Last Updated on July 18, 2023
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles is a charming and vibrant city renowned for its rich history and exceptional wines. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it doesn’t get nearly as much attention as Napa and Sonoma, but that’s a good thing for travelers who enjoy a quieter small town vibe.
Beyond its wine heritage, Paso Robles also offers a picturesque setting with rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and a thriving downtown area. Visitors can indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, explore art galleries, attend local festivals, and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality and vibrant culture of this wine-loving community.
I recently spent three full days in Paso Robles, and although I packed a lot in, I can’t wait to go back and explore even more of this beautiful area. Sorry Napa and Sonoma, but I’m a Paso Robles gal now!
To make it easy for you, I’m sharing the exact three-day itinerary my group enjoyed so you can sample some of the best this area has to offer.
Day 1
I arrived the evening prior with my friend and business partner Noreen and her husband. It was my first visit, but Noreen is a seasoned Paso Robles veteran and told me she knew exactly where to take me.
Tasting: DAOU Vineyards
2777 Hidden Mountain Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446
Noreen knew I would fall in love with DAOU’s location and aesthetic, and she proved she knows me well. I loved DAOU from the moment I laid eyes on it. The location is absolutely breathtaking, and I couldn’t stop taking photos from every vantage point. At the highest elevation in the area, you can see for miles around as you sip your wine (see the featured image at the top of this post).
We indulged in the charcuterie with our tasting, and it had several delicious cheeses, salami, prosciutto, fruit and more. I’m not a big red drinker, but I really enjoyed the Reserve Rose (97% Grenache Noir, 3% Sauvignon Blanc) and Soul of a Lion (81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot).
Lunch: Finca
1803 Spring St Suite A, Paso Robles, CA 93446
We headed back into downtown Paso Robles to enjoy lunch at Finca, a casual Mexican restaurant featuring Baja- and Sonora-style cuisine. We indulged in tacos that ranged from fresh fish to pork belly and duck. Finca has great atmosphere and is a quick stop if you want to grab something fresh and affordable.
Check In: Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robes
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles
212 Alexa Ct, Paso Robles, CA 93446
This comfortable and convenient hotel provides a welcoming home base for your Paso Robles adventure. The suites are quite spacious if you’re traveling with friends or family. There was a good free breakfast every morning, and it was a good location for getting to everything else on the itinerary.
Check out a full review from one of the attendees on the travel writing retreat we hosted at the Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles.
Another Option: Farmhouse Motel
Although we didn’t stay there, we did get to tour The Farmhouse Motel (205 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA 93446) days after its grand opening. The Farmhouse Motel is a unique boutique hotel that captures the rustic and vintage-inspired ambiance of Paso Robles. Take in the charming surroundings, relax in comfortable accommodations, and enjoy the personalized hospitality.
Happy Hour: Paso Robles Wine Merchant
1144 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
After the rest of our travel writing retreat attendees checked in, we all headed to Paso Robles Wine Merchant for some delightful drinks and snacks. Explore their extensive selection of wines sourced from local wineries and beyond. Knowledgeable staff can guide you through tastings, helping you discover new favorites.
We were lucky enough to meet husband and wife owner team Justin and Julie, who moved to Paso Robles to pursue careers in food and wine. After working for others in the area, they opened Paso Robles Wine Merchant to help winemakers and farms in the area get their products in front of more visitors. It’s a great way to discover more of what the area has to offer without having to drive all over town.
Dinner: Della’s
1445 Monterey Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Next up was Della’s for dinner. This charming eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere along with a menu featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in their creative dishes, thoughtfully prepared to showcase the flavors of Paso Robles.
We sampled the salad and several appetizers, in addition to several pizzas and the New York Strip. It was all delicious, and they had some amazing local wines.
Jason Haas from Tablas Creek joined us to share some of his wines as well, so although we didn’t make it to their winery, I can tell you their wines were great.
Day 2
Lunch and Tasting: Barton Family Wines
2172 San Miguelito Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
We had a morning travel writing workshop and then lunch and a tasting session at Barton Family Wines. Situated in the picturesque countryside, Barton Family Wines crafts exceptional wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
Barton Family Wines has the distinction of making what is now my favorite red wine: California Love (Grenache/Counoise). All their wines have song titles as names, which I think is so much fun.
They also have the most incredible baked brie with fresh apple basil compote, brown butter, honey and hazelnuts. We met the couple who owns the winery, and they made us feel like family.
For those who prefer spirits, they also own Grain + Vine, which also has a tasting room on site.
Tasting: Thacher Winery
8355 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446)
We were able to experience the Stables Tasting at Thacher Winery, where you can enjoy their renowned wines in the rustic charm of a renovated horse barn. The two-hour tasting here gave us one-on-one attention with their owner, who walked us through a selection of exclusive wines and educated us on the different grapes they’ve experimented with over the years.
With a focus on sustainability and organic practices, Thacher Winery delivers exceptional wines that reflect the true essence of Paso Robles.
Happy Hour: Cane Tiki Room
1244 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Cane TIki Room delivers something a little different to Paso Robles. This tropical-themed bar has a fun selection of expertly crafted cocktails that transport you to the islands. Experience the vibrant ambiance and unwind in this unique setting.
I had the Dr. Cortex, which featured a Denizen 3 Year, watermelon, citrus, mint, pineapple, mai tai syrup and apricot. Delicious and refreshing!
Dinner: Fish Gaucho
1244 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Fish Gaucho is a lively restaurant combines the flavors of Baja California with the culinary traditions of Central Coast California. Indulge in their delectable seafood dishes, innovative tacos, and mouthwatering grilled meats while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Our group particularly enjoyed the Mejillones con Chorizo (pictured above), blue mussels with chorizo, with a white wine and chipotle cream broth and cilantro.
Day 3
Coffee: AMSTRDM Coffee House
900 13th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
This trendy coffee spot serves expertly brewed specialty coffee, providing the perfect start to your day in Paso Robles. We grabbed ours to go to walk around downtown.
Walking Tour: Downtown Paso Robles
Discover the charm of the city as you stroll through its streets on a historic downtown Paso Robles walking tour, exploring local shops, art galleries, and historical landmarks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and get a sense of the rich history and culture of Paso Robles.
I was particularly taken with the historic Paso Robles Carnegie Library (pictured above). Built in 1908, it’s a gorgeous historic building in the square downtown.
Lunch and Tasting: Calcareous
3430 Peachy Canyon Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
This stunning winery perched on a hilltop offers breathtaking views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. Sample their award-winning wines and soak in the beauty of the landscape. The views here definitely rivaled those at DAOU, and the food and wine was great.
Happy Hour: BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
BarrelHouse Brewing Co. in Tin City
3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
This lively brewery is known for its innovative craft beers and vibrant taproom. Sip on a pint or try a flight, immersing yourself in the local craft beer culture.
Explore: Tin City
BarrelHouse is located in Tin City, an area that deserves some of your time. Located in Paso Robles, Tin City is a vibrant and eclectic destination that offers a unique and immersive experience for wine, beer, and spirits enthusiasts with 40 businesses, including about 20 “working wineries.”
Formerly an industrial complex, Tin City has been transformed into a hub of creativity and craftsmanship, housing a collection of small-batch producers, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisanal food purveyors. Strolling through Tin City feels like stepping into a hidden world of innovation and passion, where you can witness the artistry and dedication of the local makers.
Dinner: Etto Pasta Bar
769 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Indulge in their fresh pasta dishes made with high-quality ingredients, showcasing the authentic flavors of Italy. Pair your meal with a fine wine from the region, completing your culinary journey.
Experience: Sensorio Field of Light
4380 CA-46, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Sensorio Field of Light is an awe-inspiring art installation that enchants visitors with its mesmerizing display of lights in Paso Robles. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, this captivating exhibition features a vast landscape adorned with thousands of illuminated fiber optic stems.
As the sun sets, the stems come to life, illuminating the surroundings with a dazzling array of vibrant colors. Walking through the Field of Light is a transformative experience, immersing visitors in a dreamlike ambiance that evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility. It was absolutely incredible, and I couldn’t stop taking photos (which, of course, don’t do it justice)
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a moment of awe-inspiring beauty, Sensorio Field of Light is a must-see attraction that promises to ignite your imagination and create unforgettable memories.
And . . . that’s a wrap on our three-day itinerary. We packed a lot in, but it was one of my favorite travel writing retreats we’ve done because I totally fell in love with Paso Robles.
When it comes to wine destinations, Paso Robles offers a compelling alternative to the more well-known wine areas in California like Napa and Sonoma. With over 200 wineries, Paso Robles offers a more intimate and approachable wine tasting experience, where visitors can interact directly with winemakers and learn about their craft.
I think the more laid-back and welcoming atmosphere of Paso Robles allows for a more relaxed and personal exploration of its vineyards and tasting rooms. Additionally, Paso Robles boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with rolling hills, oak-dotted landscapes, and a charming downtown area filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
The region’s vibrant and creative spirit, combined with its exceptional wines, makes Paso Robles an enticing choice for wine enthusiasts looking to discover something new and truly memorable.
