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Wine country guide · California

Paso Robles wine country

Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is one of California's largest wine regions, with more than 200 wineries spread across rolling oak-dotted hills. It's known for a relaxed, unhurried feel and bold red wines.

Official AVA boundary (simplified). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

506licensed producers (federal permits)
1983established
11smaller regions inside
CAstates

Smaller regions inside

Part of

Counties

Number = all licensed producers in the whole county, including towns outside this region.

What Paso Robles is known for

Paso Robles built its reputation on Zinfandel, with some vines planted in the 1920s still producing. Today it's equally known for Rhône varieties like Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre (often blended), along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The region has about 40,000 acres of vineyards.

Climate and geography

Paso Robles is known for very large swings between warm days and cool nights, which helps grapes ripen while keeping acidity. The western side, closer to the Pacific and the Templeton Gap, is cooler and hillier, with limestone-rich soils prized for Rhône and Zinfandel; the eastern side is warmer and flatter. Those differences are why the region was divided into 11 districts, including Adelaida, Willow Creek, Templeton Gap and Estrella.

Paso Robles is an American Viticultural Area (AVA), an official U.S. wine-growing region recognized by the TTB. It was established in 1983 in San Luis Obispo County, California. It lies within the Central Coast AVA. It contains 11 smaller AVAs.

History

  1. 1797Mission San Miguel Arcángel is founded, bringing wine grapes to the area.
  2. 1882Andrew York establishes Ascension Winery, now York Mountain Winery, planting some of the region's earliest Zinfandel.
  3. 1920sIgnace Paderewski plants Zinfandel and Petite Sirah in Adelaida; the Pesenti and Dusi families plant Zinfandel, and some Dusi vines still produce.
  4. 1983The Paso Robles AVA is established.
  5. 2014Federal regulators approve 11 smaller districts within the Paso Robles AVA.
  6. TodayMore than 200 wineries and about 40,000 vineyard acres.

Towns and wine routes

Downtown Paso Robles

A historic town square with dozens of tasting rooms, restaurants and shops.

Highway 46 West and Adelaida

Hilly, oak-covered west side with many Rhône and Zinfandel producers.

Highway 46 East

Flatter east side with larger estates and Cabernet.

Templeton

A small Western-style town just south of Paso Robles.

Best time to visit

Harvest season (August to October) is lively, and spring brings green hills and wildflowers. Summer afternoons are hot. Paso Robles is generally more relaxed than Napa; many wineries welcome walk-ins, though reservations are smart on weekends.

Where to stay

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Downtown Paso Robles

Walk to tasting rooms and restaurants around the town square.

Hotels in Downtown Paso Robles

Templeton

Small-town inns close to the west side wineries.

Hotels in Templeton

Cambria

Coastal town about 30 minutes west over Highway 46.

Hotels in Cambria

Traveling by RV? Harvest Hosts members can stay overnight at participating wineries.

Wineries in the Paso Robles area

506 licensed wine producers with an address in or mostly inside this region, grouped by town. Tap a town to open it, then Directions to find a winery on Google Maps, or + Trip to add it to your trip plan.

Before you go: this list counts every federally licensed wine producer, which is broader than the wineries open to visitors. Not every producer has a public tasting room, many require reservations, and some share a production facility. Check hours and tasting availability on the winery's website before driving out.
Paso Robles435
Templeton52
Atascadero7
Creston7
Shandon2
Cholame1
Lockwood1
San Miguel1

Questions about Paso Robles

What wine is Paso Robles known for?

Zinfandel, Rhône-style reds such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

How many wineries are in Paso Robles?

More than 200, according to the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

What are the 11 districts of Paso Robles?

Adelaida District, Creston District, El Pomar District, Paso Robles Estrella District, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles Highlands District, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, San Juan Creek, San Miguel District, Santa Margarita Ranch and Templeton Gap District.

Is Paso Robles a good alternative to Napa?

Many visitors find it more relaxed and less expensive, with more wineries that accept walk-ins.

Sources

Plan your visit

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Hotels near Paso Robles

Compare places to stay close to the tasting rooms.

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Wine tours & tastings

Guided tours with a driver, so nobody has to skip the tasting.

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Bringing the RV?

Harvest Hosts members can park overnight at hundreds of wineries, farms and breweries.

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Send a bottle home

Wine and gourmet gift baskets, shipped nationwide.

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