| << Back |  |
Daycations: Through the Grapevine: Paso Robles, California
By Mike Sweeney
When most people think of California wine country, it’s Napa Valley that comes to mind. Not surprising, given that Napa hosts nearly five million visitors each year and grows enough grapes to fill the Grand Canyon. But if you cruise farther south on the 101, you’ll discover the lesser-known but equally delightful town of Paso Robles, an emerging destination for serious wine enthusiasts.
Nestled in the heart of California’s beautiful Central Coast, Paso Robles combines a small town vibe with the feel of an upscale resort community to bring you the ultimate vacation getaway. With gorgeous weather, scenic rolling hills and some of the friendliest people outside of Grover’s Corners, Paso offers the best in old-fashioned, California-style fun.
In Vino Veritas
With over 200 wineries to explore, there’s no shortage of potent potables in Paso. Whether your tastes run to red or white, sweet or dry, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Most wineries charge a nominal tasting fee but will gladly waive the cost if you take home a bottle of that must-have pinot. Package tours are always available, but it’s a lot more fun to plan your own itinerary.
TIP: Need a designated driver? Elegant Image (www.elegantimagelimos.com), located in nearby San Luis Obispo, allows you to travel in gold standard limo style while enjoying the day’s libations. They’ll even include a full picnic lunch for you.
Celebrity Cellars
One of the most well-known vintners in town is JUSTIN Winery, where you can sample a lion’s share of prime vintages while also touring their storage caves. You can even taste wine right from the barrel! A few miles east of town, you’ll find the equally renowned J. Lohr. One of the first notable winemakers to put down vines in Paso, J. Lohr offers four tiers of award-winning wines and two exceptional wine clubs. Just off Route 46, you’ll find another Paso fixture, Tobin James Cellars. Built on an old stagecoach stop, their saloon-like tasting room and outgoing staff exude a Wild West sensibility.
A Toast to Zinfandel
Paso is perhaps best known for producing zinfandel, with many wineries offering their own spin on this robust variety. Peachy Canyon, owned by the Beckett family since 1988, specializes in estate zins and houses their tasting room in a historic school house. Four Vines Winery, home to self-proclaimed “zin pimp” Bill Grant, rolls out bold zins with fun names such as “Biker” and “Maverick.” Zin Alley melds old world tradition with the finesse of modern technology to create elegant yet complex wines.
Down by the Park
Downtown Paso delivers its own eclectic set of tasting rooms surrounding the scenic City Park. Arroyo Robles houses many wonderful varietals and blends, including Emma & Riley’s Emergency Relief, named after their two winery dogs. Orchid Hill holds court with private wine and cheese pairing parties and showcases work from local artists. Bear Cave Cellars, run by married couple Barry and Marilyn, pours a magnificent cabernet sauvignon – and if you need some legal advice, the tasting room also doubles as the couple’s law office.
For more information on wineries, tasting options and local wine events, including the Zinfandel Festival in March and the Paso Robles Wine Festival held in May, visit www.pasowine.com or www.pasoroblesdowntown.org.
Beyond the Vines
While wine may be their vocation, there’s more to Paso than grapes and vineyards. Take a step back in time at the Pioneer Museum, where replicas of the city’s first brick-house jail and a collection of vintage farming equipment provide a glimpse into the past. More Old West nostalgia awaits at Harris Stage Lines, where you can take a ride on an authentic stagecoach or enjoy some gourmet cowboy cooking from a real chuck wagon. Pass the biscuits and gravy, partner!
For a dose of Zen to go with your glass of zin, take a relaxing soak at the River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, where the therapeutic waters of natural hot springs melt away the stresses of daily life. Once refreshed, take some time to explore the area’s full range of outdoor activities, from hiking the coastal mountain bluffs at Montana de Oro or boating and water-skiing at nearby Lake Nacimiento. For golf lovers, the Hunter Ranch Golf Course ranks as one of the most scenic courses on the Central Coast.
The Local Flavor
When you’re hungry for a little grub to soak up the vino, Paso has plenty of culinary hot spots to choose from. Panolivo combines traditional French recipes with Central Coast flavors and fresh-baked desserts. Bistro Laurent throws down reasonably priced soups, salads, pizza and pasta, all with a gourmet twist. For a break from the grape, Downtown Brewing Company offers hearty bar food and a refreshing selection of handcrafted beers.
For something a bit more sophisticated, book a reservation at Artisan, where Executive Chef Chris Kobayashi creates American Bistro fare using fresh seasonal ingredients. From grass-fed beef flatiron steak with cabernet butter to farm-raised rabbit in a pioppini ragu, the food and service never disappoint. Don’t miss the gouda and porter fondue with andouille and broccolini, a local legend that lives up to the hype, as well as a fried egg BLT with caper thyme aioli that draws a hefty Sunday brunch crowd.
Checking In
Paso offers plenty of traditional hotel options, but if you’re looking for something beyond the Marriott, drop your bags at the historic Paso Robles Inn. Built adjacent to the natural hot springs in 1891, you’ll enjoy modern comforts with historical flair, including mineral spa tubs available in their Deluxe Spa Rooms. Majestic oak trees, koi ponds and lush flower gardens add to the calming atmosphere. Best of all, it’s within walking distance to all the excitement of downtown.
If a bed and breakfast is more your speed, consider a stay at Hollyhock Farms in nearby Templeton. There’s a quaint cottage for two or a larger bungalow that sleeps four, both offering a down-home slice of country comfort. Your hosts Dick and Kim Rogers rustle up a farm-fresh gourmet breakfast, plenty of good conversation and unparalleled hospitality. Feel free to tour the grounds and visit with their diverse menagerie, including Valentino the Jacob sheep and Twitch the cat, the latter of which makes his home just outside the bungalow.
For more information on dining, lodging and recreation options, or to download a free copy of the Paso Passport Visitor’s Guide, visit www.travelpaso.com.
The slower pace and smaller crowds of Paso Robles are sure to beckon both seasoned and emerging wine enthusiasts alike. But even if you fail to pop a single cork, the delicious food, unique culture and scenic backdrops are sure to provide a memorable weekend escape.
Orange Thyme Pancakes
Be sure to make a special request for these fantastic pancakes while lodging at Hollyhock Farms. If you just can’t wait until you get there, Dick and Kim share this version of the recipe. Dick adds, “The secret is not to get the griddle too hot and to make the mixture quite loose so the pancakes flatten out on the griddle. Good eating!”
Pancakes:
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ¾ cups orange juice
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
Orange Sauce:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. orange zest
Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add eggs, orange juice, butter and thyme; mix until blended. Heat non stick or lightly greased griddle over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup batter onto hot griddle. When bubbles appear on surface, turn and cook until golden brown.
To prepare orange sauce, heat butter and cornstarch in sauce pan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add orange juice; stir until thickened. Add sugar and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Stir in orange zest. Add an equal amount of maple syrup to orange sauce if desired.
Recipe courtesy of Breakfast in Bed California Cookbook by Carol Frieberg
