Paso Robles Itinerary: Where to Wine Taste, Eat, Stay & More
I feel like I am about to spill the tea on a top-secret location as I am writing this Paso Robles itinerary. Paso Robles is a little slice of California that most locals probably want to keep all to themselves.
Located on the California Central Coast and smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco is where you will find the beautiful Paso Robles. When people think of wine country, they usually associate it with the northern Californian regions. However, Paso Robles wines and vineyards will give Napa and Sonoma a run for their money.
Have I gotten you intrigued yet? Continue reading for a complete itinerary of Paso Robles, where to wine taste, eat, stay, and more.
💰 Want to Save $$ Wine Tasting
The cost of wine tastings can easily add up when you visit multiple wineries in a weekend.
If you want to save money on wine tasting and use it elsewhere like towards accommodations, restaurants, and tours- Priority Wine Pass can cut your tasting fees in half! Literally.
They offer 2 for 1 tastings at participating wineries. So you would only need one pass per couple! It’s a pretty incredible deal!
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How to Pronounce Paso Robles
First things first, if you are visiting Paso Robles, you need to pronounce the name of this region like a local. The name Paso Robles looks easy enough to say. However, the correct pronunciation is not what you are thinking. It is pronounced as Paso ROH-buhlz.
Even after visiting multiple times, I still have to stop and think before I say the name. So don’t worry, if you get it mixed up the first couple of times, I am sure there will be someone around to correct you.
Planning Your Own Itinerary vs. Booking a Tour
A question I often get about booking wine tastings is should I plan my own wine tastings or should I go with a tour? Don’t stress about it too much, either option you go with, I am sure you will not regret it. Paso Robles is such a magical and beautiful location, once you are there, it will not make a difference how you decided to plan your trip.
Booking a Tour:
- No fuss and saves you time because all of the planning and reservations are done for you
- is great for larger groups of people ( a lot of tours have vans or minibusses)
- A designated driver & tour guide
- If you want to visit multiple wineries in a day
Planning Your Own Wine Tastings:
- It will save you money because you are doing all of the bookings by yourself
- Great if you have your own car
- It will give you a more flexible schedule
Top Paso Robles Tour
The Paso Robles Wine Adventure is the perfect tour to book for a full or half day of wine tasting. What I love about this tour, is that they work with you to create the best wine tasting itinerary for your small group.
The Paso Robles Wine Adventure provides the opportunity to personally select your four to six wine tastings from some of the top wineries in Paso Robles. The full day tour also includes a picnic lunch for your group and pick up from your Paso Robles accommodations.
If this is only your first or second time visiting Paso Robles, a guided tour is a great way to learn more about the region and the wine it produces. It also just nice to not have to worry about a designated driver. Instead, you can just sit back and enjoy the gorgeous scenery and sip on the delicious wine.
🍷 Book the Paso Robles Wine Adventure here
Paso Robles Weekend Itinerary
Day One: Paso Robles Itinerary
Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks, and Dinner with 3 Wine Tastings
9:00 am Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Bar
1313 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Farm to table at its best. The entire menu at Thomas Hill Organics has fresh and organic ingredients grown and sourced from local farms. Our breakfast at Thomas Hill was outstanding, starting from the French press coffee to their creamy burrata served with fresh peaches.
Reserve a seat outside. Their outdoor patio looks like a little oasis tucked away in downtown Paso Robles. This place fills up quickly; you will need to make reservations in advance.
10:00 am Wine Tasting Reservation Justin Vineyards & Winery
Justin Estate
11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Justin Downtown Tasting Room
811 12th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Starting wine tasting fee: $40 per person
My husband and I are huge fans of Justin wine. We have been buying it for years now and always uncork a bottle of Justin when we have guests over for dinner. When visiting, be prepared to be tasting some delicious world-class wine. Justin Vineyards is one of the wineries that originally put Paso Robles on the map as a wine destination.
In Paso Robles, they have a downtown tasting room as well as tasting experiences on their estate. If you are looking for food to go along with your wine tasting, Justin also offers a farm-to-table restaurant at their estate.
12:00 pm Wine Tasting Reservation Calcareous Vineyard
3430 Peachy Canyon Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Starting wine tasting fee: $25 per person
Up the winding vineyard-lined road of Peachy Canyon, you find the beautiful estate of Calcareous Vineyard. Once you arrive, you walk across the lush grass to the comfortable and shaded tasting area. The views are gorgeous from the lawn.
If you explore a little further along the dirt path, the views open up and showcase the beauty of Paso Robles. As far as you can see, there are breathtaking views of cascading hills and vineyards.
Calcareous serves up some delicious wood-fired pizzas and is the perfect opportunity to grab a bite to eat while sipping on your award-winning wines. Is pizza not your thing? They also have a full kitchen with plenty of other options to nibble on.
2:30 pm Wine Tasting Reservation at Daou Family Estates
2777 Hidden Mountain Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
If there is one winery that I would tell you that you absolutely have to visit, it would be Daou. You will not be disappointed by the views, wine, and overall experience.
Perched on top of Daou Moutain, Daou Vineyards offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Yes, the views were incredible, but what really blew us away was Dauo’s selection of wine. Daou’s Cabernet Savignon is famously known and rivals the very best in the world.
If you are still hungry or want something to munch on while you soak in the views, I highly recommend ordering Dauo’s cheese plate. It was a little pricey, but probably one of the best cheese plates I have ever ordered. The cheese plate was overflowing with rich and delicious cheeses, charcuterie, unique spreads, pita bread, and more.
4:00 pm Time to Reenergize at Spearhead Coffee
After three wine tastings, you may be feeling a little sleepy. Reenergize by getting some coffee or taking a nap before your dinner plans. Spearhead Coffee is located in downtown Paso Robles and is open until 6 pm
6:00 pm Drinks at Alchemists’ Garden
After that rejuvenating nap or cup of coffee to wake you back up, plan on stopping by the Alchemists’ Garden in Downtown Paso Robles. Alchemist opened recently in 2020 and quickly became known for having some of the best and innovated drink concoctions in town. Though we did not eat here, the smells coming from the kitchen, and their food menu looked amazing.
Request to sit outside in their airy garden. However, if you do not arrive early, be prepared to wait to be seated. Alchemists’ Garden does not take any reservations.
7:30 pm Dinner at La Cosecha Bar & Restaurant
We ordered a little bit of everything from La Cosecha and enjoyed it all! Their menu focuses on Latin-inspired flavors from South America and Spain.
Other Great Restaurants in Downtown Paso Robles
Fish Gaucho
The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar
Day Two: Paso Robles Itinerary
Breakfast and lunch with two wine Tastings
10:00 Breakfast at Kitchenette
105 S Maine Street #1, Templeton, CA
Many of the hotels, such as The Oaks Hotel & Suites, include breakfast with your stay. However, if you are interested in a different option or trying something new, Kitchenette is a great spot to grab a quick and yummy meal.
Their menu has a wide selection and a little bit of everything for you to choose from. It is also conveniently located only 10 minutes from your first wine tasting of the day.
11:30 am Wine Tasting at Booker Vineyard
2644 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Wine Tasting Starts at $40 per person
I originally picked this vineyard solely based on its reputation and award-winning wines. However, we were all pleasantly surprised by what else we found at Booker Vineyard.
The grounds have a sophisticated and posh feel about them. All of the staff wear white, while the décor is very modern and chic. The classic wine tasting takes place in their patio or lounge that has indoor-outdoor seating. The hillside boasts gorgeous views of their vineyards. Along the front of the vineyard, they have a bocce ball and corn hall court.
If you are interested in elevating your experience at Booker Vineyard, you can also book a tour and tasting of their library wines in a wine cave experience. We decided not to do this, but the wine caves are brand new, and I am sure they are spectacular. Their wines held up to the reputation and were some of my favorite the entire trip.
1:30 pm Wine Tasting at Tooth & Nail
3090 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Mixed Tasting (Red & White Wines) $30
All Red Tasting $40
Located a less than 5-minute drive from Booker Vineyards. Tooth & Nail is one of the more unique wineries you can visit in Paso Robles. What makes Tooth & Nail different from the other wineries is its venue and ambiance.
Their estate is a castle surrounded by a moat and scenic views of their vineyards. The atmosphere at Tooth & Nail is very welcoming, with live music playing, friendly staff, and plenty of shaded seating on their patio.
Tooth & Nail is also the perfect location to have so lunch during your wine tasting. There are lots of great options on their menu for you to choose from. We ordered wagyu beef sliders, smoked beet hummus, and their fried chicken sliders, all of which were amazing.
How to Save Money on Wine Tasting in California
Paso Robles is one of the many incredible wine regions in California. It is one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world! If you are a wino like myself and can never get enough wine you are going to need the Priority Wine Pass.
The Priority Wine Pass gets you the best-discounted rates at some of our favorite wineries and in California, Washington & Oregon. Including popular regions like Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Temecula, & many more.
Besides saving on your wine tastings, another awesome perk is the savings on popular tours in Napa Valley. After purchasing the Priority Wine Pass, you can receive discounts on Napa Valley Bike Tours, the Napa Valley Wine Train, and wine cave tours.
If you plan on visiting multiple wine regions or just Napa Valley, the Priority Wine Pass easily pays for itself.
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With my Travel Today Work Tomorrow exclusive deal you can save an extra $20 on a yearly Priority Pass.
🍷 To save money on your wine tastings get your Priority Pass here
It is important to know: If you only plan on visiting Paso Robles for wine tasting and not one of the other wine regions. I do not recommend getting the Priority Wine Pass. They only have a few wineries from Paso Robles with discounts and personally, I do not think it would be worth it.
What Kind of Wine Does Paso Robles Produce?
We have been buying wine from Paso Robles way before we went wine tasting here. Trust me, now that you know about Paso Robles, you are going to notice their wines on the shelves of supermarkets and at many fine-dining restaurants everywhere.
Paso Robles, California, consists of 40,000 acres of vineyards, with more than 200 wineries. Most of the wineries in Paso Robles are family-owned and operated businesses.
They have the ideal weather for winemaking. With their warm sunny days and cool nights, it creates the perfect climate to produce a variety of over 40 wine grapes.
Some of the favorites of the Paso Robles region are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne
Getting Here & Around Paso Robles
Paso Robles Wine Country sits along U.S. Highway 101, located in the middle of California’s Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
For more tips, you can visit my post here: How To Get To Paso Robles: Ultimate Guide
The closest airports to Paso Robles:
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport 32 miles
Santa Maria Public Airport 65 miles
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport 126 miles
San Jose International Airport 159 miles
Oakland International Airport 190 miles
San Francisco International Airport 192 miles
Los Angeles International Airport 213 miles
Arriving in Paso Robles by Car
The easiest way to get to and around Paso Robles would be by car. Either by renting one or making the drive from one of the nearby cities. Paso Robles is a 3-hour drive from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
🚗 Avoid the hassle and book your car rental ahead of time for the lowest rate by clicking here!
Arriving in Paso Robles by Train
If you have more time to spare and prefer not to drive, taking a train into Paso Robles may be a fun and exciting option for you. There is an Amtrak located in Paso Robles, which provides rides from numerous closeby cities. Including San Jose, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. To find an updated train schedule, you can go here.
What is The Best Time of Year to Visit
One of the many reasons why so many people love California is that we get to plan incredible trips, like wine tasting, all year long. How lucky are we?
Summer
It gets hot during a Paso Robles summer day. We visited in July, and even with temperatures reaching 90 degrees, we felt comfortable our entire stay. The wineries all had plenty of shade and water for us, so the hot day felt very bearable.
Fall
Fall is harvest season in Paso Robles and the most popular time of year to visit. There are usually many events and celebrations planned at the wineries during this time. If you are visiting during this time, be sure to make reservations at the wineries and with accommodations in advance.
Winter
Not the most popular time to visit, but it can be the ideal time to visit Paso Robles. There are fewer people, which means better prices for stay and more available reservations to go wine tasting. The weather around this time is cooler, with temperatures between 61 degrees to 32 degrees Fahrenheit at night, with occasional rain.
Spring
My favorite time of year to go wine tasting! There will be fewer crowds than in the summertime and fall, but also still have great weather. Beautiful wildflowers are also common during the spring in California, which look lovely amongst the vineyards.
Paso Robles Hotels & Where to Stay
There are plenty of places to choose from when looking to book an Airbnb or hotel for your stay in Paso Robles. To get to the many wineries you will either need to drive, Uber/Lyft, or book a tour.
You are not going to find a hotel that is within walking distance of all of the wineries. As long as you book a hotel within the city of Paso Robles, you should be about 10-20 minutes from all of the wineries and downtown Paso Robles.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
⭐ RATING: 9.2 out of 10 Stars | BOOK NOW
If you would like a suggestion of an incredible place to stay, I highly recommend Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This resort has a lot to offer and will ensure a fabulous stay in Paso Robles.
Want to learn more about Allegretto Vineyard Resort? Check out my post: Allegretto Vineyard Resort Reviews 2023 for everything you need to know to decide if this is the best accommodation for you.
The Allegretto Resort is Tuscan-inspired and surrounded by 20 acres of beautiful vineyards. You can book vineyard tours or spend some time on your own exploring the grounds of Allegretto. They produce delicious wine as well. Allegretto provides wine tastings that you can do either in their tasting room or in the beautiful gardens.
Also, at the resort, you will find Cello Ristorante & Bar which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, a spa, and a pool. Allegretto Vineyard Resort is popular and does book up fast!
✅ Book your stay at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Allegretto Vineyard Resort: Dog-Friendly Hotel
Our favorite perk was the dog-friendly accommodations. It is by far one of the best dog-friendly hotels that I have stayed at (and we have been to a few).
What really impressed us was their canine menu! They have a special dog-friendly menu that serves poached chicken, filet mignon, and a doggie dessert. I couldn’t believe it; it was doggie heaven to our pup Cash.
🐾 For recommendations of other Paso Robles dog-friendly hotels for every budget, check out my recent post, Best Paso Robles Dog Friendly Hotels & Best Dog Friendly Wineries: Ultimate Guide & Tips
How Many Days Do you Need in Paso Robles
With over 200 wineries in Paso Robles, a day trip is not enough! I recommend staying for a weekend to get two decent days of wine tasting, a visit to downtown Paso Robles, and dinner at one of the many amazing farm-to-table restaurants.
How Much is Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
If you are familiar with wine tasting in Napa Valley or Sonoma, you will find the wine tasting prices in Paso Robles to be a little more budget-friendly. As always, the prices vary from the winery you are doing tastings.
Most wine tastings average between $15 to $40. $40 is usually the cost of a tasting at the more expensive wineries such as Justin, Booker Vineyard, and Daou Family Estates. If you buy a couple of bottles, become a club member, or spend a certain amount, we found that most wineries will waive your tasting fee.
Do You Need Reservations for Wine Tasting
As wineries have opened up again in 2021, they are requiring you to make a reservation in advance. They have to limit the number of people they are serving at a time. Also, what is new, wineries may not be able to accommodate groups larger than 6 people.
I suggest either making multiple reservations or calling the winery to arrange your tasting. Time limits are also being enforced. Wineries request that you only stay for one hour to one and a half hours so they can accommodate other guests. Arrive on time. They will only give you a 15 minute grace period after your scheduled wine tasting.
How Many Wine Tastings Do you Recommend To Do in a Day
You should schedule 2 to 3 wine tastings in a day. Our sweet spot is usually 3 tastings if we start early. We have met people who have done five tastings in one day, and I can’t comprehend how that is possible!!
Three is the perfect number because it gives you plenty of time at each winery, and you will not be rushing through each tasting. Also, by three tastings, you are already feeling pretty tipsy. I can only imagine how you would feel adding on two more tastings!
What Is There To Do in Paso Robles Besides Wine Tasting
Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio
Displayed along the Paso Robles rolling hills is a fiber-optic light show. General admission tickets range from $30-$40 per ticket. Unfortunately, we did not do it on our last trip to Paso Robles because it was a holiday weekend and sold out. The Light at Sensorio exhibit looks like an incredible experience and something I would love to do in the future.
Paso Robles Hot Springs
If you are looking for some R&R on your California vacation, try visiting a hot spring. Take a relaxing soak in a hot mineral spring at one of the three different locations in Paso Robles.
Franklin Hot Springs
Paso Robles Inn
River Oak Shot Springs
Hearst Castle
A popular stop and attraction when traveling through the Central California Coast. Hearst Castle is an enormous estate that sits on 250,000 acres of land that overlooks the city of San Simeon, California.
The Hearst family originally started building on this land in 1865, and continuously expanded until 1917. The mansion has a one-of-a-kind collection and is filled with beautiful art. There are 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, pools, and terraces. Today the Hearst Castle has become a historic museum that is open to the public for guided tours.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Paso Robles
Pros of Visiting Paso Robles
Living in the Bay area, I am luckily very familiar with wine tasting in northern California. There were certain things that I actually preferred in Paso Robles over Napa Valley and Sonoma.
- Paso Robles was very dog-friendly. Almost all of the wineries in the area allow dogs on leash during wine tastings.
- Paso Robles feels more secluded and hidden than Napa Valley. Napa Valley has double the amount of wineries as Paso Robles and is a little more congested and touristy than Paso Robles.
- You can find cheaper accommodations, wine tastings, and dinners than in Napa Valley and Sonoma.
Cons of Visiting Paso Robles
One of the only cons I can think of is the location of Paso Robles. It’s not the easiest to get to if you are visiting California from a different state or country because the major airports are all a couple of hours away.
In Conclusion: Paso Robles Itinerary
I hope you have found my Paso Robles itinerary helpful in planning your trip to wine country! If you love wine tasting as much as I do, you must visit the wine tasting mecca, Napa Valley. For everything you need to know before planning your trip to Napa Valley:
✔️Is There Uber in Napa: How to Get Around Napa Valley
✔️First Time to Napa Valley Itinerary: Ultimate Guide & Tips
✔️Napa Day Trip: 6 Unique Itineraries
✔️How Many Days Do You Need in Napa Valley
