Page 108 - 2017 Travel Guide to California

PASO ROBLES
Central California’s wine country
»TASTE, SHOP,
DINE, HIKE!
Paso Robles Visitor
Information
travelpaso.com
A VINEYARD near Paso Robles, on scenic
Highway 46, above; olive harvest, below.
IN CALIFORNIA, THE COMBINATION
of rolling hills, symmetrical lines of vine-
yards, award-winning wineries, local art,
tasty treats for foodies and adventurous out-
door activities doesn’t always add up to the
Napa Valley. Paso Robles, just a stone’s
throw away from the Central Coast’s beaches
and iconic Hearst Castle, happens to be one
of the state’s most laid-back wine towns.
Paso’s historic town square is dotted
with shops and chef-owned restaurants.
Highway 46 is a bucolic drive with wineries
that pour in barns, cafés, underground
caves and even cattle ranches.
Wine & Olive Oil
With more than 40,000 acres of grapes and
11 sub-AVAs (American Viticultural Areas)
growing 40 varietals that can be sampled in
more than 200 tasting rooms, Paso Robles is
no slouch in the wine industry. And it’s here
where you just may rub elbows with family
vintners at the tasting counter, because most
of the wineries and vineyards are small bou-
tique and family-owned businesses.
It’s not only about wine in Paso. Olive oil
orchards and tasting rooms help add to the
foodie draw with a variety of options to take
home as a souvenir. Three weekly farmers
markets showcase the freshest produce from
local farms. Food, beer and wine festivals
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mark the calendar throughout the year, but
are especially plentiful in summer. Innova-
tive chefs create delicious meals to be
savored in Paso’s restaurants, and the city’s
impressive collection rivals even that of a
large city, from artisan cheese to Mexican-
style ice cream made with fresh fruit to rustic
Italian fine dining to a classic steakhouse.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoors fans have plenty of options in
and around Paso, beyond food and drink
experiences. Cyclists can tour wine
country back roads with Paso Bike Tours,
Central Coast Trailrides takes horse lovers
along rolling hills and vineyards, golfers at
Hunter Ranch get to enjoy the vista from
the highest point in Paso Robles, and cow-
boys (and cowgirls) of all ages can journey
into the past in a stagecoach ride with
Harris Stage Lines. Lake Nacimiento is
famous for its 165 miles of unspoiled
shoreline, great water skiing and white
bass fishing. The Estrella Warbirds
Museum is dedicated to the restoration
and preservation of military aircraft, vehi-
cles and memorabilia.
At the end of your day, roll on back to any
of the restaurants, cafés, wineries, or even
picnic tables to enjoy a meal and a great
bottle of local wine or beer.
RANDY ANDY/SHIUTTERSTOCK; SYDNEYMILLS/SHUTTERSTOCK