WINE 101

Wineries on the Central Coast are open! The majority are serving wine tastings outdoors with a limit on the size of tasting groups. A few are still only offering glass or bottle service, so please see the specific requirements at each winery for more information. 

There are a couple of things to keep in mind now that wine tasting have started again.

• Make a reservation, wineries have limited outdoor space with high demand. Most tasting rooms highly recommend a reservation, and for some it’s mandatory.
• Most wineries will only host groups up to 6 – 8 people in order to adhere to safety guidelines.
• Tastings may be limited to less than an hour to accommodate all of the reservations. This tasting time varies from winery to winery, so it’s important to call beforehand.
• Some wineries are only offering wines for glass or bottle purchases and will not be offering tastings. Be sure to call or check their website before. 

So, what is wine tasting, and what’s with all the hype about it? Well, according to dictionary.com, wine tasting is defined as “A gathering of critics, buyers, friends, etc. to taste a group of wines for comparative purposes.”

However, wine tasting is so much more than that, which is why it’s a favorite activity for both locals and visitors to enjoy in Paso Robles…

The reason wine tasting is a favorite experience and activity is due in large part to the incredible memories it creates. It’s a day-long experience filled with friends, family, stories, breath-taking scenery, delightful wine, and more.

You’ll taste wine from over a dozen different wine grapes, as you listen to first-hand the stories about the wine and the winery from the founding family. (A majority of Paso Robles wineries are created and run by small local families.) As you sip on your wine, you’re not only surrounded by breathtaking rolling vineyard hills, but also by some of your best friends or family. Many wineries will take the experience a step further by offering unique one-of-kind tastings paired with exquisite cuisine, stories, and tours of their vineyard, wine caverns among other things.

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy wine. You certainly don’t have to be a wine expert or super wine enthusiast to still have a great time.

Side note, did we mention that some wineries also have a distillery onsite? We’ll cheers to that!

Wine tours vary from company to company, but here’s a broad look at what you can expect from the majority of wine tour companies. Covering the basics, wine tour companies will offer a vehicle and a driver that will take you from one winery to the next. Wine tours typically include 3 to 4 winery stops and can range from 3-4 hours to 3-8 hours, depending on where you want to go and how many wineries you want to stop at. We recommend setting aside a full day for wine tasting activities; it’s always more fun if you don’t rush it! 

Wondering what you should bring on a wine tour? We have some suggestions…

• A rockin’ playlist to play on the road.
• Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you’re wine tasting outside, our coastal sun can shine pretty bright.
• A jacket, the majority of stops along the Central Coast, can get some crisp coastal winds; it helps to have something warm, just in case.
• A blanket for outdoor picnicking.
• A camera to capture the incredible views and fun memories with friends and family.
• Bring snacks; we recommend cheeses, crackers, and chocolate. (Or you can purchase a fabulous charcuterie board at the winery you’re wine tasting at.)

As mentioned in the FAQ above, wine tours can vary based on the company you’re booking with. That’s why we’ve included some questions you should ask the tour company before you book. 

• What kind of vehicles do you offer, and what sized group do they accommodate?
• Is wine tasting at the wineries included in the tour package? 
• Are the driver’s tips included in the final cost of the tour? 
• Is there a fuel charge?
• Is lunch included?
• What’s your policy on cancellations? 
• Does your company put together an itinerary? 
• How late can last-minute changes be added to the tour? 
• What kind of sanitation/cleaning procedure do you have for your vehicles? 

Paso Robles:
With over 200 wineries in Paso Robles alone, you’ll discover that there are wineries that offer tastings at a variety of price points. The majority of wineries will provide tastings starting at $15, which usually gives you a taste of four to five wines. The average cost of wine tasting in Paso Robles is $20. You can also add on specialty wine and cheese pairings at some wineries and opt for a more immersive experience, for instance, tasting in their private library, in a vineyard, or a wine cellar. These tastings can start at $25 and increase.

Depending on the experience and price point, you’re guaranteed to find dozens of wineries that match what you’re looking for. 

Edna Valley: 
Edna Valley is a collection of small boutique wineries located only minutes away from the beautiful California coast. Edna Valley primarily encompasses San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Avila Beach. These wineries specialize in crafting extraordinary wine in small, limited edition batches. The majority of wineries will offer tastings starting at $20, which usually gives you a taste of four to five wines. The average cost of wine tasting in Edna Valley is $25. You can also add on specialty wine and cheese pairings at some wineries and opt for a more immersive experience, for instance, tasting in their private library, in a vineyard, or a wine cellar. These tastings can start at $30 and increase. 

Santa Barbara: 
If you’re looking for diversity in wine tasting experiences, you’ll find it in Santa Barbara. A large region, Santa Barbara, includes many smaller wine tasting regions like Santa Maria Valley, Solvang, the Funk Zone in downtown Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley (more on that one below). The majority of wineries will offer tastings starting at $15, which usually gives you a taste of four to five wines. You can also add on specialty wine and cheese pairings at some wineries and opt for a more immersive experience, for instance, tasting in their private library, in a vineyard, or a wine cellar. These tastings can start at $25 and increase. 

Santa Ynez Valley: 
Santa Ynez Valley is a well-traveled wine tasting region in Santa Barbara County. When wine tasting here, you can taste at wineries in Lompoc, Los Olivos, and the greater Santa Ynez Valley area. The majority of wineries will offer tastings starting at $20, which usually gives you a taste of four to five wines. The average cost of wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley is $20. You can also add on specialty wine and cheese pairings at some wineries and opt for a more immersive experience, for instance, tasting in their private library, in a vineyard, or a wine cellar. These tastings can start at $30 and increase. 

If you’d like to go wine tasting, we’ve listed out dozens of wineries in key wine tasting regions on the Central Coast below. (Just click the region you want to taste in and you’ll be taken to a listing of wineries in that area.)

Edna Valley Wineries

Paso Robles Wineries

Santa Barbara Wineries

Santa Ynez Wineries

If you’re looking for a place to stay for your wine tasting adventure, we’ve found quite a few lodging spots in key wine tasting regions on the Central Coast below. (Just click the region you want to stay and you’ll be taken to a listing of lodging options in that area.)

Edna Valley Lodging

Paso Robles Lodging

Santa Barbara Lodging

Santa Ynez Lodging