Are you looking for the best wineries to visit in Paso Robles? There are plenty of options, but which wineries consistently impress?
Paso Robles is home to close to 300 wineries producing world-class wines. Finding the best wineries to visit can be overwhelming. There are about 80 wineries with tasting rooms in Paso Robles. There are a lot of wineries to choose from and most of you only have a few days to visit.
Why We Created This List
Here at California Winery Advisor, we decided to give you a starting point. No list of top wineries will satisfy all wine travelers. We created a list of the wineries that provide consistently great service. These wineries mix excellent wines with beautiful grounds, comfortable tasting rooms, and some extras to make your visit special.
We know how it feels to show up in wine country and just start driving. That can lead to some fun adventures. That can also cause you to waste the most precious commodity in Paso Robles wine country, time! Use this list to build an itinerary that matches your tastes and the amount of time you have to explore.
Feel free to branch off this list if you find a winery that calls to you. You can even let us know if you think it should be added to our next list.
A Few Things To Know First
You will probably want a place to stay in Paso Robles. We put together a list of the 12 Best Paso Robles Hotels for you.
You can learn more about the Paso Robles climate, soil, and grape types on our Paso Robles wineries home page. This is a good place to start your education and planning.
Almost all wineries now require a reservation, so make sure you plan far enough in advance to get a spot at the best Paso Robles wineries.
A basic Paso Robles wine tasting fee is $15-20 per person. On the other end of the spectrum, there are wineries that charge over $100 per person for their exclusive tastings! That's close to Napa pricing.
If you don't have time to visit one of the best Paso Robles wineries, you can still find great Paso Robles wines at a number of online wine stores. You can also find some great wine clubs that feature wines from Paso Roble.
Once you have a feel for the region, proceed to our top winery picks!
Would you prefer a professional to set up a Paso Robles wine tour for you? Our partner Wine Wrangler offers the best tour options in Paso! Click here to learn more.
Before you head out for a day of wine tasting, consider purchasing a Priority Wine Pass. This pass can save you 50% on your wine tasting. LEARN MORE HERE
Top 10 Wineries to Visit in Paso Robles
1. L'Aventure Winery
Stephan Asseo transformed a former barley farm into one of the most beautiful wine-tasting spots in Paso Robles. The drive out to their Paso Robles tasting room takes you through rolling hills dotted with ancient Oak trees and happy cows.
The feeling of serenity only increases when you reach the vineyard. A large barn is the centerpiece of the grounds. A sleek tasting room, wine cave, and administrative office bring a nice modern counterpoint to the barn. A generous patio in front of the tasting room offers the perfect spot to enjoy these world-class wines under the bright blue Paso sky.
You can also experience wine tastings in the manmade cave behind the tasting room. This is a great option for wine lovers who want to better understand the winemaking process. You get a tour of the caves and the production facilities while learning the history of L'Aventure from your guide.
How did a Frenchman with deep roots in the French wine industry end up on the central coast of California? Stephan rebelled against the stifling regulations of the French wine industry. He felt he could do more by introducing new varietals in his blends. We think he was right to fight for his right to be more creative. Wine tasters are rewarded because of Stephan's stubbornness. His wonderful 2013 Estate Cuvee is a blend of Syrah, Cab and Petit Verdot.
2. Epoch Estate Wines
The tasting room of Epoch Estate Wines is definitely off the beaten path. It is about as far west as you can get in Paso Robles wine country. A winding road through the thickly wooded countryside brings you to their beautifully designed tasting room. The juxtaposition of the modern concrete structure and the rolling hills, oak trees, and fields that surround it is striking. A welcoming patio area greats you as approach the tasting room. The Adirondack chairs beckon you to sit and relax with your glass of wine.
Inside, the beautifully designed tasting room is an oasis of calm. There is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy intimate tastings with the delightful Epoch Estate's wine experts.
Epoch is the creation of Liz and Bill Armstrong. They own several Paso Robles vineyards and produce world-class wines using Rhone Varietals, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo. A transformed York Mountain Winery is their base and the location of the lovely tasting room.
Don't let the drive discourage you. The beauty of the winery and the quality of the wine make it worth the trip. You will want to be sure to make your reservations in advance. It's no fun to drive all the way out to Epoch only to find out you can't taste.
3. Clos Solene
Paso Robles stands out because you can enjoy world-class wines in a laid-back and intimate setting. Clos Solene is a perfect embodiment of this vibe. From the moment you arrive for your tasting, you feel like a member of their extended family.
The tasting room, located behind their residence, is tastefully decorated and welcoming. There is a rural sophistication here that feels refined without being fussy. You can't help but feel the strong connection to France and the French wine industry.
There are a range of tasting options and "experiences" that you can choose from when you make your reservation. Some will bring you out into the vineyard. These tend to be the most memorable as you learn from the owner/winemakers how they turn the legendary Paso Robles soils into some of the best wines in California.
4. Eberle Winery
Situated on a small hill above Route 46 on the east side of Paso Robles. Eberle features beautiful grounds and an amazing wine cave. Even with the easy access from the highway, The winery layout makes you feel like you are at a secluded vineyard deep in wine country.
Play bocce, sip wine on the expansive deck overlooking the vineyard, or enjoy the lively tasting room. The cave tours are a must and you can even schedule a private tasting and food pairing in an exclusive corner of the cave. Wine tastings and the cave tour are complimentary for groups under 10.
The owner has a big personality and this is matched by his wines. If not for a bad knee, Gary Eberle may not have become a wine pioneer in Paso Robles. He was headed for a career in the NFL before it was cut short. Notice the boar sculptures and imagery throughout the winery. Gary's last name Eberle roughly translates into strong boar.
5. Halter Ranch
Halter Ranch features a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room set on bucolic grounds. Cross the quaint covered bridge onto this historic property and get ready to enjoy some of the best wine on the Central Coast.
You can choose from a few different tasting and tour options. The tastings are seated and last 90 minutes. You can select either a Ranch flight or a Silver Label Reserve flight.
You can also reserve the Defender Picnic & Pairing for $200 per person. This is a three-hour event. You start with a driving tour of the vineyards in a classic Land Rover Defender. At the highest point on the property, you stop for a tasting of their reserve wines. The tour continues to their pond, restaurant, and historic 700-year-old Ancestor Tree where you can sample their delicious Ancestor wine. Each stop on the journey includes a wine and cheese pairing.
The beautiful grounds and top-quality wine make this one of the best Paso Robles wineries to visit.
6. Daou Vineyards
Daou Vineyards is elevating the wine tasting experience in Paso Robles wine country. At the same time, they are challenging the notion that California's best Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Napa Valley.
Daou offers visitors a uniquely beautiful hilltop spot. Here they can enjoy award-winning Daou wines expertly paired with a gourmet meal or in a tasting flight.
The views are reason enough to visit this Cab powerhouse, but the wine is what brings people back. The Daou family brings a unique history to the Paso wine scene. The brothers Daou are tech entrepreneurs, but they have devoted themselves to mastering the art of winemaking and hospitality.
A visit to Daou will confirm they are well on their way.
7. Jada Vineyard and Winery
Sleek and beautiful is how most people describe the tasting room at Jada. With gorgeous views of the rolling Paso Robles vineyards out
the window and just beyond the deck, it's understandable if you want to hang out for a while. Spend your time getting to know the lineup of bold red wines that are making Jada famous. The Jersey Girl is a favorite of many visitors. Make sure you add a cheese pairing to elevate your tasting.
The tasting fee at Jada is $25. You can reserve your tasting in the tasting room, on the deck, or in the Oak Lounge. You can purchase a selection of artisanal cheeses to go along with your tasting.
Jada is in the process of converting its vineyards to biodynamic growing practices. Some of the current releases are from vines that were already converted. See if you can taste the difference.
7. Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden
This is a truly unique winery. The magnificent wrought iron gate at the entry gives you the first taste of what is to come. After a short drive through vineyards, you are greeted by the sculptures the winery gets its name from. There are a number of artists whose works are on display throughout the gardens and in the tasting room.
The sculptures are set in beautiful gardens that surround the building housing the tasting room. The gardens include a demonstration vineyard and a stage set around a large oak tree that is used for events.
Make sure to try the excellent Rhone Style and Bordeaux blends when you visit.
8. Le Cuvier
Grab a glass of wine, pull up an Adirondack chair, and survey the
rolling hills of Paso Robles at the Le Cuvier tasting room. This winery seems to have it all. The quality of the wines is unquestioned, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the winery location is beautiful. This quote from the winery owner John Munch gives you a good idea of what this winery is all about:
"There is firm empirical evidence to the effect that yeast and other varied wine pathogens die of boredom unless given an interesting environment within which to practice their art. Thus, at Le Cuvier, we have firmly dedicated ourselves to making life as interesting as possible, while leaving the entire process of winemaking in the hands (so to speak) of the wild beasties. Indeed all human efforts in the effervescent process are evanescent."
The winery serves small snacks with the tastings and charges $40 per person. You can also choose a more in-depth food and wine pairing called the Entree and Flight experience for $85.
9. Tobin James
No winery captures the old west feel of Paso Robles better than Tobin James. The winery was built from the ground up on the location of an old stagecoach stop. The wine tasting room transports you to an old west saloon. The staff pouring the wine is friendly, and knowledgeable and adds to the overall enjoyment of the tasting experience. Tobin James is also legendary for their wine club. The "James Gang", as it is called, is rumored to be the largest wine club in the world.
Tastings are free and there is an extensive list of wines you can taste. Make sure you get a taste of the Blue Moon zin if it's available!
10. Adelaida Cellars
An impressive tasting room, sweeping views of Paso from the hilltop location, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the wine, oh yes, the wine. Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate's thoughts on Adelaida:
Top Paso Robles Wineries From Past Years
Every year we are forced to make tough decisions. The top Paso Robles wineries change. New wineries open, existing wineries step up their game and some of the top wineries slip a little. We keep a record of wineries that made our best of Paso Robles in prior years so you can check them out and decide for yourself if they belong on your list.
J. Lohr
With around 1.5 million cases produced a year, this is no small winery. J. Lohr was started in 1974 in San Jose and has grown to be one of the largest producers in the state. They are still a family-owned business and they have a deep commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Their facility in Paso Robles dedicates three acres to a solar energy installation that helps offset a large percentage of their energy use. You can pick up a bottle of J. Lohr at most of the bigger wine retailers, but some of their best wines are only available through their Paso Robles tasting room. The tasting is complimentary and the winery is dog-friendly. This is a great place to kick off a day of Paso wine tasting.
Justin
(We decided they no longer belong on our list. After a few follow-ups, we never heard back from them about their promise to fix this situation https://californiawineryadvisor.com/justin-vineyard-development-creates-controversy/)
The Meritage Isosceles made Justin perhaps the most well know Paso 
winery outside of the Central Coast. In 2000 the 1997 vintage of Isosceles was named the sixth-best wine in the world by The Wine Spectator.
There have been some changes at Justin recently, but it should still be on your list of wineries to visit. Located in a beautiful rustic corner of Paso Robles, the winery features a beautiful tasting room, an Inn, and a restaurant on site. You can hunker down and really get to know the wines or use it as a base to explore the surrounding wineries and vineyards.
[Update] - We were contacted by the owners of Justin Vineyard and Winery regarding their efforts to address the issues they created at the Sleepy Farm Road site. Here is a statement from them:
Working closely with the County, we have completed the Sleepy Farm Road site remediation at a cost of over $5 million. Remediation efforts included stabilizing the site to prevent erosion, filling in the storage pond, and planting 400 trees and 3,500 acorns on site. Discussions with potential partners will continue regarding the ultimate disposition of the property.
We will follow up with the County and provide an update when we can confirm what the folks from Justin as saying.
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