Team C&J
Sun, relaxation, and, of course, exceptional wineries with breathtaking views, Paso Robles has become one of the most sought-after wine country destinations in California. Renowned for its diverse wine country, this Central California wine region lures visitors with its rolling vineyards, award-winning wineries, budget-friendly tasting rooms, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that promises a memorable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
From bold Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines to crisp Albariños and sparkling varieties, Paso Robles boasts tons of options for wine lovers, no matter what style of wine they prefer. To help you get the most out of your next wine adventure, we’ve put together this list of the best wineries in Paso Robles for your next trip.
In the heart of Paso Robles lies Clos Solène, a winery that seamlessly blends the heritage of French winemaking with the vibrant terroir of California. Visiting Clos Solène offers more than just wine tasting; it’s an educational voyage into the world of winemaking. The Elevated Estate Excursion & Tasting experience allows visitors to explore the vineyard’s picturesque slopes via a Polaris off-road vehicle, offering both a detailed look at the winemaking process and breathtaking views of the estate. Whether you’re diving deep into viticultural techniques or simply soaking in the serene beauty of Paso Robles, Clos Solène ensures an unforgettable experience.
When you visit, be sure to try the winery’s red wines, which offer luscious palettes of dark fruits that evoke the best qualities of Rhône-style blends.
Take a look at our full review for what a wine tasting at Clos Solene is like.
Epoch Estate Winery stands out as a viticulture gem in Paso Robles’, weaving the rich tapestry of Rhône varietals with the dynamic terroir of the region under the gifted hands of winemaker Jordan Fiorentini. If you love winery architecture, then Epoch Estate Winery will easily be at the top of your list for the best wineries in Paso Robles. The estate’s striking design has even been recognized by Architectural Digest.
Visitors to this Paso Robles winery can expect an immersive tasting experience that showcases the winery’s mastery over its diverse portfolio, from the refreshing Estate Rose to the profound depth of the Estate Blend and Ingenuity, each wine a narrative of Epoch’s dedication to excellence.
Epoch offers a duo of tasting experiences that cater to both the wine aficionado and the architectural enthusiast. The Signature Tasting and the York Mountain Tasting not only unravel the estate’s enchanting wines but also its rich history and stunning vistas.
Learn more about wine tasting at Epoch Estate Winery in our review.
Asuncion Ridge Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room distinguishes itself in the bustling Paso Robles winery scene with its intriguing origins and exceptional wines. Founded by enthusiasts Michael Dilsaver and Philip Krumal, the winery has quickly become known for its high-quality, yet affordably priced wines ($35 to $45), particularly its flagship Pinot Noir and the GSM blend, Salacious. A trip to the Asuncion Ridge tasting rooms allows wine lovers to sample an entire lineup of wines that consistently score above 90 points.
The other reason we love Asuncion Ridge is this Paso Robles winery’s budget friendly tastings. Visitors can enjoy a well-curated tasting experience for $20, a fee waived with bottle purchases, amidst the winery’s scenic views. The tastings showcase Asuncion Ridge’s eclectic wine range and Philip Krumal’s winemaking prowess.
Find out more about why we consider Asuncion Ridge to be one of the best wineries in Paso Robles.
Love a winery founded on a love story? You’re going to love Écluse Wines, a boutique Paso Robles winery that captivates with its small-batch, Rhône varietal wines. Founded by Steve and Pam Lock in 1997, Écluse is named after the French word for the canal locks that mirror their family name and reflect their love for French travel. Guests at Écluse are treated to a unique tasting experience directly in the barrel room, where they not only get to sample the winery’s acclaimed lineup but also enjoy a rare barrel sample, adding an educational twist to the visit.
If you’re the type of traveler who would rather meander through wine country and do walk-in tastings, then bookmark Écluse Wines as one of the best wineries in Paso Robles. The winery is happy to take reservations. Need another reason to visit? Tastings are just $15!
See what else we loved about our visit to Ecluse Wines here.
Located in the heart of Paso Robles, and renowned for their Zinfandels, J Dusi Wines offers a boutique wine experience deeply rooted in a family legacy dating back to 1925. If your tasting room visits always include snapping a few photos, then get that camera ready, because the J Dusi tasting room is adorned with vibrant pops of blue and offers spectacular views.
The tasting menu reveals tons of diversity among the wines, from the bright and acidic Pinot Grigio to the bold Zinfandels of the Dante Dusi Vineyard and the intriguing blends like the 2019 Fiorento and Escandalosa. Despite a preference for high-alcohol levels that may not suit all tastes, the winery’s charm, hospitable staff, and the dedication to crafting distinct wines make it one of the best in Paso Robles.
Learn more in this review of the J Dusi Wines tasting room.
If you ask most people what their favorite Paso Robles winery is, Halter Ranch Vineyards is guaranteed to come up. Why do wine lovers flock to this winery? A visit to Halter Ranch Vineyards promises an exceptional wine adventure set against the backdrop of a vineyard estate redefining sustainability in winemaking. Founded by Swiss entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss, Halter Ranch embraces nature and innovation to craft outstanding wines amidst its stunning landscape.
With an impressive 20 varieties planted and a dedication to sustainability, including unique regenerative farming techniques and a biodiverse wildlife corridor, Halter Ranch stands out as a leader in eco-friendly viticulture. The estate’s largest wine cave system in California’s Central Coast offers a one-of-a-kind setting for tastings, including the popular Defender & Picnic Pairing experience (the winery has an on-site chef), a behind-the-scenes tour, and the refined Estate Tasting. If you visit, you’re also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the winemaking process, from barrel tastings to the gravity-fed system preserving the grapes’ delicate flavors.
Halter Ranch Vineyard is a must-visit destination in Paso Robles for wine aficionados and nature enthusiasts alike. Check out this review of the Halter Ranch tasting room for more info.
A visit to Opolo Vineyards in Paso Robles promises a vibrant tasting experience, set amidst one of the region’s most dynamic estates where Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines take center stage. In other words, Opolo Vineyards easily makes our list of the best wineries in Paso. A true embodiment of versatility, Opolo showcases a diverse portfolio that extends beyond the traditional, with Albariño, Moscato, and sparkling wines adding depth to the experience.
Operated by owners Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols, the winery exudes a convivial atmosphere, with the engaging duo often present in the lively tasting room. Opolo’s commitment to sustainability underpins its winemaking ethos, with its SIP-certified vineyards and innovative practices like regenerative farming fostering a harmonious relationship with nature. Visitors can choose between two meticulously curated tasting experiences—the indoor bar tasting and the atmospheric patio tasting, both offering a selection of exceptional wines, including crowd-pleasers like the 2022 Albariño and the 2020 Grand Rouge. The estate’s serene setting, alongside the attentive service provided by servers like Ryan, ensures a delightful wine-tasting excursion that combines quality wines with picturesque views, making Opolo Vineyards a must-visit destination in Paso Robles for all wine enthusiasts.
We loved our tasting at Opolo Vineyards.
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