When wine tasting in Paso Robles, traffic and distance often present challenges to wine aficionados.  Now there is a better way, you can stroll among the tasting rooms of Downtown Paso Robles and not worry about a designated driver, sampling some of the smaller boutique wineries of the region.  With over 20 tasting rooms clustered in the historic and charming city center, wine tasting is more accessible and easier than ever.  And although you won’t be walking among the vines, these tasting rooms offer a fun experience, and sometimes live music, in close proximity to downtown Paso hotels and restaurants.  And if you need an introduction or a reminder of what Paso Robles wines are all about, here are several reasons to make a plan to visit Paso Robles Wine Country.

L'Aventure Syrah Vineyard

Syrah harvest at L'Aventure Winery

Paso Robles is California’s success story, where the rise from cattle country to wine country has happened in one short generation.  Just 20 years ago, a handful of wine producers were breaking ground, today, explosive growth has swelled the ranks to almost 250 wineries carving out their own special niche, attracting winemakers from all over the world.  Paso Robles possesses ideal growing conditions for producing high quality wines, with distinct microclimates, diverse soils, and a long growing season with diurnal temperature swings, meaning plenty of daytime heat for ripening and a 40 degree cool-off at night that keeps the fruit fresh with high acidity.

Zinfandel grapes at Turley

Forty wine grape varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Grenache, and Petite Sirah are planted over 40,000 vineyard acres, making Paso a larger wine region than Napa Valley.   The larger Paso Robles AVA was established over 30 years ago, today over 12 new sub-AVAs further define the terroir of Paso, from the calcareous limestone soils in the west to the alluvial soils in the east.

Early morning Syrah harvest at L'Aventure

Considered the Wild West of California wine, Paso Robles breaks the rules, and instills a pioneer spirit in all those that flock here.  These wines aren’t for the faint-hearted, opulent big wines with sweet fruit and plush structure yet a spine of acidity that keeps everything in check.  Cabernet is the big dog here, accounting for over 39% of wine grapes planted, while the large plantings of Rhône varietals of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier and Roussanne have given Paso the nickname “Rhone-Zone”.  Italian and Spanish grapes have taken hold here, too, adding diversity to a region once known primarily for Zinfandel.

The diversity and scope of Paso Robles’ wine scene was on display at a recent LA Wine Writers lunch at Cafe del Rey.  Carol Hoyt of Hoyt Family Vineyards represented the Downtown Paso Robles Wineries, bringing 15 wines from 10 wineries to taste.

Carol Hoyt of Hoyt Family Vineyards

Starting off with a glass of rosé, Carol Hoyt relayed her wine journey, from Hollywood actress to Malibu vintner, fueled by the wish to walk to the beach or grow wine grapes.  Finding both in Malibu, years of learning and experimenting with winemaking led to purchasing an 86 acre ranch on the West side of Paso Robles and making wine on a larger scale.

Bushong Vintage Company “Pretty in Pink” Rosé 2016, a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Tempranillo, ripe strawberry fruit with a tart edge, a round wine with a bright finish

A trio of white wines accompanied a hummus with vegetables and pita bread starter, joined by 11 reds for a luscious buffet of Spanakopita, Icelandic cod, Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa Salad, with a finale of Mediterranean Pasta and Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.

Symbiosis Torrontés Silvaspoons Vineyard 2016, very different from Argentinean Torrontés, more luscious and full, floral and savory on the nose, with lifted aromas of stone fruit and citrus on the palate

Frolicking Frog Cellars Viognier 2013, floral and mouthfilling wine with ripe stone fruit and citrus notes, skin contact during winemaking gives the wine some grip, a very long flavorful finish

Hoyt Family Vineyards Malibu Estate Chardonnay 2015, round and ripe in a classic California way but crisp on the palate, ripe apple with a citrus edge, aged in new and used French Oak which gives the wine a golden color, with notes of butter and oak, Carol considers this their “Drink it all Day Chardonnay”

Asuncion Ridge Pinot Noir SLO 2014, earthier style, ripe with rich cherry fruit and toasty oak, long finish

Symbiosis Tempranillo 2011, expressive and savory, it has a rich edge of ripe fruit, really delicious

Anglim Guy James Syrah Willow Creek District 2013, lush and powerful wine with integrated oak, ripe berry fruit, cocoa and espresso notes, and elegant tannins

D’Anbino Cellars Silver Label Pine Hawk Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, dark fruit, glyceric palate, and high in alcohol

Frolicking Frog Cellars Cabernet Franc 2014, a very big wine, intense, rich and textured, sweet boysenberry fruit notes

Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars Estrella District Syrah 2014, full-bodied, rich and round, with dark fruit, black pepper, and earth and leather notes, higher level of alcohol and tannins

Bushong “Power Corruption & Lies” 2014, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, vivid red fruit, cola, balanced wine

Pianetta Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, bold wine with bright dark fruit, cola and spice, mild tannins

Hoyt Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2013, big, bold and round, this wine is nicknamed “Sex in a Bottle”

LXV Crimson Jewel 2015, a blend of Sangiovese and Petit Verdot, intense aromas of dark fruit, cassis, and spice lead to a palate of ripe red cherry and vanilla, a big wine

Hoyt Family Vineyards Hoyt 2 Hoyt Sparkling Wine, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier from Sonoma County, crisp and refreshing with apple and pear notes, won the Gold Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle

Next time you travel to Paso Robles, whether it’s your first or fortieth visit, make time for the Downtown Wineries, where history and wine come together in one easy stroll.