Since we bought a home in Las Vegas in 2020, and finally sold our house in Santa Clarita in 2023, we’ve only been to Paso Robles once as it’s now a much longer drive. In the past we rotated California wine areas to visit every year: Paso, Napa, and Santa Barbara County.
Fast forward to now, 2025, and Ed’s sister Ann suggested we meet in Paso again. Now, here comes the problem, and the question: In my many years of writing about wine and spirits (May 2008 is when this blog began, before that I wrote wine articles for a print newspaper and an online new site, so I’m guessing it’s closer to 20 years!) I have visited a LOT of wineries in that time. As a wine writer it’s important for me to TRY to visit new-to-me wineries to write about new experiences.
So, I went to Facebook to ask my friends there which wineries they think I should visit, to tell me why I should visit them and of course, keeping in mind that newer wineries are probably the better bet. And I thought it would be nice to share their suggestions in this blog for others planning a trip to Paso Robles.
My Query
Hello Facebook friends, I have a question for those of you that love to visit Paso Robles wineries: I’m overdue for a visit and I want to know which wineries are your favorites and WHY. Keep in mind that I’ve visited the obvious big popular ones (like Justin and Daou) and I need to write about wineries I haven’t visited, off the beaten path per se. So, what have you got for me?
The Responses (I got a slew of them but will limit to the comments that included why we should visit. If you want to see all of the answers the post is here.)
Louise C. “Went to Nicora on my last visit and was pleasantly surprised I really liked this GSM , and the staff is wonderful, everywhere else has been suggested already, have a great trip I love Paso!”
Steven J. “Stilson Cellars and Diablo Paso both have great wines and great stories.” (Another commented that Stilson is owned and run by the widow of an LAFD firefighter Eddie knew.)
Katy M. “Ecluse is one of my fave boutique wineries. While you’re in town eat at Fish Gaucho and Thomas Hill Organics. Def make a side trip to Sycamore Hot Springs in Avila – you can enjoy your own private soak nestled in the hillside under the trees.”
Jane S. “Mystic Hills Vineyard in San Miguel. Small family owned vineyard. They treat you like family and welcome you into their home. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several times and each experience has been exceptional. The wine is fantastic, and the hospitality is unmatched.”
Mike H. “Center Of Effort in the Edna Valley. All estate grown wines with a picturesque setting. You won’t be disappointed!”
Michael F. “Sextant – Amazing mid-sized winery. Jacob Toft – High scores small production. Sans Liege-Groundworks – Kurt Schslchin is a master of Rhone Varietals. Herman Story & McPrice Myers – Russell & McPrice are no longer partners but their wines are legendary!
Paul O. “Midpoint, used to be Rotta. One of the oldest wineries in the area.
Elaine, Scott, and Dale “Tudor. We have known Dan for 20 years! His wines are excellent…many from Monterey County Tondre, Vineyard and Sallachi.” And from Dale, “I know Dan Tudor also. He does make excellent cool climate wines. Although he has a tasting room in Paso, his wines aren’t Paso style. Which is fine—just so you know. He and his wife Bo are charming!”
Debbie D. “LXV for sure! It’s downtown and they pair spices along with their tasting. Wines are amazing. So are the owners!”
Karen B. “You MUST go to Pax Sur Terre. Every wine is off the charts.”
Scott S. “Summerwood & Four Lanterns on HWY 46 West often has live music on weekends. If you have not been to JUSTIN since ‘12 then it’s worth a trip back!”
Robin B. “One of my faves has always been Tobin James. Fun tasting room, pleasant staff and great wines!”
Now, back to me, so what do you think I will choose from these? Right now, at press time, I have an impressive list of wineries to look at. Hoping to plan the trip before the heat of the summer and report back to you fine readers what tasty wines we discovered this time in Paso!
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
