Recently, I took the time to explore Paso Robles, a part of wine country I had yet to visit. The wineries, surrounding, and the quality of the wine did surprise me. If you want some of that big Northern California experience with small time charm this is the place to be.
Where to Stay
There are lot of options to choose from and locations of where to stay. You can pick from independent hotels, brands, or even cute Airbnbs. Really consider where you want to sleep every night and exactly where you want to be located. Driving around the area is relatively easy, and though a distance on a map may look pretty big, the locals are right when they say it is about a mile a minute. Personally, I prefer staying in the Templeton region, a lot of the wineries are in the same area.
If you want a more coastal option, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and Cambria are about 40 to 45 minutes away. If you are enjoying a coastal trip and want to squeeze in some wine country it is possible.
Where did I Visit
Though not as many overwhelming options to choose from as Napa and Sonoma, there are still plenty of options to explore and certain wineries have been important to placing Paso Robles on the map. A couple of the big names that most people have heard of include Justin and Daou. I made it to one of them this trip and am saving the other for a future visit.
Justin Vineyards has two locations that you can enjoy a tasting. The first is their downtown Paso Robles tasting room and the second is their winery located up a winding road, but worth the drive and the property views. I went to the winery location and was welcomed very warmly before being provided options of seating. As it was a chilly morning, I chose the outdoor covered seating with overhead heater. The host came by and introduced themselves and shared the tasting flights available to choose from as well as provided some bottled water. I went with the classic Estate flight which would show me a the history of Justin. The tasting experience started off with their rose. It was crisp and light, just what I was looking for, fruity with hints of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of citrus. From there it was red central.
Skipping over the second stop, because while good, it just was not that same wow experience that wants you to take home the cellar with you. Though I have to say the third stop was definitely one to visit and take home the cellar.
I was feeling peachy and wanted a grape varietal that was known to be fun, fruity, and bold and Peachy Canyon delivered with their amazing Zinfandels as well as Rhone varietals. Pull into the parking lot of this cute little house and take a seat on the giant adirondak chair before entering and grabbing a seat. The old schoolhouse has been around since the 1800s and now is the tasting room for some great wine. Start of light with a white and rose before diving in to the reds. The Peche Blanche is a great wine to start with notes of stone fruit, citrus, honey, and some tart apples, or at least that is what my palette says. From there a splash of rose and then what I was looking for.
I will say the Zinfandels did deliver. Of the four that I tried, I bought three of them to add to my personal collection.
The last winery that I went to blew me away, Austin Hope, family owned and operated. In fact, the winemaker is the owner and he and his family live on property. I got a glimpse of one of the family dogs walking through the vineyard during my experience.
I would recommend seating outside, especially if you do not mind a chill. Though the team will provide a heater and blanket if you are feeling cold. Each of the seating areas are semi-private with foliage that makes you feel like you are in your own bubble. My space had enough seating to fit at least four of us comfortably. There may be other spots that can accommodate more.
I had made a note of a celebration and the team acknowledged it with a small personal welcome sign that was personalized. Even the host asked about the celebration, so it was recognized by multiple team members.
The tasting experience was beautiful. You are greeted with a welcome splash when you check in and are escorted to your seating. From there, the experience went through six wines with a few surprises along the way. The Sauvignon Blanc welcome splash is beautifully crisp and fruit forward, a wonderful way to start. You will want to do a side by side tasting of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Though I have to say my favorite was the Merlot. It has been a while since a merlot has blown me away and this one delivered. The rich flavors of cherry, plum, and vanilla melted together beautifully and I cannot wait to enjoy the bottle on evening watching the sunset, sitting outside and enjoying a beautiful view.
Would I Go Back
Though it was a short trip for a couple of nights, I would like to go again and would recommend that if you have not been to check it out. The wineries feel more intimate, everyone is welcoming, and the wines are delicious. My final haul home was 10 bottles.