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.

‘The Backyard’ opens in Paso Robles

A new “beer garden” has opened in Paso Robles.

Friday was the grand opening for The Backyard, an outdoor-style venue run by a husband and wife duo.

The inspiration for the family friendly styling was inspired by the owners’ traveling; they took bits and pieces of design from around the world. And one of the owners wanted to bring all of that back to North County where he’s from.

“The feeling that we’re trying to create here is people hanging out, sharing tables […]” said Russell Baker, co-owner of The Backyard. “[…] just pull up a seat next to somebody you don’t know and get to know them.”

The Backyard serves more than beer, too. They offer wine, cider and kombucha–along with lunch and dinner service.

Via: KSBY

First beer garden set to open in Paso Robles

Downtown Paso Robles is set to get its first authentic beer garden with the opening of The Backyard on Thirteenth — an expansive new open-air beer, wine and dining venue located on the corner of 13th Street and Railroad Street just two blocks from City Park. The doors officially open at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 14.

“The open-air nature of our venue allows guests to take full advantage of three valuable Central Coast commodities: incredible weather, great food, and fine homegrown beverages,” said owner Russell Baker.

The Backyard offers a selection of rotating taps showcasing local craft beers and wine along with seasonal food and live music. The property is designed to offer comfortable year-round outdoor seating for up to 225 guests, with heater lamps, two fireplaces, retractable shades, and misters for summertime. Seating includes a central area with 10 communal tables; a corner spot featuring sectional lounge furniture; a rail bar overlooking 13th Street; and an enclosed family area with games for children. Three re-purposed shipping containers provide separate spaces for beverage service, an intimate indoor lounge, and restrooms.

Owners Amy and Russell Baker grew up in Paso Robles and graduated from Paso Robles High School in 1992. They were inspired by beer gardens around the world and wanted to open a similar space in their hometown. “Downtown Paso Robles is going through a renaissance right now, with a lot of old neglected buildings and properties being developed into some amazing spaces,” Russell said. “We’re so excited to be a part of this exciting time in our town’s growth.”

The Backyard occupies a corner lot that served as home to local favorite Chubby Chandlers Pizza for more than 30 years. “We decided to keep the walk-up style restaurant building because of its funky and unique design, and because it has a story,” Russell said. “We completely renovated the interior and exterior—people thought we were crazy, but both locals and visitors love the building’s character. We’re so glad we kept that part of the town’s history intact.”

Gourmet street fare for lunch and dinner

The Backyard has partnered with Roots on Railroad to provide a full menu of food options. Owned and operated by partners Chris Beckett, former executive chef at Fish Gaucho, and Katie Castillo, owner of meal prep service Katie’s Kitchen, this unique walk-up style restaurant occupies the original Chubby Chandler’s structure on the southwest corner of The Backyard. Specializing in gourmet street fare, Roots on Railroad will be open for lunch and dinner, serving dishes such as their signature Smash Burgers, Lobster Rolls, and award-winning Lobster Mac & Cheese.

A showcase for local beer, wine, and cider

The Backyard will showcase the burgeoning Central Coast craft brewing scene with half of the 24 rotating taps representing beers from local breweries. The remaining taps will provide a selection of popular craft beers from out of the area while four taps will feature Paso Robles wines. An additional selection of beer, wine and cider will also be available in bottles and cans. Non-alcoholic beverages, including an assortment of sparkling water, sodas, and juices, will be available for purchase, providing options for all guests.

Inspiration for The Backyard was drawn from traditional Bavarian-style neighborhood beer gardens (from the German ‘Biergarten’), which are outdoor taverns where beer and local food are served, typically at shared tables, with music and games providing entertainment in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The Backyard’s design uses environmentally friendly, sustainably repurposed intermodal shipping containers, providing a contemporary urban look and feel that embodies the spirit of the adjacent railroad and surrounding light industrial architecture. This is the first use of its kind in downtown Paso Robles.

“Having grown up here, it’s been exciting to see how much Paso Robles has grown and changed over the years while still maintaining its small-town charm and appeal,” Russell said. “We are pleased to be a part of this growth and to invest in our city by developing this property into a fun, family-friendly hangout.”

VIA: Paso Robles Daily News

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