Paso Robles
Full disclosure: I went to high school here, so Paso Robles (known to locals as Paso) will always feel like home to me. I spent years working in the local wine industry, both part-time and full-time, and it’s been amazing to watch this region grow, evolve, and come into its own. What I love most is that there’s truly something for everyone; whether you're into bold reds, crisp whites, playful pét-nats, or just want to try a little bit of everything. And perhaps most importantly, there’s a wide range of price points, so you can sip well without breaking the bank. Beyond the wine, the surrounding area is gorgeous with rolling hills, oak-dotted landscapes, and ocean breezes just a short drive away. Make time for a hike, a little shopping, olive oil tasting, or one of the many non-wine activities that make this region so special.
Pro tip: The best times to visit Paso are Spring (April to early June) and Fall (September through early November). In spring, the hills are lush and green, wildflowers are blooming, and the vines are just starting to wake up with bud break and, everything feels fresh and full of promise. Come fall, it’s harvest season, and the whole region buzzes with energy as grapes come in and winemaking kicks off. You might even catch a glimpse of the process in action. Summer, especially July and August, can be blazing hot, and let’s be real, no one’s craving a bold red in 100+ degree heat. Plan accordingly, and your wine will taste even better.
Getting There
Nestled in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County, Paso is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it a great weekend getaway from either of those areas. Choose your route according to timing because traffic can be wild on either end. If you're flying, San Luis Obispo's airport is on the rise, with more direct flights arriving from across the country.
Lodging
When I visit Paso, I usually stay with friends or family, but over the years, I’ve tried a mix of vacation rentals, hotels, and other local spots. If you’re traveling with a group, renting a house is the way to go; it keeps things relaxed and gives you space to hang out together. There’s a variety of houses to choose from on multiple vacation rental sites.
Hotel prices can get a little wild on the weekends, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of stay you want. Are you just looking for a place to crash between wine tastings? Or do you want a cozy home base with room to stretch out and unwind? Your answer might help narrow it down.
The Trailer Pond - If you’re looking for a stay that’s totally different (and totally fun), The Trailer Pond is a standout. Set right on the vineyard at Alta Colina, it’s part retro getaway, part glamping experience. The best way to do it? Rent out all five restored 1950s and ’60s trailers with a group and make it your own little slice of wine country magic. Spend the morning hiking the vineyard hills, head out for tastings, and then come back to chill by the pond while a private chef preps dinner. End the night gathered around the fire under the stars. It’s relaxed, social, and just the right amount of offbeat.
Heads up: Bathrooms and showers are shared and located nearby just part of the glamping charm.
Melody Ranch Motel -If you're looking for something affordable and centrally located, this is a solid pick. It’s no-frills but comfortable, and the location can’t be beat. Perfect if you’re planning to spend your days out exploring and want to stroll to dinner at the town square at night.
Carlton Hotel - This hotel is in nearby Atascadero, and for the price, it’s a better experience than splurging in Paso (save that money for wine!). The Carlton is right in the heart of town, and honestly, Atascadero feels like Paso’s cooler, slightly more low-key sister. From here, you can walk to wine and beer bars, great restaurants, and a couple of solid dive bars—one of which is where my friend met her husband, so hey, anything’s possible.
River Lodge- I’ve never stayed here, but I have stayed at another Nomada property in Los Alamos, the Skyview, and the retro-redo vibes are not only well-designed, but also well constructed and it doesn’t feel like paint slapped over an old motel. Like the Skyview, the pool at River Lodge is a perfect spot to relax after wine tasting/before dinner.
Fun fact: My brother has a dog-friendly rental for two in Atascadero, so email me for more details!
The Trailer Pond is an adventure worthy of a map!
Vintage trailers!
Each trailer has a porch to enjoy your morning coffee on
Pond views
Wineries
With hundreds of wineries in the area, planning can get overwhelming fast, so I’ve grouped my recommendations by location to make things easier. As a general rule, I never do more than three wineries in a day. That third stop is usually going to be your chill spot, because by then, let’s be real, your palate is probably tapped out anyway, and unless you want to forget dinner and have the next day be a wash, there’s no point in getting that tipsy.
Option One - Tin City
Just off Highway 101, Tin City is an industrial park turned wine wonderland. Warehouses and garage bays have been taken over by innovative winemakers, mostly small producers who source their fruit and use the raw, unglamorous buildings as tasting rooms and production space. It's a walkable cluster, which is part of the charm and part of the danger: blink twice, and you've hit seven wineries and are calling a ride before you know it.
Hubba Wines - Riley Hubbard-Roddick is one of my favorite people, and her wines are aptly named after family and friends. The Mushroomhead, named for her sister's unfortunate childhood hairstyles, is a favorite, and the Mutha Chardonnay and Spoonman Chenin Blanc are staples in my house. That same familial warmth carries into the winery itself, tucked away in the back of Tin City. Check the schedule for Hubba's Friday evening concerts, with an eclectic mix of music and rotating food vendors. It's always my first stop when I get into town, and Riley makes some genuinely beautiful, graceful wines.
Field Recordings - Owned by Andrew Jones, the undisputed godfather of Tin City, Field Recordings makes fun, approachable wines with branding and labels so on point you'll want to buy everything and throw a party. Jones's day job is in the nursery business, importing and selling grapevine clones and cuttings, and that access shows: he crafts wines from both traditional and obscure varietals most winemakers never get their hands on. The tasting room matches the wine's personality; a chill living-room vibe complete with a claw machine and leather couches.
Etto Pasta - This is one of the only permanent places to eat in Tin City, which, after some wines, is pretty important. The menu ranges from homemade pastas to salads and Italian appetizers. While the food is totally solid, the wine list is fun and a great way to try some local wines without visiting more wineries. It’s an order-at-the-counter spot, but the vibes are more of a proper sit-down, white napkin restaurant.
Proof and Gather - If you’re not looking for a full-on sit-down restaurant, this little bakery is a perfect stop to share a pizza and grab some delicious breads to snack on at your next stop. I can’t say enough good things about their cookies!!
Option Two - Willow Creek and Adelaida
Royal Nonesuch Farm & Lopai Cellars - Royal Nonesuch Farm and Lopai Cellars is a great combined stop. Royal Nonesuch is owned by Paso veteran winemaker Anthony Yount, who crafts cool-climate Syrahs and vineyard-specific wines that are gorgeous representations of the York Mountain AVA. Lopai is owned by father-and-son duo Paul and Brian Lopez, who step outside the huge fruit bombs of other area wines to make some memorable blends. The two wineries share a tasting room, so it's worth making a destination of it, enjoy the open-air space with wonderful art, visuals, and views of Paso Robles' bucolic westside countryside. Oh, and you'll hear the neighboring farm's goats too.
Alta Colina - Alta Colina is another great destination for tasting, mainly to do the Sundowner Deck tasting, where you can take in the breathtaking views over the epic vineyard the Tillman family has crafted their wines from. The wines lean big and bold, and the Old 900 Syrah begs for a steak, which is exactly why you need to take a bottle home.
Option Three - Templeton
This area is special to me because this is the side of town I grew up onand the Old 900 Syrah begs for a steak, which is exactly why you need to take a bottle home.
Hubba
Head do Paso during harvest for behind the scenes views
Views from a vineyard tasting at Alta Colina
Activities
As I mentioned before,
Cerro Alto Hike - This is an
Stadium Park -
Shopping
Views from Cerro Alto
Ocean views from atop Cerro Alto
Stadium Park great before a day of wine tasting
More Stadium Park views
Food
With any good wine country comes good food, right? It wasn’t the case for a long time in Paso, with the level of traditional wine country food not really catching up with the wine for a few years.