Paso Robles Wine Country, California

The JUSTIN Tasting Room

DAY 3

Today, let's head out to the west side of Paso Robles for wine tasting amidst meandering country roads that might give you a glimpse of deer, wild turkeys, soaring hawks, and—if you're lucky—the occasional fox or bobcat. Keep in mind that you may be visiting smaller wineries that may have limited days of operations, so plan accordingly. Packing up some snacks is a good idea, and many wineries have scenic picnic tables you're more than welcome to use.

Halter Ranch vineyard

To start the day with some breakfast noshes, House of Bagels on the south end of town makes authentic boiled bagels and an assortment of schmears. Just a few miles away on Highway 46 West, Farmstand 46 offers up hearty gourmet breakfast burritos and sandwiches, plus an assortment of picnic supplies, lunch sandwiches, and usually housemade charcuterie as well. (If it's a Saturday morning, check out the lively Templeton Farmers Market a bit to the south, where you'll find bites of market fresh fare and even vegan cuisine.)

There are scores of wineries on the west side, and one of the most established is Castoro Cellars on Highway 46 West. Though the family-owned label prides itself on its organic and sustainably grown estate Zinfandels, it also sources quality fruit from some 40 vineyards throughout the region. Most of that is crafted into varietal bottlings, so you'll get a good sense of what the Paso and Central Coast terroirs have to offer.

One of the newest labels to open a tasting room is Niner Wine Estates, just down the road from Castoro. Known for red Bordeaux wines, Niner's also has Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc that have gotten some attention, and winemaker Amanda Cramer was named Winemaker of the Year at the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Two more family-owned wineries are worth a visit as you head north: Dunning Vineyards and Pipestone Vineyards, both on Niderer Road. Located on a picturesque, oak-studded property, Dunning's estate wines include classic interpretations of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The nearby Pipestone Vineyards' label shines with estate Rhônes, and it may well be the only winery in California designed and maintained according to the traditional philosophies of feng shui, an attitude that includes a commitment to sustainable vineyard management practices.

It's a bit of a drive, but a beautiful one, out Vineyard Drive to Halter Ranch, where you can enjoy sustainably grown estate wines and soak in the historic ambiance of the surrounding ranch, a property which dates back to the 1880s. If Rhône wines are a favorite, don't miss the nearby Tablas Creek Vineyards, a winery that also promotes sustainable farming practices, and that is a collaboration between Robert Haas, longtime importer and founder of Vineyard Brands, and the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel. The scenic grounds of Justin Vineyards are a few miles further out, but on your way back to town on Adelaida Drive, you can recharge at Villicana Winery, another small, family-owned label.

Buona Tavola

After your day of sipping the ambience of Paso's Westside wine country, you can enjoy the calm elegance of two Westside restaurants: Enoteca and Buona Tavola. Located in La Bellasera hotel just off Highway 46 West, Enoteca offers wine country cuisine with a contemporary flair, while Buona Tavola's insalata, zuppa, gnocchi, risotto, tortelloni, pollo and pesci will make you think you're in Northern Italy, not Spring Street.

Perhaps on your next trip to the area, you'll visit cities such as San Luis Obispo, Cambria, and Shell Beach, and check out other local attractions and events like Hearst Castle, Montaña de Oro State Park, and the Festival Mozaic—a ten-day celebration of classical music. Until then, rest assured that you've gotten a real glimpse into the Central Coast and El Paso de Robles.

Additional information is also available at the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, located just off the town square on Park Street, 805-238-0506, www.pasorobleschamber.com; or from the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, at 835 12th St. D, 805-238-4103, 805-238-4029, www.pasoroblesdowntown.org.

MORE PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Hotels Restaurants Wineries Attractions Travel Guide California Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

Also check out the 72-hour guide to Santa Barbara Wine Country and the Santa Ynez Valley

(Updated: 07/22/10 SG)