Paso Robles Guide (2025)

I've been exploring Paso Robles for nearly 15 years and with every visit I discover something new. Whether you're planning your first trip or are a seasoned visitor like me, this Paso Robles guide is your go-to resource for the best places to stay, eat, and—most importantly—sip some incredible wine. Paso is constantly evolving, and so is this list. I'll be updating it regularly as I continue to uncover everything that Paso has to offer.

Located less than 4 hours from Los Angeles, Paso Robles is one of my favorite wine regions.  Such interesting wines, super friendly people, amazing food, and some of the most scenic drives I’ve ever experienced.  Paso Robles is the “wild west” of wine making – but in the best possible way.  They are known for not following the “rules”, so you are sure to find a wine you love there.  While Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends are plentiful in Paso, you will also find Rhône varieties, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, and much more!

 I just have a few things to note when visiting Paso.  The first is the temperature swings or to use the nerdy wine term - diurnal range.  That is the gap in temperature between the hottest and coolest temperature in a day.  Paso’s drastic diurnal range makes for fabulous wine – but also means super-hot days and chilly evenings so always dress in layers!  Second item of note is the potentially high ABVs of Paso wines.  That is the alcohol by volume.  You may wonder why you are feeling the wine faster than usual and that may be because you are used to drinking wines between 12.5% - 13.5% ABV. Just take a look at the bottle and you may be surprised to see you are drinking a 15% ABV wine (or higher)… consider yourself warned!

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PLACES TO STAY:

Allegretto Vineyard Resort ($$$): Resort option with a full-service restaurant, swimming pool, and spa.  They offer a wide range of fun activities including art tours, weekend yoga, and wine tastings. The highlight for us is that they have a doggie room service menu so we can continue to spoil Frankie when visiting Paso.  Dog-Friendly

Best Western Black Oak ($):  Affordable option in a convenient location.  They have an old-fashioned diner on-site that is perfect for a quick breakfast.

The Piccolo ($$$): Boutique hotel in downtown Paso Robles!  They have a rooftop bar, a wine lounge and…. a champagne vending machine in their lobby! Super convenient location just steps away from shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Dog-Friendly

River Lodge ($$): Former mid-century modern motel that radiates cool retro vibes.  Chill pool and great food at their poolside restaurant. Dog-Friendly

Stay on the Vineyard ($$): If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on a vineyard, this is your chance!  They have two rental suites situated on a beautiful Zinfandel vineyard.  This place has the loveliest owners who provide you with tasty pastries and snacks during your stay.  Make sure you plan time to catch the amazing sunset views and visit their chicken coop!  Also, the stargazing opportunities are fabulous!  I’m always up for a good Milky Way sighting!

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WINERIES:

Bella Luna Estate Winery: This winery is a shining example of why I love visiting this region.  On our first visit we were lucky enough to have winemaker Lukas Finn pouring our wines while telling us the history of the winery and his experiences as a winemaker. They are a family-owned winery producing terroir-driven wines.  *Favorite Wine – 2021 Estate Riserva (58% Sangiovese, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Bodega de Edgar: Incredible wine with a focus on Spanish varieties.  Take a few bottles home because they can sell out quickly.  If winemaker Edgar Torres is around, take a moment to chat about his fascinating story and love of wine.  *Favorite Wine – 2022 La Guera (100% Albariño)

Daou:  Visit for a luxury tasting experience with some of the best views in Paso Robles.  They feature high-quality Bordeaux varieties and offer an array of tasting experiences.  Daou also has a phenomenal culinary program so you can enjoy some scrumptious bites while enjoying their wine. *Favorite Wine – 2022 Estate Mayote (46% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 19% Petit Verdot)

Denner Vineyards: Gorgeous winery featuring Rhône and Bordeaux wines.  I recommend indulging in a library tasting and taking a tour of the Barrel Room if possible.  *Favorite Wine – 2021 Dirt Worshipper (88% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Graciano, 1% Viognier)

Epoch Estate Wines: High quality winery in West Paso Robles.  Epoch has some of the best vineyards in Paso – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain.  They practice organic and biodynamic farming with winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, not afraid of pushing the envelope to create some of the best wines I have tasted.  They have a variety of tasting experiences to choose from – just be sure to make a reservation.  *Favorite Wine – 2021 Block B, Paderewski Vineyard (100% Syrah)

Kiamie:  Beautiful, no-fuss place to taste extraordinary wines with a focus on Bordeaux blends.  We enjoy spending the afternoon relaxing on their outdoor patio with a bottle of wine.  Bonus: they have dogs and goats!  Favorite Wine – 2020 Meritage (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc) Dog-Friendly*

L’Aventure Winery:  Founded by French winemaker, Stephan Asseo, they focus on red blends made from Bordeaux and Rhône varieties.  Splurge on the private tour and tasting experience where you explore the caves and taste wine in their private wine library.  Favorite Wine – 2021 Optimus (55% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot) Dog-Friendly*

Law Estate Wines:   Beautiful winery focused on Rhône style blends.  Enjoy their 100% estate grown wine with a side of glorious views. *Favorite Wine – 2021 Sagacious (35% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, 31% Syrah) 

LXV Winery:  Women-owned winery producing some of the most delicious wine in Paso!  Neeta Mittal focuses on Bordeaux and Italian varieties, sourced from the Willow Creek appellation and beyond. Their cozy tasting room is located in downtown Paso and the wine & spice pairing experience is not to be missed. *Favorite Wine – 2022 Reserve Sangiovese

ONX:  While ONX has a lovely tasting room in Tin City, I recommend visiting their sustainable Templeton Gap vineyard where you can opt for a vineyard tour, afternoon tea, a picnic, and more. *Favorite Wine – 2021 Mad Crush (76% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 9% Tempranillo)

Parrish Family Vineyards: Family-owned winery in the heart of Paso Robles specializing in Bordeaux varieties.  They also have a fabulous food menu that you must check out at your next tasting.  *Favorite Wine – 2019 Four Chords (37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot)

Villa San Juliette: Absolutely stunning location with Tuscan vibes!  They have ample lawn and patio space for tastings where you can sip on their 100% estate-grown Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines.  I also recommend enjoying their food options as well.  Favorite Wine – Romantique (32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 22% Malbec, 16% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot) *Dog-Friendly*

Whalebone:  I love this family-run winery – such lovely people, beautiful views, and great wine!  Certain weekends they make their delicious chili and share with everyone (grab a bowl if you can!).  Bonus: they have an adorable dog - Bentley!  Favorite Wine – 2022 BOB Wine (74% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot) *Dog-Friendly*

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RESTAURANTS:

The Alchemists’ Garden ($$): Cocktail-focused restaurant with a globally influenced menu.  You’ll want to try every option on their imaginative cocktail list but save room for dinner and try out favorites such as their Pan Seared Halibut and the Harissa Tiger Prawns.

Firestone Brewery ($): Nice, casual place for a beer after a long day of wine tasting.  You can’t go wrong with any of their burgers, and I always devour their appetizer options!

Fish Gaucho ($$): The perfect spot for when you’ve been drinking wine all day and are ready to switch to tequila!  Their Short Rib Tacos are my favorite – just pair with their Gaucho Margarita and I’m in heaven!

The Hatch Rotisserie ($$):  Known for wood-fired comfort food, it’s a great place to meet wine industry locals and get the Paso scoop.  Their menu is full of winners, and I highly suggest starting with their Crispy Fingerlings with Herb Hollandaise.

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ ($): Great spot for lunch in Downtown Paso in between wine tasting appointments.  They have plentiful outdoor seating where you can enjoy their signature Tri-Tip and Pulled Pork. Don’t miss their Mac & Cheese!! 

McPhee’s Grill ($$): Located in charming downtown Templeton this place specializes in wood-grilled steaks and local produce.  Their wine list includes local favorites, and this is definitely a place where you should not skip dessert.

Thomas Hill Organics ($$$): Farm-to-table restaurant in Downtown Paso.  Their focus is on organic produce and grass-fed meats.  Their menu changes seasonally and they have a nice Sunday Brunch menu.  I suggest trying their Herb & Cheese Biscuits!

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