Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop Field Notes: California’s Central Coast Wine Trail: Paso Robles

California’s Central Coast Wine Trail: Paso Robles

By John and Jennifer Verplanck

Stretching from Santa Barbara to Monterey, California’s Central Coast is a diverse region that includes some of the premier vineyards in the country. At the heart of this region is Paso Robles, a unique microclimate with warm, sunny days and cool, coastal nights, closely matching the climate of the Rhône Valley and of Napa’s Rutherford district. There are over 200 wineries, 80% of which are planted with red varietals.

Route 46 from Paso Robles over to Cayucos is one of the loveliest drives in California, not long, but beautiful. At the summit, you can pull off and get a sweeping panorama of the coast from Cambria down to Morro Bay. Morro Rock rises majestically from the bay of the same name. It is one of a string of peaks, two of which are under the ocean, and running all the way to San Luis Obispo.

Along Route 46 and amongst the surrounding hills are some of the state’s best wineries. Just west of Paso Robles is Peachy Canyon Vineyard, best known for their Zinfandels, but with a host of other excellent wines. Just within this area on Live Oak Road are L’Aventure and Hope Family Estate and nearby is Opolo, all who produce superb wines.

The Eberle Winery not only has great wines but outside seating that affords beautiful views of the surrounding area and vineyards. Within shouting distance are EOS and the wonderful Robert Hall winery, and down the road is Tobin James. Just north of Eberle is J. Lohr.

Also in the area is Tablas Creek Vineyard, on Adelaida Road, north of Route 46, specializing in spectacular Rhône-style wines. They are in fact, a branch of a French Winery, known for their Grenache-Syrah blends. You’ll find Daou and Barrel 27 wineries also near there, both excellent. About nine miles north of 46, on Chimney Rock Road you will find Justin Vineyards, whose Isosceles red blend, along with half a dozen other stunning wines is worth drinking at least once in your life.

And there is a lot more to see. If you are heading south on US 101, take the Jolon Road, south of King City, to Mission San Antonio de Padua. It is beautiful, and well worth the detour. Continue south on Route G 14 to Lake Nacimiento. If this lake doesn’t seem made for a picnic, you need more help than I can give you. Just a few miles north of Paso Robles, on Mustard Creek Road is Vines on the Marycrest, one of our favorite wine stops. Victor makes extraordinarily good Zinfandel and a superb Petit Sirah, both big, bold California classics.