Welcome to Couch Insights – blog posts written by various SLO Safe Ride team members commentating on their favorite places to go throughout San Luis Obispo County. Our Digital Marketing Director, Andrea, presents the first topic.
Ultimate Wine & Beer Experience in Paso Robles
Hint: They are in the same place.
Tourists and residents alike enjoy exploring the Central Coast’s vast supply of bold wines and refreshing beers. While some people define themselves as amateur sommeliers, or craft connoisseurs, many people enjoy both beverages in every capacity. You don’t need an occasion – you just need a few friends who share the same interests and voila – a fun-filled day awaits! Normally, breweries and wineries aren’t located within walking distance (considering the acres and acres of vineyards), which means you would need to plan transportation to get you from one spot to the next. Is this sparking the idea in your head -”is there a winery and a brewery right next to each other?” There is. And it’s kind-of new. And it is AWESOME.
I’ll get right to the point: we’re talking about California Coast Brewing and Iron Oaks Winery… and I can’t forget – District Deli Food Trailer.
This is all located in downtown Paso Robles, on Railroad Street. So assemble your crew, choose an appropriate vehicle, and make your way there. As you’re arriving to Railroad Street, you will see on your right-hand side a white warehouse-style building with an American flag flying. A few steps (literally) away, you will see the former Tozzi’s Auto. With a gathering space in between the two buildings, you will see outdoor seating, bar-style, on both businesses facing each other. This is where you need to be. So, get out of said transportation, bid farewell to your driver, and enjoy a wonderful time.
California Coast Brewing is also known as Cal Coast Beer for short. Their beers are different. They go for the smooth sippin’, or what they call “easy drinking,” and have a full line up of Belgian beers, pale ales, IPAs, a blonde, amber, red, brown, and porter! There is something for every beer-drinker, even ones who don’t classify themselves as one. Listen to their descriptions, or ask for a tasting to get up to 5 different beers to try and pick your favorite one. I enjoy their IPA.
If your preference is wine, then step on over to Iron Oaks Winery right next door! They follow a similar approach – they blend wines “with passion, a rebellious spirit and a little luck.” and honestly, that really describes the vibe of this tasting room. Their goal is not to win medals or get reviews from “experts,” they just want you to enjoy your time and enjoy some simple wine. You will either meet their owner, or one of their amazing employees when you visit, and you will take in the ranch-esque feeling of the tasting room, which fits perfectly because you can actually buy beef from the owner’s cattle ranch right then and there. Their Rage & Romance is AMAZING, but I also recommend the Wild As You rosé for a hot, summer day — as we all know Paso gets.
In case I wasn’t clear about my opinion – go to both. Get tastings at both, buy a pint then buy a glass of your favorite. And when you get hungry, walk a few steps down to the Airstream trailer… It is a deli. And let me tell you, it’s delicious. They have a tater tot bar, so there is that. If you’re not feeling tots, you can choose between a Cubano sando, falafel, a burger (with the beef I was talking about earlier – DD Cattle), or a chicken caesar wrap. They do switch up their menu, so be sure to double check their Instagram page if you’re a planner. Otherwise, let the day take you where it does and be surprised!
Play some corn-hole, munch on some delicious food, share stories with friends, and have some fun. They also have a concert stage below, so if you look up their events you can even plan to stay for some local live music! It’s the best kind of choose-your-own-adventure – one that has no bad endings! And if you need a guaranteed ride there and back, fill out the form below.
Wishing you all happy days with refreshing drinks,
Andrea
P.S. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Cal Coast, Iron Oaks, or Paso Robles area in general – andrea@slosaferide.com
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