
More Info: Ancient Peaks Winery | Christmas at the Ranch
SummerWood Winery – Holiday Workshops & Tastings
December 6 – Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop (1:00 pm)
Wreaths and wine pairing: Help yourself to hands-on handiwork and craft your own holiday wreath while sipping SummerWood wines. This intimate workshop pairs artistic expression with stellar sips, resulting in wonderful memories to match.
December 13 – Holiday Perfect Pairing (12:00 pm)
Seasonal food meets carefully curated wine: SummerWood Winery’s Christmas wine tastings showcase how thoughtfully-chosen wine pairings elevate both the meal and the moment. Cheers!
More Info: SummerWood Winery Events
Ridge Vineyards & J. Lohr Vineyards – Holiday Wine Dinners
Ridge Vineyards – Holiday Heritage Tasting Weekend (December 6–7)
Rare wines, real education: Get the chance to try limited edition Ridge wines specially selected for the season. Taste library selections you won’t find any other time of year—a chance to explore Ridge Vineyards’ legendary cellars with expert guidance.
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Holiday Wine Dinner (December 6)
Make a bee-line for this multi-course feast paired with J. Lohr’s award-winning wines—pure Paso Robles culinary creativity hosted in a winter vineyard setting.
More Info: Ridge Vineyards Events | J. Lohr Holiday Events
Make Planning Effortless with These Four Paso Guides
Get instant access to four insider guides with local secrets to Paso’s best wineries, restaurants, and luxury stays — no signup required, and they work on any device.
Eberle Winery – Black Tie Dinner
December 6 – Black Tie Dinner 2025 (6:00–9:00 pm)
Black tie in the caves: Dress to impress for an elegant holiday supper hosted in Eberle’s famous wine caves. Enjoy a beautifully crafted four-course dinner paired with signature Eberle wines, all set beneath a glittering 20-foot Christmas tree. Going underground never looked so refined!
Location: 3810 Hwy 46 East, Paso Robles, CA
More Info: Eberle Winery – Black Tie Dinner 2025
Chateau Margene – Luxury Holiday Tastings & Experiences
Festive Holiday Tastings (Friday–Sunday, By Appointment)
Luxury tastings and winter reds: Chateau Margene specializes in small-lot luxury Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noirs from Santa Lucia Highlands, plus port-inspired ROXO wines—all perfect for holiday toasting and gift-giving.
Choose between two top shelf winter wine tasting experiences: a private outdoor seated tasting for intimate sips in a vineyard setting, or an elevated tour and tasting with a winemaker for behind-the-scenes exploration paired with insider knowledge. Either way, these luxurious Paso Robles bottles are sure to get you into a festive holiday mood.
More Info: Chateau Margene
Wineries of Highway 46 East – Holiday Open House
December 13 – Daytime/Early Evening (Times vary by winery)
Jingle and mingle: Rub elbows with Paso Robles’ Eastside movers and shakers at a collective celebration uncorking along scenic Highway 46 East. Expect holiday bites, special tastings, mulled wine, carolers and opportunities to shop for holiday gifts. Cruise this scenic Paso corridor and discover your next favorite winery.
More Info: Wineries of Highway 46 East Holiday Open House
Oso Libre Winery – Holiday Reception
Location: 7383 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, CA
December 13 – Holiday Reception (4:00–6:00 pm)
Winter wine soiree: Start your holiday season with a friendly reception at Oso Libre, one of Paso’s finest wineries. Savor bold blends, nibble small bites and take in the festive holiday vibes all around. You’ll gather with friends, discover new Paso Robles varietals and embrace the spirit of the season.
More Info: Oso Libre – Holiday Reception
Mid-to-Late December: Festive Nights & Fire-Lit Celebrations
Sensorio Paso Robles – Winter Light Wonderland
Thousands of glowing bulbs brighten the night: When the sun dips below Paso’s rolling hills, winter lights spark on at Sensorio, one of California’s largest immersive art exhibitions. Stroll among 100,000+ glowing bulbs—a bioluminescent wonderland that feels equal parts magical and surreal.
Local Tip: Bring a blanket, sip Paso Robles wine and let the illuminated landscape transport you to another realm. It’s the kind of experience that wows for intimate date nights, family outings or solo contemplation.
Holiday Season Hours:
- December 22–23: Monday–Tuesday, 4:30–8:30 pm
- December 29–31: Monday–Wednesday, 4:30–8:30 pm
- January 1–4: Thursday–Sunday, 4:30–8:30 pm
- January Ongoing: Friday–Sunday, 5:00–8:00 pm
Local Tip: Book tickets for this spectacle in advance. Sensorio sells out during peak holiday dates, especially New Year’s Eve week.
Location: Paso Robles Wine Country (Central Location)
More Info: Sensorio Paso Robles
Kiler Ridge Olive Farm – Community Crush Day
December 21 (Daytime, Check Farm Schedule)
Join the fresh-pressed tradition: Roll up your sleeves and bring olive harvests to be milled as a group batch, then take home freshly pressed oil for wrapping or snacking. It’s a celebration of Paso Robles Wine Country’s agricultural heritage and the bounty of the land—plus, estate-bottled extra-virgin olive oil makes for exceptional stocking stuffers!
Winter Olive Oil Tastings & Tours (Thursday–Monday, December–January)
Drizzle a little love: Guided Kiler Ridge extra-virgin olive oil tastings paired with orchard and production tours overlooking Paso hills. Reserve an intimate experience that connects you to the land and its harvest.
Location: Kiler Ridge Olive Farm, Paso Robles
More Info: Kiler Ridge Olive Farm | Tours & Events
New Year Wine Events & New Year’s Wine Parties
Serial Wines – Sip, Sparkle and Sway Into the New Year
December 31, 2025 (8:00 pm)
Bubbly and live music are a classic pairing in Paso. Ring in the New Year wine country style at Serial Wines, one of Paso’s freshest, cutting-edge tasting rooms. This booty-shaking New Year’s wine party combines exceptional wines, sparkling cocktails and the opportunity to make new friends—what better way to ring in the fresh year ahead?
Local Tip: NYE events in Paso Robles tend to sell out quickly. Reserve early and arrive ready to celebrate. Need a designated driver? There’s plenty to choose from.
Location: Serial Wines, Paso Robles
More Info: Serial Wines | Sip, Sparkle and Sway Into the New Year
Downtown Paso – Community NYE Celebration
New Year’s Eve Concert & Bonfire (7:00 pm, City Park, Downtown Paso Robles)
Bonfire, bands and countdown: Ring in the New Year with one of Paso Robles’ most popular New Year wine events and community holiday wine celebrations! Enjoy a lively, family-friendly shindig in Downtown Paso Robles that gets everyone excited about the year to come. Dance to live music from the Lucky Devils Band, warm up by a giant bonfire and take in the festive energy throughout the park. Food trucks, local beverages and a 9 PM countdown (timed with East Coast midnight) create a vibrant way to ring in 2026.
More Info: Paso Robles New Year’s Eve Concert & Bonfire
Holiday Shopping & Local Provisions
Paso Robles Farmers Market – Holiday Season
Tuesdays: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (9:30 am–Noon, Spring & 12th Street, Downtown)
Local flavors, fresh finds: Paso’s seasonal produce, fresh-baked goods and artisan foods are perfect for holiday entertaining and wine pairings. Stock up on local cheeses, honey, preserved fruits and baked goods to pair with your favorite Paso Robles Wine Country bottles.
Make It A Long Weekend
With so much world-class wine to sample in Paso Robles, we’d suggest extending your wine tasting adventures into a long weekend. From cozy inns to plush resorts, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Paso Robles.
Holiday Wine Event Essentials: What to Pack
Prepare for Paso Robles holiday celebrations with this quick checklist:
- Tickets: Download or print event tickets ahead of time for smooth entry
- Identification: Bring valid ID—you will be required to show proof of age for wine tastings
- Comfortable clothing: Wear jeans, boots and casual layers. Paso’s holiday evenings can cool quickly—bring a light jacket!
- Sun & weather protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for daytime events. Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout tastings and celebrations
- Cash: Some vendors at markets and events operate cash-only
- Reusable bag or tote: Carry wine bottles, market finds and holiday gifts
- Blanket or folding chair: For outdoor events like the Christmas parade or NYE bonfire
- Map or event guide: Download our Paso Robles Wine Country map
- Corkscrew: If purchasing bottles to enjoy on the go, bring a wine opener for easy access
Pro Tip: Check individual event guidelines and arrive early for popular celebrations. Most importantly—stay present and savor every moment.
Holiday Magic in Paso Robles Wine Country
The holidays in Paso Robles Wine Country aren’t about elaborate productions or crowded tourist attractions. They’re about connection—to the vines, to the people who craft the wines and to the community who gathers to watch the tree light up, year after year.
Whether you’re sipping mulled wine at a winery market, painting ornaments while laughing with strangers, dancing under the stars to live music or simply strolling downtown beneath glowing oak trees, Paso Robles Wine Country delivers the kind of authentic holiday magic that stays with you long after the season wraps up.
Ready to experience Paso Robles’ best holiday wine events and winter wine festivals? Check individual winery websites for reservations, hours and details.
This holiday season, experience Paso Robles Wine Country the way insiders do—authentically, joyfully and always the glass half full.Note: Many events require advance booking, especially for intimate dinners and tastings. Check out our events calendar to stay updated on the latest holiday happenings throughout wine country.
