Paso Robles is a special place because it is probably what Napa was before it became so commercial. Over the years we visited the area, it was clear many people were finding their way to this wonderful place and enjoying the wines and olive oils that are produced there.

While is not well known for its pinot noirs, they have a few very good ones. Paso is well known for its Rhone wines and they are in the forefront of some of the relatively unknown wines in the US such as Mourvedre, Roussanne and Marsanne.

Paso is probably one of the smallest towns that enjoys an amazing concentration of wonderful restaurants. Some of our favorites include Artisan, Thomas Hill Organics, and Villa Creek. We know there are many others but we didn’t eat in all of them. There was a wonderful place called Farmstand 46 that was great for lunch but we understand it is closed. Too bad, they had wonderful wood fired pizza in an outdoor oven. It was fun to go around the building and buy a bottle of wine, sit at the picnic table, and enjoy the pizza. Most of the time, it ended any hope of tasting more wine that day.

Artisan is simply delicious.

We celebrated Thanksgiving there one year. Even though it was a set menu, the choices were still great. We were there other times and each time the food was awesome. The service was great and it was a very welcoming atmosphere. They support local farmers and list all of the them on the menus so you see the local farms that supply them with their wonderful food. Their wine list is local and they can always help chose a great wine.

Thomas Hill Organics is another favorite and their food is also simply prepared from local ingredients and local wines.

Everything we ever ate there was delicious. The wait staff are all very nice. We love sitting outside in their patio area. They allow pets in the patio and provide water for them as well. No visit to Paso Robles is complete without a visit to this wonderful restaurant.

The first time we visited Paso Robles we stayed at The Hotel Cheval. It is a wonderful European feeling boutique hotel in downtown Paso. It is down the street from the town square and walking distance to all of the wonderful downtown restaurants and wine bars. It is simply a delight.

The rooms are luxurious and you almost don’t want to leave the room but the wines call us. The only thing we thought was a bit odd is that they do not have a kitchen so they brought the continental breakfast from another restaurant. We highly recommend a stay there but it is pricey so if you can manage it, by all means stay there. It was really a great place to stay and enjoy.

Another time, we stayed at Bellasera Hotel and Suites. It is a lovely hotel but requires driving everywhere. It is at the corner a major intersection close to the wineries.

It is up on and hill and shares a driveway with the Hampton Inn. The service is very good. They are very helpful and go out of their way to answer questions you may have. Their restaurant was good as well. We especially enjoyed the breakfast there. It is a great location to start your adventures in any of the many wonderful wineries in Paso.

It gets pretty hot in the summer because it is a few miles inland. As a result,  fewer wineries produce pinot noir but the ones that are available are simply delicious. I had so much to say about Paso that I couldn’t fit everything on one post so part two (we love Paso) is coming up!