Paso Robles Is a Top Wine Destination in California’s Central Coast Region
Join us as we visit some of the best wineries in Paso Robles. Paso Robles is one of California’s most exciting wine regions, with over 200 wineries ranging from boutique family estates to world-renowned producers. During our visit, we explored a diverse mix of wineries, each offering unique wines, stories, and unforgettable experiences. In this article, we explore some of the best wineries in Paso Robles and one in nearby San Luis Obispo. Other PlayStayEat articles include an overview Guide of Paso Robles, some of the Best Restaurants in Paso Robles, and the spectacular Sensorio Field of Light in Paso Robles.
DAOU Vineyards
DAOU Vineyards, perched high above the scenic hills of Paso Robles, is a fabulous estate founded in 2007 by Georges and Daniel Daou, renowned for premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône-style blends and spectacular views. The brothers recently sold the winery to Treasury Wine Estates but remain involved in operations. DAOU Winery combines modern elegance with breathtaking vineyard views, offering world-class wines, intimate tastings, and a sophisticated yet welcoming Central Coast experience. No list of best wineries in Paso Robles would be complete without the name DAOU.
William, our knowledgeable and delightful host, made our experience on DAOU Mountain extra special. We were greeted and seated at an outside table overlooking the beautiful valleys and vineyards surrounding the mountain. The view certainly lives up to the sensational descriptions we had heard so much about.
William, who is originally from France, started us off with DAOU’s refreshing Reserve Rosé, 97% Grenache Noir and 3% Sauvignon Blanc. As he poured each selection, William explained the composition and nuances of each wine. He added many details to give us a better understanding of DAOU’s approach to making great wines. William wrapped up our tasting with three 2022 vintages of wines displaying a wide range of DAOU wines: Reserve Eye of the Falcon Red Blend, Estate Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon, and Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon. They were all excellent.
Estate Soul of a Lion is the crown jewel of DAOU and a testament to their goal to produce unsurpassed Cabernet Sauvignon from the unique terroir of DAOU Mountain. This delicious wine – my favorite of all the wonderful wines we sampled at DAOU – received 99 points from Tasting Panel Magazine. The quality of this wine, aged for 22 months in 100% new French Oak, is outstanding.
DAOU describes Soul of a Lion as, “The 2023 vintage displays saturated hues of dark crimson and violet with lavish aromas of blueberry, plum, cherry pie, thyme and vanilla bean. The bouquet is underscored by accents of toasted oak, smoked meat, coconut and crème brûlée, leading to waves of boysenberry, blackberry, chocolate-covered cherry and baking spice on the palate. The mouthfeel is generous, seamless and structured, releasing a cascade of beautifully polished tannins into a deep and stunning finish.”
Since we had 12:30 reservations, we ordered a pizza and chopped salad to accompany our wine tasting – both were excellent. William finished our tasting with a glass of Patrimony, the iconic DAOU label. What a wonderful ending to an outstanding wine tasting experience at one of the best wineries in Paso Robles on spectacular DAOU Mountain!
“With these wines, we aim to provide pleasure in the deepest sense of the word. And through this, we achieve purpose: to leave a lasting mark that all may enjoy.”
- Georges and Daniel Daou
Tobin James Cellars
Tobin James Cellars in Paso Robles is a lively, popular winery famous for bold Zinfandels, generous tastings, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Tobin James, it blends Old World flair with Central Coast hospitality, drawing crowds for its big wines, distinctive architecture, and spirited approach to Paso Robles wine culture. Julie and I were fortunate to be in town during the 35th Anniversary of the extremely popular James Gang Festival, an annual celebration with three live bands, dozens of food and drink stations, a wide selection of tasty wines, and thousands of happy guests. We had a great time sipping various wines, eating great food, chatting with friendly folks, and listening to Jazz, Rock, and Folk music throughout the evening.
Andrew McDonald, the exuberant head of Social Media & Marketing for Tobin James, was our gracious host. Our first evening in Paso Robles, we went to Tobin James for a tasting. We met several staff members who have been with Tobin James for many years, and each exuded the friendliness, expertise, and fun that Tobin James is known for. From the extremely drinkable “Fat Boy” Zinfandel to the 2022 Reserve “White Label,” Tobin James has something for every palate and budget. We finished with a lovely dessert wine, the smooth, tasty Late Harvest Zinfandel “Liquid Love.”
Andrew walked us around the tasting room and the extensive party venue as staff prepared to host thousands of guests on Friday and Saturday nights. It is amazing the scope of preparation for such a large party, but after 35 years of hosting it, Tobin James has got it down. What a great event it was!
The Tobin James Wine Club is one of the largest in the world, with around some 30,000 members. Come see Tobin James for yourself, and we think you’ll agree that Tobin James Winery is “Paso Robles in a glass!” The Tobin James Cellars has certainly earned its reputation as one of the best wineries in Paso Robles and all of California.
Eberle Winery
We met Gary Eberle sitting at his personal table outside by the front door, where he frequently greets guests and engages in spirited conversations. On this beautiful sunny March afternoon, Gary was sipping one of his delicious 2022 Cabernet Sauvignons. He had just finished chatting and laughing with a gentleman, who seemed to be a longtime friend. Gary greeted me with his trademark smile, and after a few minutes I also felt like we were longtime friends. We chatted about Penn State football, constructing the caves beneath the tasting rooms, and, of course, wine. Gary Eberle exudes a warmth and youth that belies his 82 years. Even though our time together was brief, I felt I made a new friend.
Eberle Winery in Paso Robles is a pioneering family-owned estate founded by winemaker Gary Eberle, often called the “Godfather” of the region. Originally from Pennsylvania, Gary played defensive right tackle for Joe Paterno at Penn State, and later worked with Robert Mondavi to learn more about the wine business. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah, the winery helped establish the Paso Robles AVA and still welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and classic Central Coast wines. Eberle has earned its reputation as one of the best wineries in Paso Robles, and definitely should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
Gary Eberle has never charged for basic tastings, even though most of the industry does. Standard seated tastings on the deck are complimentary at Eberle, with grand views of the vineyards and an optional tour of the caves. Julie and I were hosted for a VIP tour and tasting in the cave, and thoroughly enjoyed our time with Lucas, our outstanding host. We enjoyed six wines paired with some of the best cheeses and fruits I’ve ever tasted, including a Kanal Gouda paired with a vibrant 2022 Left Side Zinfandel.
I also loved the 2023 Heritage Reserve Syrah paired with a Cranberry Wensleydale. The fruity bouquet with notes of pepper and smoked meat complemented the creamy, crumbly texture of the cheese, balanced with the sweetness of cranberries and honey. The tasting was held in one of the caves underneath the tasting room. In the late 1990s, Eberle built an extensive underground complex of caves and tunnels of over 16,000 square feet, which provide ideal conditions for storing wine barrels as well as conducting special tours and tasting experiences.
Glunz Family Winery
Glunz Family Winery in Paso Robles blends Old World heritage with Central Coast character. Founded by a historic Chicago wine and beer family, today the winery is run by brothers Stephan and Matthew Glunz. This friendly, laid-back boutique estate focuses on handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, estate-grown fruit, and traditional techniques. Intimate tastings, vineyard views, and a relaxed atmosphere reflect Paso’s welcoming, family-driven wine culture.
In 1871, 17 year old Louis Glunz left Germany and came to the US, eventually settling in Chicago. In 1888 he started his first family business, a beer, wine, and spirits store. Since then, many family members have been involved in extensive operations in Chicago, the Midwest, and California. We met with Matthew Glunz, who, along with his brother Stephan, run the Glunz Family Winery in Paso Robles.
My wife is from Wisconsin and is familiar with Chicago and Milwaukee, where the Glunz family has done business for over a century. Julie and I loved exploring the many photos in the tasting room that chronicled the family business over the years. Matthew gave us some good insight into the family and business, including the requirement that family members must work outside the family business to learn critical skills before they can join the family business. Success of this family-owned business is based on a merit-based path within a family-owned structure, not automatic succession.
One of my favorites was a 2022 Zinfandel, created with partner JDusi. This delicious wine features aromatics of red cherry and vanilla, and is soft on the palate with loads of dark fruit, raspberry, cracked pepper and toast. We also enjoyed the 2023 Cuvee Leo XIV, a red blend commemorating the first American born Pope. For a relaxed, friendly tasting with a family winery rich in history, Glunz Family Winery is a must on your Paso Robles itinerary.
Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery and the Classic Trailer Pond
Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District was founded by Bob and Lynn Tillman in 2003. Today, Mr. Tillman and his daughter Maggie manage this boutique family-run winery celebrated for estate Rhône-style wines and sweeping hilltop views. We joined Bob for a wine tasting and conversation about how he started Alta Colina back in 2003 and some of the challenges he faced. Bob is an extremely intelligent and personable gentleman, and Julie and I enjoyed learning more about Alta Colina and sampling some wonderful wines. We also met his lovely daughter Maggie briefly, who was on her way into town for a Rhone Ranger event that evening.
Bob had some experience making wine at home while he was working full-time as an engineer, but he had no real experience in the wine business. After retiring, Bob and his wife Lynn bought 130 acres in the Adelaida District, some of the highest acreage in Paso Robles, and named it Alta Colina (Spanish for High Hill). Bob was apparently an excellent student of the wine business, and today Alta Colina has a stellar reputation for producing high-quality Rhone-style wines as one of the best wineries in Paso Robles. Julie and I had a lovely time talking to Bob, sampling his wines, learning about Alta Colina, and spending the night at the Trailer Pond.
We started with a refreshing Picpoul Blanc, a great choice for this warm, sunny day. With 95% Estate Picpoul Blanc and 5% Estate Grenache Blanc, this bright wine features fruity flavors of lemon-lime, fresh-cut peaches, and delicate white flowers. Another favorite was the 2022 Sun Worshipper, made with 70% Estate Mourvedre and 30% Estate Syrah. Aptly named, Sun Worshipper is grown on the high peak of nearly 1,800 feet, where it soaks in the sun and the Pacific breezes, resulting in a deep, silky wine with notes of blackberries and savory herbs.
Melissa was extremely friendly and helpful when we planned our overnight stay and our visit to the Trailer Pond. Julie and I were lucky to stay a night at Alta Colina’s delightful Trailer Pond, which offers retro glamping in restored vintage trailers beside a serene pond—an unforgettable way to sip wine, stargaze, and immerse yourself in Paso’s relaxed wine country lifestyle. We were a little leery of taking outdoor showers in 60-degree weather first thing in the morning, but the actual experience was brisk, refreshing, and surprisingly comfortable.
We were in the 1962 Arisocrat unit. Since I am over 6 feet tall, I was a bit concerned whether I would fit inside the smallish trailer. To my pleasant surprise, I could stretch out head to toe on the very comfortable mattress and slept well throughout the night. It was a little warm early in the evening, but after opening some windows, turning on the fan Melissa provided, and lower temps outside, it was very comfortable. We slept well, accompanied by nature’s quiet along with an occasional chorus from the pond frogs.
MAHA Estates – Villa Creek Cellars
MAHA Estate | Villa Creek Cellars is a family-run Paso Robles winery founded by Cris and JoAnn Cherry, known for elegant Rhône-style wines grown on rugged westside hills. Their certified organic, biodynamic, and regenerative vineyard emphasizes purity and place, offering intimate tastings that showcase terroir-driven blends crafted with deep respect for land and sustainability.
Julie and I felt very comfortable and welcomed by the founder’s son, Henri, who walked us through the winery and vineyards and introduced us to some fabulous wines. We also briefly met Cris Cherry, the friendly co-founder, who was taking a private group up to the summit as part of the exclusive Higher Place Wine Tasting Experience. During our fun and informative tasting, we were treated to some of our favorite wines during our visit to Paso Robles. We both loved Rocks and Flowers, a very approachable 2023 red blend consisting of 40% Grenache, 36% Carignan, 16% Syrah, and 8% Mourvèdre. Another favorite was a delicious 2022 Backlit, 44% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah, 17% Carignan, 11% Mourvèdre, and 6% Grenache.
Henri was a delightful host. A former collegiate volleyball player, Henri’s youth and vitality is contagious. In addition to pouring us some delicious wines and showing us the beautiful property, he walked us up the hill where a small flock of sheep hung out waiting to feast on the cover crops growing among the vines. Since mountain lions are known to be in the area, Villa Creek also has two Turkish Boz dogs protecting the helpless sheep. Rangar and Kaya, who will reach around 200 pounds each, both looked very capable of intimidating any would-be predators from attacking their flock.
The views coming down the hill back to the tasting room were spectacular. Upon reaching the bottom, we spied a large lizard sunning himself. Henri told us it was a Blue Belly, and said when he was a kid one of his favorite pastimes was catching these lizards. He walked over to a grassy area and plucked a tall reed of grass, and quickly tied a small lasso, which he used to place over the head and catch the unsuspecting Blue Belly. Julie and I were amazed to see the skill with which Henri handled the grass lasso. He gently held the lizard, showed us his blue belly, and released him safely back into the wild.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to MAHA Estates – Villa Creek Cellars, one of the best small wineries in Paso Robles. The Cherry family and staff are extremely friendly and accommodating, the land is gorgeous, and they make excellent wines. And if you are lucky, Henri can introduce you to Rangar and Kaya, show you the sheep, and perhaps lasso a lizard with a reed of grass.
J Dusi Winery
J Dusi Wines in Paso Robles is a small, family-owned winery specializing in bold, expressive Zinfandel and Rhône-style blends. Female owner and chief winemaker Janell Dusi creates fabulous wines at this picturesque winery nestled on the westside hills of Paso Robles. Visitors enjoy intimate tastings and vineyard views, reflecting J Dusi’s dedication to authenticity, quality, and Paso Robles’ vibrant wine culture. In 2025 the Dusi family celebrated 100 years of growing grapes on family land in central California’s Central Coast.
Our excellent hostess, Hailey, started us off with a 2024 Pinot Gris, a cool refreshing white with aromas of fresh green apple, pear, and citrus. It was a warm, sunny afternoon around 85 degrees, and we were sitting on the back patio under an umbrella with a lovely view of the vineyards. The Pinot Gris was a great choice as we sat in the shade and enjoyed the view. Hailey then served us a tasty lineup of JDusi wines. They were all very good, and the standout for me was the 2023 Zinfandel from the Dante Dusi Vineyard, with a captivating mix of crushed blackberries, blood orange and rosemary. This female owned and operated winery is one of the best in Paso Robles.
Villa San Juliette
Just north of Paso Robles in San Miguel, scenic Villa San Juliette blends Mediterranean elegance with Central Coast charm. It is owned by the same company that operates Broken Earth Winery. The beautiful tasting room, outdoor tasting areas, and vineyards among the rolling hills all provide lots of great options for wine tasting and make it a very popular venue for hosting weddings and special events.
We loved the huge Paso Robles Live Oak tree that provides ample shade in the tasting area outside on the front patio. This boutique winery produces small-lot, handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines, set among terraced vineyards and olive groves. I could easily imagine celebrating a special occasion sitting under the spreading live oak, sipping their trademark 2023 Rosé of Grenache Sparkling Wine.
Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery
Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles celebrates family heritage and artisanal winemaking. On the day we visited, four generations of Steinbecks were at the winery. Cindy greeted us with her son Ryan and son-in-law Bryan, along with several other family members. In fact, four generations of the family were present the day we visited.
Known for handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines, the estate offers scenic vineyard views and a welcoming tasting experience. Cindy is a warm, caring woman who made us feel right at home. The author of four books and leader of jeep tours connecting the vines to her ministry, I just wanted to call Cindy Mom and give her a big hug. She and her family are just good people. Rooted in tradition yet innovative, Steinbeck Winery reflects Paso Robles’ vibrant wine culture and dedication to quality and terroir.
Cindy and Bryan took us on a tour of the vineyards in Willy, the 1958 Jeep that has taken hundreds of people on similar tours through the years. We saw the old homestead at the top of the hill, acres and acres of beautiful vineyards, and even a herd of deer prancing through the vines. Bryan, who married Cindy’s daughter in 2008, is now the head winemaker at Steinbeck. Bryan learned much about the wine business at Pipers Brook Vineyard when living in Tasmania and continued his wine education at another winery in Paso Robles before bringing his unique talent and knowledge to Steinbeck. We tried his Viognier and a Sparkling Cuvee – both were delicious!
Tablas Creek Vineyard
Tablas Creek Vineyard is the first winery in the world to become Regenerative Organic Certified. This pioneering winery in Paso Robles is known for its Rhône-style wines and commitment to sustainable farming. Tablas was founded through a partnership between the Perrin family of French icon Château de Beaucastel and importer Robert Haas, and has helped shape California’s Rhône movement. With a terroir very similar to Beaucastel in the Chateauneuf du Pape AOC, Tablas has evolved into one of the best wineries in Paso Robles. The estate is celebrated for organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices, producing expressive wines that reflect the region’s limestone-rich soils and unique terroir.
Pixie, our wonderful guide for an informative tour and tasting, walked us through some of the vineyards and explained some of the innovative practices of Tablas. The thoughtful use of cover crops, water collection and filtering process, sheep and barn owls, and other sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. We loved learning about the many steps Tablas has taken to make it one of the best wineries in Paso Robles.
At our tasting Julie sampled the Spring Flight, consisting of three complex whites, one dry rosé, and one bright red. I tried the Classic Flight, two whites, one dry rosé, and two elegant reds. Julie and I both enjoyed the Rosé. My favorite was the flagship Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2023, a blend of six estate-grown varietals. It was very light and fresh, perfect for this warm Spring day.
Whalebone Winery
Just down the road from Tablas is the neighboring Whalebone Winery, a family-owned Paso Robles estate known for its bold red wines and relaxed tasting experience. Bob and Jan Simpson bought the home and 128 acres in 1986 and originally ran cattle on the land. They planted their first grape vines in 1989, and in the 1990s began to sell fruit to other wineries, and in 1994 set aside one ton of grapes to make their own “garage wine,” which they called “Bob Wine.” The initial batches had a label made of duct tape. It became a hit, and Bob Wine won several gold awards at the California Mid-State Fair. Continued expansions and improvements have made Whalebone one of the best wineries in Paso Robles today.
We met Jacob Simpson, son of Bob and Jan. A former collegiate football player, Jacob is still fit from working the winery and the cattle ranch. We loved the story Jacob told about how Whalebone Winery received its name. When clearing the land for planting, the Simpsons uncovered large calcareous rocks laden with whalebones and other marine mammal fossils. Thus, the name Whalebone!
Jacob poured us several selections from their tasty lineup. I can see why Bob Wine has earned its reputation as a bold, flavorful favorite. Other favorites include their 100% Cab Reserve, the Boneyard Red Blend, and the 2022 Zinagain, a very nice Zinfandel. Whalebone also offers a nice selection of food and snacks, and have a large outdoor patio with beautiful views. We shared the patio several friendly cats and a dog, who made themselves at home.
Whalebone Winery is a very family-friendly destination with great wines, tasty snacks, and some wonderful stories to go along with fabulous views of the Adelaide District hills.
Chamisal Vineyards, San Luis Obispo
Even though Chamisal Vineyards is not in the immediate Paso Robles area, it is a short one hour drive south on Highway 101 and Orcutt Avenue, about ten minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo. After reading their excellent reviews, I made arrangements to stop here on my way back to Ventura after visiting the Hearst Castle in nearby San Simeon. Chamisal belongs to the Crimson Collective, a portfolio of fine wines that showcase exceptional winemakers and wine growing regions in California, Oregon, and Washington states.
I got together with Brianne Engles, the young winemaker at Chamisal, for a very fun and informative meeting. A graduate of Cal Poly State’s Wine and Viticulture program, Brianne is very knowledgeable and experienced, with over 17 years in the wine industry despite her youth. Brianne explained about the unique terroir, proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and other aspects that make Chamisal a special place to grow select grapes for great wines.
We started with the SLO (San Luis Obispo) Coast Estate Chardonnay, with vibrant notes of lemon curd and Asian pear. Tim, the friendly host in the tasting room, brought out a selection of cheeses, meats, crackers, fruit, and cream cheese dip. The Pinot Noir we were sipping was the perfect complement to these snacks, with bright aromas of juicy fruits – such a great combination of flavors!
Paso Robles is a Goldmine of Great Wineries in California’s Central Coast Region
With over 200 wineries in the Paso Robles, we have only touched on a few great choices for visitors to the area. We loved each and every winery listed in this article, and plan to return. We also know there are many other outstanding wineries we have not seen yet, and will add to our list of best wineries in Paso Robles.
Thank you to all the wineries that graciously hosted us, providing tastings, tours, information, and welcoming hospitality during our stay. All opinions are my own.
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