This California Wine Region Is the Underrated Hidden Gem You Need to Visit
Paso Robles is the Central Coast’s hidden gem. Here’s how to best enjoy it.
Paso Robles, long overshadowed by its famous northern neighbors, is having a serious moment—and it’s about time. Tucked between rolling golden hills and sun-soaked vineyards, this Central Coast gem is one of the most exciting (and still surprisingly under-the-radar) wine destinations in the country.
With innovative winemakers shaking up the industry with boundary-pushing natural wines, an up-and-coming food scene, new boutique hotels, and a blossoming arts community, it’s a region that’s both elevated and refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you’re a die-hard oenophile or just looking for the perfect weekend getaway, Paso Robles is where you want to be. Here’s where to visit on your next trip.
Photo courtesy of Booker
Where to Eat
As it tends to be with wine country, there’s no shortage of great food in this little town. A classic staple on the circuit is Les Petites Canailles, where you’ll find Chef Julien Asseo—who has worked for the likes of Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon—cooking takes on classic French bistro fare. At Hatch, you’ll definitely want to opt in for their iconic rotisserie chicken. Pull up to Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ for some brisket or pulled pork, then bring your tray next door to Indigené Cellars where they’ll pour splashes of their award-winning wines to pair with them. As far as breakfast goes, it’s tough to beat Twisted & Glazed, where they make their donuts fresh every morning (and have a killer breakfast burrito to boot). If you’re a fan of kitschy Polynesian cocktails, you’ll want to stop into Cane Tiki Room. And be sure to check out newcomers to the scene Parchetto and S’Aranella, also located in the center of town, making sure to stop into Brown Butter Cookie Company for gifts to take home (or to nosh on your drive back).
Courtesy of Tank Garage
Where to Taste
The defiant surfy vibes of Tank Garage are an embodiment of the next generation of California winemakers, and their Paso Robles filling station is a great place to get a taste of their one-off experimental offerings. Think limited edition drops of Cab Sauv made via “cosmic fermentation” or steely Riesling inspired by a Jamaican dance hall. Similarly modern is Booker, whose wines are reflected in their stunning California-style open floor plan tasting room that opens up to the Paso vineyards. For a one-stop-shop, go walkabout at Tin City and explore works by local by artisans, distillers, and brewers. Or for a more traditional experience, visit the estate at Daou or Austin Hope for stellar Cabs. Epoch is another great option that’ll help you get a sense of the style in the area, as is L’Aventure. If you want to get a broad scope of what Paso is all about without going too far, do a tasting at Serial Wines, a super stylish tasting room located right in the center of Downtown that also offers tapas and bites to keep you sated.
Photo courtesy of The Piccolo
Where to Stay
We’re huge fans of Nomada Hotel Group‘s properties, and the two new Paso Robles haunts from owner Kimberly Walker are no exception. The River Lodge Motel, located just off Highway 101, and the Farmhouse Motel in downtown Paso were both renovated by Walker, each drawing in ultra-hip young travelers with their distinct designs and well-curated spaces. Guests at both properties have access to the River Lodge’s pool, which is the ideal spot to kick back with a spritz after a day of tasting. The Piccolo is another fantastic option, offering the only rooftop bar in downtown Paso and a Moet champagne vending machine in the lobby, all within stumbling distance of several wineries, restaurants, distilleries, and shopping of downtown.
What to Do
Book in for a sunset horseback ride through vineyards and old-growth California white oak trees with Central Coast Trailrides. Afterwards, rest your weary muscles with a soak at Franklin Hot Springs. Once the sun sets, start your journey at Sensorio, an immersive art exhibition of light and color set in the rolling hills of the Central Coast. Of course, a trip to the region wouldn’t be complete without a journey to Hearst Castle, the grand vision of William Randolph Hearst that houses a mind-boggling assemblage of rare antiquities and art.