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Paso Robles?
#304646 05/03/10 08:02 PM
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I have wanted to do some wine tasting in the Paso Robles area for a couple years now, and might just be able to do it before I get wrapped up in another project. I have not been through this area since I was a teenager. If I can swing it, we’ll target the third week of May.

I’m contemplating two different scenarios. 1) Fly into San Jose, rent a car, head west to highway 1 and take my time enjoying the drive to Paso Robles. 2) Fly into LA, rent a car, catch a Dodger’s game and then head to Paso Robles.

Anyone familiar with this area have some recommendations / thoughts?

Re: Paso Robles?
michael_d #304649 05/03/10 08:28 PM
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I was in the area a couple Christmases ago. How you want to approach it is up to you, but I think flying in to San Jose and then driving to Santa Cruz on 17 to meet Highway 1 would be much more worthwhile. Northern California's coast is so much more picturesque than anything you can find south of Paso Robles.

If you get tired of wine on afternoon, you can mix it up and visit the Firestone Walker brewery:

http://www.firestonewalker.com/

The owners come from the wine business and their approach to beer is informed by that tradition. For one, the beers are aged in oak. I love their beer.

Also, if you haven't been there yet, Hearst Castle in Cambria is amazing.

Re: Paso Robles?
pmbuko #304651 05/03/10 08:31 PM
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Fun area, lots of things to see/do down there.

We were married in Morro Bay, near the big rock. Cambria is one of the small towns near the water, though not the closest to PR.

I think either of your flight plans would work, it's kind of in the middle to be honest.

Something I'd recommend is to add some BBQ into your plans. Apparently the area has some good ones, though we've never really had the chance to check 'em out. We have done Mo's in downtown SLO, which used to be good, not sure now. The fresh potato chips can't be beat.

Qupe Syrah is one of my faves, made in that area.

Re: Paso Robles?
oldskoolboarder #304654 05/03/10 10:06 PM
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Peter beat me to it.


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Re: Paso Robles?
tomtuttle #304692 05/04/10 03:03 AM
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I agree with Peter and the others. The 1 is the way to go.


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Re: Paso Robles?
Ken.C #304701 05/04/10 04:08 AM
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I've been wine tasting in Paso a couple of times. Here are my favorite vineyards to visit...I can't go near Paso without stopping at these three.

Dover Canyon
Tablas Creek
Opolo

I think if you call ahead and make an appointment Tablas can even offer a full tour of their facility and vineyards.

I'm jealous! Have fun!


Re: Paso Robles?
michael_d #304711 05/04/10 05:39 AM
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Been through that area a couple times, Mike, but don't have much detailed knowledge. One thing that Peter suggested I'll second: take in Hearst Castle.


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Re: Paso Robles?
JohnK #304774 05/04/10 03:51 PM
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Thanks! I can't believe I've not heard of the Hearst Castle before. Looks incredible.

Any lodging recs? Places to eat?

Re: Paso Robles?
michael_d #304776 05/04/10 03:56 PM
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For sure! You will go ape over the basement "hot tub." Extremely out of the way (right on PCH, near nothing), but worth the trip.

Most of the artwork is 3rd rate, but the excesses are astounding (and beautiful at times)


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Re: Paso Robles?
michael_d #304816 05/04/10 05:24 PM
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 Originally Posted By: michael_d
Thanks! I can't believe I've not heard of the Hearst Castle before. Looks incredible.

Any lodging recs? Places to eat?


There are a lot of motels in San Simeon the town by Hearst Castle and in Cambria 6 miles south, both on the beach. Look for motels on Moonstone Beach Drive. Lots of good eats in Cambria also. Paso is 35 minutes over the mtn on hyway 46 from Cambria. Make sure you have some grilled TriTip while you are there. Also a lot of antique/unique/tourist shopping in Cambria. A bit north by Padres Blanca is a sea lion preserve.

I'd fly into SF, south thru Montery and Carmel and Highway 1 thru Big Sur to Hearst Castle and Cambria. Nepenthe's or Ragged Point for eats on the way down in Big Sur.



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