Paso Robles Wine Region

Leave Cambria and the coast traveling east on 46 through the Santa Lucia coastal mountain range. We have always considered that Hwy 46 affords one of California’s most beautiful drives through gorgeous stretches of farmland and lush, gently rolling, golden hills covered with oak trees and vineyards, and it is now the best route to explore the burgeoning Paso Robles Wine Region. Once known for cattle ranches and grain fields and historically as a mineral springs resort area, the Paso Robles region has a rich history of winemaking and grape growing—the first grapes were introduced to the region by Spanish conquistadors and the Franciscan missionaries and wine was produced in 1797 at the historic Mission San Miguel Arcángel. Approximately 13 miles inland from Cambria you begin to see farmland give way to row-upon-row and acre-after-acre of vineyards. (Note: If you have the luxury of time, detour off Hwy 46 west on two separate roads to discover some of California’s most beautiful scenery. Santa Rosa Creek Road offers a lovely ramble through pristine countryside to the back side of Cambria (approximately a 35-minute drive) and Old Creek Road is another charming drive (about a 20-minute trip), taking you by Whale Rock Reservoir to the beach city of Cayucos.) Spend a few days here and you will enjoy not only drives along scenic, rural, uncrowded roads—most of the wineries are open for tasting (most are free) and a few offer self-guided tours. Clustered just off the 46, still on the west side of Paso Robles, are several wineries: Summerwood is beautiful and Castoro is a must for tasting. Castoro Winery also hosts concerts throughout the year. Other wineries not to miss are Dover Canyon, Grey Wolf, Midnight Cellars, Dark Star, and Fratelli Perata. Sycamore Farms is also a delightful stop to pick up herbs and gifts for house and garden. To combine wine tasting with a drive through stunningly scenic countryside, take Vineyard Drive from the 46, traveling to the north, winding through the hills that were once home to Mennonite dairy farms, grain and nut farms, and cattle ranches. Venture on to two of the most picturesque wineries, Justin and Carmody McKnight. Stroll through Justin’s lovely gardens and sample their award-winning wines. From Justin Winery head over to Carmody McKnight, an 1800s farmhouse with a pond in front, and enjoy your wine tasting while overlooking their gardens. A number of signs will tempt you off the main road down local roads to many family-run wineries. Follow Chimney Rock Road back to the heart of downtown Paso Robles. Before continuing over to the east side of town to visit a number of the region’s larger wineries, take some time to explore historic Paso Robles. To continue wine tasting, head out from Paso Robles on Hwy 46 east to many of the area’s larger wineries. Martin-Weyrich has a feel of Tuscany and a wonderful gift shop and tasting room. Eberle Winery offers picnic baskets made to order with advance notice. Enjoy your picnic on their deck, sample award-winning wines, and take time to tour the Eberle caves. Meridian Vineyards has lovely gardens, a great tasting room, and a gift shop. Don’t leave out Tobin James, with its real western-flavor tasting room, great hospitality, and award-winning wines. Follow your wine map, but don’t miss Wild Horse Vineyards in Templeton and be sure to explore country roads like Neal Springs in this “El Pomar” area. The Paso Robles Vintners have a brochure, tel: 805-239-8463, fax: 805-237-6439, or visit their website at www.pasowine.com.