Graduation celebrations are in full swing here on the Central Coast! Whether you’re partying it up as a graduate from Cal Poly University, Cuesta College, Allan Hancock College, or any other school, one of the best ways to do it is in wine country here on the Central Coast. Since Paso Robles has well over 200 wineries, we wanted to create a little cheat sheet on some of the best places for grads like yourself. Get ready, here’s the ultimate Paso Robles wine tour for every college graduate!
Stop One: Food Fuel & Mimosas
You’ve got a long day ahead of you in wine country, with most Paso Robles wine tours lasting four to six hours. You’ll want to fuel up with some mouth-watering Paso Robles breakfasts! That’s why we’d recommend Brunch, located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles. It’s the perfect starting point for the ultimate wine tour in Paso. From savory items like a breakfast pizza or a burrito to sweet treats like their s’mores french toast, there’s something for everyone there. They use local ingredients, ensuring every dish is fresh and delicious. Did we mention they also serve mimosas and Bloody Mary’s? If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out this guide to some of the best places to eat while you’re in wine country.
While you’re in the historic Paso Robles downtown, we definitely encourage you to take in the sights! Go early and walk the park. There’s also a free art gallery, Studios on the Park, that’s definitely worth a visit. If shopping’s more your speed, don’t worry you’ll find plenty of that too. From boutiques with some amazing products from local makers and artists to thrift stores (for those looking for a great deal), you’ll have dozens of stores to peruse before or after your breakfast.
- Brunch
840 13th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
See Their Menu
Stop Two: Sip Wine Like Royalty
Treat yourself like the queen or king you are and raise a glass in the castle of Paso Robles! Cross over a moat of turquoise waters to step into a towering castle. Welcome to Tooth & Nail Winery. This one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience is something you can’t find anywhere else on the Central Coast. After all, what’s not to love about sipping wine on the balcony of a castle overlooking rolling vineyard hills? As an extra bonus, they also offer vineyard and winery tours that you’ll definitely want to check out.
Depending on the day you visit, you also might get to enjoy some live music here at the castle, which is just a blast! Usually, there’s space set up during the live music for dancing, so you can dance the day away at this winery. Then, if you get hungry dig into a hot plate of garlic fries, juicy burger sliders, and more. (Their food is a 10/10!) For more information on this magnificent castle of Paso Robles, click here.
- Tooth & Nail Winery
3090 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Make A Reservation
Stop Two: Pizza It Up
Pizza and wine – there’s not a better combination on the planet! Especially if that pizza is paired with some phenomenal red wine. We’re happy to report that you’ll find just that at Opolo Vineyards! Now the pizza/food part of this winery is pretty important considering that you’re on your second winery. Chances are that by now you’ll start to feel a bit peckish. No one wants to wine taste while they’re hangry, trust us. The pizza will be a big win here. Pair your second wine tasting with a fresh, wood-fired pizza. Yum! Not in the mood for pizza? Don’t worry! You can dig into an amazing platter of artisanal cheeses and meats or try their housemade sausages. For something lighter, you can also opt for one of their tasty salads.
If you want to mix up your wine tasting experience, we recommend checking out their onsite distillery, Willow Creek Distillery, for a spirits tasting. You won’t be disappointed! Specializing in brandy, you’ll find flavors like Pear Brandy, Plum Brandy, Fig Brandy, and more. (In addition to other liqueurs.) Cheers to a good time!
- Opolo Vineyards
7110 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Make A Reservation
Stop Three: Hello Tasting Utopia
Housed in an industrial park nestled along the historic 1,200 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, you’ll enjoy locally-sourced craft beverages by those elbow-deep in the process of creation. Sit at the bar and odds are the person pouring for you is the visionary behind what fills your glass. It’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with local winemakers.
There’s no better way to end, and then begin your early evening than with a stop here at Tin City. With over dozens of wine, beer, cider, and spirit tasting rooms – the possibilities are endless! They’re also all within walking distance of each other- which is a huge plus. We recommend booking a wine tasting well in advance here, as reservations to a lot of these wine tasting rooms fill up fast! This is a great place for larger groups since your group can divide up, beer drinkers can head to BarrelHouse, cider fans can walk over to Tin City Cider, those who love spirits can wander to Wine Shine, and then there are dozens of wine tasting rooms for the wine enthusiasts of the group.
You’ll also find plenty to eat here from food trucks to restaurants to an ice cream parlor (serving up sheep’s milk ice cream), so if you’re feeling munchy you’re in the right spot. For more on places to eat in Tin City, click here.
If you’re looking for another stop that regularly has live music, Tin City is the place to be! Places like BarrelHouse Brewing Company in this tasting utopia often offers live music well into the night. Get the low-down on dancing stops in this mini-city here.
- Tin City
450 Marquita Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446
View All Of The Tasting Stops In Tin City
Embark On The Ulitmate Paso Robles Wine Tour
Did you know that SLO Safe Ride was created by Cal Poly students and a local San Luis Obispo resident for the safety of students getting from campus to downtown and back? We would love to help provide all college graduates with reliable and fun transportation. We have a large fleet of vehicles ranging from a Limo Bus to a Mini Party Bus and more, so we can accommodate any sized group, big or small. Email Info@SLOSafeRide.com, or fill out the form below for a free transportation quote.
What do our Paso Robles wine tours include? Here’s a quick run-down of everything you can expect on your wine tour!
- A fully customizable itinerary. (Our team is happy to make winery recommendations if neeeded.)
- A comfortable or luxurious vehicle of your choice. We have vehicle options that can accomodate any sized group. From a small group of two to a large group of 56, our wide array of vehicles are standing by.
- 3 to 4 winery stops of your choice. (We typically recommend three, so you’re not rushed, jumping from winery to winery.) Please note that tastings are not included in our wine tours.
- Door-to-door service with a personal conceirge/professionally trained driver. Our drivers undergo a rigourus training process to ensure they’re fully equipped and ready to take you on the ultimate wine tour.
