It’s a hot time in Paso Robles, California—and we’re not talking about the weather. From the idyllic downtown square surrounded with gourmet restaurants, winery tasting rooms, and unique shops, to the vineyards located along rolling country lanes, Paso Robles offers many ways to enjoy a weekend, spend a summer vacation, or even get married. Here are just some ways to tour, taste, and take pleasure in Paso’s great outdoors.

PICNICS

Donati Family Vineyard
The grounds of this gracious European château provide a perfect spot for tasting room guests to linger, picnic, and play a little bocce ball. donatifamilyvineyard.com

Peachy Canyon Winery
An old-fashioned gazebo and shady native oaks create an idyllic spot for a picnic at this popular family-owned winery. peachycanyon.com

Tablas Creek Winery
This Châteauneuf du Pape-inspired winery just opened a new tasting room designed with a wonderful cascade of patios out toward the vineyard, with tables for picnicking on each. tablascreek.com

ART

Dragonfly Sculpture Gardens and Tasting Gallery
Works by artists Dale Evers and Steven Addi are displayed in this natural setting designed by Mike English to highlight 30-plus sculptures amongst flowering gardens and cascading water. 805.434.9237

Sculpterra Winery
The unique grounds of this Paso Robles winery offer visitors an extensive and exquisite sculpture garden featuring the works of renowned sculptor John Jagger. sculpterrawinery.com

WEDDINGS

Adelaida Cellars
The breathtaking Wedding Hilltop of this Far Out Paso winery comfortably holds 60–75 and offers a panoramic view ideal for weddings, recitals, and romantic picnics. Maximum outdoor seating: 120. adelaida.com

Croad Vineyards
The lower patio of this early California mission-style winery features a three-tiered fountain (ideal for ceremonies) and a sweeping view of the Templeton Gap. Upstairs, the outdoor terrace, complete with a fireplace, hosts small receptions. Maximum outdoor seating: 80. croadvineyards.com

Denner Vineyards
Always a winery first, Denner hosts intimate weddings on an upper lawn area with an infinity view that is so magnificent flowers are not necessary! Receptions are held on the patio of the winery’s private Comus Club. Maximum outdoor seating: 125. dennervineyards.com

Justin Vineyards & Winery
The Vineyard Knoll offers views of rolling hills and endless skies, and room for 100 seated in rows or 60 seated at tables. The covered Wishing Well Patio provides a more intimate setting for up to 35 people overlooking the winery’s English Rose Garden. Maximum outdoor seating 100. justinwine.com

Meridian Vineyards
There’s a sprawling Main Event Lawn with magnificent views, plus the Tasting Room Lawn, graced with a giant oak tree and stunning vineyard views. An adjacent patio is often used for small receptions. Maximum outdoor seating: 300 (Main Event Lawn), 250 (Tasting Room Lawn). meridianvineyards.com

Robert Hall Winery
There’s a lush Garden Terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards, and an open-air amphitheater encircled by reflecting pools that cast a soft glow over evening receptions. Maximum outdoor seating: 400. roberthallwinery.com

EVENTS

Pinot and Paella (June)
Dubbed the original Pinot and Paella party, this relaxed event focuses on Pinot Noir produced in Paso Robles and the talents of local caterers and chefs who compete in a Paella cook-off. It takes place in downtown Templeton on a Sunday afternoon. pinotandpaella.com

Paso Robles Jazz & Wine Festival (July)
The River Oaks Amphitheatre is the site of many great al fresco activities, such as the Paso Robles Jazz & Wine Festival featuring 20 wineries, eight restaurants, a cigar tent, and VIP Pavilion. A great, weekend-long lineup of top jazz musicians is featured on the outdoor oval stage with tiered lawn seating. travelpaso.com

Rhônes on the Range (August)
Cass Winery’s tasting room is completely surrounded by its vineyards, making it an ideal site for Rhônes on the Range, a wine tasting featuring the 40 chapter members of the Paso Robles Rhone Rangers. Guests enjoy plenty of wonderful wine, a pig roast, music, and dancing under the stars. casswines.com

Wine Out Winery Face-Off (August)
More than a dozen wineries are participating in this first-ever event, hosted by Eagle Castle Winery with parking at Castoro Cellars. Each winery contributes one obstacle challenge and four members of its staff to compete in the obstacle course. Guests are treated to great entertainment, great Paso Robles wines, and a barbecue dinner. eaglecastlewinery.com

Popcorn and Pinot Movie Night
(September) This fun event is celebrating its third year at Wild Horse Winery. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic if they like, but there will be plenty of freshpopped popcorn! The movies are fun and family friendly. And the wines are wonderful Wild Horse Pinot Noirs. wildhorsewinery.com

Harvest Wine Weekend (October)
Each year, on the third weekend of October, the wineries of Paso Robles open their doors and invite wine tourers to share the experience of the harvest. Barbecues in the vineyard, hands-on harvest experiences, and open air concerts are just some of the experiences in store. pasowine.com

CONCERTS

Downtown Concerts in the Park
Locals and wine tourers alike gather at the city park gazebo to hear great local bands and enjoy food from various area restaurants on Fridays, June through August. pasoroblesdowntown.org

Castoro Cellars
A full lineup of shows is scheduled behind the tasting room where guests can watch the sun sink slowly behind the musicians and the rolling vineyards. castorocellars.com

Vina Robles Winery
This stunning winery hosts a free, live concert every other weekend, featuring local artists playing a variety of music styles. vinarobles.com

As seen in the issue Summer / Fall 2011 issue of Touring & Tasting Magazine.