Wine Weekend in Paso Robles: Ultimate Food & Wine Guide

Go wine tasting

Paso Robles has over 200 wineries, so there’s something for everyone.

• If you like sparkling wines, head to Rava.

• If you enjoy Italian wines, visit Giornata.

• If you want to sip wine in a castle, make your way to Tooth & Nail.

The options are endless!

Tin City

Hang out in Tin City, an industrial market just outside of downtown Paso Robles. I recommend taking an Uber so you can fully enjoy the many tasting rooms offering wine, beer, cider, and spirits.

After sipping your way through the variety of libations, grab some delicious Italian food at Etto Pasta Bar, and top it off with a baked treat from Proof & Gather Baking Co. or Negranti Creamery.

Before heading back to your hotel, pick up some snacks for later—stop by Central Coast Creamery for delicious cheese and Etto Pastificio for crackers and antipasto.

Sensorio

Stroll through Sensorio—a 15-acre light installation set among the rolling hills of Paso Robles. The stunning colors, shapes, and movement of the glowing light fixtures create a magical nighttime playground. Grab a bite from a food truck, or sip wine or hot chocolate at their Sensorio bar. If you’re lucky, there will be live music and fire pits to keep you warm and cozy.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a jacket and gloves—it gets chilly in California!

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

See a concert at Vina Robles Amphitheatre—an outdoor concert venue set within a winery! A cozy 3,000 person venue, it’s a unique way to see amazing talent like Leon Bridges, Indigo Girls, Bonnie Rait, and many more. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming artists!

Horseback riding

Go for a horseback ride! Many local farms offer private tours through the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Some even partner with wineries, giving you the opportunity to trot through a vineyard and enjoy a delicious wine tasting afterward.

Head to the coast

A scenic 30-minute drive from Paso Robles will bring you to the coastline. Stroll along the cypress-lined boardwalk in Cambria, or head down to Morro Bay to watch the otters play.

Experience Elephant Seal Beach

A coastal vista point that’s well worth the visit. I’ve been at least four times, and each visit has been a completely different experience.

The elephant seals follow seasonal habits such as molting, mating, and birthing, etc. They’re always boisterous, sometimes active, but always fascinating to witness.

• Giornata: Our favorite tasting room in Paso Robles. Located in Tin City, it specializes in fun, minimal-intervention Italian wines. This laid-back tasting room offers exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. As a non-red wine drinker, I was pleasantly surprised by their impressive selection of whites and oranges. A huge plus, they are dog-friendly! (Tip: Don’t forget to try their amaros!)

• Rava Wines: A sparkling wine paradise! While they focus on sparkling varieties, they also produce excellent whites and reds, so there’s something for everyone. The lush scenery and turquoise pond with a fountain make it beautiful in any season. Their property is so stunning that they even offer a villa for rent, perfect for soaking it all in.

• Booker Vineyard: A stylish, coastal-modern winery focused on small-batch, regenerative, organic estate wines. There are several ways to enjoy the experience, from a standard tasting in the main room to relaxing on the terrace or playing bocce while sipping their delicious wines.

• Parrish Family Vineyard: A four-generation, family-owned vineyard located just off Adelaida Road. You can feel the family vibe as soon as you walk in. It's welcoming, picturesque, and cozy, despite the property’s large size.

• Parr Collective – Stolo Vineyards: Located just outside of Paso Robles in Cambria, and totally worth the drive! An eclectic selection of varietals set against an idyllic countryside backdrop makes this winery a true hidden gem. The staff were some of the nicest we encountered. They let us taste wine while hosting a wedding at the same time. Great happy hour prices and dog-friendly too. Can’t be beat!

• Etto Pasta Bar: Located in Tin City and run by the same owners as Giornata. Fantastic Italian food with a great variety of pastas, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent wine. No notes—I make a point to stop and eat here every time!

• Finca: A casual Mexican restaurant with a menu that’s worthy of the Michelin Guide. Everything on the menu is worth trying, from soft and crunchy tacos to ceviche, breakfast burritos, and even oysters.

• Fish Gaucho: A Paso Robles staple. This modern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar features a fish-forward menu. The halibut and ahi tuna tacos are chef’s kiss!

• AMSTRDM Coffee House: My favorite coffee spot in Paso! It has an industrial, eclectic vibe with great coffee and an even better breakfast burrito.