Paso Robles: California Road Trip Meets Fine Wine and Craft Beer
Heart Hill Vineyard, one of two vineyards at Niner Wine Estates, Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles—or Paso, as the locals call it because the sweeping countrysides of vineyards and olive groves of their unique California city attract many tourists who mistakenly mispronounce the name (the correct pronunciation is Paso ROH-buhlz, which sounds like Paso “Row-Bulls” rather than Paso ROH-blays)—is home to more than 260 wineries and tasting rooms that rival Napa Valley’s world-class viticultural areas. Located halfway between the bustling sprawl of Los Angeles and Northern California’s San Francisco, Paso Robles immerses you in a world of surprising award-winning wines and community, where the mesoclimate of the mountainous terrain and vine-draped hills provide a respite from the daily grind.
On a Saturday morning, an easy 3-hour journey from the Los Angeles area leads to downtown Paso, a hub of craft breweries, distilleries, farm-to-table meals, olive oil farms, and fine dining. When visiting El Paso de Robles—translated as "The Pass of the Oaks" due to the abundance of oak trees in the region—tasting rooms are a must, and most wineries will eliminate the sampling price if you buy a bottle or two from their menu.
The Willow Creek District countryside in Paso Robles—the call to de-stress and slow the heck down
Paso’s fertile region is home to over 60 grape types. The most extensively planted grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, finds its way into many barrels, but the Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel grapes, which are also plentiful in the Paso Robles appellation, use the climate and topography to produce some of the most delectable wine varieties.
An epic tasting at Epoch Estate Wines, Paso Robles, California
Epoch Estate Wines is, as the name implies, an unforgettable experience of local artisan charcuterie dishes matched with outstanding hallmark wines. It's worth the trip for a pre-poured flight of selected varietals and vintages as one of the wine experts visits your table and discusses some of their stories from years of honing their winemaking and the legacy they've made.
Niner Wine Estates tasting
Epoch Estate wine barrels
Niner Wine Estates, located in the Willow Creek valley, is a family-owned winery with generational, sustainably managed vines on three Paso Robles holdings. Rows of Bordeaux and Rhone varietal grapevines cover the neighboring hillsides, while olive trees beautify the grounds of the expansive acres. Their winemaking philosophy is straightforward: produce high-quality grapes and develop delightful wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of each vineyard and vintage. You'll agree that they've done just that after tasting their Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Grenache and touring the estate's gorgeous gardens.
Wine country isn't often thought of as a beer destination, but the craft ales and IPAs made in the Paso Robles area are not just enjoyed in local restaurants or on the distillery trail, but are also available for purchase in other parts of the country. The Firestone Brewing Company’s taproom, which includes a big dining hall, wrap-around bar, side patio, and outdoor courtyard, serves a gastropub cuisine for lunch and has a line for a brew tour. Local spirits aged in various wine barrels, such as gin, whiskey, and vodka, have received widespread appreciation. Visit Re:Find Distillery, Wine Shine Distillery, or Calwise Spirits Co. for a one-of-a-kind spirit tasting experience and leave with a (free) membership to their clubs.
Yes, it certainly is.