As one of California’s more affordable getaway spots, Paso Robles is quickly becoming home to fine winemakers and restauranteurs priced out of more expensive locations. The quality of wine tasting and dining is high while the prices can be lower than in Napa and Sonoma. In short, it’s the ideal place to bring together your best friends for a day of wine tasting and great food.

Situated just an hour from the coast and 30 minutes from San Luis Obispo, it’s far enough away to feel like a real destination, but close enough to get there in a day. Beware, especially in summer, the weather is hot, hot, hot during the day – but it usually cools down at night.

From our love of this unique wine country, we’ve pulled together five must-sees for your Paso Robles weekend.

Bistro Laurent 

For a special night out, nothing beats a classic French meal at Bistro Laurent. Their wine list is top notch, and their tasting menu is perfect for groups. Sommelier Ian Adamo makes sure all wines are the perfect match with the warmly served French cuisine.  

Firestone Walker Brewing Company 

Looking for a down-home tasty brew pub? Firestone Walker knows what you want. This award-winning brewery offers popular tours and tastings to the public seven days a week. For only $3/person, it’s one of the best deals in town. Their restaurant is the ideal spot for a filling lunch before heading back into the sun.

Tooth and Nail Winery 

This newly renovated winery has a hip, educated staff eager to share. With décor that’s modern yet medieval, the tasting room experience is unique to wine country. The patio is perfect for lingering groups as they have live music most weekends.

Hot Springs Soak

Paso Robles’ unique topography means they’re home to hot springs. River Oaks Hot Springs Spa, Paso Robles Inn and Franklin Hot Springs  all host wonderfully stinky Sulphur natural hot springs – perfect for soaking any lingering stress away. Not as fancy as the wine tasting, these natural springs will still help you soak your way to peace.

Thomas Hill Organics 

Chef Chris Manning has created the perfect farm to table experience, with locally grown produce, meats and fish. The wine list is also brilliant, pairing just the right wines with the seasonal fare. They’ve been one of the first restaurants in California to pioneer this trend, and with our experience, they’ve had time to perfect it.

Do you have any favorite stops in Paso Robles wine country? Where do you love to go? Tell us in the comments!