Paso Robles Wine and Where To Visit.

Spring and Paso Robles Wine go hand in hand. The wineries are open and good weather is here.

Experience Wine Tasting in Paso Robles

Paso Robles, located in California’s Central Coast, is a renowned wine region celebrated for its diverse terroir and exceptional wines. With over 200 wineries, it’s the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts looking to indulge in unique tasting experiences. This weekend after attending the Rhône Rangers fund raising event I took a break and visited some friends in the wine business. Sometimes even I leave the beach you know.

Where to Stay and Eat

Paso Robles is just about equal distance from San Jose and Los Angeles and just far enough you probably will end up staying a night or two. Unlike Napa Valley, drinking a 90 point wine here won’t break the bank and joining a wine club or two won’t make you feel like you are buying a new Ferrari.

With the addition of Allegretto and the remodeling of The Farmhouse hotel there is something for everyone. Allegretto is the luxury resort of choice for many regular visitors with a world class spa, mediation gardens and the famous Alpaca George. Don’t forget to ask the valet for a cup of food to feed George when you go.

At the other end is The Farmhouse hotel. One of my personal eclectic favorites. The little bungalows hark back to a time when seatbelts were optional and life was a bit slower. If you want something really eclectic the Madonna Inn is just a few minutes south on the 101. When we stay there we walk to the town square which has a host of tasting rooms like Pianetta, CaliPaso and Justin. After walking the square and tasting some wine, you won’t have a hard time finding something to eat. From Marv’s pizza to the Fish Gaucho to Le Petit Canales there is something for everyone.

What About the Wine?

As a destination, Paso Robles is just far enough from the bay area and the Los Angeles basin to relax and let go of whatever will be waiting for you when you get back. In a hurry? Jump on I-5. Ready for a scenic drive, take the 101. Keep in mind Paso Robles isn’t all wine. Firestone Walker brewing is here too.

What makes Paso Robles a great wine growing area is the climate and the soil. Just like the famous old world growing regions, Paso Robles has several microclimates so no two wineries can create the same wine. I say create because wine is about 50% art, 50% science. If you are curious about wines and blending watch the series “Drops of God” on Apple TV.

What Paso Robles Offers

1. Diverse Varietals: The region is famous for its Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rhône varietals like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Each winery offers a distinct blend of flavors that reflect the area’s climate and soil. Head up the hill and find cool weather whites, on the east side you’ll find big ripe reds.
2. Stunning Scenery: From rolling hills to picturesque vineyards, Paso Robles provides breathtaking views that enhance your wine-tasting journey. If you don’t want to drive there are several tour companies to bring your group around the area.
3. Intimate Experiences: Many wineries offer personalized tastings and tours led by knowledgeable staff who share their passion for winemaking.

Our Top Ten Wineries to Visit

While several of the wineries are downtown, Paso Robles reminds me of old Sonoma where the best tasting rooms are just off the beaten path. A few though are right on the highway and easy to find.

1. Ecluse Winery. Owner Steve Lock has brought in a world class winemaker and in my opinion sets the bar for what Paso Robles wines can be. Ecluse is the French word for lock in case you were wondering. Located a few minutes up Kiler Canyon Road with great views from the patio.
2. Eberle Winery. Considered by many to be the godfather of Paso Robles wines, founder Gary Eberle is seen at the winery regularly holding court with up and coming wine makers and tourists alike. His stories will keep you engaged for at least a glass, if not two. The large deck is often host for member parties and they have a great cave you can rent. Gary’s son Chris is now the primary wine maker and Gary slows down a little after nearly 50 years making wine. You can’t miss it right on highway 46.
3. Glunz Winery. One of our new favorite finds for a bunch of reasons. A list of medal winning wines and surprising flavors aren’t the only thing that helps Glunz stand out. Founders Joe and Helen Glunz still host the member parties while the next two generations of the Glunz family make the magic happen. It is a window into a lost time when families built businesses for the family, the love of the wine and friends, not to sell out to the big three and sit on a beach with an umbrella drink.
4. Copia Winery. One of the smaller and more intimate wineries in Paso isn’t far from downtown. It’s just down the street from Chronic wines which was founded by part of the Glunz clan. Copia has three small tasting areas overlooking some raised bed gardens, a green house and the vineyards. Your blood pressure can’t help but drop 10 points sitting out there.
5. Halter Ranch. As a pilot, just the fact that they have a runway might be enough to get them on the list. But wait there is more. They have a train too! More importantly Halter Ranch went through the crazy process to certify as an organic winery edging them closer to the French wines. For Southern California residents they have a tasting room in Temecula too.
6. Pianetta Winery. One of several wineries that has both a winery tasting room and a downtown tasting room. While the jug wine bottle might look like a bit of a joke, don’t be fooled. Founder and winemaker John Pianetta has earned his place in the Paso Robles wine scene. Never mind we love the jugs as water bottles at home after we drink the wine.
7. Derby Winery. Easily visible from the 101, Derby offers a few things other wineries can’t. As one of the largest private producers they winery is something to see. For the best club members instead of a seller, Derby has a tower with views all around town. It is something to see and by the way the wine is pretty good too.
8. Four Lanterns. One of the coolest things about Paso Robles is that the winemakers have some room to experiment. This year Four Lanterns surprised us a with a fantastic dry sparkling wine made in the traditional style. Methode Champanois for you wine snobs like me. Never mind the other wines are all very good and worth adding to your collection.
9. Lēvo Wines. This one is very different. It is a small negotiant style winery in the famous Tin City area. Get a reservation for this place. I have had the pleasure of watching these wines starting with tasting grapes with the wine maker. This is the one to watch.
10. Tobin James. The first winery in Paso as you enter from the east, Tobin James winery is a landmark. The winery has just enough old California and bohemian style to keep your eyes engaged the entire time you are there. The catch is the best wines are held back for reserve members.

There are nearly 200 other wineries and just because they didn’t make our list, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth visiting. Turley is among one of the coolest to see just because of the history and the old vines. Like most of the Paso wines, it is pretty delicious too.

The Rhône Rangers

One of the highlights of the wine calendar in Paso Robles is the annual Rhône Rangers event, which celebrates American Rhône varietal wines. This festival brings together producers from across the country who specialize in these distinctive grape varieties and Rhône style blends. The Paso Robles area shares many similarities with the famous southern French wine region so it only makes sense there would be some crossover of ideas and wine.

If you get a chance to go next year, the Rhone Rangers event is a highly educational and entertaining event focusing on the Rhône style of blending wines. French GSM wines are among my favorite wines that can go with a lot of different foods. Wine makers in Paso Robles use similar techniques to make some world class wines. Not all of them are GSM, some are SGM and a few add a little something else like Tannat to express the terroir of Paso Robles more boldly.

Rhone Rangers has more than just tasting Paso Robles Wine:

• Tastings from Top Producers: Sample an extensive selection of wines made from Rhône grapes.
• Educational Seminars: Attend sessions led by industry experts discussing viticulture practices and pairing suggestions.
• Meet Winemakers: Gain insights directly from those behind your favorite labels during meet-and-greet opportunities.
• Food Pairing Options: Enjoy culinary delights crafted to complement the featured wines.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your exploration into wines, visiting Paso Robles wineries offers something for everyone—from stunning landscapes to delicious tastings. Don’t miss out on events like Wine Fest and Rhône Rangers; they are not only educational but also incredibly fun!

Cheers! 🍷