Paso Robles Wine Tasting

Nestled away in San Luis Obispo, California, is an intimate wine country that continues to draw tourists year after year. 

Once known for hot springs, olive oil, and almond orchards, wine enthusiasts have been taking notice since the 20th century. 

This article covers what you need to know if you plan a wine-tasting trip to Paso Robles. 

Wine tasting in Paso Robles

Paso Robles Wine Country

California’s beautiful Central Coast may initially draw visitors in, but the Paso Robles wine makes them stay. This wine country is a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA), an official wine-growing appellation. Home to 33,000 vineyard acres and 60 wine grape varieties, there is no shortage of estate vineyards and award-winning wines here. 

Winemaking in the Paso Robles AVA has a long history, with grapes first introduced in the 1790s by Spanish Missionaries. Less than a century later, Andrew York established one of the first vineyards in the area and opened what is now called Epoch Winery. This introduced commercial winemaking to Paso Robles and spearheaded the popularity that would grow over the next one hundred years. 

Now that we know its history, let’s go on a tasting tour of some of the top wineries in Paso Robles. Join us for this taste experiment!

The Most Popular Paso Robles Wines

Paso Robles Wineries

Napa Valley isn’t the only mighty force in the California wine industry. With over 200 recorded Paso Robles wineries, there’s no way we could get through them all. Thankfully, we’ve gathered a top ten list of some of the best in this wine region. 

Let this Paso Robles winery map be your guide. 

Gary Eberle Winery

Known as “The Paso Robles Pioneer,” Gary Eberle is a former biology student turned revolutionary winemaker. Fascinated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Eberle’s mission was to create a red wine that rivaled Bordeaux wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the top wines in Paso Robles, but Eberle is the expert in small-production wines of this type. If you visit Gary Eberle Winery, you must taste his flagship wine, the 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon. 

If you’d like to experience the legendary Gary Eberle, you can visit their website here.

Epoch Estate Wines

Famous for its Rhône-style blends, Zinfandel and Tempranillo, it is here where winemaker Jordan Fiorentini uses organic and biodynamic practices to craft his wines. The Epoch Estate Wineries are family-owned and a beautiful mountain oasis tucked away amongst Redwood trees.

Visit the breathtaking Epoch Estate here.

Adelaida Vineyard & Winery

Another Paso Robles wine pioneer, this winery is home to an impressive array of terroir (soil) and microclimates. Paso Robles bears a hot Mediterranean climate overall, but this winery takes advantage of its land's diverse growing opportunities. Adelaida Winery prides itself on producing French varietals Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

If you’d like to make a reservation and experience Adelaida’s diverse growing climates, check out their website here.

DAOU Vineyards

The Daou brothers, Greg and Daniel, have had abundant success with Cabernet Sauvignon as their flagship varietal. This vineyard is also known for its Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Blanc wines. 

Visit DAOU Vineyards here.

Tobin James Cellars

This winery prides itself on its rustic roots with its saloon-style atmosphere. The breezy Tuscan climate will make you forget you’re at a California winery. For just $20 each, you can book a group of up to six at this Wild West Winery. 

Make your reservations for this fun, rustic winery here.

Red wine tasting at Paso Robles

Broken Earth Winery

    If you can’t decide between white, red, and sparkling wines, Broken Earth Winery boasts a stunning range, including Albariño, Vermentino, Nero d'Avola, and Tannat. With 700 vineyard acres sprawled across rolling hills, this tasting room is open daily. If you’re hungry after your tasting experience, head to the winery’s cucina for a tasty meal. There’s so much to explore here.

    Check out Broken Earth Winery here.

    JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery

    After checking into the Just Inn (we know), book a wine tasting at the beautiful JUSTIN Chateau. With an upscale boutique hotel and fine dining, this destination is perfect for a cozy getaway. View rolling vineyards and lush hills from your room’s balcony while sipping Justin’s luxury Cabernet Sauvignon. 

    Book your getaway at JUSTIN Winery here.

    Tablas Creek

      For just $25, you can experience the best of French and American-style wines at the scenic Tablas Creek. This winery boasts an impressive selection of red and white wines. It is also the first Regenerative Organic Certified vineyard. Suppose its tasting list doesn’t blow you away. In that case, Tablas Creek is actually a joint venture between American wine importer Robert Haas and the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe producer Château de Beaucastel.

      Experience more of the breathtaking Tablas Creek Vineyard here.

      Peachy Canyon

        Located just south of Sonoma, Peachy Canyon is known as the best Zinfandel producer in the area. This winery was founded in 1988 by the Beckett family, who still run the property today. In addition to its Zinfandel, delight yourself with Peachy Canyon’s Bordeaux and Rhône-style blends in the charming repurposed Bethel schoolhouse from 1886 when you visit. 

        Book your reservation here and enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean climate of Peachy Canyon Winery.

        Turley Wine Cellars

          Are you a fan of old vine Zinfandel and Petite Syrah? This Paso Robles winery is home to some fantastic old vines, thanks to talented vineyard scout Larry Turley. The cellar turns out just forty bottles of old vine wine annually, making for an exclusive tasting experience at just $25.

          Book your reservation and learn more about Turley Wine Cellars here.

          We’ve covered a lot of ground traveling through these wineries. To wrap it up, here are the top wines to taste in Paso Robles at a glance. 

          Cheers wine glasses at sunset

          Top Paso Robles Wines

          • Cabernet Sauvignon
          • Rhône and Bordeaux
          • Syrah
          • Grenache
          • Mourvèdre
          • Viognier
          • Sangiovese
          • Vermentino
          • Zinfandel
          • Pinot Noir

            A man and a woman sipping red wine at Paso Robles

            Don’t Overlook Paso Robles Wine

            The next time you’re in downtown Paso Robles, pop into one of their many tasting rooms or wineries. This small area offers intimate wine-tasting experiences overseeing rolling vineyards. There is also no shortage of luxury-style French, American, and Italian wines.

            With Macy’s Wine Shop as your guide, visit Paso Robles for a tasting vacation you’ll never forget.

            Visit our wine shop for various distinguished wines from all over the world. Interested in more fun facts about the wine industry? Read our blog!