{"id":8715,"date":"2019-08-14T15:02:46","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T19:02:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?p=8715"},"modified":"2021-08-22T12:45:15","modified_gmt":"2021-08-22T16:45:15","slug":"paso-robles-itinerary-hotels-restaurants-bars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/california\/paso-robles-itinerary-hotels-restaurants-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Paso Robles Itinerary: Top Hotels, Restaurants and Bars"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cPaso Robles… yes I\u2019ve heard of it. Wait, where is it again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that in Texas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it too hot to make good wine there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Cab is king in Napa. I thought Paso was Zin or Rhone blends.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

These are all questions and comments I hear when I would talk about wine from Paso Robles, or when I told people I was heading out to this Central Coast region to check things out for myself.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s first start what Paso Robles is not. It\u2019s not in Texas and it\u2019s not too hot to make outstanding wine. It is also not exclusively Rhone styles or Zinfandel. While it may be known as California\u2019s \u201cRh\u00f4ne Zone,\u201d more than 50% of the grapes grown are Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a>. On the other hand, Paso Robles IS a region every Winetraveler should get to know and put on their bucket list.<\/p>\n

Paso Robles is a large and diverse wine appellation<\/strong><\/a> with 11 sub-regions. It is located just inland of the Santa Lucia coastal mountains in San Luis Obispo County on California\u2019s Central Coast. The region includes over 40,000 vineyard acres, over 60 grape varieties, and nearly 300 wineries, most of which produce less than 5,000 cases.<\/p>\n

Although situated inland from the coast, Paso Robles still benefits from the maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean and it has the greatest day-to-night temperature swing of any other region in California. Additionally, the various slopes, altitudes (from 700 to 2,000 feet), meso-climates and the vast diversity of the soils (over 30 types!) lend to a long growing season with optimal conditions for producing high-quality vines with varietally expressive grapes.<\/p>\n

How to Get to Paso Robles<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles is an easy drive from most major California cities with beautiful coastline to traverse along the way<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

For those looking to fly, the San Luis Obispo airport is an ideal option located minutes from wine country. Numerous direct flights are available<\/strong><\/a> as are many easy connections from most major cities. Rental cars<\/a><\/strong> are easy to source and helpful as the region spans about 45 miles east to west and 25 miles north to south. That said, if numerous winery visits are on the agenda<\/a><\/strong>, we recommend hiring a private driver or tour service, of which many are available.<\/p>\n

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RELATED:<\/strong> Wine Suitcases and Travel Accessories You Should Own<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Where to Stay<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to source hotel options, bed and breakfasts and winery accommodations<\/a><\/strong> in both San Luis Obispo<\/a><\/strong> and Paso Robles<\/a><\/strong>. That said, here are a few options we recommend:<\/p>\n

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The Just Inn<\/strong><\/p>\n

$$$<\/strong><\/p>\n

Situated within walking distance of the Tasting Room and Restaurant at the JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery<\/strong><\/a> are several luxuriously appointed accommodations inspired by the impeccable style of Chateau Margaux<\/strong><\/a>. The JUST Inn<\/a><\/strong> offers three suites ranging in size from 600 to 1,200 square feet each offers a unique space with stunning views, hydro-spa baths, and modern furnishings. A 1,400 square foot French townhouse is also available and located within \u00bc mile of the Tasting Room. The Vintner\u2019s Villa features a full kitchen and dining room and is surrounded by JUSTIN\u2019s vineyards. Traveling with a large party? The 12,000 square foot, hilltop Chateau is sure to dazzle with its chef\u2019s kitchen and library.<\/p>\n

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The Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles<\/strong><\/p>\n

$$<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located in Paso Robles, the Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is a luxury, 4.5-star hotel with a Mediterranean-inspired motif. Nestled among vineyards and orchards, the hotel offers fine cuisine, lush gardens, soothing spa treatments, and an extensive wine list featuring many of the area\u2019s finest wines. You\u2019ll want to plan downtime at this stunning property be it in a private poolside cabana, sipping a glass of wine fireside, or by meandering the property to explore the extensive original art collection curated by owner and visionary, Doug Ayers. Here\u2019s a video to inspire you<\/a>, but trust me it’s better to experience it in person.<\/p>\n

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Castoro Cellars \u2013 The Hive<\/strong><\/p>\n

$$<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a private wine country retreat, Castoro Cellars<\/strong><\/a> offers a beautiful stay at The Hive<\/a>, a single-family, five-bedroom, 4.5-bath home nestled in the winery\u2019s Cobble Creek vineyards. This is a great option for larger groups or family gatherings. You\u2019ll even have access to the winery\u2019s 18-hole disc golf course should you choose!<\/p>\n

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La Quinta Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo<\/strong><\/p>\n

$<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a more cost-effective, but well-reviewed hotel option, the La Quinta Inn & Suites in San Luis Obispo<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is a clean, welcoming option within minutes of the San Luis Obispo airport. Located off Highway 101 and four miles from the airport, the pet-friendly hotel is in the heart of downtown historic San Luis Obispo and is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Amenities include free WiFi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.<\/p>\n

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Cass Winery \u2013 Coming Soon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Coming soon to Cass Vineyard & Winery<\/strong><\/a> is a new, winery stay experience. Made from modified shipping containers, each guest room will feature dramatic views of the sunset at this serene vineyard property located between Paso Robles and Creston. It\u2019s an ideal location for wedding parties and guests at the property, as well as anyone seeking a unique stay in wine country.<\/p>\n

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Recommended Restaurants in Paso Robles<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cello Ristorante & Bar<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles, Cello Ristorante & Bar<\/a> is led by Executive Chef Justin Picard and is a culinary work of genius. Dishes are crafted from regionally sourced ingredients and accompanied by an extensive wine, cocktail, and craft beer list. Dishes are seasoned and cocktails are infused with garden herbs grown right on the property. We recommend a sunset reservation on the restaurant\u2019s patio.<\/p>\n

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Il Cortile<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another fine-dining Italian restaurant in Paso Robles, Il Cortile<\/a> is led by Executive Chef Santos MacDonal and offers an array of homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and top-quality meats. Menus are seasonal and feature fresh ingredients sourced in the surrounding local and regional landscapes. If you’re a seafood lover, ask for the bottarga pasta. You won\u2019t be disappointed!<\/p>\n

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BL Brasserie<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chef Laurent Grangien inspires at BL Brasserie<\/a> in Paso Robles. Offering traditional brasserie-style fare in a casual, yet elegant setting, Chef Grangien also utilizes local ingredients and pairs them perfectly with both local and French wines. We recommend a patio seat at lunch and sharing plates to sample a wider variety of the Chef\u2019s delicious offerings.<\/p>\n

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Cass Cafe<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sampling wines at Cass Vineyard & Winery<\/strong><\/a>? Stop in for lunch at Cass Caf\u00e9<\/a>. The menu ranges from cheese boards to salads and sandwiches. The pork sandwiches here are well-known to locals and travelers alike.<\/p>\n

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Niner Wine Estates Restaurant<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another winery dining option, Niner Wine Estate\u2019s restaurant<\/strong><\/a> overlooks the winery\u2019s famous Heart Hill Vineyard. The extra-virgin olive oil is milled from the property\u2019s 350 olive trees, eggs are sourced from the estate\u2019s chickens, and the produce is sourced from either the Estate Garden or local farmers.<\/p>\n

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Thomas Hill Organics<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thomas Hill Organics<\/a> was founded in 2008 and offers a menu including organic fruits and vegetables from an array of regional purveyors such as Olea Farms, Pepper Creek Family Farm, Bautista Farms, Loo Loo Farms, Windrose Farms, Rocking Chair Farms, and others from local farmer\u2019s markets. You can read more about Thomas Hill Organics here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bonus: Paso Robles Downtown Bars & Wine Bars<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Paso Robles Underground<\/strong><\/p>\n

Open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the Paso Underground<\/a> opened in August 2013 with the goal of bringing together like-minded winemakers without their own tasting rooms. Currently, the collective tasting room features four small production wineries (less than 500 cases each) whose passion is evident in each pour. It\u2019s a great way to sample wines you may not otherwise have the chance to, as well as meet the winemakers themselves as they\u2019re often the ones pouring!<\/p>\n

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Eleven Twenty Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

A great option for experiencing Paso Robles after dark is Eleven Twenty Two<\/a>. A cocktail lounge and speakeasy unlike anything else in town. You\u2019ll likely wait in line to get into the small lounge, but once you do, it\u2019s like stepping back into the 1930s, and the craft cocktails will be well worth the wait. You’ll only find this hidden gem if you can find Pappy McGregor’s Pub in downtown Paso Robles. The speakeasy is located on the back patio and you\u2019ll need to ring a buzzer (or wait in a short line) for entry. No reservations are allowed.<\/p>\n

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Plan Your Getaway<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now, I realize I have yet to touch on the wineries for this Paso Robles itinerary (you can see several recommended wineries here<\/strong><\/a>), but fear not, we have a few more parts of this story to come your way. Until then, it\u2019s time to start planning your stay for this incredibly diverse wine region in California\u2019s beautiful Central Coast hills. You\u2019ll find warmth, welcome, and wine at nearly every turn. And while many wine regions require appointments, Paso Robles encourages walk-ins and affordable tastings can be found at most wineries open to the public.<\/p>\n

More Ways To Experience Paso Robles & California’s Wine Country<\/span><\/h3>\n

Learn About Visiting the Paso Robles Wine Region and Affiliated Wineries<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cabernet Sauvignon is King in Paso Robles<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Two Restaurants Serving Farm-To-Table Food in Paso Robles<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

How To Take a Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3 Amazing Stops To Make Driving from LA to Napa<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Visit California’s Santa Cruz Mountains AVA with This Itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Explore California’s Sierra Foothills Wine Region<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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