Paso Robles Day Trip
Paso Robles, about an hour from Avila Beach, has over one hundred wineries. The region is known particularly for Rhone valley wines and Zinfandel although with so many wineries, there is something to be found for just about everyone. There are several wine trails to follow-and clearly with so many wineries-you simply must choose one for a day trip.
If you’re up for going “off the beaten path” try the wine trail of the “Far Out” Wineries of Paso Robles. There are more than 17 vineyards and wineries that call themselves part of this unique group. A careful connoisseur might want to take time to plot out a route according to vine features of each vineyard. However, if you’re looking to do the best of the best try starting out at Turley Wine Cellars and don’t miss: Opolo Vineyards, Norman Vineyards, Tablas Creek Vineyards, Justin Vineyards and Winery, and Adelaida Cellars.
Do you enjoy small, family owned style vineyards? Take the 46 West wine trail which leads through a maze of wineries and vineyards-each of which has that small family owned attention to detail that makes the experience special. On this trail you can see the Old Mountain Winery which is the oldest continually operating winery in Paso Robles. Don’t forget to stop at Peachy Canyon Winery for a spot of Zinfandel and if you are a Pinot Noir lover, then Windward Vineyard is a “must-stop”.
Another unusual trail to follow is 46 East. While Garretson Wine Company specializes in Rhone varieties that connoisseurs won’t want to miss, the real treat on this trail is the Eberle Winery. Eberle Winery got creative when it was time to expand their cellars and decided to use the already existing 16,000 foot cave system to store and age all of the wine that they make. Tourists can tour the caves, taste the wine, and enjoy an unusual but delightful stop on their wine tour.
If you’ve done and see the most popular Paso Robles wineries, then the “Hidden Trail” is for you. There are six wineries on this trail and each is as different and unique as the next. First stop heading west on Highway 101 is Pipestone Vineyards. The vineyard specializes in Rhone variety wine, but is unique in that the owners are dedicated to organic and sustainable farming. The vineyard is also organized according to the principles of feng shui. Clautiere Vineyards is the one “must see” vineyard on this trail. . .boasting the most interesting, exotic tasting room of any of the tasting rooms on this tour. It’s noted in particular for being “fun” and casual. Counter your trip to Clautiere Vineyards with a trip to Cass Vineyards where everything is very chic. Other vineyards on this trail include: Penman Springs, Poalillo Vineyards and Dunning Estates-all of which are family owned and operated. Production of any wine on this trail is limited.
