The Absolute BEST Paso Robles Wineries to Visit in 2024

If you’re a wine lover planning a trip to California’s Central Coast in 2024, you won’t want to miss exploring the best Paso Robles wineries. With over 200 wineries in the region, Paso Robles is a wine lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of vineyards, tasting rooms, and wine tours.

From boutique wineries producing small-batch wines to larger, well-known wineries, Paso Robles has something to offer everyone. With breathtaking views, delicious wines, and unique experiences, a visit to Paso Robles Wineries is sure to be an unforgettable getaway.

The Best Time to Visit Paso Robles

The best time to visit Paso Robles can be subjective depending on what you are looking to experience. Here are a few suggestions to help with your planning.

• May: Beginning around late May, the grape leaves are just beginning to bud and grow in. The season is still not as busy and the weather can be a bit cooler but you won’t see the grapevines in their full glory.
• June & July: This is one of the most popular times to visit. Expect to see the vines completely green with very warm temperatures.
• August: If you’re looking to try some grape stomping, August is typically harvest season and when many wineries have fun wine stomping activities you can participate in. Expect very hot temperatures 100+ degrees.
• September-October: These months are still extremely hot and the leaves on the grape vines will still be nice and green but the crowds will have diminished since harvest season is over. However, certain grape varietals are not harvested until September and October so you’ll still see some grapes on the vines.
• February – April: My favorite time to visit Paso Robles is in the off-season. If Southern California receives a good amount of rain during the winter months, while the vines will still be bare, the rolling hills of Paso Robles will be lush with greenery and wildflower blooms. It is absolutely beautiful and a sight to be seen!

Artisan Chocolate & Wine Pairing at Justin Vineyard

Tips & Advice

Before we get into our list of the best Paso Robles wineries, there are a few quick tips that will help make your trip seamless. First, make sure you make reservations for the wineries and restaurants you want to visit. If you plan to visit during the summer, you may want to make these reservations 1-2 months in advance.

Next, it’s good to know that many wineries will waive your wine tasting fee with a minimum purchase which is typically around 2-3 bottles. This is a great way to build your wine collection at home.

Finally, check the distance between locations and plan for at least a 1-hour stay at each winery. Though not quite as spread out as the Napa Valley wineries, some wineries can range in distance. Most wineries are about 10-15 minutes away from each other, however, if you’re visiting Justin Wineries, for example, it can be 20 minutes.

The Best Paso Robles Wineries

When it comes to choosing the best Paso Robles wineries I typically look for amazing wine with beautiful scenery and optional unique activities or delicious cuisine. While some of these wineries I specifically visit because I am such a fan of their wines, others I have discovered because they offered something extra special that made me take notice. Here are the best Paso Robles wineries to visit for 2023.

1. DAOU

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Paso Robles, DAOU Vineyards & Winery stands out as one of the premier wineries in the region. Founded in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, the winery has gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines, including their highly sought-after Soul of a Lion blend which just released their new 2020 vintage. This Bordeaux-style blend has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying DAOU’s place among the top wineries in California.

We enjoyed Soul of a Lion so much, we went home with two bottles and purchased one for ourselves and another as a Birthday gift for my fiances’ brother.

But it’s not just their wines that make DAOU a must-visit destination – the winery is elevated 2,200 feet in the air and boasts the most breathtaking views of any winery in Paso Robles. For wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, DAOU Vineyards & Winery is an unforgettable experience.

2. Austin Hope

The Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon has become a favorite in our home and we never miss a visit to their unique and eclectic tasting room. Visitors will love their unique modern barn houses decked out with cozy seating nooks with chic couches and chairs placed over trendy cowhide rugs.

All of the interior design was imagined by the Hope family who began their winery in 2010 and has grown to one of the most popular wineries in the region.

3. ONX Winery & Vineyards

I stumbled upon ONX winery and vineyard while searching for a unique wine country experience. ONX Winery offers the most fabulous Afternoon Tea & Wine Tasting on their beautiful vineyards. It is such an intimate and private experience.

When we went, we were the only people on the Vineyard and were taken on a fun tractor tour after enjoying locally made tea sandwiches specially created to pair with their fantastic wines. ONX Vineyards are absolutely breathtaking and they even have on-property rentals, one of which has goats, sheep, and ducks which you can visit.

In addition to their wine tasting experiences, they also have a wine tasting room in the trendy Tin City area.

4. Cass Winery

Cass Winery can best be described as a summer camp for adult wine lovers. They offer wonderful wines and host, Camp Cass, which is full of unique and fun winery experiences like Archery, Axe Throwing, Culinary Classes, Painting, and one-of-a-kind tours. In fact, there is so much to do at Cass Winery, we decided to stay on their Geneseo Inn vineyard property and spend an entire day enjoying everything they had to offer.

Their wine tasting room also features a delicious restaurant, Cass Cafe, with options like crab cakes, ahi salad, and wood-fire pizzas made in their giant wood-burning oven before your eyes.

5. Justin Vineyards

Justin Vineyards is probably the best-known, iconic winery in Paso Robles. Their Justin Iscoceles Blend put Paso Robles on the map as a must-visit wine country destination. These vineyards are very secluded and about 20 minutes outside of downtown Paso Robles.

In addition to their exceptional wine varietals and gorgeous vineyard views, Justin Winery also features a Michelin-starred restaurant. A visit to Justin Winery would not be complete without making lunch or dinner reservations so make sure you plan accordingly.

6. SummerWood Wineries

If you’re a fan of Austin Hope, don’t skip a visit to Summerwood Wineries which you’ll pass as you turn on the road that leads up to Austin Hope. The vineyards on Summerwood were actually purchased from the Hope family. They are one of the few boutique wineries that also offers a sparkling wine.

Additionally, they also have one of the best vineyard properties, The Summerwood Inn, for visitors looking to immerse themselves in a true wine country stay.

7. Allegretto Resort & Spa

Allegretto Resort is easily one of the most popular places to stay in Paso Robles, but they also have a fantastic wine-tasting room that overlooks their Mediterranean courtyards. In the summer their courtyards host live music and freshly made wood-fire pizzas.

Guests can take a stroll along their vineyards and even have a run-in with their on-property Alpalca. For a little rest and relaxation, a full spa is available if you want to enjoy a massage before your wine tasting or rent a Cabana at their pool overlooking the grapevines.

8. San Antonio Winery

San Antonio Winery is home to the Raboli Family of wines and is impossible to miss. It is located off the main road as you head into Paso Robles and is a quick 3 minute walk from the Allegretto Resort & Spa and La Quinta Inn hotel.

Here you’ll find a wide selection of sweet sparkling wines from the popular Stella Rosa brand as well as a variety of both reds and whites from brands like San Mateo.

The best reason to visit San Antonio Winery is for its delicious Italian Bistro which makes it the perfect stop for a delicious Italian lunch with wine flights.

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