Local's Favorite Wineries
Trust the Locals when they tell you that these are their favorite wineries in Paso Robles, away from the tourist crowds. Based on a poll with hundreds of responses, these hidden gems are where locals go to taste in Paso Robles.
Best Paso Robles Wineries According to locals
Taste Where the Locals Go: Paso’s Favorite Wineries and Hidden Gems
If your trip planning to Paso included watching lots of YouTube videos you probably came away thinking that there are only a handful of wineries worth visiting in Paso Robles - you know, Daou, Justin, Allegretto. But that would be wrong. Paso has nearly 300 wineries and the bulk of them are small, family owned wineries who are loved by locals but often overlooked by most first time visitors who are drawn to the sizzle of the big wineries.
I reached out to locals and Paso enthusiasts and got hundreds of replies when I asked what their favorite small, family owned wineries are and I compiled the top vote-getters here. If you want a truly authentic and personal wine tasting experience that you often don’t get at a super large winery then add a few of these personal favorites to your wine tasting itinerary. The locals have spoken and here are their favorite wineries.
Looking for the Basic Paso Robles Winery Route? Check out Wineries on THE BIG LOOP.
Too Busy to Plan It? Use My Concierge!
If you’re easily overwhelmed or just too dang busy to figure out which wineries deserve your attention then use my concierge partner who will work with you to figure out what sort of wineries you want and will do all of the planning and reserving for you for one low fee. She’ll organize your transportation, she’ll plan out the day which could include a picnic lunch, she’ll even recommend and make dinner reservations for you. Big group? Corporate event? Bachelorette Party? We got you covered. To get more info just click the button below and I’ll connect you with the concierge who will get you all of the info so you can decide if this is right for you.
Locals Speak out: their favorite paso wineries ranked
Where do locals like to wine taste in Paso? The following wineries are the top picks by both locals and Paso winery fanatics. Wineries on this list did not pay to be listed nor offer any incentives to be included.
1. LXV Winery
The number one winery pick by locals might surprise you - it’s a tasting room in downtown Paso with a unique wine and spice pairing. Sip their incredible wines while nibbling on a spice infused morsel curated from their Indian heritage for a next level tasting experience at a very reasonable $45 per person fee.
1306-B Pine Street, Paso Robles
805-296-1902
2. Guyomar Wine Cellars
The number two pick goes to Guyomar Wine Cellars not only for their incredible views that rival Daou (yes, they are that good) but the two Newfoundland dogs that serve as ambassadors. Extremely personal and authentic wine tasting experience, $45 pp, Guyomar has won over the locals and will win you over too.
805-400-1616
3. Caelesta Vineyards
Calelesta Vineyards not only offers barrel tasting tours and walks through the vineyards and pastachio orchard but a bonafide TRUFFLE HUNT as well as truffle and wine pairing events. Check for schedule but even if you come just for the wine you won’t be disappointed. Tastings $40, Truffle Hunt $125.
2855 El Pomar Dr, Templeton (tasting room)
333 Lupine Lane Templeton, CA 93465 (vineyard and truffles)
805-538-8771
Justin Winery
4. Copia Cellars
Copia Cellars takes the number four local pick, a newer winery causing a lot of waves. The modern tasting room and spacious outdoor area sets the stage for their amazing wine and equally amazing Michelin quality food pairing experience featuring four seasonal bites for $50. Standard tasting is just $25 pp.
5076 Mustard Creek Rd, Paso Robles
805-296-3000
The Alchemists
5. Carijn Cellars
Carijn Cellars (which rhymes with Barn) gets the top five spot and wins both locals and visitors in the know over with their exceptional wines coupled with engaging hospitality. This micro winery is so small there’s no signage - a stack of rocks in front of an industrial building signals you’ve arrived. $30 tasting fee.
2323 Tuley Rd #120 Paso Robles
805-423-9113
Norma’s Alley
6. Jacob Toft
Number six local favorite pick goes to Jacob Toft in the Tin City industrial complex, a collection of shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. So small the tasting room doubles as the production room, do a barrel tasting experience at this hidden gem loved by locals. $25 tasting fee.
Country stand in Paso
7. Dresser Winery
The 7th place locals pick proves that even locals can’t resist a gorgeous patio with surrounding property. Taste under the oaks or go adventurous with a vineyard tour in an all terrain vehicle. Picnics, scones on the weekends, easy to see why locals love Dresser Winery. Tastings start at $25 pp.
5530 Dresser Ranch Place Paso Robles
805-832-2002
8. Ecluse Wines
Local’s pick number 8 is Ecluse Wines where you’ll taste in the barrel room and even get to sample some wines straight from the barrels, just $15 per person. Or get a glass or bottle and enjoy the views on their terrace. Laid back small winery, it’s easy to see why everyone loves this one.
1520 Kiler Canyon Rd, Paso Robles
805-239-4999
9. Six Mile Bridge Wines
Locals and visitors pushed Six Mile Bridge to the number 9 spot. It’s simply gorgeous all around, from the elegant tasting room to the shade of a majestic oak, it’s casual but elegant. $30 for the standard flight, you can also reserve a picnic area with bottle service.
5120 Peachy Canyon Rd, Paso Robles
805-239-5844
