Move over Napa and Sonoma, there’s a new player on the California wine scene. “New” might be the wrong term as Paso Robles has been a California hidden gem for years, slowly and quietly growing in the industry. This lesser known spot makes for the perfect Bay Area Weekend Getaway – you’ll find less crowds, internationally well-known wines, and delicious cuisine.
I recently had the opportunity to spend about a day there (and let me tell you, you need at least a weekend), and it lived up to the expectation! Keep reading for the full scoop on what locals refer to as “Paso.”
Getting to Paso from:
- San Jose – 2.5 hours South
- San Francisco – 3 hours 15 min South
- Los Angeles – 3 hours North
Before you go – learn how pronounce Paso Robles. I’d spent forever pronouncing it as Roblés (the Spanish way) before learning that the correct pronunciation is actually Ro-bulls. Yes, it’s shocking but it’s TRUE!
Where to Stay in Paso Robles
The Stables Inn
The Stables Inn is located about a 5 minute walk from downtown Paso. This is a must for millennial travelers looking for somewhere to stay with a story and an Instagrammable aesthetic. If you’ve been following P&P for a while, you know I absolutely love places that have personality!
- Perfect for: Pet-lovers, millennial travelers & families
- Location: 3 blocks from downtown Paso Robles
- Price: $$
A few notes about the property:
- Complimentary Nespresso coffee and bottled water is available around the clock for guests
- Liked a wine you picked up at a vineyard? Enjoy it under the stars around the Stables’ fire pits!
- It is also owned by the owners of the world-renowned Hotel Cheval (which we’ll get to in a second!) I consider this Hotel Cheval’s younger millennial sibling.
Pro Tip: This hidden gem is new on the scene. Make sure you book ASAP as rooms have been known to book quickly!
Hotel Cheval
Looking for something a little more elevated and romantic? Hotel Cheval is Paso Robles’ most luxurious boutique hotel. It is located off the main square and features many amenities like an on-site spa. This spot is also perfect if you love being in the middle of the town bustle!
- Perfect for: Romantic getaways
- Location: Downtown Paso Robles
- Price: $$$$
Things to Do in Paso Robles
You might think that Paso is all about food and wine (and it is!), but there’s more to the story. You can also go horseback riding through a vineyard with Central Coast Trails, hang out with the alpacas at Farmstead ED, or dip in hot spring at the River Oaks Hot Springs Spa.
We decided to check out the Sensorio Field of Light as well as doing some wine tasting!
Sensorio Paso Robles Field of Light
The Sensorio Field of Light has been quite literally lighting up social media. Created by artist Bruce Munro, this multi-acre piece is made of 58,800+ stemmed spheres that are solar-powered.
- Location: 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, CA 93446
- Hours: It is open Thursday – Sunday, now through January 2021. Times change based on the sunset.
- Admission: VIP $79, GA $37.50, Children $19. Note, they do have tiered pricing depending on your arrival time and when you book. Visit the website for more information.
Tips for visiting the Sensorio Paso Robles Field of Light:
- Buy your tickets in advance – not only does this guarantee you’ll be able to access the installation, you’ll also save a bit on your admission.
- Book the earliest time slot (right before sunset) – we arrived around 7:30PM, and it was even more unique seeing the lights flicker on across the installation.
- Bring a jacket! It gets cold in Paso at night.
Wine Tasting
When it comes to wine tasting, just like Napa & Sonoma, if you were to try to drink your way through Paso’s wineries you might need a few weeks. I think this is part of the charm of the area, every time you come back, you can try something new.
Something that also drew me to Paso’s wine region more so than Napa/ Sonoma is the food situation. As someone who isn’t much of drinker, but loves the patio scene with a vineyard view, having lunch or a snack while tasting is so important! Most places farther north don’t offer food, and most in Paso Robles do.
As we had a short trip, we only had time to squeeze in one winery. However, we’ve collected a few gems from locals in the area for you try out:
Most Instagrammable Vineyard: Dauo Vineyards
Our server phrased it best. People might come to Daou for the views, but they’ll soon realize that the wine keeps up with the scenery. He was completely right! There are a few options for how to best enjoy your time at Daou. Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: 2777 Hidden Mountain Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
- Tasting: $40 per person
Tips for visiting Daou Vineyards:
- Book ASAP. This popular spot gets booked quickly, so make sure you make a reservation.
- Request to sit with a view of the vineyard. Anywhere you sit will be beautiful, but a table overlooking the vineyard is a must!
- Come ready to eat. The Mezze platter is delicious and perfect for up to 4 people. We were 2, and it easily turned into lunch.
Other Vineyards & Wineries to check out:
- If you enjoy wine and art: Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden
- Most Eco-friendly: Eberle Winery
- Hidden away & unique: Taste in the Alley
Where to Eat
When it comes to food, we only got to try a couple of *fabulous* spots. But don’t worry, I got the full scoop from various locals on some must-try spots!
Kickstart your day with coffee at Spearhead Coffee
If you’ve been following P&P for a while, you might also know that I’m a bit of a coffee snob. My requirements are: 1) delicious coffee 2) cute aesthetic and 3) oat milk. Spearhead completely fit the bill! They are located downtown and are a must-stop in the morning or for an afternoon pick me up.
Try modern Mexican cuisine at Fish Gaucho for lunch
If you’re not full from all the charcuteries and wines, head to Fish Gaucho for lunch (or save it for dinner). Located in downtown Paso, this spot also serves as an evening hang out spot to unwind. Also – getting tired of wine? Their extensive tequila list is a sight to be reckoned with!
A few recommendations: any of the margaritas, the Morro Bay guacamole & the ceviche.
Have dinner at Les Petites Canailles
Les Petites Canailles may not have been around for that long, but it’s easy to see why it’s quickly become one of Paso Robles’ best restaurants. The story behind the business is positively romantic (you have to read it here for yourself), but here’s the abridged version. The winemaker’s son and the butcher’s daughter fall in love, work their way through the Las Vegas culinary scene before settling down in Paso and opening a restaurant.
The menu changes with the season and depends on what is local to the area. If you’re lucky enough to visit when the burger is on the menu, you HAVE to have it. It will seriously change your life!
Other restaurants to check out:
- Feel at home at the cozy rotisserie The Hatch
- For authentic Italian food: Buona Tavola
Looking for another hidden gem on the West Coast wine scene? Consider a trip down south to Valle de Guadalupe (located a few hours from San Diego). Check out our guide here.
