As some people know, and have seen, the Paso Robles Wine Region is growing at an exponential rate. As a local to the area and active member of the industry fan club, it has been a fun challenge to keep up with the new wineries. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some friends involved in the industry growth and would like to share my insights to get you up to speed. Therefore, without further ado, let me introduce you to some of the new and not-so-new locations to check-out in the Paso Robles Wine Region.
Casa de Caballos is a hidden treasure tucked away in the windy, obscure roads of Templeton. Unlike any winery I’ve visited, you are able to get up close and personal with Arabian horses that are raised on the property while you peruse the grounds. If you’ve never had the opportunity to experience Arabian horses, I strongly recommend it, as I swear they dance on air when they run, never letting their feet touch the ground. Unfortunately, the tasting room is only open Friday through Sunday, so your opportunity to see inside the winery and participate in a tasting is limited to weekends. Walking around the grounds, you get a rustic feel that includes wine making machinery, horse barns and of course the horses themselves. Aside from the spectacular view of the Arabians, there is a comical take on the original surroundings as you gaze at a stuffed scarecrow, holding a newspaper and smiling as he occupies the old fashioned outhouse. And no, this is not the only restroom available. =)
Donati Family Vineyard, formerly Mastantuono Winery, is a wonderful addition to Vineyard Drive in Templeton. With excellent hospitality, this winery is a great addition for groups who would like to add some sport to their tastings. Equipped with botchy ball sets and long stretches of lawn, a group can enjoy a nice game and then picnic in the gazebo outside the winery.
Lone Madrone, formerly Bonny Doon Vineyards, is a refreshing stop heading east on 46 towards Paso Robles. As you enter the grounds, you are greeted by Buster, the 6 ½ year old billy goat, an old fashioned tree house, and the smells from the herb farm adjacent to the winery. Inside the newly built tasting room you can gaze at the glass artwork, beautiful jewelry and of course taste some delicious wines. As usual, I spend more time in this oasis than originally planed and would love to bring groups of all sizes to enjoy the eclectic sights, smells and tastes Lone Madrone has to offer. If you happen to go on your own, make sure to tell Joel and Shannon I said hello.
From Lone Madrone, you can’t help but hear the trumpets roar from the newly built and long awaited Eagle Castle Winery. Several years in the making, I do not stand alone when I say, “It’s about time! Welcome to the neighborhood!” Not an ordinary castle by any means, you feel as though you are at Hearst Castle East as you walk across the bridge and gaze at the moat. The inside is just as spectacular as the outside with fireplaces, armor statues, impressive architecture, medieval art and twin towers overlooking the rolling hills, oh my! The extensive amount of corporate meeting space makes this location an ideal special event venue.
Possibly the best views of the Paso Robles Wine Region can be found at Calcareous Vineyards. Named after the limestone soil in the vineyards, this winery not only has breathtaking views, but equally delicious wines. A must stop for groups of all sizes, this winery sports a cozy tasting room and barrel room that can host group functions of all types. Every time I visit this winery I have a great time with the tasting room manager Bob and his dog Salty. When we take your group there, we’ll request a concert duo from the two, as I assure you the dog can sing!
The WineYard is a must for our groups because it gives the educational, yet seriously fun perspective of wine before it hits the glass and even the crush. Recently I had the pleasure of joining Cindy, the owner and operator of The WineYard, for a tour of Steinbeck Vineyards in the back of her six passenger open air vintage jeep. Also available in a twelve passenger jeep, her tours provide spectacular close-up views of the vineyards and wine knowledge you can’t get anywhere else. Cindy grew up on Steinbeck Vineyards, and is apart of the sixth generation still working the land. The perspective Cindy shares will truly make each sip of wine a memorable moment of appreciation for all the handwork, labor and love given to the grapes.
After visiting some close friends and making new ones along the way, I am excited to show groups the NEW in the Paso Robles Wine Region. I invite you to ask us questions about our Paso Robles Wine Tours and about how we can bring your groups to these spectacular locations. Also, if you have other places you would like us to visit, by all means let’s go together.
Yesterday, I guided a tour for ABS Global and as usual, had a blast. Once I realized that I would have to guard our bus’s microphone from the group in order to avoid disastrous karaoke sessions, I knew I was in for a real treat. I was correct in making this assumption. By the way, if you want to have a good laugh and share some interesting conversation, ask me what they do at ABS Global…
