I have been in love with Paso Robles for over a decade now and I fall even more in love with it every time I visit. You can find my guide to the perfect weekend in Paso HERE, but today I am sharing the start of my Paso Robles guide. This will be your one-stop shop to check out my favorite places to stay, eat, and--most importantly--drink wine in Paso. I will add more to this guide as I have time to explore more of what Paso Robles has to offer!
Located less than 4 hours from Los Angeles, Paso Robles is one of my favorite wine regions. Such interesting wines, the friendliest people, amazing food, and some of the most beautiful scenic drives I’ve ever witnessed. In Paso you will find marvelous Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends, jammy Zinfandels, and plenty of Syrah and other Rhône varieties.
Make sure to check out Paso Robles on your next wine trip.
PLACES TO STAY:
Allegretto Vineyard Resort ($$$)- Good resort option with a restaurant, swimming pool, and spa.
Best Western Black Oak ($) – Affordable option in a convenient location.
Kindred Oak Farm ($$$) – I’m not a huge B&B fan, but this is a nice one located on beautiful grounds.
Hotel Cheval ($$$) – This luxury, boutique hotel has a perfect location in Downtown Paso so you can walk to the restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms.
Stay on the Vineyard ($$) – If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on a vineyard, this is your chance! They have two beautiful rental suites situated on a beautiful vineyard of Zinfandel. This place has the loveliest owners, and they provide you with tasty pastries and snacks during your stay. Make sure you plan time to catch the amazing sunset views and visit their chicken coop! Also, the stargazing opportunities are fabulous! I’m always excited by a good Milky Way sighting!
WINERIES:
Bodega de Edgar – They have a small, modern tasting room in an industrial area of Paso that you must visit! They have the most beautiful wine! They mainly focus on small-batch Spanish & Rhône wines. If Edgar is there, you should definitely talk to him because he has such a fascinating story! *Favorite Wine – 2020 La Guera (75% Albariño, 25% Torrontes)
Denner Vineyards – Beautiful winery featuring Rhône and Bordeaux wines. Try to get a tour of the Barrel Room if you can – always so interesting to see. *Favorite Wine – 2019 Dirt Worshipper (97% Syrah, 3% Roussanne)
Hammersky – One of the most gorgeous settings for a wine tasting! I can just sit on their patio for hours! They also have a nice rental house on the property if you are a wine club member. *Favorite Wine – “Detained” Sparkling
Kiamie – I love this wine and the people here. Greg and Aram are the best! We like to just sit outside for the afternoon with a bottle of wine. Bonus: they have dogs and goats! *Favorite Wine – 2017 Meritage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot)
L’Aventure Winery – Splurge on the private tour and tasting experience where you can go through the caves and taste wine in their private wine library. *Favorite Wine – 2020 Estate Cuvée Blanc (54% Roussanne, 27% Viogner, 19% Grenache Blanc)
Law Estate Wines - Beautiful winery focused on Rhône and Priorat wine. 100% estate grown wine – glorious tasting views. *Favorite Wine – Audacious (Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah)
LXV Winery - A women-owned winery making some of the most delicious wine in Paso. You can visit either their Willow Creek AVA vineyard or downtown Paso tasting room. Their Wine & Flavors pairing experience is not to be missed. *Favorite Wine – 2019 Reserve Nebbiolo
ONX – While ONX has a nice tasting room in Tin City, I recommend going to the actual vineyard and booking an “experience”. Trust me! *Favorite Wine – 2017 Mad Crush (35% Grenache, 29% Tempranillo, 24% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah)
Parrish Family Vineyards - Specializing in Bordeaux varieties, this is a family-owned winery in the heart of Paso Robles. Of course, the wine is great, but they also have a fabulous food menu that you need to check out at your next tasting. *Favorite Wine – 2017 Four Chords (55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot)
Top Winery - They have a small tasting room in an industrial area of Paso. While it may not be the most glamorous tasting room, I urge you to go and listen to the story of the Top owners and—more importantly—try their very special wines. They have limited inventory of their Top label wines to purchase, but their HOOD label wines are fantastic as well. *Favorite Wine – 2017 Extended Barrel Aged HOOD Red (Syrah, Grenache, Tannat, Mourvèdre, and a splash of Roussanne)
Whalebone – I love this family-run place – such lovely people, beautiful views, and great wine! Certain weekends they make delicious chili and share with everyone (grab a bowl if you can!). Also, they have the cutest dog, Bentley! *Favorite Wine – 2019 BOB Wine (Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot)
RESTAURANTS:
The Alchemist’s Garden ($$) – Newly opened in 2020, this is a cocktail-focused restaurant with a globally-influenced menu. If you can make it past their imaginative cocktail list, you need to try their Shishito Peppers and the Duck Chalupa.
Firestone Brewery ($) – Nice, casual place for a beer after a long day of wine tasting. You can’t go wrong with any of their burgers and I always love their Pimento Cheese Dip with House-Made Chips!
Fish Gaucho ($$) – The perfect spot if you’ve been drinking wine all day and are ready to switch to tequila! Their Short Rib Tacos are my favorite – just pair with their Gaucho Margarita and I’m in heaven!
Hatch Rotisserie ($$) – Known for wood-fired comfort food, it’s a great place to meet wine industry people and get the Paso scoop. I love everything on their menu, but you must order the Crispy Potatoes with the Hatch Ranch!
Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ ($) – Perfect spot for lunch in Downtown Paso between wine tasting appointments. They have fun outdoor seating where you can enjoy their signature Tri-Tip and Pulled Pork. Also, don’t miss their Mac & Cheese!!
La Cosecha Bar + Restaurant ($$) – Fun place to share a multitude of delicious Spanish and Latin American dishes. They also have a fabulous cocktail program!
Thomas Hills Organics ($$$) – Farm-to-table restaurant in Downtown Paso. Their focus is on organic produce and grass-fed meats. I’m a big fan of their local Burrata!
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