Curator’s statement
When you think of California wine, Napa, Sonoma and Santa Barbara jump to mind and while Paso Robles is not undiscovered, you could argue that it is unappreciated and overshadowed by California’s more famous wine regions. Located just inland from California’s gorgeous central coastline, Paso Robles has the hot days, cool nights and expressive terroir of other celebrated wine regions around the world. You’ll fall in love with the way the art and science of winemaking combine with a rugged frontier spirit and a laid-back California atmosphere to create what I think is the best wine region in California.
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Where to stay in Paso Robles, California
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Things to do in Paso Robles, California
Enjoy Paso Robles' Wineries
Le Vigne Winery - With a focus on Italian-style wines, their wine club is called La Famiglia; you can also enjoy expert cheese pairings with your wine tasting. A full lunch menu is available on weekends.
Castoro Cellars - Their tasting room opens onto a beautiful garden and they even have an onsite disc golf course. You can bring in a picnic if you’d like to snack/have lunch while you taste.
Field Recordings - A different vibe, funky and a bit irreverent. The wine here is not traditional by any means. Visit to embrace Paso’s no-rules approach to winemaking.
Sans Liege - Embracing both New World and Rhone Valley expressions, the wines here demonstrate the freedom of their winemaker to explore - sans liege - and create wines unbound by rules or expectations.
ONX - As you taste, the fun and knowledgeable staff here will also guide you through a map of their vineyards, explaining exactly where the fruit in your glass came from. A must if you love bold blends.
Daou - If you want to feel like you have died and gone to winery heaven, definitely make reservations to visit Daou Mountain. First you’ll drool over the tasting room and then you’ll dive into the great wines and food menu. This is the spot for the Insta pic to make your friends back home jealous.
Bodegas de Edgar - Spanish varietals dominate the tasting card at California’s first Mexican American winemaker.
Clesi Wines - If it is Italian varietals you’re after, you must visit Clesi Wines, a family-owned winery inspired by their Sicilian heritage.
Tablas Creek - Biodynamic and certified as the world’s first regenerative organic vineyard, Tablas Creek focuses on Rhone varietals.
Places to eat & drink in Paso Robles, California
Il Cortile - California casual yet upscale Italian restaurant with a great local and international wine list. Fresh pastas and seasonal ingredients shine on the menu.
La Cosecha - Spanish and Latin American menu with many small plate options and great cocktails.
Hatch Paso Robles - Small plates of comfort food abound. Ask your server about the chef’s tasting and after confirming any allergies, enjoy a mystery selection of the best of the menu. Another great option for cocktails if you’d like a break from wine.
Les Petite Canailles - Upscale French bistro vibes with a seasonal menu and an extensive selection of local and international wines. If your whole table is game, ask for the “trust us” menu featuring five courses based on the chef’s inspiration.
Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ - Casual BBQ spot that is also great for takeout if you’re feeling like dinner in after being out and about all day.
Thomas Hill Organics - Great spot for brunch or lunch. Farm-to-table vibe with a pretty patio. They also do boxed lunches if you want to bring food with you while tasting.
Taqueria los Costenos -This place doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the breakfast burritos are the bomb.
Red Scooter Deli - Great counter-service option for breakfast and lunch. Order ahead online and enjoy your picnic lunch while at a winery.
Need to know
While Paso Robles generally has a laid-back vibe and walk-ins are often welcome, reservations are highly recommended at both wineries and restaurants.
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Kathryn Evans
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Weekend of Adventure in Zion National Park.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to California.