There’s no shortage of ways to explore Paso Robles wine country — but few experiences match the pure joy of cruising through the vineyards in a lovingly restored classic Volkswagen Vanagon.
Vanagon Wine Tours, a veteran-owned small business run by husband-and-wife team Matt and Dakota out of Templeton, transforms a day of wine tasting into a rolling adventure that guests describe as one of the most memorable experiences they’ve had on the Central Coast.
The Experience:
Vanagon Wine Tours offers fully private, all-day tours through Paso Robles wine country aboard “Old Blue” — their iconic vintage VW Vanagon updated with modern reliability, passenger-controlled air conditioning, and face-to-face bench seating for up to six guests. Every tour is custom-built around your group’s preferences, with Matt drawing from over 400 wineries across the region to craft a personalized itinerary spanning boutique estates, Tin City producers, hidden vineyard gems, and everything in between. Door-to-door pickup is available throughout Atascadero, Templeton, and Paso Robles, making the experience completely seamless from start to finish.
What Makes It Special:
What sets Vanagon Wine Tours apart from standard transportation services is the depth of hospitality Matt and Dakota bring to every outing. Complimentary snacks, bottled water, and the occasional bottle of rosé for the road are all part of the package — and guests frequently rave about the homemade chocolate chip cookies waiting at drop-off. As longtime residents of Paso Robles wine country with nearly 30 years in the region, Matt and Dakota bring genuine local knowledge to every tour, steering guests toward wineries that match their palate rather than just checking off the most well-known names. The face-to-face seating inside Old Blue encourages exactly the kind of lively conversation that makes a wine country day truly special, and the vintage aesthetic adds a layer of nostalgia and charm that no standard shuttle or limo service can replicate.
Visitor Tips:
- All-day private tours are priced at $395 for up to 6 guests — tasting fees at each winery are separate
- Book via the online request form at vanagonwinetours.com or call 805-550-1062; tours run daily by appointment
- Available for special occasions — Matt can decorate Old Blue for birthdays, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and weddings
- Pickup is available from Atascadero, Templeton, or Paso Robles (one pickup location per tour)
- Dog and kid friendly; also available for concert and event transportation throughout the Paso Robles area
- Free cancellation with 48+ hours notice
Perfect For:
Groups of friends, couples celebrating special occasions, and first-time Paso Robles visitors who want a personalized, stress-free way to discover the region’s best wineries without worrying about driving.
