Things To Do
Our Tips
• Reservations: Many top wineries suggest booking ahead—especially for cave or hilltop tastings. We typically make reservations for all of our tastings as the wineries are quite spread apart, and you don’t want to risk being turned away. The same goes for restaurants! • Mix it up: Pair wine country visits with art at Sensorio, Tin City, Shopping and Dinner downtown. • Shopping & Exploring Downtown: We enjoy exploring the shops, galleries, and local flavor right in the heart of town. There are also a few tasting rooms- LXV is our favorite! • Reception is VERY spotty while driving around to the wineries. The roads are gorgeous but it is rural! Make sure you have your destination loaded into GPS before you start driving. We learned the hard way one time!
Our Favorite Wineries
• Daou– Scott & Sarah's Favorite! Perched atop rolling hills with stunning valley views, and a modern tasting room—ideal for sunset pours and panoramic photo ops. They also have great food, so this is a nice stop for lunch in the middle of a tasting day. • Niner – Where Scott proposed! Be sure to check-out Heart Hill where he popped the question. A family-owned estate in the Willow Creek District offering sustainably farmed wines and a seasonal farm-to-table food menu in a beautiful outdoor setting. • Halter Ranch– Features a charming historic barn, covered bridge, cave tours, and horseback vineyard tours. • Adelaida– Nestled in the higher elevation of Adelaida Road, offering panoramic hilltop tastings and walnut grove views. The hilltop tasting is a splurge but is exceptional! • Justin– A pioneer of Paso wine, crafting world class Bordeaux style blends since 1981; features 2 tasting rooms (estate and downtown), a Michelin starred restaurant, luxury inn, and 30K sq ft of wine caves.
Tin City
Just a few minutes from downtown, this industrial-chic neighborhood is a hub for some of the region’s most creative small producers—all packed into a walkable community of metal warehouses with serious personality. • Craft Wineries – Taste bold, adventurous wines from boutique producers like Desparada, Field Recordings, Benom, and ONX—each offering something a little different. • Cider, Beer & Spirits – Not into wine? No problem. Try house-made cider at Tin City Cider Co., grab a flight at BarrelHouse Brewing, or explore small-batch spirits at Wine Shine Distillery. • Foodie Favorites – Snack or dine at local gems like Negranti Creamery (sheep’s milk ice cream!), Etto Pasta Bar, or Six Test Kitchen (Michelin-starred for those who want to go all out). • Laid-back Vibe – With picnic tables, food trucks, live music on weekends, and street-art-style murals, it’s a casual, come-as-you-are place that’s perfect for low-key afternoons.
Art & Immersive Experiences
• Sensorio: Field of Light by Bruce Munro – A magical, multi-acre LED light installation that glows to life at dusk across the hills. It includes interactive displays, “Light Towers” built from recycled wine bottles, and food/truck nights with live music and Terrace seating. This is a great thing to do one evening while you are in town! They also have a cafe where you can grab a warm drink or wine and snacks. • Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden – Wander around whimsical, large-scale sculptures while sipping wine amidst manicured gardens—art and architecture meet wine tasting!
More Fun Things To Do
• Shopping- Downtown Paso Robles has local art galleries, artisan boutiques, vintage stores, and cozy coffee shops. Tin City offers craft tasting rooms, farm shops, and design stores—perfect for afternoon browsing. • Olive oil tasting at Kiler Ranch – Step off the wine trail for a crunchy and flavorful experience (via Reddit tip!), where you’ll learn all about making olive oil. • Hot springs and hiking – Nearby thermal springs (like River Oaks) and scenic walking trails offer a relaxing, nature filled escape.
Our Favorite Restaurants
• The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar – OUR FAVORITE! Reservations are a must. Comfort-food heaven with rotisserie chicken, skillet cornbread, whiskey cocktails, and a cozy vibe in the historic Granger Union building. • The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Justin Winery) – A Michelin-starred, sustainability-focused spot offering a seasonal tasting menu with ingredients from the estate gardens and orchard. • Il Cortile – Elegant Italian dining with homemade pastas, seafood, and standout dishes like truffle pasta and tiramisu. • Thomas Hill Organics – A local institution serving seasonal, organic fare in a welcoming setting—ideal for brunch or lunch. • The Alchemist’s Garden – A craft cocktail bar downtown with inventive bites, a cool place for something different. • Buona Tavola – A Northern Italian staple: homemade gnocchi, veal scaloppine, and gluten friendly options in a cozy setting. • Other Options – Etto Pasta Bar (Tin City), Junction Tapas & Wine Bar, Parchetto
Restaurants & Dining Experiences We Haven't Tried (yet!)
• Six Test Kitchen (Tin City) – A 12-seat, one Michelin star restaurant serving an evolving multi-course tasting menu focused on seasonal Central Coast produce. Reservations are essential. • In Bloom – A stylish downtown gem known for its colorful six-course tasting menus and creative dishes like branzino with brown-butter sunchoke purée. • Les Petites Canailles – A charming French bistro offering hearty, expertly cooked meals (steak-centric) in a warm, contemporary setting. • Fish Gaucho – Lively modern Mexican eatery with craft cocktails, fresh seafood enchiladas, and a vibrant cantina atmosphere. • Somm’s Kitchen – If you want to splurge! An intimate, chef-counter experience where Master Sommelier Ian Adamo personally pours an eclectic global and local wine lineup alongside creative, artfully prepared small plates. Just 14–16 seats around a curved bar — think tasting menu meets friendly dinner party. Tastes often include rare varietals and hidden gems from over 100 regions.