10 Best Paso Robles Wineries to Visit

Wild Horse Winery — Photo: © Chris Leschinsky Photography

Located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) takes in a sprawling landscape of rolling hills, rugged mountainsides, and Pacific Ocean coastline. The area is so large and diverse that it encompasses 11 sub-appellations, all of them unique and exciting in their own way. Sun- and heat-loving Zinfandel was Paso's primary calling card, and many of the state's best are still found here. But a second wave of wine production in the region saw Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon come to prominence. Rhône-style wines are also deservedly respected here, with Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre shining with particular brightness, as well as Viognier and other white-Rhône blends. In the southwest of the region, the fog and Pacific breezes coming through the Templeton Gap moderate temperatures, which afford cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir to achieve impressive heights. And unexpected gems like Sangiovese, Vermentino, and more can be found in Paso, too. Throughout the region, and even right downtown in the charming town of Paso Robles itself, tasting rooms abound. But the scenic beauty of the area — and attractions like Morro Bay and Hearst Castle at San Simeon — make it worthwhile to get out on the roads and take it all in. —Richard Nalley

01 of 10

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery

Adelaida is one of Paso's pioneers, and a case study for taking full advantage of the incredible range of terroirs and micro-climates to be found throughout the region. The diversity of conditions that each of their estate vineyards are exposed to result in a collection of wines that are deliciously idiosyncratic. Tastings require reservations, which can be made online, and are available Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.. They run from $25 to $75, depending on which experience you choose, though there are member discounts. adelaida.com

02 of 10

Broken Earth Winery

This sprawling property, with more than 700 acres of vines planted to a range of grapes, was originally known as Rancho Tierra Rejada (Land of the Worked Earth). The work on their earth is evident in the stunning range of wines, including Tannat, sparkling Albariño, Nero d'Avola, Vermentino, and more. The tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., and the on-site La Cucina Restaurant is a great option for an even more robust experience. brokenearthwinery.com

03 of 10

Daou Vineyards & Winery

The Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, have become leading lights in the Paso Robles AVA thanks to the success of both their triple-digit-priced flagship reds like Patrimony and Soul of a Lion, as well as their everyday-priced reds and whites that reliably overdeliver for the money. Reservations for the daily tastings, which are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., often fill up six weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. daouvineyards.com

04 of 10

Eberle Winery

Gary Eberle was a Paso pioneer who worked for his family winery back in the 1970s before establishing his own operation in 1984. Gary himself is often in the tasting room shaking hands with visitors, who come for the critically lauded bottlings from winemaker Chris Eberle — who, despite his last name, is incredibly not related to Gary. Eberle wine, with its familiar golden boar on the label, is best known for Zins, but whites are very much worth checking out. So, too, are less-expected expressions like Syrah and Sangiovese. Reservations are required for the 90-minute tastings, which are available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m April through October, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through March. eberlewinery.com

05 of 10

J. Lohr

Still family owned, this is one of the Central Coast's largest and best-known brands, with vineyard holdings extending north to Monterey and Napa Valley. They produce seven different lines, including Pure Paso, Monterey Roots, and more. Visitors to the Paso Robles tasting room and its counterpart in San Jose enjoy a 60-minute, $20 tasting Thursday through Monday, which has to be booked in advance. (Note that the San Jose location is often closed on Mondays.) jlohr.com

06 of 10

Justin Winery

Justin not only helped pioneer fine wine in Paso Robles, but also the idea of a destination winery for visitors. The property boasts a handsome winery and tasting room, as well as the nearby Just Inn (get it?), an upscale boutique hotel with a fine dining restaurant. For a serious treat, you can also book the Justin Chateau for up to 10 guests. There's a wide range of tasting options, from casual to more exclusive. Check out the JUSTIN website for the full roster of options, and to book your own. justinwine.com

07 of 10

Peachy Canyon

Peachy Canyon is among the best-known Zinfandel producers south of Sonoma, though its Bordeaux- and Rhône-style expressions are excellent, too. Founded in 1988, it is still run by the Beckett family, who have several notable neighbors—the winery is in the midst of the 46 West association of wineries loosely grouped around Highway 46, southwest of town. The tasting room is in the charming, repurposed 1886 Old Bethel Schoolhouse, where reservations are recommended but not required (unless your group consists of eight or more people), and can be enjoyed daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. peachycanyon.com

08 of 10

Tablas Creek

Few if any other Central Coast wineries can claim a pedigree like Tablas Creek, a joint venture between American wine importer Robert Haas and the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe producer Château de Beaucastel. The grape vines here are propagated from Beaucastel's own back in France, and tended organically and biodynamically. Tablas Creek produces an almost bewildering range of noteworthy wines, both red and white. Tastings cost $25, and can be enjoyed indoors for no more than four guests per group, or outdoors with a maximum of eight. (Club members pay nothing for tastings, however.) Book online at tablascreek.com

09 of 10

Tobin James Cellars

If California wineries sometimes seem to pretend they are in, say, Tuscany rather than Temecula, Tobin James aims to set the geography straight. The winery and tasting room, on the site of a former stage-coach stop (the guest house dates from that era), embraces the Wild West — the wine club here is even called the James Gang. The blades of an old-time water pump spin above the buildings, and the tasting room is done up saloon-style, with age-polished wood and a brass foot rail. Reservations are required for the $20 tastings, which can be booked daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., for groups of no more than six people, at tobinjames.com

10 of 10

Turley Wine Cellars

Among the handful of highly regarded producers on the Central Coast, this is a pilgrimage spot for lovers of old vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah (Turley also has a tasting outpost up north in Amador County). Larry Turley, one of California's most avid and talented vineyard scouts, combed the boondocks for old vine vineyards back when their value wasn't universally appreciated. Today, Turley Wine Cellars turns out more than 40 different bottlings, each of them unique and worthy of consideration. Tastings at their Paso location cost $25, run from Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and can be booked online at turleywinecellars.com.

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