With delicious wines, a charming town and down-to-earth sensibility, Paso Robles is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. The rolling hills and vineyards set the stage for a diverse variety of wines based on the unique micro-climates of the region. I have been chatting with the folks in Paso on the latest and want to share some highlights not to be missed.

Interesting Facts

The Paso Robles AVA (American Viticulture Area) is a beautiful region centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California’s scenic Central Coast; anchored by the small city of Paso Robles.

With over 200 wineries growing more than 60 grape varieties from an array of micro-climates, Paso offers a wide range of quality wines. In fact, there are 11 sub AVA’s in the region to signify the distinct soils, climate and topography of each area.
The ocean has an important cooling influence on the entire region, as does topography. Mountains can shelter vineyards from harsher conditions and the ridges create unique pockets and wind patterns.
Winemaking and grape growing were introduced to the region by Franciscan Friars in 1790! Zinfandel was one of the first grapes planted and remains popular today.
Paso gets quite hot in the summer, allowing grapes to fully ripen. However, the cool nights help the wines maintain acidity so that you have a delicious, well balanced wine.
You will find lovely wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Viognier and red Rhône varietals like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Interestingly, you can also find the Italian varietals of Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo in the region and nearly every other grape you can think of!

Engaging Experiences

Thanks to the diversity of grapes grown, there is definitely a wine for every taste and preference. You will never get bored with your tasting options which range from a casual tasting at the bar to an in-depth production tour or library tasting.
Oso Libre has a fabulous farm experience with lamb, alpaca and cattle roaming the ranch while you enjoy your tasting.
Cass Winery produces 100% estate grown wines and offers outdoor tastings, a cafe and adult summer camp with horseback riding, archery, cooking classes and more.
Grab your cowboy hat and head to Iron Oaks Winery for great wines, live music and locally raised beef. Located in downtown Paso Robles, the tasting bar has saddles as stools - and you can even win a bottle of wine by getting a cork into the boot on the wall.
Visit Central Coast Distillery for uniquely handcrafted single batch spirits. Owner and craft distiller Eric Olsen is an accomplished professional chef who forages for indigenous herbs for his cuisine as well as his spirits.
Check out pasorobleswineries.net for maps and a comprehensive list of wineries. Their virtual tours are especially interesting and provide a great preview of places to visit.
The Paso Market Walk is the ideal walkable and family-friendly destination to relax, shop, and taste the distinctive flavors of the Central Coast. Their aim is to reinvent the traditional farmers market into a marketplace supporting a new generation of farmers, ranchers, chefs, and vintners committed to sustainable practices.
Tin City offers a fun twist on tastings in an industrial complex of independent artisans serving wine, beer, spirits and farm-to-table fare.
Try a farm or garden tour and learn to milk a goat, take in the aromas of a lavender field or get up close with a beekeeper.

If you love wine, gorgeous scenery, fresh air and a good time, you must head to Paso Robles! For more ideas, download our sample Paso Robles itinerary here.