Paso Robles Travel Guide - A Day in Majestic Wine Country
8:00am – For a light and healthy start to the day, try The Neighborhood Juice Bar in downtown. You will find a great selection of fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and wonderful vegan options for a quick bite.
9:30am – If you want a more solid foundation for upcoming wine tastings, try Joe’s Place, located only a few blocks away just outside of historic downtown. Joe’s Place is a family-run longtime local favorite that is sure to deliver on delicious food as well as the nostalgic small-town feel. Indulge and try a homemade cinnamon roll- they’re incredible!
11:00am – check out AndBe Boutique – the beautifully curated concept store filled with relaxed-yet-elegant clothing plus rustic and stylish home and table-top accessories from all across the globe. Curated by two amazing women, Austrian and French, who came for the wine and stayed.
1:00pm – Shopping makes you thirsty! You’ll want to take full advantage of being in the heart of incredible wine country while staying in Paso Robles! For an in-town tasting experience, try the JUSTIN or CaliPaso tasting rooms, located in the center of downtown. Or head a few miles south on highway 101 into the town of Templeton to 15C, a living tasting experience located along Templeton’s historic Main Street.
2:30pm – For a full tasting experience, visit the famous Tobin James tasting room, located among the winery’s rolling vineyards east of Paso Robles. Have a favorite wine in mind? With over 200 wineries in Paso’s wine district, there’s a good chance you can visit the winery that produces it for an authentic tasting experience!
4:00pm – Head back to your hotel for a “Siesta”, the Italian version of a short nap in the middle of the day.
6:00pm – Dinner time! Paso Robles has a variety of incredible dining to choose from, depending on what you’re in the mood for: Fish Gaucho: tequila bar is great for happy hour! + fresh, delicious seafood with a Mexicali twist. Buona Tavola: fine Italian dining in a romantic setting, complete with a full-service bar, wine list, and decadent Italian dessert menu. Taste! Craft Eatery: a more casual option with a variety of small plates ideal for sharing.
*If you’re looking for something sweet, check out Negranti Creamery, offering unique and refreshing artisan ice cream made on-site. Another bonus: many flavors are dairy-free, as many of Negranti’s creations use sheep milk instead of cow’s milk! Definitely worth a try (or two).
8:00pm – After dinner, head east of town to Bruce Munro’s Sensorio light exhibit, an absolute must-see that includes the Field of Light and the new Light Towers. Sensorio is a breathtaking art installation that has garnered national attention, including being featured as #6 in New York Times’ list “50 Places to Visit in 2020.” Popular with locals and tourists alike!
What you really need – a good pair of comfy jeans – not too tight! -sneakers, some great tops, and a cashmere scarf for layering.
Forget – tight clothing, feeling guilty for eating and drinking too much, exercise clothes.
Bonus factor – being a wine lover, having a romantic partner or a kick ass girlfriend to share the experience.
Location Mantra – eat, drink, repeat.
Best time – September/October
Stay – Hotel Cheval. Beautiful boutique hotel located in downtown Paso Robles. Tripadvisor’s 2021 “Traveler’s Choice” award winner + named the “#1 Small Hotel” in the United States!