5 Tasting Rooms we love in Paso Robles

Wine tasting and Paso Robles go together like butter and bread. We are constantly being asked what our favorite winery is. Though we’ve been to a dozen or so, we’ve narrowed it down to a few that we currently call our favorites—for their wine, the character of their tasting rooms, the views, and the overall experience. Read along for the list of our top 5 favorite wine tasting experiences in Paso Robles!

On another note, since we had to learn this a couple years back, we’d like to clarify a little bit of wine lingo for all of us here:

vineyard = where the grapes are grown, on the vines

winery = where the wine is made; i.e. grapes are turned into wine in a long, thoughtful, strategic process

tasting room = the place in which the winemaker and his/her staff share their hard work with the public

Many times, the vineyard, and winery and tasting room are all in one. Additionally, many wineries source their grapes from various outside vineyards to create their strategic blend of wine. When the vineyard and winery are all done at the same location, these wines are called “Estate” wine.

Having lived in San Luis Obispo County for 10 years, we thought it best to compile some of our favorite tasting spots. These are in no particular order.

Here are our Top 5 Tasting Rooms in Paso Robles

1. Tobin James off the 46 East Highway
   This is a fantastic country-style tasting room, that is usually packed with patrons along it’s multiple tasting counters, loud, fun, and did we mention, FREE! Be sure to leave a tip and buy some bottles to take home or back to your hotel for the night. Read up on their story here

2. Sculpterra off the 46 East Highway
   This vineyard, winery, and tasting room boast eclectic art and sculpture gardens surrounding the tasting room. A little off-the-beaten path from the highway, this one is worth the adventure as the wine is delicious, especially accompanied by a stroll through the sculpture gardens. More on Sculpterra’s facilities here

3. Four Lanterns off the 46 West Highway
   The name is inspired by the owner’s four daughters who still help out with the business. This vineyard, winery, and tasting room has a gorgeous outdoor seating area and even hosts free concerts on Sunday evenings during summer. Currently, they are renovating their tasting room but are still open for business. Click here for their website

4. Opolo off Vineyard Drive off the 46 West Highway
   This vineyard, winery, and tasting room is down the beautiful Vineyard Drive, heading north off of the 46 West. Their wine is tasty and they even have made-to-order pizza on-site next to their tasting room. Visit their site for more info

5. Castoro Cellars off the 46 West Highway
   Known for their delicious variety of estate wines, and of course having a disc golf course on-site, this winery will leave you satisfied with your Paso Robles wine tasting experience. They are the only 100% certified sustainable vineyard and winery in Paso Robles. Learn more about Castoro Cellars here

That wraps up just a few of our favorite tasting rooms in the Paso Robles area. I’m sure we will have many more to share in the near future and add to our list! Remember to always have a designated driver. Happy tasting!

A lovely afternoon at Four Lanterns Winery. They are even pet-friendly!

Checking out the sculptures at Sculpterra Winery.