Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Why Paso Robles Makes for a Great Romantic Getaway

Would you like to plan a romantic getaway for you and your special someone? If so, you will see that you have an unlimited number of options. After all, many cities in the United States are perfect for romance. However, one destination you will want to examine is that of Paso Robles, California.

With a little bit of research online, you will see that Paso Robles is considered a popular vacation destination. At first glance, this may not be what you are looking for. After all, romantic getaways are often best when in a place that screams luxury and elegancy. The good news is that Paso Robles provides you with the best of both worlds. Although a popular vacation destination, you will not find large vacation resorts or theme parks, instead you will find some of the best wineries in the United States.

When visiting wineries in the Paso Robles area, you will want to see what events are scheduled. Yes, enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting is ideal, but there is more. Many wineries have scheduled events, including educational wine sessions, guided facility tours, and music concerts. For added romance, not only enjoy a wine tasting session, but stay for dinner and possibly a night of dancing.

Not to ruin the mood, but it is important to focus on safety. If you are planning to make a day out of visiting area wineries, you are essentially creating your own wine tour. On average, you could receive four or more wine samples at each stop. At the end of the afternoon, this can amount to a lot. Make sure you have a safe way to return home or to your hotel room. In fact, why not rent a limousine for the day? Not only will you have a safe method of transportation, but you and your partner can spend the trip cuddling in the back.

As great as a limousine rental does sound, it can significantly increase the cost of a Paso Robles romantic getaway. As a more affordable option, examine Paso Robles guided wine tours. A number of companies will transport you to and from the area’s finest wineries. The cost of tasting is included and you should receive moneysaving discounts on wine purchases. Since sitting on a shuttle bus with other tourists may not be perfect for romance, consider a private tour. They may cost a little more, but will be well worth it for the added romance.

Paso Robles wineries, alone, make the area a great destination for a romantic getaway. Have you ever visited a winery before? If not, they are all about luxury, romance, and elegancy. For example, the Martin & Weyrich Winery, located in Paso Robles, has a tasting room that makes you feel like you stepped right into Italy. According to their official website, it was built with the Italian Tuscan Estates in mind.

The area wineries are the biggest attraction for Paso Robles, but they are not all that you can find in or around the surrounding area. In keeping with romance, did you know that you can take a guided horseback tour along the Salinas River? You can and you can do so with the Rancho Del Salinas Horse Ranch, located just three miles outside of Paso Robles.

Paso Robles is also home to Lake Nacimiento. There, you will find not only fun filled activities, but activities that are perfect for a romantic getaway. For example, you can hike or bike along the lake or have a romantic picnic by the shore. If you want to combine adventure and romance, rent a boat. Nearby rental stations allow you to rent kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats.

As you can see, there are so many reasons why Paso Robles makes the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Whether you are from California, New York, or a somewhere in between, visiting Paso Robles, California can do wonders for your relationship.

Tips for Planning a Romantic Paso Robles Honeymoon

Are you in the process of planning your wedding? If so, your honeymoon planning will not be far away. Yes, you have an unlimited number of romantic destinations to choose from, but if you want to visit California, you should closely examine Paso Robles. There, you are provided with a countless number of opportunities to have the romantic honeymoon of your dreams.

As nice as it is to hear that Paso Robles is the perfect honeymoon destination, you may be looking for proof. After all, you don’t want to take chances with such a special event. Know, however, that your Paso Robles honeymoon will be filled with nothing other than fun, adventure, and romance. Why? Continue reading on to find out!

One of the many reasons why Paso Robles makes for the perfect honeymoon destination is because of local wineries. These wineries draw in tourists from all around the world. Whether you choose to visit just one winery or ten, you will enjoy the experience. As soon as you walk in the doors of a winery, you will be greeted with luxury and elegancy. Many wineries construct their establishments with history and elegancy of wine in mind. It is common to find European and Italian themes, all of which are known for creating romance.

A stop at a Paso Robles winery is not complete without wine tasting. While this may seem like an interesting activity, it can also be very romantic. What could be more romantic than sitting a private table overlooking beautiful estates and vineyards? It gets even better with the fine wines and gourmet foods you are able to sample. In addition to wine tasting, some wineries have fine dining restaurants. Imagine ending your day eating by candlelight.

It is no secret that the wineries of Paso Robles are its greatest attraction. However, it is important to note that there is so much to the area. In fact, since most of the attention is placed on local wineries, you may feel as if you found a hidden treasure when you find something like the River Oaks Hot Springs and Spa. Speaking of which, this is another must visit attraction that is perfect for a honeymoon. Imagine relaxing next to your new lifelong partner in a thermal spring or while receiving a massage. Sounds romantic!

When it comes to honeymoons, much focus is placed on achieving that perfect level of romance. Yes, romance is important for a honeymoon, but so is fun and adventure. To combine fun, adventure, and romance all into one, consider taking a guided horseback tour. They are available through the Rancho Del Salinas and a tour will take you along the Salinas River. Another well-known attraction in the area is Lake Necimiento. There you will find even more activities that combine fun and romance into one. These activities include canoeing, renting a peddle boat, walking along the shores of the lake, and picnicking.

Another important component of planning the perfect honeymoon is choosing the best place to stay. The good news is your options; there are so many to choose from. In Paso Robles, you can stay at a hotel. There is the Budget Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and the Courtyard at Marriot. Would you like to rent an RV? If so, a stay at the Wine Country RV Resort is recommended. Many local wineries and farms have onsite rental options, including bed and breakfast inns and guest rooms. Lake Necimiento is also home affordable, yet private vacation rentals.

If you have yet to make your wedding plans, consider planning a destination wedding. Paso Robles is home to a number of great wedding venues. The above mentioned River Oaks Hot Springs Spa and numerous wineries, including the Robert Hall Winery and the Eagle Castle Winery, can host special events. Paso Robles is so great that you may be surprised how many guests still travel to attend your destination wedding.

Tips for Choosing a Paso Robles Winery to Visit

Are you in the process of planning a trip to Paso Robles, California? If you are, you are entering into an area that is referred to as wine country. Why? Because there are so many wineries for you to choose from.

Although there are multiple wineries, over a hundred to be exact, for you to choose from, you likely do not have time to visit them all. In fact, you may only have time for one stop. If that is the case, you will want to make your choice wisely. This may seem like an impossible choice to make. For tips on choosing the perfect Paso Robles winery, please continue reading on.

A great way to choose a Paso Robles winery is based on size. Yes, many small, family-owned wineries are worth the trip, but you may find more at a winery that is large in size. Large wineries are known for offering more onsite events. These events may include a music concert, an informational session on pairing wine with fine foods, and so much more.

In keeping with events, visits to wineries are often for sampling purposes only. Yes, sampling fine wines is nice, but do you want to do more? Are you curious as to how wine is made or what a winery looks like behind the scenes? If so, visit a Paso Robles winery that gives guided tours of their facility. You may be required to schedule an appointment in advance, but it is well worth it.

When choosing a Paso Robles winery to visit, cost may be a point you want to consider. It is something that you shouldn’t let limit you. Yes, some Paso Robles wineries do offer complimentary wine tasting, but even if you must pay a fee, that fee is very affordable. On average, you pay just $4 a person and you get to sample multiple wines. Tasting fees should be taken into consideration if you are planning a weeklong wine tasting journey, but not if you will only visit one winery. Instead, make sure that winery is the best and that it comes highly rated and recommended.

Speaking of highly rated and recommended wineries, use the internet to your advantage. Before leaving for your Paso Robles trip, perform a standard internet search to find local wineries. Look for rating and reviews; see what others have to say. This research, which should only take about five to ten minutes, can help you find the Paso Robles winery that is best for your wants and needs.

Location can also help you narrow down and find the perfect winery. Throughout the Paso Robles area, you will find hundreds of wineries to choose from. If you are limited on time, look for those that are located by your bed and breakfast inn, campground, or hotel. This not only saves you time, but it limits your travel expenses.

The above mentioned tips can help you find and choose the Paso Robles winery that is best for you next trip to the area. With that said, remember that there are hundreds of wineries in the area. If you can, visit as many as possible. That leads to another tip for choosing a winery to visit, look for those that are located in close clusters. Can you visit one winery and drive down the road to see another? If so, create your own miniature wine tour or take a guided tour, where transportation is provided. In the end, you will be glad you did.

As an important reminder, Paso Robles is most well known for its wineries, but that is not all that they have to offer. There is so much more for you to do and see. If you enjoy visiting local wineries, visit an organic farm that is open to the public. Visit the nearby lake to enjoy a day filled with fun and sun. Yes, a visit to a winery is recommended, but it does not have to be all that you do.

Paso Robles Wine Tasting Tips

Are you interested in planning a Paso Robles, California wine tasting tour? If you are, will this be your first official wine tasting adventure? If so, you may be looking for some helpful tips. When you know what to expect and how to proceed, you may better enjoy your first wine tasting tour.

First, it is important to do the proper amount of research. If you are planning an independent wine tour, as opposed to a guided wine tour, you have the freedom to choose which wineries you visit. Not all wineries are open to the public and some have limited hours of operation. Use the internet to research these area wineries. Look for those with public wine tasting rooms where reservations are not needed, complimentary wine tasting, and other scheduled events.

As soon as you enter a Paso Robles winery, you will be directed to the tasting room. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a winery employee. That employee, who is known as your host, will start you on an hour or afternoon of fun that will leave your taste buds asking for more.

After seating you, your host will provide you with empty glasses and a summary of what wines are available for tasting. This is also the point in time where you will be informed of tasting fees, should they apply. If you are unsure as to which wines you should sample, ask your host for suggestions.

Once your sample arrives at the table, drink carefully. Wine is not intended to quench your thirst, but rather to allow you to savor the flavor and taste. Before swallowing, allow the wine to swish or swirl around in your mouth. This is what gives you a true taste of the wine. With that said, any drinking approach is acceptable, so drink wine however you feel comfortable.

As your wine tasting session concludes, you will likely be directed to either the gift shop or marketplace. Wineries will push their purchasable wines to you throughout the day. This is common practice, but you do not have to make a purchase. Don’t let a complimentary wine tasting pressure you into making a purchase, especially if that wine didn’t knock you off your feet.

In addition to knowing how make the most out a visit to a wine tasting room, it is important to familiarize yourself with the written and unwritten rules of etiquette. For many, wine tasting isn’t an afternoon filled with fun, it is an art. If you are traveling with a large group, be sure to keep your voices at an appropriate level.

Some Paso Robles wineries allow children onsite, but only a select few. Unless the winery in question advertises it is a family-friendly establishment, it may be best to hire a babysitter.

It is also important to remember the point of wine tasting and wine tasting rooms. That is to sample a selection of wines. Right away, you may find a wine that leaves you wanting more. It is usually considered poor in taste to ask for a second sample. Instead, try the other varieties of wine available for tasting. On your way out, purchase a full size bottle to take home.

Finally, remember there are over 170 wineries in Paso Robles area. About 100 of these wineries have tasting rooms that are open to the public.

Paso Robles Wineries Reviewed: Justin

When planning a trip to Paso Robles, California, you will see that you have over one hundred wineries to choose from. This is nice, but rarely will you have time to visit them all. So which wineries come highly rated and recommended? Although most do, you will want to plan a stop to Justin Vineyards and Winery. In fact, you can do more than just stop, you can stay overnight!

The Justin Vineyards and Winery is located on 160 acres of beautiful land. Nestled inside beautiful vineyards and hills filled with oak trees, you will find the winery. Located at 11680 Chimney Rock Road, this family owned winery is considered a must visit because of all it has to offer you.

No winery visit is complete without a wine tasting session. At Justin Vineyards and Winery, when you step inside their tasting room, you will step into luxury and elegance. Not only that, but you will be greeted with a knowledgeable staff. In fact, according to their official website, all staff members are certificate-trained. This means that any wine question you have, they can answer it. Limited edition wines are only available in the tasting room. Wine club members receive even more perks.

Depending on your dates of travel, you can experience more than just fine tasting wine. Justin Vineyards and Winery is also home to numerous events throughout the year. These events may include a concert in the tasting room, as well as educational seminars. The winery is also known for its participation in area festivals.

When visiting the Justin Vineyards and Winery, you will want to take a guided wine tour. Public tours are offered throughout the day and private tours are available by appointment. Fees for these tours start out at $15 a person and free tasting is included. In addition to viewing the winery behind the scenes, you will learn about the history of it and information on how its wine is produced.

What is unique about Justin Vineyards and Wineries is that there is more than wine offered. Are you looking for a place to stay for your trip to Paso Robles? Why not stay onsite. The Just Inn Bed and Breakfast is considered a four-star inn that is like no other. Your stay includes a complimentary bottle of wine, a wine tour, and a full breakfast. Make your reservations early, as only four luxury suits are available and very popular.

At the Justin Vineyards and Winery, you will also find Deborah’s Room. Nightly dinner and weekend lunches are offered. Due to limited space and popularity, reservations are required. In addition to fine foods, you gain access to their special wine-pairing menu. Pairing the perfect wine with the perfect foods can improve the quality of your already tasty meal.

Justin’s is known for its large selection of wine. Whether you simply just want to visit the tasting room or purchase wine to take home with you, you will be pleased with the selection. You will find a large selection of library wines, dessert wines, red wines, white wines, and ISOSCELES Reserve, just to name a few.

If interested in visiting Justin Vineyards and Wineries, their tasting room is open daily from 10 until 6. Remember, guided facility tours are available by appointment. And, nightly dinner is served at Deborah’s Room at 6:30pm.

Paso Robles California: Offering More than Wineries

If you were researching vacation destinations online, you may have come across Paso Robles, California. Paso Robles is most known for being in the heart of wine country. You have over a hundred wineries to choose from and visit. With that said, wine may not be an interest of yours or you may be looking for other vacation activities. If so, you will be pleased with your options. Paso Robles offers much more than wine.

Paso Robles, California is home to the River Oaks Hot Spring. The area is and has always been known for its natural, thermal springs. Many use these springs as way to cure minor aliments, including joint pain. With that said, you do not need to be in pain to visit this popular and historic spa. In addition to indoor and outdoor thermal springs, you can also receive a relaxing massage, a beautifying facial, and much more. Affordable spa packages are also available for sale.

Paso Robles is home to the Pioneer Museum. This is considered a must visit for anyone who wants to learn about the history of Paso Robles. What makes this museum unique is the old style look and feel it has. With interesting, historical, and detailed displays, you will feel as if you stepped back in time. If you visit Paso Robles the first weekend in November, stop by to attend the Annual Paso Gathering. Watch bit and spir makers, boot makers, and rawhide braiders practice their trade.

Paso Robles is also home to the Carnegie Historic Library Museum. This is also considered another must visit if you want to learn about the history of Paso Roles. What is unique about this attraction is that you can learn about the history through art. It fact, it is one of the few museums in the area that is dedicatedly solely to western art. When planning a trip to the Carnegie Historic Library and Museum, weekend visits are only available by appointment.

Paso Robles is home to four golf courses. These golf courses include the River Oaks Golf Course, Links at Paso Robles, The Paso Robles Club, and the Hunter Ranch Golf Course. Although each of these courses come highly rated and recommended, play on the Hunter Ranch Course. In addition to beautiful and well cared for greens, you will also find barbeque facilities, private and group lessons, a four-star golf store, and an Australian themed clubhouse.

Also, in Paso Robles, you will find Lake Nacimiento. This lake is home to an unlimited number of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. If you are looking for adventure, rent a canoe, kayak, or a peddle boat. Nearby, you will find public campgrounds and private lodges available for rent. In fact, you could plan your vacation solely at Lake Nacimiento and have an amazing time.

Throughout the area, you will also find a large selection of fine dinning restaurants, casual eating restaurants, and unique shops.

The above mentioned area attractions are just a few of the many that you will find in Paso Robles, California. As previously stated, there is more to the area than wine. On that same note, you are urged to visit at least one Paso Robles winery. There is so much more to do than just wine sampling. For example, you can arrange a guided tour of a winery and vineyard.

Annual Paso Robles Wine Events

Are you looking to travel to Paso Robles, California? If so, it was likely the local wineries that drew you in. The area is home to some of the best wineries in the State of California. Although you can visit the Paso Robles wineries any time of the year, there are a number of benefits to attending a scheduled wine event, especially one that is large in size.

As for what Paso Robles wine events you may find scheduled, please continue reading on for a few examples.

The Paso Robles Wine Festival

In the third weekend of May, you will find the Paso Robles Wine Festival. If there was ever a time to visit the area, this is it. According to the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, over 100 wineries participate in this weekend event.

It is not uncommon to find special deals and discounts, including complimentary wine tasting and discounted prices on wine purchases. Many other unique events are scheduled for the festival. It is common to find seminars on pairing fine wine with gourmet foods, those that highlight the history of wine making in Paso Robles, and much. Many wineries offer guided tours of their facilities. Any other time of the year, these wine tours would only be available by appointment.

Harvest Wine Weekend

The third weekend of October, the wineries in Paso Robles come alive. Why? Because it is harvest time. This is when the production of the fine wines you love begins. Regardless of when you visit a local winery that is open to the public, you can enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting. However, come Harvest Wine Weekend, there is so much for you to do and see. In fact, there are many special events planned that are saved for this weekend only.

According to the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, around 90 activities are scheduled at more than 100 wineries. Each winery will host is own special events, but you will be pleased with what you find. You can enjoy a grape stopping session, take a tour through the ripe vineyards, take a cooking class where wine is the main ingredient, and do so much more.

If you have the freedom to choose your travel dates, opt for the third weekend in October and come experience Harvest Wine Weekend for yourself.

Grand Tasting Tour

The best way to experience the wineries of Paso Robles is to visit the area. However, if you are unable to do so, you may still get to sample their fine wines. Each year, some local wineries take their show and their wine on the road. In 2008, the Grand Tasting Tour visited the cities of Houston, San Diego, St. Louis, and Kansas City. You can visit the website for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, at PasoWine.com to find out if and when the Grand Tasting Tour will be coming to a city near you.

The above mentioned events, including the Zinfandel Festival, are just a few of the many that you will find available throughout the year. These events were selected to due the large winery participation. During just about any week of the year, individual wineries host a wide array of events, including music concerts.

Remember, any time of the year is the perfect time to visit Paso Robles, California.