Paso Robles

Fig 1 Annie, always excited for a visit to a vineyard, getting ready to explore.

Exploring the wineries of Paso Robles is like being a kid in a candy store, a college student bar hopping with classmates after semester exams, or hanging out with favorite workmates on a Friday night pub crawl after a long week of work. Each tasting room and winery offers something new and exciting, from bold Cabernets and Zinfandels to crisp Albariños. It is the wine-lover's version of college bar hopping, where every stop presents a different vibe, a unique pour, and a chance to discover a new favorite and meet a new friend in the industry. Just like workmates on a pub crawl, there's an undeniable camaraderie in the experience - sharing tasting notes, laughing over unexpected flavor profiles, and indulging in the rich, sun-drenched flavors of California's Central Coast. This was my fifth visit to Paso Robles and it certainly did not disappoint.

Paso Robles, located on California's Central Coast and a six-hour drive from Las Vegas, is a vibrant, ultra-cool, and diverse wine region celebrated for its innovative winemaking and distinct terroir. With a Mediterranean climate, unique soil types, and varied topography, it is home to over 40,000 acres of vineyards and more than 60 grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhone varieties like Syrah and Grenache, and the historically significant Zinfandel. Known for its bold, fruit-forward wines and sustainable practices, Paso Robles boasts 11 sub-AVAs (and almost as many microclimates), each offering a unique expression of the region's character.

Fig 2 LXV connection to India with an Indian spice pairing of fragrant herbs and proprietary blends with Matt Nakeker. This was an amazing interplay between wine and spice in an educational setting. A curated guide through this aromatic landscape included fennel, rose petals, shiitake mushrooms, anise, clove, caraway, rosemary, clove, sarsaparilla, and marjoram. Absolutely amazing!

From its historical roots in the late 18th century to its status as a modern wine destination that includes Old Town and Tin City and over 200 wineries, Paso Robles is a great place for me to visit with any of the dogs (Fig. 1). Wineries I always TRY to visit include Tablas Creek, Tobin James, Ranchero Underground Cellars, Cloak and Dagger, Aaron, Jacob Toft, Turtle Rock, Daou, ONX, Steinbeck, Whalebone, and of course, Eberle. On this particular to visit, I found some new absolutely rockstar wines and winemakers with Blake Pacheco, Alamar Wines, and Lori Bud, Dracaena Wines, as well as the Indian spice pairing at LXV, with Matt Nadecker. There were also unique wine tasting experiences with Doug Burkett in his wine bar that was almost like an old school bar and enjoying a bottle of Gamay with the CEO of Vin 13, Raymond Fairchild.

Fig 3 Had to stop into Dracaena Wines after seeing the window in the morning. Came back on Friday and met Vegas, the tasting room Weimaraner, and had an amazing Cab Franc. This is the place to visit if you like dog-friendly hangouts and owners, Lori and Michael, are passionate about winemaking and dogs! Fantastic find of this trip.

The unique climate and soils of Paso Robles play a crucial role in shaping the exceptional quality of its wines. The region experiences a dramatic diurnal temperature shift, with warm sunny days and cool nights that allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining acidity and balance. The soils are equally diverse, ranging from calcareous limestone and shale to sandy loam and clay, which contribute distinct mineral qualities and structure to the wine. This combination of climate and soil diversity allow winemakers to produce a wide range of expressive, high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Paso Robles.

Fig 4 Unwinding with a bottle of Gamay, and great conversion with Raymond Fairchild, CEO, Vin 13 Bar and Cellar, and Annie, living her best life. There's nothing better than sharing exceptional wine with good company.

Leaving early in the morning from Las Vegas, sometimes with the sun far below the earth's horizon, is the perfect time to start a road trip to Paso Robles. It is the same direction on the same highway I always take to the west coast for wine study. With my dog, Annie, settled into the backseat, always excited in anticipation of the adventure, we embark with a coffee and Sirius XM on the scenic drive through the Mojave Desert and into California's rolling hills. I think she knows the road and even where we stop along I-15 traveling into Southern California. It is always nice to be past Baker, California, as the sun rises in the eastern sky. And as the miles pass, the arid landscapes gradually give way to the fertile central valley of California. The drive, though long, feels like an adventure in itself, with a few roadside stops and tennis ball tosses, adding to the experience. I try to arrive in Paso Robles before 11:00 am on Day 1, just in time for Tobin James tasting room to begin wine service with their amazing hospitality. The cool morning rain drops and welcoming charm of the winery makes the journey more than worthwhile. It's a perfect way to kick off a day of wine exploration, with my travel sidekick by my side.

Fig 5 Savoring the bold and expressive wines of Tobin James after our six hour drive from Las Vegas. From lush Zinfandels to elegantly structured GSM blends, each pour reflects the passion and craftsmanship of this renowned winery. A must-visit destination for those who appreciate exceptional wines and super warm hospitality.

Tasting at Tobin James Cellars was another unforgettable experience, made even more special by the opportunity to sit down with Justin James, a younger OG of the Paso wine region. Justin had a wealth of knowledge about not only viticulture, but also everyone in the industry in Paso by first name. As we explored an exceptional lineup of wines, Justin shared stories of his family's winemaking legacy and the dedication that goes into every bottle. His passion for the craft was evident in every detail, from the meticulous vineyard practices to the artful blending techniques that define Tobin James wines. The combination of world-class wines, engaging conversation, and a deep dive into the winery's history created an experience that was both educational and truly memorable. It is no wonder that Tobin James has one of the largest wine memberships in the United States.

After enjoying some time with Justin at Tobin James, we headed to Tin City for lunch and more study, which is always an unforgettable experience, especially with Annie. This entertainment and shopping hub of boutique wineries, breweries, and artisan producers is incredibly dog-friendly, with patios and open spaces. It's also a great spot to just get your daily steps in with the dogs after a six-hour drive. On this trip, me and dog decided to revisit the Jacob Toft Wine Tasting Room to meet with Fizzle, and then to the Aaron Tasting Room with Katie Lewis, to indulge in a flight of their amazing wines. Fizzle shared some of his personal selection as a treat and Katie, Annie, and I had a nice visit about viticulture and listened to both sides of a Bob Seger album with the rain gently falling outside. It brought back great memories of prior visits to Tin City with Meg and friends.

Fig 6 Annie owning the night. She had adults sitting on the floor with her! Iron Oaks isn't just about wine, cider, and locally raised beef-it's about bringing people together for unforgettable experiences and a damn good time. Loved the Sicilian pizza at Bello Pizza, located inside the Iron Oaks Tasting Room two nights in a row.

To end the day at Tin City, we stopped by Tin City Cider Co., and had a flight of their crisp, inventive ciders in a fun outdoor atmosphere. With its laid-back charm, unique wines (and I missed Levo, ONX, Turtle Rock, and Desperada, and a bunch of other great stops), and welcoming attitude for four-legged friends, Tin City is a great first stop before heading downtown to check in the hotel and grab dinner. Its laid-back yet innovative small-batch wineries are all walkable, in an industrial-chic setting.

Vid 1 Perfect Setting: The Inn, Paso Robles, California.

On consecutive trips to Paso Robles, I found staying at the historic Paso Robles Inn to be the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, especially when traveling with Annie. This Inn offers a warm, super pet-friendly atmosphere, with absolutely killer landscaping, making it an ideal retreat after a day of exploring. One of the best parts about staying in the Inn is its prime location in the heart of downtown Paso Robles. From the Inn, it's just a short walk to an array of fantastic wine tasting rooms, boutique shops, and inviting restaurants, many of which welcome dogs on their patios. Strolling through the tree-lined streets with my dog, I soaked up the vibrant but yet relaxed energy of downtown. So many great little tasting experiences around every corner, but on this visit I was disappointed I was not able to visit with Amy Butler at Ranchero Underground Cellar. It's always heartbreaking to see such passion and craftsmanship come to an end, but their legacy and memories created with their wine (I have a few in the cellar) will always live on.

Fig 7 My wine tasting at Eberle with Garnet was absolutely fabulous, soaking in the winery's history. She told me fantastic stories about the winery and Mr. Eberle.

Wine tasting at Eberle Winery is a true privilege, offering a blend of rich history, award-winning wines, and warm hospitality. Founded by Gary Eberle, a pioneer in Paso Robles winemaking, the winery played a key role in establishing the region's reputation for world-class Rhone varietals. As one of the original "Rhone Rangers," Eberle championed the noble Rhone grape varietals before they became widely recognized in California. The noble grapes of Rhone include Syrah and Viognier in the north, while the south features Grenache, Mourvedre, and a range of complementary varieties like Roussane and Marsanne. Thanks to visionaries like Eberle, and winemakers at properties such as Tablas Creek, Rhone varietals are flourishing in Paso Robles. I enjoyed a tasting in the winery's stunning underground caves in the past, and on this viist I experienced the welcoming, dog-friendly tasting room that makes Eberle a standout destination. The vineyard dogs, Sangiovese and Barbera, are also absolutely friendly and add to the breathtaking views of the property.

Fig 8 Experience at Eberle with wine dogs Sangiovese and Barbera

After Eberle and getting back to the Inn, we take a stroll to downtown Paso Robles again, looking for more dog-friendly wine tasting adventures. Starting at LXV Wine Lounge, I was able to sample the Indian spice pairings and premium wines, with my educator, Matt, while Annie watched by my side. Matt guided me through the tasting experience, which elevates each sip, blending expertly curated spices with especially their Bordeaux-style wines for a sensory journey that's both bold and unexpected.

Next, we walked to Herman Story Tasting Room for a sip fo their elegant wines that totally highlight Paso Robles' unique terroir, The warehouse type tasting room welcomes dogs, making it a relaxing stop. We recieved triple good service here, as Annie got a bowl of water, and I was able to pick the brains of both Cameron and Jesse. I learned a lot about their wine lineup and about the namesake, Herman Story. They were all having a staff lunch together and I was thinking, "this would be a cool place to work with cool people". These wines are locally loved, according to "people on the street". As it was time to wind down the day and walk back to the Inn, I enjoyed the energy and ambiance of downtown. I will say that Paso Robles is a haven for dog lovers, with most tasting rooms accommodating pet companions, And actually it was my dog Annie, who made several new friends, both cats and dogs, in downtown Paso Robles.

Fig 9 Quick start to the night with Mai at Cloak and Dagger.

Fig 10 Meg and I tasting all the noble grapes of Rhone, at Tablas Creek, February, 2021.

Vid 2 Savoring fine wine with a backdrop of rolling hills and endless beauty, Daou Winery. Daou's Soul of a Lion is a world-class, exquisite wine.

Wine tasting in Paso Robles offers a rich variety of experiences, each with its own charm. In Tin City, the vibe is modern and edgy, with boutique wineries, craft breweries, and cider houses packed into an industrial setting, making it a hotspot for experimental winemaking and a younger crowd. Downtown on the square delivers a more refined and walkable experience, where historic buildings house elegant tasting rooms, often run by renowned local winemakers, allowing visitors to sip fine wines while strolling between artisan shops and top-tier restaurants. Meanwhile, the outer rural areas showcase Paso's true roots-rolling vineyards, rustic estate wineries, and intimate tastings often hosted by winemakers themselves, where you can sip a bold Rhone-style red while gazing over sun-drenched hills. Whether one prefers the urban energy of Tin City, the sophistication of downtown, or the peaceful beauty of the countryside, Paso Robles has a tasting experience to match. This place is becoming one of my favorites places to visit.

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Fig 11 Free publication of the Noble grape varietals of Rhone, Tablas Creek handout.

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