Everything you need to know
Tired of seeing the inside of your house for hours, days, weeks, and months at a time? All this time cooped up inside – is enough to drive anyone a little crazy! That’s why we’re dreaming of our next holiday, our next vacation outside the house, and wine tasting in the beautiful wine country of Paso Robles, California. #2021Goals
We’re here to help! Below you’ll find helpful information that you can use to plan your future trip and wine tasting in Paso Robles.
Are Paso Robles Wineries Open?
How Has Wine Tasting Changed Due To COVID-19?
What Is Wine Tasting & Why Do People Love It?
Should You Go On A Wine Tour & What You Should Bring?
How Much Is Wine Tasting In Paso Robles?
What Are The Best Paso Robles Wineries With A View?
What Is Tin City In Paso Robles?
What Are The Best Restaurants In Downtown Paso Robles?
Where Can I Stay In Paso Robles?
What Are Other Activities In Paso Robles?
Are Paso Robles Wineries Open?
Outdoor and indoor wine tasting has begun again in San Luis Obispo County! There are a couple of things to keep in mind now that wine tasting has started again.
- Make a reservation, wineries have limited outdoor space with high demand. Most tasting rooms highly recommend a reservation, and for some it’s mandatory.
- Most wineries will only host groups up to 6 – 8 people in order to adhere to safety guidelines.
- Tastings may be limited to less than an hour to accommodate all of the reservations. This tasting time varies from winery to winery, so it’s important to call beforehand.
- Some wineries are only offering wines for glass or bottle purchases and will not be offering tastings. Be sure to call or check their website before.
How Has Wine Tasting Changed Due To COVID-19?
Wineries are able to host outdoor and indoor tasting again. There are a couple of things to keep in mind now that wine tasting has started back up.
- Make a reservation, wineries have limited outdoor space with high demand. Most tasting rooms highly recommend a reservation, and for some it’s mandatory.
- Most wineries will only host groups up to 6 – 8 people in order to adhere to safety guidelines.
- Tasting may be limited to less than an hour to accommodate all of the reservations. This tasting time varies from winery to winery, so it’s important to call beforehand.
- Some wineries are only offering wines for glass or bottle purchase and will not be offering tastings. Be sure to call or check their website before.
What Is Wine Tasting & Why Do People Love It?
So, what is wine tasting, and what’s with all the hype about it? Well, according to dictionary.com, wine tasting is defined as “A gathering of critics, buyers, friends, etc. to taste a group of wines for comparative purposes.”
However, wine tasting is so much more than that, which is why it’s a favorite activity for both locals and visitors to enjoy in Paso Robles…
wine tasting
or wine tast·ing[ wahyn-tey-sting ] noun
a gathering of critics, buyers, friends, etc., to taste a group of wines for comparative purposes.
The reason wine tasting is a favorite experience and activity is due in large part to the incredible memories it creates. It’s a day-long experience filled with friends, family, stories, breath-taking scenery, delightful wine, and more.
You’ll taste wine from over a dozen different wine grapes, as you listen to first-hand the stories about the wine and the winery from the founding family. (A majority of Paso Robles wineries are created and run by small local families.) As you sip on your wine, you’re not only surrounded by breathtaking rolling vineyard hills, but also by some of your best friends or family. Many wineries will take the experience a step further by offering unique one-of-kind tastings paired with exquisite cuisine, stories, and tours of their vineyard, wine caverns among other things.
You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy wine. You certainly don’t have to be a wine expert or super wine enthusiast to still have a great time.
Side note, did we mention that some wineries also have a distillery onsite? We’ll cheers to that!
Should You Go On A Wine Tour & What You Should Bring?
Here’s what you can expect from a SLO Safe Ride wine tour. Wine tours to Paso Robles usually include three to four winery stops for wine tasting, with the option of a catered lunch. So you could expect to spend anywhere from 3-6 hours wine tasting in Paso Robles, and about 3-4 hours wine tasting in Enda Valley.
Wine tours can come in all different sizes, for instance, you could cruise in our Chrysler 300c Luxury Sedan for two, enjoy a trip in our Mercedes Sprinter LandJet for groups up to seven, or take a large group in a Limousine Bus for up to 24 passengers. (Our largest vehicle is our Prevost Luxury Coach with seating for 56 people.)
Wondering what you should bring on a wine tour? We have some suggestions…
- A rockin’ playlist to play on the road.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you’re wine tasting outside, our coastal sun can shine pretty bright.
- A jacket, Paso Robles can still get some cool coastal winds, it helps to have something warm, just in case.
- A blanket for outdoor picnicking.
- A camera to capture the incredible views and fun memories with friends and family.
- Bring snacks, we recommend cheeses, crackers, and chocolate. (Or you can purchase a fabulous charcuterie board at the winery you’re wine tasting at.)
How Much Is Wine Tasting In Paso Robles?
With over 200 wineries in Paso Robles alone, you’ll discover that there are wineries that offer tastings at a variety of price points. The majority of wineries will offer tastings starting at $15 which usually gives you a taste of four to five wines. The average cost of wine tasting in Passo Robles is $20. You can also add on specialty wine and cheese pairings at some wineries and opt for a more immersive experience, for instance, tasting in their private library, in a vineyard, or a wine cellar. These tastings can start at $25 and increase.
Depending on the experience and your price point, you’re guaranteed to find dozens of wineries that match what you’re looking for. After all, there’s over 200 wineries in Paso Robles (that’s not even counting all of the ones in Edna Valley only a 40 minute drive away).
What Are The Best Paso Robles Wineries With A View?
Paso Robles wine country is known for its picturesque rolling hills, and golden coastal sunshine, so any winery comes surrounded with natural beauty. We have, however, found 5 wineries in particular that offer either offer stunning hilltop views or go above and beyond with additional art and landscaping. (Discover more about these wineries here.)
1. Opolo Vineyards
2. Sculpterra Winery
3. Calcareous Vineyard
4. Halter Ranch Winery
5. DAOU Vineyards & Winery
What Is Tin City In Paso Robles?
Tin City is an up and coming area for wine tasters, food lovers, and those looking to have a great time in a trendy group setting. Located in South Paso Robles, the collective of restaurants, over 20 tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries offers an eclectic experience for those who want a little of everything that the Central Coast has to offer.
For example, you could start off by playing games and enjoying a brew at Barrelhouse, move to a tasting flight at ONX Wines, pause for some mid-round dessert at Negranti Creamery, and end with a hearty meal at the Tin Canteen. This is just one example of a great day you could spend at this hidden gem. Exploring and enjoying Tin City is definitely an all day experience! (Learn more about Tin City here.)
What Are The Best Restaurants In Downtown Paso Robles?
After a long day of wine tasting, nothing feels quite as good as an incredible meal at one of the restaurants in downtown Paso Robles. You’ll find a stunning array of restaurants from classic American diners to Thai cuisine, Italian, Japanese, fusion, and everything in between. Here are our top five favorite places to enjoy a meal in downtown Paso Robles.
1. Fish Gaucho
2. BL Brasserie
3. La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant
4. Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Bar
5. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ
Check out these additional stops for sweet treats and BBQ stops.
After your meal, if you’re still up for a glass or two of wine you’re in luck. Did you know that downtown Paso Robles is home to approximately 20 wine tasting rooms? Even luckier still, most of them are within walking distance from the restaurants. Giving you the chance to explore beautiful downtown Paso Robles and stretch your legs in between wine tasting rooms.
Below are a few of our favorite wine tasting rooms located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles.
Where Can I Stay In Paso Robles?
One day in Paso Robles just wasn’t enough? We totally get it! We always recommend two days – if not a week, if at all possible when visiting wine country here on the Central Coast. One of the perks when sleeping over in wine country? Sleeping among the vines and under the stars. Below we’ll share 4 venues that offer accommodations right in the middle of vineyards, for the real Paso Robles experience.
- The Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of Paso Robles wine country, Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres evokes the character and charm of an Italian vineyard estate. The first of its kind in “Paso” and a world unto itself, the Allegretto is situated on 20 acres of meandering walking paths, manicured Mediterranean gardens, wine-grapes and olives and fruit orchards. From inspired Tuscan architecture to interiors adorned with meticulously curated art and artifacts, it a sanctuary created to invoke the luxury, warmth and beauty of the good life. - The Geneseo Inn at Cass Winery
Built out of recycled steel shipping containers, the rooms of the inn sit in the middle of the vineyards, offering you and your guests the perfect immersive experience as you watch the stars shine over the vineyard. - Villa Giada at Rava Wines + Events
Enjoy a private three-bedroom luxury home above the estate’s tasting room. Step out on the balcony and overlook miles of vineyards and oaks on their 505-acre estate. - Terra Mia
Located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, Terra Mia is next to two wineries, only a minute away. When you arrive at Terra Mia you’ll follow a pathway adorned with lights that leads you through beautiful olives trees and to a lake, complete with a waterfall and a sandy beach. Relax out on the deck by the water with a water backdrop. End your night by retiring to the Suite, and listen to the night breeze sweep through the countryside.Do you want to see more luxurious accommodations throughout San Luis Obispo County? We’ve got you covered! View some of the highest-rated hotels, with wine tour packages in San Luis Obispo County here.
What Are Other Activities In Paso Robles?
Wine tasting isn’t the only activity in Paso Robles wine country has a number of other activities that we highly recommend. We’ll list three of our favorites down below!
- Spirit Tasting
Did you know that Paso Robles has a budding craft distillery scene? The current Paso Robles Distillery Trail has over ten locations! It’s a must-try for everyone looking to shake up their tasting experience. We’ve collected a few of our favorites to try as your spirit tasting, click here to view them. - Horseback Ride Through Vineyards
Enjoy unique, guided horseback riding experiences on California’s Central Coast with Central Coast Trailrides. You can tour local wineries, private ranches, vacation properties, and local state land, all on horseback. They offer customizable packages too, so you can tailor your next Paso Robles experience to your exact needs. - Visit The Bruce Munro: Sensorio Light Experience
Wander through the installation and fully immerse yourself in the blossoming art. For this exhibit, you can purchase a VIP ticket, gaining access to hillside views over the installation, a private VIP Airstream bar stocked with some of the best Paso Robles wine, fire pits and lounge seating. Or, you can enjoy a regular ticket, gaining you access a common area with live music, local food and drinks. Both tickets still offer the same incredible immersion of The Bruce Munro: Field of Light At Sensorio experience.Discover more activities in Paso Robles here.
That’s a wrap!
Now you have plenty of information and insight to help plan your future wine tasting experience in Paso Robles. If you’d like personal help from our team of transportation concierges, feel free to give us a call at (805) 620-7233 or email us at Info@SLOSafeRide.com.
