• Paso Robles has become my favorite hidden gem in California.
• The central coastal town has small wineries and delicious food.
• Paso Robles is also more affordable and has unique flavors than Napa Valley.

Where should you go in California for delicious food, sprawling vineyards, and the oh-so-satisfying sound of a freshly uncorked bottle of wine?

Let me guess, you’re thinking Napa.

What if I told you there was a hidden gem on the central beach where you could get all of the above with less crowds, cheaper prices and cooler tasting experiences?

Welcome Paso Robles.

A wine for everyone

Growing up in the Bay Area, Napa Valley quickly became a special place for my family. Since we had no relatives living in the US, my Greek family would take us there every Christmas to make us feel like the holidays were special.

I have visited Napa over 20 times but in the last few years Paso Robles stole my heart

Paso Robles is almost halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, about 200 miles each way. The region, parallel to the mountains and the sea, has a unique geography due to large temperature changes. The topography’s distinctive microclimate is perfect for growing a variety of grapes, helping Paso stand out in the crowded California wine market.

“The diversity of this region really breaks away from the monoculture that Napa has become,” Andrew Jones, owner of Field Recordings Winery, told me.

Adding to this diversity is the low barrier to entry in the Paso Robles wine industry. Most wineries are small and family-owned, and winemakers are often on site to guide you. This refreshingly casual approach ensures tastings are intimate and approachable.

“Napa has a higher order; they need to reach a global brand,” said Neeta Mittal, one of the first Indian women to open a winery in the US. “Where we’ve been successful in Paso is that we’ve been able to carve out our own identity, and that’s a lot of agility that we’re allowed to do.”

Not your typical tasting experiences

Mittal and her husband Kunal LXV WineOffering the only wine and spice pairing in the US. I visited LXV on my first trip to Paso Robles and was delighted that my taster came with cheeses coated in a variety of spices. I learned how ginger and black truffle salt bring out the flavor of Cabernet and why Szechuan peppers and Nebbiolo make a great team.

I also had great tastings Field RecordsIt prides itself on making wines that, according to its website, are “all about taste – no pretensions.” Jones specializes in small-batch, single-vineyard wines. They’re fun and funky, adorned with colorful labels and names like “Kitties” or “Super Gnario.” I’m a fan of tasting the bubbles and always take home a bottle of Skins orange wine.

Field Records available Tin CityMy favorite part of Paso Robles. The converted industrial center features 27 wineries, where tastings generally cost between $20 and $30, and are within walking distance of each other. It’s perfect for wine touring, but there are also breweries, hard ciders, and lots of fun stuff. Tin City Distillery If you’re craving a cocktail.

It’s a much more accessible price point than Napa, where the high cost of winemaking is passed on to tourists.

Before a recent trip in August, one of my friends was tasked with finding us a morning tasting. Almost all of the prices they posted to the group chat ranged between $80 and $100 per person. This mirrors the findings of Silicon Valley Bank’s research. 2024 Direct-to-Consumer Wine ReportHe found that the average tasting fee in Napa was $75, while in Paso Robles it averaged $30.

Where can you drink wine And food

Another reason I keep coming back to Paso Robles is the amazing restaurant scene. I don’t skip any dinner. Garden of the AlchemistsIt has a wildly fun cocktail list and the best fries I’ve ever tasted.

My mom and dad still praise the food we ate Il Cortile Ristorante. His pappardelle is handmade and paired with a rich and flavorful Bolognese, and his branzino fish is light, bright and perfectly cooked. But the star, the white truffle-topped risotto, is a holiday splurge I’ll never forget.

restaurant in JustinEarning its first Michelin star in 2022, it surpasses any fine dining experience I’ve had in Napa. I still have photos from that dinner, where my boyfriend and I feasted on maple leaf duck breast, prime filet, and an assortment of vegetables picked from their 26-acre farm.

And no visit to Paso would be complete without a stop here. Brown Butter Cookie CompanyHe has mastered the combination of salty and sweet in a little treat. The hand-rolled cookies are locally produced and available in a variety of flavors (I favor the original). On my last visit I bought a dozen bags for my family, friends and of course myself.

Holiday in all seasons

Blessed with California sunshine, Paso Robles is a great vacation destination year-round. I’ve gone in the fall, summer, and winter when it’s festively decorated for the holidays, and I’m always charmed by the small-town feel and friendly locals. (Don’t miss the karaoke nights at Pine Street Saloon.)

Regardless of the season, I found it easy to find Airbnbs within a 5-10 minute walk of Paso Robles’ vibrant downtown. There are also affordable hotel options.

The winemaking world is slowly learning about Paso Robles, but the town itself remains a hidden gem. On my last trip in September, the streets were quiet and reservations were plentiful. But the wine and food remained as wonderful as ever.

It’s California’s best kept secret, at least for now.