Located in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles is a venerable wine destination. While the area started to put itself on the map with its winemaking in the early 2000s, it has evolved into an epicurean treat, producing mostly European-style wines and a slew of restaurants that won’t disappoint. And when it comes to hospitality, Paso has it down to a tee. Here are a few places to add to your itinerary.
2700 Buena Vista Drive
The sprawling resort is set among the rolling hills of Paso Robles with its own wine-producing vines dotted around the property. The Tuscan-style architecture is the picture-perfect setting for weddings and leisurely weekends away. Guests will enjoy an on-property tasting room, a luxurious spa and a bustling restaurant and bar, which is open from breakfast through after-dinner cocktails. And even though the property is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown, it feels like you have settled into a countryside retreat.
2644 Anderson Road
Choosing between the underground cave room (the stone wall weeps when it rains) or the indoor-outdoor tasting lounge (with picturesque views over the vineyard) for your tasting is probably the hardest decision you will have to make here. The certified organic estate vineyard produces an interesting variety of wines with an emphasis on Rhône varietals. Try them all.
Eleven Twenty-Two Cocktail Lounge
1122 Pine Street
Accessed through Pappy McGregor’s Pub (make your way to the back patio), this speakeasy is a cocktail lover’s dream. The decor is 1930s-inspired and the hushed crowd makes it feel even more authentic. Order the butter pecan old fashioned or a grasshopper for a late-night pick-me-up.
1845 Spring Street
Added to the Michelin Guide in 2023, the restaurant has a loyal local following and for good reason — the menu draws on regional ingredients from trusted farms with an emphasis on expertly prepared seasonal vegetables. The house cocktails are worth a try as well — the carrot margarita is like nothing you have ever sipped.
1803 Spring Street
This mini food hall is ideal for an afternoon lunch and has a little something for everyone. Of course there is wine tasting, but also Japanese soul food and a vegan cheese creamery that offers flights for tasting, among other delicious offerings.
May 16-19
Marin-based Chef Tyler Florence will make an appearance with an all-you-can-eat barbecue at this food and wine festival. Discover more than 100 wineries as well as tasty food stations and live entertainment.
2400 Highway 46 West
If you are looking for a tasting paired with a food experience this is your spot. People travel from far and wide for the homemade focaccia, but the place also has a mouthwatering lunch menu. Weather permitting, the outdoor patio, which overlooks the vines, is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
800 Clubhouse Drive
The spa offers indoor and outdoor mineral spring tubs along with massages and facials. You wouldn’t be in Wine Country unless they offered a wine tasting experience — and they do, of course. Mineral spa experiences are available à la carte, while all spa services include a 30-minute soak.
4380 Highway 46 East
Truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor immersive experience, Bruce Munro’s four light installations are a multiacre exhibit featuring glowing optic fibers, 17,000 wine bottles and sculptural art. This summer will also see a new exhibition by L.A. artists HYBYCOZO. Touted by the New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine, this is a must-visit.
450 Marquita Avenue
This makers market, housed in repurposed industrial buildings, is home to a plethora of wineries, breweries and distilleries. You may need an entire day to explore them all. Not to worry: there is a creamery, bakery, pasta bar and an ice cream shop so you won’t go hungry.
1313 Park Street
Bay Area transplants and husband-and-wife chef/owners Lisa and Mike started their careers in San Francisco, but were drawn to the rich history and laid-back vibe that Paso offers. This bustling eatery showcases the best of what the region has to offer and the passion is apparent in every bite. Definitely make a reservation; this place gets busy.
Live Music Lives On
A weekend in Paso calls for live music; here is where to go to see the best acts.
For evening jazz
1242 Park Street
For daytime music
1346 Railroad Street
For amphitheater concerts
3055 Limestone Way
