Paso Robles has become one of California's most exciting wine regions. Ten years ago, there were perhaps 35 wineries here. Today there are more than 170. And the wines they make are garnering increasing acclaim. Full story »

Click here for a list of Sunset's favorite Paso Robles wines

Learn more about the far out wineries of Paso Robles

Paso Robles is off U.S. 101, about three hours north of Los Angeles and three hours south of San Francisco.

Hospice du Rhône World's largest tasting of wines made from Rhône varieties. May 3-5, 2007; from $95 for unlimited tasting tickets; Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave.; Hospice du Rhône; 805/784-9543.

25th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival Largest outdoor tasting in California; centered in the downtown park. May 19, 2007; from $50 for tasting tickets; Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance; (800/549-9463).

Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival Featuring tastings and 40 winery open houses. March 16-18, 2007; Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance; (800/549-9463).

Joao Canziani
Take a peek inside the elegant wine library at Justin Winery.

WHERE TO TASTE

Eos Estate Winery Its name inspired by the Greek goddess of dawn, Eos is one of Paso's more ambitiously elegant east-side facilities, with a 6,000-square-foot visitor center, a rose garden, and a picnic area. $5 tasting fee for reserve wines, other tastings free; 5625 State 46 E., 6 miles east of Paso Robles; Eos Estate Winery; 805/239-2562.

Meridian One of Paso's biggest and best-known producers, but in the picturesque stone winery you can taste some limited-release wines not available in the marketplace. Beautiful grounds. $3 tasting fee; 7000 State 46 E.; Meridian; 805/226-7133.

Summerwood Winery & Inn There are a lot of appealing spaces at this Westside winery for enjoying a glass or two — and the view — from the spacious tasting room with fireplace to an expansive deck and gazebo outside. The view from the tasting bar is into the tank room, with equipment specially designed to treat grapes gently. (Also see "Where to stay" below.) 2175 Arbor Rd.; Summerwood Winery & Inn; 805/227-1365.

Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards An interesting stop for the wide range of wines, including Pinot Noir. Just don’t feed the llama; it spits. $10 tasting fee for reserve wines, other tastings free; 1437 Wild Horse Winery Court, Templeton (6 miles south of Paso Robles); Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards; 805/434-2541.

Peachy Canyon Winery Zinfandel is the signature wine here; don't miss the one labeled "Especial." The building that houses the tasting room — the Old Bethel School House — goes back to the 1880s. $3 tasting fee; 1480 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton (6 miles south of Paso Robles); Peachy Canyon Winery; 805/239-1918.

Robert Hall Winery An arched showplace on the east side, Robert Hall offers plenty of yummy chocolate and Merlot tastings. The wraparound tasting bar gives way outside to a terrace with rich views and not one but two bocce courts. $8 tasting fee for reserve wines, other tastings $5; 3443 Mill Rd.; Robert Hall Winery; 805/239-1616.

Eberle Winery Syrah king Gary Eberle's east-side winery has 16,000 square feet of caves and a sweeping view from the deck — perfect for a picnic. No tasting fee, free tours; 3810 State 46 E.; Eberle Winery; 805/238-9607.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Make a point to taste from the family's Hilltop Vineyard, viewable from the lightfilled tasting room. No tasting fee; 6169 Airport Rd.; J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; 805/239-8900.

Justin Vineyards & Winery It's famous for its "Isosceles" blend, but don't neglect the other offerings. (Also see "Where to stay" below.) $5 tasting fee; 11680 Chimney Rock Rd.; Justin Vineyards & Winery; 805/238-6932.

L'Aventure Winery The "adventurer" here is Frenchman Stephan Asseo, whose Cabernet and Syrah blends have become cult wines in these parts. Closed Mon-Wed; $10 tasting fee; 2815 Live Oak Rd.; L'Aventure Winery; 805/227-1588.

Martin & Weyrich Winery A Tuscan showplace to match the owners' Villa Toscana inn (also see "Where to stay" below). Martin & Weyrich specializes in Italian varieties. $5 tasting fee; 2610 Buena Vista Dr.; Martin & Weyrich Winery; 805/238-2520.

Tablas Creek Vineyard The white and red Rhône blends at the sleek new tasting room are very, very good. $5 tasting fee, free tours; 9339 Adelaida Rd.; Tablas Creek Vineyard; 805/237-1231.

Joao Canziani
Try succulent braised rabbit at Villa Creek restaurant.

WHERE TO STAY

The Carlton Hotel Beautifully restored historic hotel in downtown Atascadero. Restaurants include the Carlton Restaurant & Grill ($$$), a sushi bar ($$), and a bakery/cafe ($). 50 rooms and 2 suites from $115; The Carlton Hotel; 877/204-9830 or 805/461-5100.

Summerwood Inn At Summerwood Winery, a beautiful farmhouse-style inn set among gardens, with one of the best breakfasts in the region, plus gourmet appetizers and wine in the afternoon, and desserts and coffee in the evening. 9 rooms from $215; Summerwood Inn; 805/227-1111.

The Just Inn Justin Winery's sumptuous inn. Excellent restaurant, Deborah's Room ($$$$). 4 suites from $325, including breakfast; The Just Inn; 800/726-0049.

Paso Robles Inn Tileroofed hotel in downtown Paso Robles. Steakhouse ($$$$) and coffee shop ($) too. 98 rooms from $95; Paso Robles Inn; 800/676-1713.

Joao Canziani
Enjoy a quiet stay at the charming Villa Toscana inn.

Villa Toscana Gorgeous Italian-style inn amid the vineyards of Martin & Weyrich Winery. 10 suites from $375, including breakfast and hors d'oeuvres; Villa Toscana; 805/238-5600.

WHERE TO EAT

Bistro Laurent Hearty French in downtown Paso Robles. $$$; closed Sun; 1202 Pine St.; 805/226-8191.

McPhee's Grill In Templeton, a first-rate restaurant featuring local ingredients and local wines. $$$; 416 S. Main St., Templeton; 805/434-3204.

Villa Creek California cuisine and a soothing courtyard. $$$$; 1144 Pine; 805/238-3000.

Vinoteca Wine Bar Cozy spot with a great selection of local wines. $$; closed Mon; 835 12th St.; 805/227- 7154.

Read more about the Paso Robles experience »