Nine reasons the stunning Paso Robles, CA is the ultimate gourmet getaway
A flourishing California destination, Paso Robles is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Central Coast, located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. In addition to untouched natural beauty, this picturesque retreat offers a bounty of farm-fresh cuisine, 250+ wineries and a thriving agri-tourism scene. It’s the perfect place for a gourmet getaway.
- Hone your farm-to-fork culinary skills with a cooking class at Refugio Kitchen. After a trip to the local farmer’s market for the freshest ingredients prepare your feast in the fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen.
Image credit: Refugio Kitchen
Then relax on the patio as you gaze out at green and golden hills, olive trees, vineyards and grazing horses, while sipping local wines and nibbling on inspiring dishes created from the local bounty.
- Unleash your inner-cowboy and take a spectacular horseback trip through the breath-taking scenery of Calcareous Vineyards with Outback Trail Rides. Perched 1,200 feet above the expansive Salinas Valley, the stunning views will truly get your spurs spinning.
Image credit: Kathy Marcks Hardesty
Stop for a wine tasting and picnic with perfectly paired cheeses from Vivant Fine Cheeses.
- Get in on the booming craft spirits scene as you spend a day exploring the Paso Robles Distillery Trail. Sample locally produced Apple Brandy, Cucumber Vodka, Limoncello and more, and enjoy unique cocktail creations from the passionate local distillers.
- Explore the largest of only four subterranean wine storage cave networks in the Paso Robles area at Halter Ranch. Tour the historic ranch and learn about sustainable farming and the art of viticulture at this cutting-edge winery facility. Then enjoy a tasting of the current release wines.
- With too many culinary options from which to choose, consider a progressive dinner style evening in the charming downtown Paso Robles area. Start with a craft cocktail at the simple and rustic chic Hatch Rotisserie & Bar followed by modern Mexican tapas at Fish Gaucho
For dinner, head over to Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Lounge for creatively prepared honest food featuring an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients to concoct bold, imaginative dishes.
- And when you’ve sampled all of the delicious farm-to-fork fare you think you can take, go see the wall of wine at Taste in the Alley and enjoy late-night sipping from the largest by-the-glass list with over 350 choices because as the saying goes, when in wine country…
- After a full day of fun, check in to one of Paso Robles’ beautiful lodging properties and kick back and relax as you reflect on the memories of the day. At Allegretto Resort and Spa enjoy a peaceful escape that blends the charm of California’s Central Coast and the Mediterranean – all set within the scenic beauty of lush, rolling hills and blue skies.
Or if you’d like to be right in town, spend the night at the historic Paso Robles Inn. Located across from the quaint downtown park, you can stroll the charming streets lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. Back at the hotel, indulge in the healing powers of thermal waters of your very own private spring hot tub and make sure to learn about the history of the inn and all the notable people who have stayed there.
- After sleeping off your glorious food coma, rise and shine and head over to the Pasolivo Ranch. Did you know that Paso’s magic soil and climate also make for a perfect spot to grow olives? Learn more at Pasolivo as you tour the orchards, sample the world-class olive oils and specialty foods, and experience the luxurious bath and beauty products.
- With vineyards, olive orchards, farms and ranches abound, Paso Robles is an ideal destination to experience agriculture firsthand. Slap on your cowboy hat and head over to FARMstead ED – an agriculture education tour company – and spend the day learning how local producers get everything they need for their products directly from the Earth. Get in on the fun with the interactive “Grow Your Own…” series where you will plant your own garden to take back with you to “city.” The experience ends with the group enjoying a “pasture-to-plate” meal.
