If you haven’t been to Paso Robles recently, or at all – it’s time to pack your bags!

Of all the wine regions in California that are over shadowed by the Napa Valley, the Paso Robles wine country is the one that cannot be kept in the dark. There is just way too much winemaking talent in this region for it to be a step-sister. The biggest issue for Paso is where it’s located, or not located, as in not located close to a major airport, nor to a huge metro area.

For those in the know though, this same issue is also its greatest asset: lovely hotels that won’t break your bank, wonderful restaurants where you can actually get reservations and absolutely enthralling wines.

Here are the WineGeo recommended Paso Robles destinations

The Canyon Villa – Paso Robles

Paso Accommodations

Basic – The Oaks Hotel: Quite nice and clean.

Mid-Range – The Paso Robles Inn: Quaint with old style charm and small, cute pool.

Luxurious – The Canyon Villa: Beautiful and elegant on 11 acres but still close to everything. If you choose this property, book a private dinner at the villa as the new proprietor is the ex-chef at the Playboy Mansion.

Paso Restaurants

 #1 Il Cortile –

Amazing homemade Italian everything! Having had dinner with various wineries at this restaurant over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to taste most of the menu and have enjoyed it all. Ask for the Charcuterie plate which I don’t believe is on the menu but is fantastic!

#2 Roberts Restaurant and Wine Bar –

Again having dined at Robert’s as a guest of a winery I can attest that the food and the service were phenomenal. Do not leave this establishment without ordering the Braised Pork Belly!

#3 Thomas Hill Organics –

After dinning at afore mentioned Italian and French restaurants, Thomas Hill Organics is a breath of fresh veggies, albeit, prepared in very creative ways.   This restaurant offers plenty of wonderful meat offerings but it also has several menu items that are a bit more organic.

Paso Robles Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive Paso area by 3:00 PM

• 3:00 – 4:00 Wine tasting at Eberle Winery

Absolute must: Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon

Purchase bottle of wine (in addition to any case purchases) to take to your room for your own happy hour

• 4:30 – Arrive Paso Robles Inn
• 5:00 – 6:00 PM Enjoy glass of wine on patio of your room or at pool
• 6:30 Arrive Roberts Restaurant and Wine Bar

Return to your hotel at your leisure with your bounty and sip and swirl…

Day 2 – Breakfast at hotel

• 9:30 Depart for the Adelaida area
• 10:00 – 11:00 Taste at Adelaida Cellars

Absolute must: the Rosé and check out the cute sheep!

• 11:00 ish Depart for Justin
• 11:20 – 12:20 Taste at Justin

Absolute must: the iconic ISOSCELES®

• 1:00 Arrive Il Cortile for lunch
• 2:30 Depart for Bon Niche (call ahead)
• 3:00 – 4:00 Bon Niche

Absolute must: L’Entrée – Malbec – 2010

• 5:00 Arrive Canyon Villa
• 6:00 Private Dinner with Chef William Carter

Day 3 – Breakfast at Inn

•  9:30 Depart Inn
•  10:150 Arrive Chateau Margene
  

  Chateau Margene Tasting Room and gorgeous grounds – Paso Robles

Absolute must: Any of the Cabernets

• 11:30 Depart for L’Aventure (call to make appointment)
• 12:00 Arrive L’Aventure

Absolute must: Cote a Cote

• 1:00 Depart for Thomas Hill Organics
• 1:30 – 3:00 Thomas Hill Organics
• 3:00 Depart for home

This is just one option for a 48-hour trip to the Paso Robles wine region. There are SO many more to choose from and if you want to go rogue and add in craft beer…the possibilities are endless!

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Roxanne Langer

Sommelier, international wine judge, marketing director of various wineries and wine writer/author, Roxasnne has over 20 years experience in the international wine industry. Currently, Roxanne owns and operates WineFUNdamentals, a wine edutainment and experience company which provides wine programs to corporations, associations and universities. These programs include key note addresses, breakouts, wine incentive travel, wine seminars, food and wine pairing programs, wine receptions and dinners and wine team building. She is also also an adjunct wine professor for a culinary college and a university.

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