Set amidst sun-soaked vineyards and rolling hills, Paso Robles is a small city that effortlessly combines relaxed charm with a deep appreciation for good food and wine. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and thriving wine country, it’s the perfect place to slow down and savor the best of California’s Central Coast.
During my trip, I stayed at the newly opened Ava Hotel and the freshly redesigned historic Paso Robles Inn. In the day, I visited a few of the area’s wineries, including McPrice Myers, Alta Colina, and kukkula.
Evenings were filled with strolls through downtown, live jazz and delicious dinners at spots like Les Petites Canailles, The Hatch, Grace & Rose and Parchetto. The grand finale was a visit to the stunning light displays at Sensorio. Each moment revealed a new side of Paso Robles’ charm, making this visit one to remember.
Let’s wander through the vineyards and memories of my wine country getaway.
The Ava Hotel: Paso Robles’ Newest Modern Retreat
Located in downtown Paso Robles, The Ava Hotel offers sleek design, thoughtful amenities, a saltwater pool and vibrant culinary experiences.
The Ava boasts 151 design-forward guest rooms and suites, each featuring residential-style touches, such as Juliet balconies and cozy fireplaces. It’s a space that feels both luxurious and inviting, making it an ideal home base for your Paso Robles adventures.
Food and drink take center stage at The Ava. Start your day with a perfectly brewed La Colombe coffee at Pine Street Bistro off the lobby, or head to Esperanza on the Rooftop for Baja-inspired bites and craft cocktails. For an elevated dining experience, look forward to the opening of EMRE this fall, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant led by Michelin-trained chef Julien Asseo.
Beyond the hotel, The Ava connects guests to the heart of Paso Robles with curated vineyard tours, exclusive winery partnerships, and “Meet the Maker” tastings.
Paso Robles Inn: A Landmark, Reborn
Also located downtown, Paso Robles Inn has been thoughtfully reimagined creating a relaxed retreat for a new generation of travelers.
Step inside and discover their updated guest rooms with contemporary amenities. Beyond your room, inviting outdoor spaces beckon you to unwind under the California sunshine or the shade of one of their mature oak trees. Lush gardens and tranquil patios with firepits provide the perfect setting to savor a glass of local wine or enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Whether you’re a road-tripper passing through or a visitor seeking a more extended getaway, the Paso Robles Inn’s relaxed atmosphere offers a unique backdrop for any occasion. You aren’t just booking a room; you are becoming part of a story at a renewed destination.
Still to come, MICHELIN-starred chef Charlie Palmer is set to revamp the culinary suite at both the Paso Robles Inn and sister property The Piccolo.
Discover Les Petites Canailles: A Taste of France, A Touch of Southern Charm
Romantic eatery, Les Petites Canailles is the dream of founders Julien, a winemaker’s son from France, and Courtney, a butcher’s daughter from North Carolina.
Indulge in decadent offerings like their caviar service or the classic steak tartare, served with confit egg yolk and squid ink tapioca chips. Savor signature mains such as the rich Iberico pork presa with fresh corn polenta and the steak au poivre with homemade frites and green peppercorn sauce. Every dish tells a story.
Grace & Rose: A New Farm-to-Table Gem in Paso Robles
Nestled in a charming 110-year-old farmhouse in downtown Paso Robles, Grace & Rose offers delicious farm-to-table dining. Created by the team behind Paso Robles Wine Merchant, this cozy restaurant is named after the owners’ daughters’ middle names—a personal touch that reflects the care poured into every detail.
Their menu includes grassy bar oysters, crispy brussel sprouts, Trombe pasta with mushrooms and crème sauce, NY strip steak with charred corn, shishito peppers, and fingerling potatoes, and Basque cake with plum puree and honey whipped cream.
Savor a meal inside or al fresco on the covered wraparound porch.
The Hatch: Wood-Fired Comfort in the Heart of Paso Robles
Tucked just off the town square in downtown Paso Robles, The Hatch has been serving up wood-fired comfort food and classic cocktails since 2015. Housed in the historic Grangers Union Building, this intimate rotisserie and bar has become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
The Hatch is all about cozy vibes and bold flavors. The menu is fueled by the wood fire, offering favorites like fried chicken with black pepper honey, Hatch hot sauce, smoked bacon potato salad, and rotisserie prime rib with steak fries, beef jus, and horseradish cream. Other favorites include half or whole rotisserie chicken, grilled artichoke, little gem salad, and hot skillet cornbread.
Pair your meal with a small-batch whiskey or one of their seasonal cocktails.
Jazz Night at Parchetto
Situated in a historic downtown building, Parchetto is a California bistro and the newest restaurant by Carole and Santos MacDonal, owners of Il Cortile, also located in Paso Robles. The name Parchetto (pronounced Par-kett-o) translates to “Little Park,” paying homage to the nearby Downtown City Park.
The design marries restored, century-old architectural details with sleek, contemporary elements, encouraging you to settle in and savor the moment. During my visit, I was fortunate to experience one of their live jazz nights. Sipping a well-crafted espresso martini while the smooth sounds of a jazz trio filled the air.
Menu starters include seared scallops, duck confit, prawns and crostini with burrata. When it comes to the main course, you are spoiled for choice, from their 16 oz grilled rib-eye to Chilean sea bass with lobster sauce, capers, mashed potatoes, and pan-seared pork chop with Parma prosciutto, sage, and Caciocavallo cheese.
Sipping Through Paso: Explore Wine Country
Paso Robles Wine Country is an impressive hub of over 200 wineries, each contributing to the region’s growing reputation for great wines. From small, family-owned vineyards to expansive estates, the area offers a rich tapestry of wine experiences that reflect its unique American Viticultural Appellation (AVA).
During my trip, I had the chance to explore a few wineries.
kukkula
kukkula (kook-koo-luh), derived from the Finnish word meaning “hill” or “high place,” reflects the essence of its name. In 2004, owners Kevin Jussila and his wife relocated to Paso Robles, embarking on a journey to create their home and winery that exemplify modern design seamlessly integrated into the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast.
Their winery produces estate-grown wines deeply influenced by the Rhône region of France, thanks to the strikingly similar terroir. Alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, they grow Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Petite Sirah, and Roussanne.
McPrice Myers Wines
McPrice Myers Wines also crafts Rhone-style wines with a focus on small-batch production.
At the helm is founder and winemaker McPrice “Mac” Myers, whose passion for winemaking is matched only by his philosophy on life: Dream big. Work hard. And have fun while creating something extraordinary.
In June 2025, McPrice Myers Wines unveiled a beautiful new hospitality and tasting venue, inviting guests to experience the wines and the picturesque setting. Among the highlights of the tasting menu is The Brightest Star, a refined Zinfandel crafted in honor of Venus, Mac’s business partner and co-owner.
Alta Colina
Alta Colina, led by founder and owners Bob, Lynn and Maggie Tillman alongside winemaker Dallas Parnigoni, crafts Syrah, Rhône blends, and Rhône whites. The winery strives to capture the essence of its picturesque vineyards in every bottle.
The name “Alta Colina,” meaning “high hill” in Spanish, aptly reflects the estate’s breathtaking elevation and beauty. In addition to their cozy tasting room, visitors can immerse themselves in the vineyards by reserving a private, vintage trailer campsite nestled within the estate’s stunning landscape.
LIBRETTO Jazz Club
LIBRETTO, located in the historic Old Paso Robles Opera House (circa 1919), is an intimate live performance venue showcasing world-class talent. From Jazz and Blues to Classical and Opera, their performances promise a night to remember.
With seating for just 62 guests, the venue’s centerpiece is a remarkable 2012 Steinway & Sons Model D, a 9′ full concert grand piano. The space combines vintage charm with modern elegance. Exposed limestone and brick nod to its past, while custom art-deco works and quality lighting create a visually stunning atmosphere. Plush leather booths, candle-lit cocktail tables, and expert acoustic treatments ensure a feast for the eyes and ears alike.
Sensorio
As the music of Libretto comes to an end, Sensorio emerges, an unparalleled immersive art exhibition.
Meander along gentle pathways that guide you through a spectacle of over 100,000 solar-powered orbs. These glowing bulbs shimmer across the fields, creating a scene reminiscent of bioluminescent flowers from a dreamlike world. The experience is a symphony of light, music, and technology.
Feel the rhythm of the music as it synchronizes with waves of color washing over the landscape. It’s an environment that encourages connection, whether you are sharing a magical evening with your family, creating an unforgettable date night, or hosting a one-of-a-kind corporate gathering. You have to experience it to truly understand the magic.
Whether you’re strolling through vineyards, savoring a wood-fired meal, or marveling at the luminous wonder of Sensorio, Paso Robles invites you to create memories that age beautifully, like a fine wine.