Feeling fatigued and in need of a change of scenery? Consider driving North for a day or two!
Paso Robles is a quaint little wine country exactly half way between LA and San Francisco where highways 101 and 46 come together, just north of Cambria. Last weekend some friends and I packed a picnic, a small overnight back and departed at 8am on Saturday. We were in Paso tasting wine and having a picnic before noon!
Apparently palm trees are a local favorite....is it just me or does it seem strange to have palm trees at a vineyard???
This region, like many others in California, started its growth spurt in the early to mid-1990s and now boasts nearly 200 wineries. Most are Rhone varietals which offer a different perspective from those found in Santa Ynez & Los Olivos.
Wineries visited:
- L'Aventure Winery - my favorite.....joined the club.
- Eberle Winery - great place for a picnic and spotting a pair of standard poodles
- Fratelli Perata
- Denner Vineyards
- Linne Calodo Cellars
For a special dinner and a fantastic selection of regional wines, try Artisian. Here find some treasures less accessible to the general public at the tasting rooms. Saxum was our favorite followed closely by Jacob Toft, a young up & comer!
The locals are warm and engaging without pretense. Easy to get to, interesting wines, moderate prices....I'm going back soon!
See www.pasowine.com for more details and a calendar of events.
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