Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure book series? I always skipped around to find the choice that DIDN’T get me killed. I really missed the point on that one. 
But, with our new vacation rentals, so many people ask me, “what is a good restaurant?”, or “what is your favorite winery?”. And it really depends on what kind of group you have, or what kind of mood you are in. Are you a young family, traveling with kids?, are you on a bachelor/ette weekend with your best buds? Are you a more sophisticated wine connoisseur? So I put together this little “Choose Your Own WINE Adventure” to help you in the process. Enjoy…
So you and some friends are wanting to plan a little wine tasting get-away. But with over 250 wineries in Paso Robles, where do you start?! Well, let’s start in a little less traveled region of wine country: The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. This group of thirteen, mom & pops wineries are located in the north-east area of Paso wine country. This area is known for it’s hot, dry summers, and freezing cold temperatures in winter — perfect for red wine grapes.
ARRIVE ON FRIDAY
You get in to town after work on Friday and check in to your accommodations. I’m going to go ahead and assume everyone is booking the farm stays at Hartley Farms (because, why wouldn’t you?!). Thirty-seven acres of an organic farm, tucked in the Pleasant Valley, only minutes from town, but it feels like you are in the middle of no where, with peace and quiet an all four navigational directions… ahhh…
 |
YOU ARE A YOUNG FAMILY WITH KIDS: The Cottage at the farm is a stand alone guest house with a full kitchen, bathroom, and master suite. It can sleep up to six guests, if you need to make up the pull-out (super comfy, tempro-pedic) sofa bed, and the Murphy Bed bunk beds can sleep another two guests. |
| YOU AND ANOTHER THREE PEOPLE JUST WANT TO GET AWAY: The 2-bedroom guest suites in the B&B are perfect for you. Each room has it’s own bathroom, and the two rooms share an ample living room/kitchenette space, and out door patio with a fireplace. It’s less B&B, and more B&J&T (that’s “Jam & Toast”). Jam is kinda our thing. |  |
 |
YOU ARE AN ADVENTURE SEEKER AND LOVE TO CAMP: The farm offers a Tent Campground with 5 sites, running water, and restroom (no power, OR our RV/Trailer Sites with 8 sites, water & power (no restrooms) |
Now that you are settled in to your plush room, you are ready to set off for dinner. But, where to go?
YOU FEEL LIKE A GOURMET FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER PAIRED WITH FINE, LOCAL WINE: Thomas Hill Organics. The menu changes all the time, so don’t expect “the usual”. The chef will prepare a sumptuous meal. Anything we have ever had here is amazing, all the way up to dessert. You are sure to find something you could eat again and again, but don’t worry, it won’t be there when you get back.
YOU FEEL LIKE MARGARITAS AND AMAZING STREET TACOS: Fish Gaucho. If you go for happy hour, the drinks are strong, and the tacos are plentiful. But don’t stop there, so many Mexican delights to enjoy.
YOU FEEL LIKE PIZZA: You can kick back and order out: Pizza Express, or take a 20 minute drive into town and get a little nightlife: Marv’s Pizza. Pizza Express is the only pizza place that delivers to the farm. Lucky for us, it’s great pizza! Marv’s is located downtown by the park. It’s great, family-friendly atmosphere with a few classic video games (PacMan anyone?), and a darned good salad. After dinner stroll around the park and grab a gelato at SLO Sweet Shop.
After dinner, you might feel like you want to experience downtown Paso Robles, like a local… After all… it’s Friday night…
GIVE ME A LITTLE REDNECK ACTION: Pine Street Saloon, the oldest bar in town, has been here since the 1800’s. If you are up for a beer, a little pool, and a run-in with a local redneck, this is the place for you.
I’M HERE FOR WINE ONLY: Head over to Taste in the Alley. This hidden gem has hundreds of wine to choose from, and you can get flights of whatever you want! The people behind the counter really know their stuff, and can open your palette to amazing wines from all over.
Now you can go back to the farm, and settle in for a good night’s rest.
SATURDAY
Let’s get started with a hearty breakfast, to make a nest for all that yummy wine you will be tasting today…
GO BIG OR GO HOME: Hunter Ranch Golf Course offers a beautiful view for breakfast with a wide variety of traditional breakfast options. And their famous bacon really is pretty darn good. Have a mimosa, then head to your next adventure.
QUICK AND FUN: Bring the kids to Joe’s One-Niner Diner at the Paso Robles Airport. This tiny airport is five minutes from the farm. Pull up and park right in front then head tot he lobby. Joe’s gives you a front and center view of the planes taking off and landing, with a great variety of breakfast traditions. If you really want to splurge, get the Cinnamon Roll… just do it…
DOWNTOWN ACTION: Paso Robles Inn is a quiet place with a diner counter right out of the 60’s. Belgian Waffle is our favorite, but don’t forget the side of bacon. Biscuits and Gravy, Omelettes, all tested and approved.
Now for the wine… I suggest breaking up the wine tasting with a little lunch, especially if you are driving yourself around. How about, you order your lunch, and we will go pick it up. That way, you can enjoy the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, and you don’t need to run around and wait! Choose two wineries, come back to the farm and have a picnic, then back out for two more wineries.
FUN & FAMILY FRIENDLY:
 |
Graveyard Vineyards is a hilltop winery with 50-mile views of rolling hills of vineyards. At the start of our driveway is the namesake graveyard that dates back to 1865, when the local pioneers settled in this area. We are different in three ways; we have 90-98 PT, Platinum, 4STAR Gold and Gold medal wines at everyday prices, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic by our pond stocked full of fish and the owners will make you feel like you are visiting old friends. Come visit us! WINE TO DIE FOR!
6990 Estrella Rd., San Miguel, CA 93451 |
 |
A posse ad esse ~ from possibility to reality~ Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award winning film editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. His meticulous and diligent eye for a well-crafted scene in a movie is brought to life in our beautiful, extraordinary wines that will surely captivate your palette and produce a memorable experience for you to embrace.
805-610-1099 • mystichillsvineyard.com |
 |
Riverstar Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located right outside the heart of Paso Robles in San Miguel. This beautiful 80 acre property provides a warm welcome, patio games, and relaxing scenery. We offer delicious estate wines, vacation rentals, and a gorgeous grassy knoll for your events or perhaps a simple picnic lunch. Let Riverstar play host to you, your family and friends where you can come for the wine, enjoy the company, and stay for the sunset views. Open Thursday- Monday from 11-5pm.
7450 Estrella Road, San Miguel, CA 93451 |
MEET THE WINEMAKER:
 |
Bon Niche easily translates to “A Very Good Place.” A small vineyard and family winery located on a hill with rich sandy loam, granite and clay soils in the Estrella sub-appellation, 12 miles from Paso Robles in the beautiful hills of San Miguel. The daily temperature range is perfectly suited for the Bordeaux-style grapes grown on the property. The relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking views disguise the hard work and dedication that goes into making the exceptional Bon Niche Cellars wines. Melanie is the owner here – a retired Navy nurse. It’s by appointment only, but don’t be shy about this! A lot of the smaller, boutique wineries are owner operated and there is A LOT of work to do. We can’t be everywhere at once! So make an appointment to taste, you will not be disappointed.
2627 Golden Eagle Way, San Miguel, CA 93451 |
 |
Come taste why Cinquain Cellars is called one of Paso’s best-kept secrets! Winner of THREE Best of Class of Region Awards at the 2015 California State Fair including a 98 point score for their Syrah and 94 points for their Malbec. Cinquain Cellars specializes in 100% estate-grown red blends as well as oaky, buttery whites. Don’t miss this one!
Please call 805-400-5978 or email beth@cinquaincellars.com to schedule a private tasting. |
 |
Enjoy exceptional single-varietal and proprietary blends poured by the owners in our intimate tasting room. A special collector’s edition label whose proceeds benefit local Historic Mission San Miguel is also available. Enjoy the serenity – savor the wine.
8585 Cross Canyons Road, San Miguel, CA 93451 |
 |
Our first crush was in 2007 and we have made waves ever since. Our small family-owned winery is a must stop on your wine trail tour. Come visit with the winemaker and help them celebrate their passion for fine wines.
6640 Von Dollen Road, San Miguel, CA 93451 |
 |
Balanced Wines | We offer a collection of wines that are well-balanced and food friendly. Reds, whites, roses, sparkling and dessert wines. Our award winning wines give you a choice for every occassion.
This place is worth the drive! Amazing wines, and great people. 950 Indian Dunes Rd., San Miguel, CA 93451 |
I’M HERE FOR WINE AND A GREAT VIEW:
 |
We are located in the northern Paso Robles AVA, have been family-owned and operated for over twenty-five years. We are thrilled to expand our operation to a beautiful new tasting room and event space, where our unique hilltop location offers breathtaking views of surrounding vineyards and hills. It’s the perfect spot to take in the sunset, sip and savor our award-winning wines, or host your next event.
2995 Pleasant Rd., San Miguel, CA 93451 |
 |
High Camp Wines is family-owned and operated, with the goal to achieve rich, concentrated fruit for our estate wines. The unique hilly location provides great views, and helps our hand-tended vines produce high quality fruit. Recently purchased by Megan & Spencer, this young couple has worked tirelessly to revamp and revive this old winery.
3439 Ranchita Canyon Road, San Miguel, CA 93451 |
 |
Villa San Juliette is a beautiful 168-acre vineyard nestled in the Pleasant Valley area. The vineyard is producing a broad range of grapes including Cabernet Sauvingon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. We would love to share our vision with you!
6385 Cross Canyons, San Miguel, CA 93451 |
There are awesome places for lunch:
I LOVE A GOOD SANDWICH: Full Belly Deli has got you covered. Tucked away in an industrial park, this place has paninis, sandwiches, and cookies. Their motto is “Life is Short, Eat the Cookie”, and you won’t want to miss them. Click Here for MENU They are only open Monday through Friday, so if you are hankering for a sandwich on the weekend – hit up Mr. Pickles.
I’M VEGAN: I’m sorry, but lucky for you Bless Your Heart Baking Co. is a fabulous stop! The owner, Rose, started cooking and baking gluten free and vegan for her man, and she can whip up some amazing treats from sandwiches and salads, to cupcakes and desserts. Even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, you will love her stuff. Click Here to CONTACT
Order ahead, and we will pick it up and have it waiting at the farm for your picnic in the gardens.
Your wine tasting adventure is over. Time to relax by the fire, and laugh about good times and the crazy drunk things you did. But the fun is not over yet! Time for dinner!
I NEED SOMETHING LIGHT, LIKE SUSHI: Now, this will need a little sub-adventure… Do you want traditional? or trendy? For traditional go to Goshi Japanese Restaurant. They have a more traditional menu, and the fish is super fresh. Got a few friends who don’t want their meal crawling away? They have a secret roll menu for us. Our favorites are the Chris, Linda, and Robert rolls. Want to keep the kids busy watching a fish take (“Look! There’s Dory!”), or do you like your food cooked? Yanagi Sushi has Tempan tables, and all the good rolls too.
I WANT GOURMET, I DON’T CARE IF I GET GOUT: Thomas Hill Organics will give you an amazing meal tucked away from the hussle and bussle of downtown. Sit at the wine bar, or at an inside table. Either way, you are in for a treat!
I NEED MEXICAN FOOD TO SOAK UP ALL THIS ALCOHOL: Órale Taqueria… The Surf and Turf Burrito will make you want to move here. I’m a Chile Relleno Burrito gal, myself. You can’t go wrong here. If you REALLY want to feel the local vibe, head over to Taco Mafia in San Miguel – authentic, family-owned, and super chill.
My vacation can’t end! I still want to party!
I DEFINITELY HAVE SOME IRISH ROOTS: Pappy McGregor’s will give you the pub bide you want. Pub with good grub by day, nightclub by night. It’s a great time!
I WANT A TRADITIONAL BAR FEEL: Paso Robles Inn, in the upstairs bar. Sit on the outdoor patio and people watch, or sit inside and watch the game.
I NEED MORE WINE: The Pony Club attached to Hotel Cheval has local wines by the glass. Sit out by the fire pit and enjoy live music most nights. They even have a s’more kit for purchase.
SUNDAY
It’s time to pack it up, and head home, but not before you stop at one more place for breakfast.
I’M SO HUNGOVER, I JUST NEED A COFFEE FOR THE ROAD: Amstrdm Coffee House Strong coffee and good eats for the road. 725 13th St., Paso Robles.
LET’S EXTEND THIS VAY-CAY A LITTLE LONGER, I WANT TO SIT AND ENJOY: Touch of Paso is a cozy restaurant off the beaten path, but close to downtown. All your traditional breakfast favorites are here.
I WAS SO DRUNK, I BOUGHT A HOUSE. I’M MOVING HERE: Cowgirl Cafe is your new breakfast hang-out. Need to soak up that leftover hangover? Order Cowgirl Pancakes, and a side of sausage.
In case you haven’t decided to move here, you will be back for another adventure. So keep this guide handy, for your ever-changing mood or crowd. Until then…
See You At the Farm,
Barbara & Dan
 |
 |
 |
Leave a Reply