Step #1 - Plan Your Paso Robles Visit

How to Plan Your Day in Paso Robles Wine Country 🍷

 

Start with a Solid Breakfast -  Wine tasting may not seem physically demanding, but it adds up fast—so a hearty breakfast is a must. Trust us: your palate (and your future self) will thank you.

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Begin Between 10–11 AM - That’s when most tasting rooms open. Plan to visit a maximum of three tasting rooms for the entire day. A little tasting goes a long way. Many first-timers want to squeeze in four or five, but that often takes the wonder and connection out of the experience. The real magic happens in the slower moments—hearing an old story from a winemaker or discovering something curious in conversation. 💡

 

Slow is smooth in Paso Wine Country -  And while you might feel great after a few stops, by the fourth or fifth winery, your group might not be the best guests—and yes, wineries will politely cut you off if you’ve had a little too much fun.

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Make the Second Stop Your Lunch Spot -  Either visit a winery with food service or a restaurant in Paso Robles, Templeton, or Atascadero. Some limo services provide box lunches for an additional charge, or you can bring your own picnic from any of our beloved sandwich or cheese shops.

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By the Time You Reach Stop #3 -  After your 10 AM start, two tastings, and lunch, it’ll likely be between 2–3 PM. Most tasting rooms wrap up by 4–5 PM, though some host late-night music and events on weekends. Those usually run from 5–8 PM. 🗓 Check pasowine.com/events or your winery’s Instagram for details.

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End on a High Note - Choose a winery with stunning views, relaxed vibes, and great wines. This is often where you'll meet a local winemaker and their family sharing rich stories about the land and community. You'll likely finish by 5 PM, giving you time to freshen up before dinner.

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Plan Ahead for Dinner -  After a day of sipping and storytelling, using Uber or Lyft is a great way to keep things easy. Paso Robles offers fantastic dining, and nearby Atascadero and Templeton also serve up charm, great food, and spots to explore.

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To Wrap It Up:

✅ Plan to visit 3 wineries max, and make reservations (TOCK is widely used).

✅ Spend at least 90 minutes at each tasting.

✅ Remember that driving time adds up, so cluster your stops when possible.

✅ Start with breakfast and begin tasting at 10–11 AM.

✅ Plan lunch for your second stop, around 1 PM.

✅ Wrap up by 4–5 PM and enjoy a locally inspired dinner around 7 PM.

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📌 One last tip: Many wineries close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so always double-check hours. Most dining spots use TOCK or OpenTable for reservations, though some beloved locals prefer Yelp—so don’t overlook it.