Paso Robles adventures: 5 awesome things to do in wine country

Venturing out into the world once more is surreal to begin with. But at Sensorio, the Paso Robles performance space hosting Bruce Munro’s latest Field of Light installation, the light at the end of the tunnel is apparently filled with … ethereal fairy dust. Lights glimmer across the rolling fields, miles of optic fiber shimmer like blossoms in the gloaming.

Munro’s illuminated art installations at sites as far flung as Australia’s Uluru and Saratoga’s Montalvo Arts Center are always fantastical. But the 15-acre walk-through in the heart of Paso’s wine country is his largest installation ever. Some 58,800 stemmed, illuminated bulbs sway gently in the evening breeze, creating twinkling fields of color.

It felt like a fever dream before. Now, the already fantastical Field of Light, which reopened in April, has been joined by Munro’s new Light Towers installation: 69 huge, glowing structures created from 17,000 light-filled wine bottles.

At the end of this endless year, the magic is not only back, it’s been multiplied. Paso’s wineries have reopened, restaurants are bustling and two sleek new hotels — The Piccolo and Stables Inn — have joined the offerings for day trippers too smitten to leave.

Whether you spend a day or a weekend exploring the region’s winding country lanes or strolling downtown, you’ll find plenty to do — not only light-strewn meadows, but new dining options, too, from a sunny beer garden with lobster rolls to a Baja taco spot with Napa cred.

The Backyard on Thirteenth, a vibrant, beer garden-esque expanse, opened on Valentine’s Day 2020. Its repurposed shipping containers, sunny yellow awnings and alfresco seating would have been irresistible at any time, but they’re a perfect fit for the pandemic era. The tasty menu mixes local beer, beachy fare and global inspiration. The lobster roll ($19) is wonderful. The fried chicken sandwich ($13) addictive. And the French fry lineup includes Pad Thai inspired and Tinga topped versions ($13-$14), too.

Prefer to mix wine tasting and stories with your noshing? You’ll find a great new pairing out on Highway 46 West at Wines of the West, which opened in late 2019. The barn-inspired tasting room offers wines from four labels, including Alloy Wine Works — you’ve likely seen their varietals in picnic-ready cans — and Purple Cowboy, which pays homage to winemaking, rodeo-riding cowboys. (They’ve tasted so much red wine, their teeth are purple — or so the story goes.)

How Stetson and lasso-themed is all this? Very. Purple Cowboy is the official wine of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. And it’s home, too, to the Heirloom Kitchen & Eatery popup started by former Hatch exec chef Mateo Rogers and baker Brittney Yracheta. Order one of the wonderful sandwiches — the Decoco ($16), perhaps, with porchetta, Italian salsa verde, pickled red onions and arugula on housemade ciabatta — to enjoy outdoors with a glass of wine and a little sunshine.

Breathe deep. The light at the end of the tunnel may be pixie dust — or it might be rosé.

If You Go

Bruce Munro: Light at Sensoria runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (until 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday) through September at Sensoria, 4380 Highway 46 East in Paso Robles. Tickets start at $37.50; https://sensoriopaso.com.

The Backyard on Thirteenth: This casual, year-old beer garden and eatery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 1300 Railroad St.; www.thebackyardpaso.com.

Finca Paso Robles: This Paso Market Walk eatery opened in May. Grab a taco, salad or wood-grilled seafood between 11 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 1803 Spring St.; www.pasomarketwalk.com.

Wines of the West: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3750 Highway 46 West in Templeton. Book a tasting appointment at the barn or do a virtual tasting from home. www.pasowinesofthewest.com

Heirloom: Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Wines of the West, 3750 Highway 46 West. Check out the menu and order ahead at www.heirloomkitchenandeatery.com.

via The Mercury News

Where to Eat, Play, and Sleep in Paso Robles

There’s certainly no shortage of excellent California wine regions within driving distance of San Francisco or Los Angeles. But Paso Robles is different in its sense of down home hospitality, where you’re just as likely to belly up to the bar with the winemaker as you are to end a night with whiskey shots at the local cowboy saloon. Paso holds tight to the small town charm of a working agricultural community and all the camaraderie that comes along with it.

That’s not to say that you’ll be roughing it during your stay, though. There are plenty of architecturally impressive tasting rooms and well-appointed boutique hotels to be found. You just won’t be burdened with as many high ticket pours, or the wine snobbery that comes along with them.

While California was hit particularly hard in the past year, there actually has never been a better time to try wine here; most wineries require a reservation these days, and as a result, guests get a more curated experience. Rather than having to share a tasting room associate with a gaggle of boisterous bachelorettes, you’ll be one-on-one and feeling like a VIP, learning about what’s become one of the country’s quickest growing wine regions.

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What to Eat in Paso Robles

Start your day off strong with a Oaxacan mocha and solid breakfast sando from AMSTRDM, and while you’re at it, consider coming back for an evening piano performance from their proprietor, perhaps a nod to Polish concert pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who once soaked in the El Paso Hotel’s hot springs to cure his ailments. (There’s a festival in his honor each November, for all you music buffs.)

For lunch, book in at at Niner, with its picturesque patio overlooking a heart-shaped grove of old growth oak trees lovingly called Heart Hill. (Lovebirds take note: not shockingly this is one of the most popular engagement spots on the Central Coast.) Sip a flight of their sustainably produced wines while enjoying a meal that integrates produce from their sprawling chef’s garden and prepare to be wowed.

If your palate is feeling fatigued after a day of wine tasting, grab a pint of local craft beer and a lobster roll at The Backyard on Thirteenth, where laid back locals and their pooches perch on the outdoor patio, giving the space some serious Denver energy.

If Southern comfort food and cocktails sound more your speed, hit up Hatch Rotisserie and Bar, whose owners also will be opening a wood fired pizza joint inspired by LA’s famous Jon + Vinny’s in the months to come.

If you can catch a reservation at Les Petites Cannailles, don’t hesitate. Chef Julien Asseo has worked with some of the top French toques around the globe including Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon, and it’s abundantly obvious in his beautiful take on bistro cuisine, including his perfect rendition of the iconic Robuchon pomme purée. The well-edited wine list is full of gems—you’d be remiss not to open up a bottle of L’Aventure, crafted by Asseo’s father, a pioneer of winemaking in the area.

Chef Patrick Aguirre, who worked with Thomas Keller of the French Laundry and Suzanne Goin of AOC, is opening Finca this summer alongside his wife, whose family started the famed Siete Mares mariscos chain in LA back in the 70s. The team pristinely restored a historical Victorian home at Paso Market Walk to serve their take on regional cuisines from all over Mexico, and it’s likely to be one of the area’s most exciting openings.

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Read the rest of the article at Condé Nest Traveler

Most Instagrammable Spots in Paso Robles Wine Country

In a world that has become ever shaped by social and digital media, it’s inspiring to find new places that combine the natural beauty of wine country with the unique locations that define it. Instagram has made it so easy to share amazing and fun memories with the simple click of your phone – everybody is an influencer! A visit to Paso Robles Wine Country won’t disappoint, as this special region is full of stunning Instagramable locales.

From views out of a movie to creative backdrops that inspire, these spots are must-see locations that will leave your friends wanting more and booking their next trip to Paso. Don’t forget to tag us @pasowine and #pasowine

Dreamy Scenery

Around every curve in the road, there is a real-time scene of what you think wine country should look like. Rolling oak-studded hills, lush vineyards as far as the eye can see, and picturesque seasonal landscapes. Add in a world-renowned light art insulation and a charming small-town that shimmers with cowboy flair, well you’ve arrived in Paso Robles, so snap away!

  1. Niner Wine Estates – Heart Hill
  2. Sensorio Field of Lights
  3. Shell Creek Road in the Spring
  4. Downtown City Park – As you stroll around downtown and through the four-acre city park you’ll experience the heart of Paso. Selfie spots include the Acorn Building, massive oaks in the park, the Carnegie Library, Paderewski’s statue, and the glow of the Studios on the Park neon sign.
  5. Highway 46 West overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Morro Rock

Rebel Walls

There are a few very special outdoor walls around Paso that highlight talent, creativity, and fun. All located downtown Paso, take a walk to check them out and the establishments that grace them.

  1. Les Petites Canailles – Paso Robles mural wall
  2. The Piccolo ­– flower garden wall
  3. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ – raging bull & the farmer’s truck
  4. Stables Inn – wall of horses

Wanderlust Wineries

Paso Robles Wine Country is known for our maverick winemakers and coloring outside the lines with unique California blends and authentic experiences. If you are in search of some fun backdrops for your IG feed then strike a pose at these wineries.

  1. L’Aventure – splashing wine barn doors mural
  2. Daou Family Estate – Daou ‘Life Is Beautiful’ sign overlooking views of north Paso
  3. Brecon Estate – giant hanging picture frame
  4. Peachy Canyon Winery – big white Adirondack chair
  5. Eberle Winery – wild Eberle boar statue
  6. Castoro Cellars – grape covered arbor walkway
  7. Tooth & Nail Winery – it’s an awesome CASTLE, surrounded by a water moat!
  8. Thacher Vineyard & Winery – historic Kentucky Ranch ‘ KR’ barn

Industrial Makers Trail

Tin City is just outside Paso Robles, it is a region of rebels who are paving their own way. A diverse and eclectic mix of artisan makers nestled in an industrial park. You will see these producers hard at work, so a friendly reminder to watch out for roving forklifts!

  1. The walking bridge to Tin City Cider Co., The Fableist, and Sans Liege
  2. Tin City Cider Co. – giant red gear-apple
  3. Field Recordings. – Drink This Way mural wall
  4. Anarchy Wine Co. – just about anything or anyone at Anarchy is IG worthy
  5. Anything else in Tin City because it’s all so cool!

Dining Dreams

Paso is home to some killer chefs who are using the freshest and most local of ingredients to create a food scene that will rival any wine region. When dining out at these hot spots, not only photograph your mouthwatering dish but snap pics of these unique elements that will have your followers green with envy.

  1. Thomas Hill Organics – courtyard WINE wall
  2. The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar – HATCH brick wall
  3. Les Petites Canailles – LCP tile entry & Paso Robles mural wall

Brews & Booze

The craft beverage landscape is poppin’ in Paso. From brewhouses, cideries, distilleries, and collective pour houses you and your pals can toast and post more than just wine.

  1. Firestone Walker Brewing Company – campus Firestone Walker archway
  2. The Backyard on Thirteen Beer Garden – Be Kind. Unwind. wall
  3. Bistols Cider House – original Adam Welch British collage wall
  4. CalWise Spirits Co. – the gorgeous stills

That’s so Paso…. to be honest when capturing you and your friends in any Paso vineyard, in front of a majestic oak, with a maverick Paso Personality, or during one of our epic neon sunsets…. that’s so Paso.

Via Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Meet Russell Baker of The Backyard on Thirteenth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Baker.

Russell, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised on California’s Central Coast and have witnessed Paso Robles’ growth from a region of around a dozen wineries to more than 300 today. And while Paso (as the locals call it) has already firmly established itself as an award-winning wine destination, it is quickly earning a reputation as a popular attraction for things other than wine such as art, cycling, festivals, artisanal food, and craft beverages (including beer, cider & distilled spirits). In fact, the New York Times recently ranked Paso No. 6 on its list of “52 Places To Go in 2020”.

After graduating from Paso Robles High School, I attended UC Davis where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. Inspired by my step-father who started Advance Adapters, Inc., a successful company that manufactures 4-wheel-drive aftermarket products (which he began in his garage in Downey before moving the business to Paso in the late ’70s), I developed a desire to start my own business at a young age. While in college, I enrolled in the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA) in pursuit of that goal.

I have spent the past 23 years in the computer software industry, which has allowed me to travel the world and live in some amazing cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Raleigh before moving back to my hometown of Paso Robles. During those travels, I was introduced to some great outdoor beer gardens. One in particular – Biergarten San Francisco – inspired me with its simplicity. In a vacant lot in the middle of the Hayes Valley neighborhood, shipping containers served as a bar, kitchen, and restrooms; string lights created ambiance over an outdoor seating area filled with traditional beer garden tables. People lined up at the gate waiting for the place to open so they could enjoy traditional German beer and food in the company of friends in a casual, open-air setting. I thought to myself then that this was something that would be welcomed in my hometown. Although not uncommon in larger cities, this would be unique to Paso Robles and would provide a place for both locals and visitors to enjoy not only great local wines and craft beers but also the amazing weather we are so fortunate to have here on the Central Coast.

I spent the next few years saving money, researching and writing a business plan. I had my sights set on a couple of lots that had sat vacant for years, and I was hoping to be able to secure one of them with a long-term lease. However, I quickly discovered that plans were already underway for both lots to be developed into boutique hotels. One afternoon, I decided to ask the owner of a local walk-up pizza restaurant (that had been around for over 30 years and that I had enjoyed as a kid) if he would rent out the back of his largely unused lot. He told me…

READ THE REST OF THE STORY on the VoyageLA website

Your Perfect Fall Itinerary

Thank you to Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance for featuring us in their blog post titled Your Perfect Fall Itinerary!

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Day Two…

Freshen-up back at the bungalow and do what winemakers do at the end of a long day – drink beer! Walk downtown to the Backyard on Thirteenth, the ultra-friendly outdoor beer garden. This cool stop has multiple beers on tap plus wine and beer by the bottle. Have a little fun playing one of the many outdoor games and play our favorite game – how many winemakers can you spot?!

805 Living Dining Guide Highlights the Backyard on Thirteenth

805 Living Magazine highlights the Backyard on Thirteenth in their dining guide.  Below is an excerpt from the guide.

Backyard on Thirteenth (thebackyardpaso.com) in Paso Robles is a new open-air beer, wine, and food venue with the feel of a German beer garden. Sip Central Coast craft beers, ciders, and local wines on tap at shared tables and join in family-friendly outdoor games. Bring Fido, too. Also on-site, walk-up-style partner restaurant Roots on Railroad (rootsonrailroad.com) offers lunch and dinner options such as Lobster Mac and Cheese, Smash Burger, and a Fried Chicken Sandwich.

View the dining guide below or view the complete edition of the 805 Living Magazine online.

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