More than 300 wineries, farm fresh food, and a quaint downtown make this small city a perfect getaway
Paso Robles is about a four-hour drive for Los Angeles, making it closer than Napa but farther than the Santa Ynez Valley. The more than 300 wineries in this sleepy Central California town are uncrowded, affordable, and produce some of the best wines in the world. Here is a guide to a perfect weekend getaway in Paso Robles.
STAY
Settle into one of 171 spacious room and suites at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. The Tuscan-inspired peaceful hotel is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of winetasting. Nestled among 20 acres of fruit trees and vineyards, it houses an elegant 12, 000 square foot courtyard, pool, spa, French chapel, Mediterranean gardens, wine bar, tasting room, restaurant, a breathtaking lobby with central staircase and huge fireplace, Inside, the resort houses unique art and artifacts throughout the property. Reservations at https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com.
EAT
Cello Ristorante & Bar, Allegretto’s signature eatery, features Mediterranean-inspired dishes utilizing locally farmed and foraged ingredients. Guests can choose from dining inside at cozy tables and booths with live music or al fresco around circular fire pits on the heated patio.
For an evening of elevated cuisine, head to the Michelin-Starred Restaurant at Justin Wineries where Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom creates dishes highlighting ingredients grown on the 26-acre farmstead. The seasonal multicourse dinner tasting menu offers a matching wine program that perfectly pairs wines for each dish. Diners can choose to sit inside in the green and white spacious dining room or eat al fresco overlooking the vineyards. Open for dinner Thursday through Saturday, reservations at https://www.justinwine.com/dine.
DRINK
You can spend an entire afternoon at the huge gorgeous DAOU Vineyards and Winery. The brothers (Georges and Daniel) produce delicious Cabernet Sauvignons as well as red blends. The tasting room features a huge rectangular marble tasting bar, a large fireplace and beautiful seating overlooking the DAOU vineyards and mountains. Stay awhile and stroll through the elegant estate, enjoy the view and wine and order charcuterie or larger lunch plates. Reservations at https://daouvineyards.com/.
Head downtown to the cozy Indigene Cellars to taste owner Raymond Smith’s variety of terrior-based red and white wines. The small tasting area is located in a narrow alleyway next to Jeffrey’s BBQ. You can opt to sit outside on high tables or inside at the intimate marble bar. Open Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 9pm. A six-wine flight tasting is just $25, so well worth a visit. Reservations at https://www.indigenecellars.com/.
EXPLORE
Stop by the Brown Butter Cookie Company for a box of citrus, cocoa, espresso, almond, cinnamon or original brown butter cookies to go.
A few doors down is the Paso Robles General Store, providing unique gifts for the pantry and home. Pick up some local olive oil, coffee, or honey as well as blankets, coffee mugs, soaps and candles to remember your trip.
Visit Studios on the Park, the city’s nonprofit art center with six studios, four galleries and a fine art gift shop. You can take a class, view exhibitions or find a keepsake at their crafty gift shop.
If you want to get away for a weekend of wine tasting, longing for a romantic few days with your significant other, or want to leave the hustle and bustle of a bit city, Paso Robles is the perfect place for a short escape.
