If you’re at all like us, looking at a clean 2020 calendar really gets you daydreaming about all the possibilities (to taste and travel, that is). It’s fun to dream, but it’s even more fun to go out there and do! Let us help you fill up at least a few days of that vacation time right now, at the start of the year. Why go through the hassle of traveling all the way to France or Spain when you can experience world class wine (and stunning scenery) right here in Paso Robles Wine Country?
Located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is just way too convenient too pass up! Plus, with sunny days all year long, close proximity to pristine beaches and fabulous fine dining every night of the week, you’ll wish you’d booked more than a weekend. Take it from the New York Times: Paso Robles Wine Country is a must-do travel itinerary for 2020. We were designated the 6th TOP worldwide destination to visit in the world!
1. Passion for Paso
This is truly where cowboy country meets wine country! Paso Robles offers both casual family owned tasting rooms and glamorous palaces dedicated to fine wine. Regardless of where you taste, you’ll always get that friendly Paso Robles hospitality. Check out the many unique wineries located along Highway 46 West, the route to the coast. Stop in at Tooth and Nail Winery, a gothic castle-turned-tasting room known for vibrant live music events and quirky, delicious food pairings (take a virtual tour, click here).
For mapping and directions to Tooth and Nail Winery click here
Wines of the West will wow you with their beautiful wines, onsite food offerings (lunch and dinner!) and their brilliant, laid-back lounge, CANtina. This is a wine tasting you’ve never experienced…all wines are in cans! Take a seat and stay for a drink or grab a pack of wines to go. Another option is to enjoy traditionally bottled wines from a tantalizing lineup of wineries owned by Wines of the West. Yes, you’ll see just how diverse each tasting room truly is as you traverse this fun-loving trail.
For mapping and directions to Wines of the West click here
2. Adelaida District: A Hidden Gem
Don’t forget to explore the tucked-away areas of Paso Robles, too. The Adelaida District of Paso Robles is rural, peaceful and home to some of the most coveted vineyards in the region. Varieties like Viognier, Nebbiolo, Grenache, Zinfandel, Tannat thrive here (just ask the folks at Lone Madrone). The blockbusting news is that owner and winemaker Neil Collins was just awarded the highest accolade in Paso, Wine Person of the Year! You will definitely want to hightail it out to Lone Madrone to taste his magic and enjoy the views.
For mapping and directions to Lone Madrone click here
Sample Paso’s flagship variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, at Parrish Family Vineyard, where you can also enjoy a luscious, small plate of mushroom risotto or baked ricotta with local olive oil poached tomatoes. The family owned winery’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is bursting with ripe blueberries, violets and Tahitian vanilla bean. Aren’t you glad you wandered in? (Take a virtual tour, click here.)
For mapping and directions to Parrish Family click here
3. Pleasant in San Miguel
The backroads here in Paso Robles Wine Country are anything but sleepy, offering up spontaneous wildlife sightings and lots of friendly smiles along the way. Get on board the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail in San Miguel, just east of Paso Robles and see for yourself! Their members just won a total of 50 medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition with 90-98 point ratings! Wowzer! January 18-19 travel the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail and discover all the treasures along the way. Uncover the hidden object of each winery and receive a stamp. Once you have collected 4 stamps, turn in your map at your last stop and be entered in a drawing to wine treasure from the trail (Visa gift cards)! Let the hunt begin.
Lusso Della Terra is a standout on this trail with stunning views of vineyards that go on for miles and wines that will knock your socks off, priced, in our opinion, at bargain prices. Villa San-Juliette in San Miguel offers up a luxurious dining menu in a stunning Mediterranean style villa setting. You’ll only feel like you’ve used your passport. And Mystic Hills offers complimentary wine, cheese, and chocolate pairings (by appointment only, click here for the coupon) accompanied by amusing stories from film editor/owner, Joel, about his time spent masterfully edited Clint Eastwood’s movies (if you are lucky take a selfie with his Academy Award statue).
Mapping and Directions to Lusso Della Terra click here
For mapping and directions to Villa San-Juliette click here
Hearst Ranch is a must-visit with a beautiful outdoor patio space that is perfect for taking in the beauty of the Paso Robles countryside while you enjoy their award-winning wines grown right there on the 90 acres estate in clay loam soil and perfect meso-climate. The owners, Steve Hearst and Jim Saunders both possess experience, imagination, and the integrity to create great things. Together, their shared vision on sustainable agriculture, resource protection and historical preservation brought Hearst Ranch Winery to fruition. Take a virtual tour, click here. Bonus: you will likely catch glimpses of their winemaking team at work, as the winery is located on the property as well!
For mapping and directions to Hearst Ranch click here
4. Go Coastal!
Yes, we mean head to the beach! From Paso Robles, enjoy a gorgeous 25 minute cruise to the coast and Highway 1! This is one of our favorite rides, the views will bowl you over 1000% guaranteed (and not a stitch of traffic). Take the time to cruise to the coast and explore the tiny storybook town of Harmony (population 18, if you count the cows)! Say hello to the resident glass blowers, explore the tiny post office and chapel, then climb the hill to Harmony Cellars, known for its delicious Zinfandel, among many other varietals. Overlooking the tiny coastal village and rolling green hills below, Harmony Cellars is the perfect place to take in the view from a lush vantage point.
For mapping and directions to Harmony Cellars click here
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, lo
cally 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. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.
Directions: speedfind.com/Allegretto
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Directions: speedfind.com/edenhouse
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Directions: speedfind.com/BriarCottage
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
Treat yourself to the ultimate Paso Robles wine country experience by booking your stay at The Inn at Opolo Vineyards. Guests enjoy our luxurious, spacious rooms and all of the sensory pleasures of Paso Robles in one destination. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/oploVineyards
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine
La 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
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. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
Directions: speedfind.com/PasoRoblesVacationRentals
