Breweries
Rolling into Paso Robles with the sun high and the scent of oak barrels in the air, I set out to explore the town’s top-tier breweries—and wow, did they deliver. Firestone Walker Brewing Company was the crown jewel, with its sprawling campus, award-winning Union Jack IPA, and a taproom that felt more like a beer cathedral than a bar. Just down the road, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. offered a more laid-back, backyard vibe—think live music, food trucks, and a killer lineup of IPAs and barrel-aged beauties that made it hard to leave. Then there was Silva Brewing, a small but mighty operation tucked behind a downtown tasting room, where every pour—from the Hop Maniac Double IPA to the silky Silva Stout—felt like a personal invitation into the brewer’s creative mind. Paso may be known for its wine, but these breweries are proof that hops have found a home here too.
The Paso Sherpa Cider Trail
Welcome to your ultimate San Luis Obispo County Cider Trail, where apple traditions meet local innovation. From farm-to-glass experiences to urban flavor hubs, this trail is a journey through orchards, taprooms, and the people behind the pour.
Bristols Cider House – Atascadero & Templeton, Traditional English meets California flair at this cozy, community-driven, with rotating taps and the hum of local music nights Must-Try: “The Quince” or “Mourvèdre Barrel-Aged” cider Pro Tip: Grab tacos from the food truck outside and play a round of foosball in the cider barn “We let the apple speak for itself.” – Neil Collins
Tin City Cider Co. – Paso Robles, Dry, winemaker-crafted with local apples, this hip industrial tasting room in Paso’s Tin City has “Original Dry” or “Alloy Red” (a cider-wine hybrid). Amazing. You may want to plan a picnic crawl—pair their cider with snacks from nearby Tin City spots like Negranti Creamery or Etto Pasta
SLO Cider Co. – San Luis Obispo, Sugar-free, flavor-packed ciders with modern edge. Their colorful tasting room has live comedy, open mics, and DJ nights. Have a fun “Ginger Peach” with a Tajín rim or the Rosé Cider. Also, go on a Thursday night and walk over to the SLO Farmers Market after for dinner and live music
SLO Creek Farms – San Luis Obispo, Organic, pressed-on-site cider straight from their orchard Vibe: Rustic, picnic-friendly with scenic views and country charm Must-Try: Classic Organic Apple Cider Pro Tip: Visit in September or October for their u-pick apple season—it’s a family-friendly fall favorite
Kombucha Brewing
If you’re sipping kombucha in San Luis Obispo, chances are it’s from the passionate crew at Whalebird Kombucha—a local favorite that’s as much about community as it is about craft.
Whalebird Kombucha Founded by Mike Durighello and supported by a tight-knit team including Jacob Pritzlaff (the “Numbers Guy”), Lee Wilkerson (the “Builder Man”), and Dustin Oswald (Director of Operations), Whalebird is brewed with a surfer’s soul and a sustainability mindset. They use organically grown, fair-trade ingredients, and their flavors—like Lavender Lemonade, Manguava, and Pamplemousse—are as creative as they are refreshing.
What sets them apart:
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Brewed in small batches for quality and flavor
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Served in reusable kegs and growlers to reduce waste
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Active at local events like the SLO Farmers Market
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Deeply involved in supporting local nonprofits and seasonal collaborations
Their taproom on Empleo Street has a laid-back vibe that reflects the Central Coast spirit—easygoing, creative, and community-driven. It’s kombucha with a conscience, and it’s brewed by people who clearly love where they live.