Discover PASO ROBLES
Wine Country
Our Paso Robles Wine Travel Guide shares a brief history of the region, terroir, where to sip, where to stay and things to do.
The Paso Robles wine region has really evolved over the past decade, becoming a world class wine region and one of the most renowned in the state of California, after Napa Valley and Sonoma. However, while the region sees a little over a million and a half visitors per year, it gets nowhere near the traffic and crowds that pour into Napa and Sonoma Counties each year (which saw close to 4 million and 10 million in 2018) due to its location 3+ hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.
It is this lack of overwhelming crowds combined with Paso Robles beauty and proximity to the ocean (just a 30-minute drive), increasing number of high quality wine producers, and warm, comfortable hospitality that make the region one of the best places in California to enjoy a long weekend in wine country.
WHERE IS PASO ROBLES?
Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, where coastal Highway 1 meets the 101, Paso Robles offers the perfect blend of California wine country with convenient beach access and Michelin-starred dining.
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
The warmer weather in Paso Robles makes it a great year-around destination. The summer months - June, July, August - are the busiest times to visit Paso Robles. The shoulder seasons, April/May and September/October still provide warm weather but fewer crowds and lower prices. If you're flying into Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport- SBP is the nearest airport (32 miles away).
GETTING TO PASO ROBLES
You can fly in Los Angeles or San Franciso and drive a few hours to Paso or fly nearly direct into the area. The nearest airport to Paso Robles is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport- SBP - and is 32 miles away.
TOP GRAPE VARIETIES IN PAS ROBLES
Paso Robles is home to more than 40 different grape varieties, including Paso’s signature grape – Zinandel. In Paso you will find a mix of Rhône grapes (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier and Roussanne), Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), and Italian and Spanish varieties.
Many vineyards in Paso Robles do dry farmed vines. Meaning, there isn’t any irrigation set up and there are no lines to support the fruit. It’s all up to Mother Nature to yield the grapes. This process is more risky and less fruit is yielded since there is more stress put on the vines BUT the fruit that is produced is more concentrated and robust.
White Wine Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Grenache Blanc
- Viognier
- Roussanne
RED Wine Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Zinfandel
- Syrah
- Mouvredre
- Grenache
Paso Robles was named for its local oak trees, El Paso de Roblas, “The Pass of the Oaks.” In November 29, 1889 the town name was officially changed from “Roblas” to “Robles”.
Spanish conquistadors and Franciscan missionaries introduced wine grapes to the Paso Robles area in 1797. The Padres of the Mission San Miguel were also the first to produce wine in the area. It wasn’t until 1882 that commercial winemaking was introduced to the region. Andrew York, a settler from Indiana established the Ascension Winery, which is now York Mountain Winery.
As far back as 1795, Paso Robles has been spoken of and written about as “California’s oldest watering place”—the place to go for springs and mud baths. There are now only three locations left in the are that offer the healing mineral baths – Paso Robles Inn, River Oaks Hot Spring, and Franklin Hot Springs. If you have the time for soak, do it.
The Paso Robles wine region is home to 11 AVAs, grows more than 40 different grape varieties and has 250+ wineries (and counting).
Paso Robles has a maritime climate due to the Santa Lucia Range that protects the area from the cold and wet weather of the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Templeton Gap in the Santa Lucia Range allows cool maritime air to push through and drop the nighttime temperatures 30-40 degrees. As a result, Paso Robles has one of the longer growing seasons with warm sunny days for the grapes to ripen and longer cooler nights.
WHERE TO SIP
There are more than 200 wineries in Paso Robles, which makes narrowing down your choices extremely difficult, we suggest these must-sip to your itinerary.
Austin Hope
& Treana
Rotta
Winery
Tablas
Creek
Best Wine Tasting Rooms in Downtown Paso Robles
There are a number of Paso Robles wineries that have opened tasting rooms in the main downtown square. This is a great option to sip in a few more wineries you may not have the chance to visit at the winery. This is also a great way to sample the local wines if you’re arriving to town a bit later in the day as the downtown tasting rooms in Parso Robles tend to stay open later (6-7pm). A few of our favorites include…
Tudor Wines – Justin – Asuncion Ridge Vineyards – LXV Wine – CaliPaso Tasting Room
Planning Your PASO ROBLES Wine Country Vacation
PASO ROBLES WINE TASTING ITINERARIES
WHERE TO STAY IN PASO ROBLES
- JUST Inn at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
- Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- The Inn at Opolo
- SummerWood Winery and Inn
- Hotel Cheval
- Paso Robles Inn
- More Recommendations…
WHERE TO EAT IN PASO ROBLES
GETTING AROUND
You will need four wheels to get around, two if you opt to bike. Private drivers may seem like a dime a dozen in Paso, but not all those dimes are equal. Look for those who are well rated and/or ask your hotel for recommendations. In the meantime, here are a few we have used and recommend.
Meet the Winemakers
Carpe Travel’s wine experts sit with top winemakers from regions around the world. Check out these local interviews and learn more about the people who make your favorite wines.
BEYOND THE VINES
If you’re looking for things to do besides sipping in the Paso Robles wineries, we have A LOT OF IDEAS for things to do in Paso Robles that go well beyond the vines.
A visit to the Paso Hot Springs is a must. the town was once called “the Springs” by the native Salinan Indians, before being re-named to Paso Robles. Hot sulfur springs still flow through Paso Robles and are open to the public in three locations: River Oaks Hot Springs Spa and Franklin Hot Springs.
Vina Robles Amphitheatre is a great way to pair live, outdoor music with your wine country getaway. Before the show, stroll downtown Paso for its unique boutiques and galleries.
There are a ton of outdoor activities to be had. From hiking and biking – even through vineyards – to horseback riding and golf. Pick your perfect pairing!
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Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.