Paso Robles is where a rural pace and world-class wines meet. This corner of California wine country charms visitors with meandering backroads and natural beauty. Paso Robles translates to "pass of the oaks," a nod to the heritage of the ancient trees that flourish here. Surrounded by forest and rich agricultural tradition, the vibe is rustic chic, a style that harmonizes with natural surroundings, including the Santa Lucia Range, the Salinas River Valley and the Templeton Gap.
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles enjoys the favorable climate of California’s Central Coast, with a long growing season of sunny days and cool nights. The region supports 200 wineries, 40,000 vineyard acres and more than 60 wine grape varieties. A diverse appellation system of 11 AVAs demonstrates the diversity of soil, terroir and climate to produce wine that satisfies every palate.
And there’s a winery (or three) for every wine lover’s style, from small family-run establishments to internationally-known brands. One of the best reasons to make a visit to Paso Robles is to take in the view. As the topography flexes from rolling hills to mountains, there’s no better way to take it all in than from a beautifully designed tasting room. Here are 10 of the best spots to sit with a glass and explore the horizon.
DAOU Vineyards
Beauty for miles at DAOU Vineyards — Photo courtesy of Cameron Ingalls / DAOU Vineyards
The word to describe DAOU Vineyards – from its wine, to tasting room décor, to thoughtful landscaping – is impeccable. The rolling hills, with infinite curves and character, look as if one could run fingers along their crests. Elegantly linear vineyards and textural mountain vegetation create a view with dimensions that can hardly be captured with a camera. Bonus: A clear day may offer a glimpse of Lake Nacimiento to the northwest.
Opolo Vineyards
The hilltop view at Opolo Vineyards — Photo courtesy of Opolo Vineyards
Feel the wind in your hair with a visit to Opolo Vineyards. You’ll be on top of the world on the estate hilltop, which promises some of the best views of tidy vineyards and iconic oak trees. The hospitality area includes a welcoming patio, where guests enjoy a curated pairing menu alongside the views of this stunning property – all while absorbing the fresh air.
Halter Ranch
View of vineyards at Halter Ranch — Photo courtesy of Halter Ranch
Halter Ranch is located on the west side of Paso Robles, and it's a beautifully landscaped property that captures the essence of vineyard surroundings. The 2,700-acre ranch is home to 180 acres of wine grapes, 15 acres of walnuts and 10 acres of organically certified olives. The view here is ideal for enjoying the woodlands and wildlife corridors that share the environment with agriculture and hospitality.
Le Cuvier Winery
Paso Robles wine country as seen from Le Cuvier Winery — Photo courtesy of Le Cuvier Winery
As fluffy white clouds hang in a generous blue sky, the view of the horizon from Le Cuvier Winery is alive with texture and color. From here, the Salinas River basin looks like a painting, a work of art only nature could afford. Outdoor seating capitalizes on the vista, consistently regarded as one of the most precious scenes in Paso Robles.
Law Estate Wines
Aerial view of Law Estate Wines — Photo courtesy of Law Estate Wines
The cleanly styled tasting room at Law Estate Wines was crafted to evoke a sense of home – if one’s home overlooks an abundant wave of thoughtfully tended vineyards. One of the most striking aspects of this gorgeous setting is the design of the tasting room where glass, stone and wood elevate natural light and the persistent view of Paso Robles wine country.
Calcareous Vineyard
Sunset at Calcareous Vineyard — Photo courtesy of Calcareous Vineyard
If the plan is to catch a sunset in Paso Robles, Calcareous Vineyard should be the setting of choice, from 1,500 feet above the Salinas Valley. Aware of this priceless vantage point, the winery’s tasting room offers 180-degree views through glass walls, ensuring no one misses a moment of the ever-changing light on the mountains and vineyards.
Eberle Winery
Sunset on the deck at Eberle Winery — Photo courtesy of Eberle Winery
The Eberle Winery property, with a view of the Santa Lucia Mountains in the distance, exalts beauty both indoors and outdoors. The 16,000 square feet of underground caves are exceptional, but the sunset and playful lawn activities, such as bocce and bags (cornhole, in parts of the country) also attract visitors who want to be outside to enjoy the glorious vista.
Ancient Peaks Winery
The peaceful scene at Ancient Peaks Winery — Photo courtesy of Ancient Peaks Winery
Ancient Peaks is the southernmost vineyard in Paso Robles – and the only vineyard in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. The views surrounding the winery are evocative of the agricultural heritage and rural peace that can still be enjoyed in Paso Robles. A graceful pond reflects the peaks that stretch out above the property, for a lovely mirror effect that doubles the spirit of beauty.
Villa San Juliette
The setting at Villa San Juliette — Photo courtesy of Craft & Cluster, Villa San Juliette
Villa San Juliette earns top billing as one of the most Instagram-friendly spots in Paso Robles wine country. Modeled after the rustic luxury of Tuscany, the grand villa here evokes a worldly essence. The beautifully manicured property with plenty of outdoor seating and roaming space feels both posh and inviting.
Pear Valley Estate Wines
The sweeping view at Pear Valley Estate Wines — Photo courtesy of Pear Valley Estate Wines
One of the most picturesque spots in Paso Robles to host a wedding, Pear Valley offers beauty any time of year. The textured stone winery building – itself a harmonious element of the welcoming atmosphere – is designed to be energy efficient and environmentally sound. The vast horizon hosts the muted greens and browns of the vineyard and surrounding landscape for a view that seems endless.
