It’s a common conundrum. You love wine tasting rooms and all the sensory pleasures they offer, but you’re not really a “crowds” person. That’s totally OK! It’s not that you don’t like people (you actually just really love your people). Some of us just prefer a more relaxing and intimate environment where you can truly focus on the wines at hand. We get it. And we got you. If you ask us, 2018 is bound to be the year of the introvert. Here’s 5 Tips to keep your wine game strong as well as your sanity.
1. Book Off-Season
You prefer quiet and calm tasting rooms as opposed to loud and energetic ones filled with activity. Well, Paso Robles is more serene February through March, and that means all the trappings of a world class wine region without the hustle and bustle. You won’t have to worry about elbowing your way up to the bar and carving out a teeny space for yourself. During these lovely temperate (and green) months, you can breathe easy and taste freely.
Other great hotels to visit during the off season:
Adelaide Inn
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals (100 homes to pick from)
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
JUST Inn®
2. Taste off the beaten path
You aren’t interested in “going where the most action is.” Naturally, some of Paso Robles’ more “off road” wineries will provide a chiller atmosphere, which is great for your personality type. Less people on the road = less crowded tastings. This doesn’t mean the wines aren’t worthy of paparazzi (in fact, many if these wineries tucked away off winding hillsides are world renowned and afford the best views). This just means that the only the truly thoughtful and well-researched wine tasters will go the extra mile to reach this fantastic destinations. As an introvert, you’re probably one of them.
Mapping and Directions to Kiamie Wine Cellars
3. Get One-on-One
You crave one-on-one experiences that allow you to peer deeper into the winemaking process. You have questions—lots of them! You also aren’t super comfortable peppering the poor tasting room attendant with all your interrogations (especially if he or she is helping many patrons at once). As a tried-and-true introvert, you’d rather go straight to the source. Book a private tasting today and ensure a small group setting filled with education, hands-on learning, and illuminating barrel tastings. You might even meet the winemaker. In fact, odds are you certainly will!
Tip: Michael Gill Cellars is known nationally for crafting superb syrah that sings with Paso terroir. Here on the West side of Paso Robles, rolling hills, deep valleys, a dynamite combination of soil, and 50 degree temperature swings inspire great wines—and even greater tourist activity. Visit this exclusive tasting room for an intimate one-on-one chat with Michael Gill himself. The tasting room is open weekends and by appointment only, so you know you’re getting a unique and one-of-a-kind experience.
Mapping and Directions to Michael Gill Cellars
4. Take a Seat
You love the chance to sit down and focus on what you’re really tasting. Some wineries are all about gabbing at the bar and taking in dozens of conversations and opinions happening around you. That’s…just not your speed. Instead, look for wineries that offer table service or a more relaxed setting for kicking back and swirling. The plus: You get to relax, enjoy your chosen companion(s) and take in the scenery while the wine comes to you. Allow a single wine attendant to answer your specific questions, or just sip quietly and know that your next taste is just moments away.
Mapping and Directions to Dubost Ranch
5. Chill Out
You love unwinding in a low pressure environment where you can come as you are and burn off a little steam. No disrespect to Paso’s most elegant and sophisticated tasting rooms (we love the grand appeal of these impressive and well-photographed destinations), but sometimes you just want to chill out and let loose. Instead of spending all your time fussing over tasting notes pick up a pool cue and connect with your friends. You can still enjoy excellent wine while you have a darn good time!
Mapping and Directions to Chronic 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 [email protected] 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
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals