The California Central Coast Wine Region You Need to Know About

This past fall I was lucky enough to be invited by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery to stay on their estate vineyard in Paso Robles, California. I am going to be straight with you: I had never heard of Paso Robles beforehand but after spending a few days ensconced amongst the vines I fell in love with the new-to-me wine region. To me, travel is the gift that keeps on giving – it gives you the experience in the moment and then the long-lasting inspiration and energy from the great memories made. I often write about how I translate the inspiration from my travels into room designs. However, what I’ve loved since taking this trip is how each time I go to buy JUSTIN wine it takes me back to being at the vineyard, the warmth of the sun on my neck and nothing but rolling hills covered in vines as far as my eye could see. My favorite blend was the ISOSCELES®; it’s a Bordeaux-style red wine, and I love the full-bodied flavor. The wine has lots of different flavors, including red and black cherry, blackcurrant and even a hint of cinnamon, which makes it the perfect cozy wine to enjoy at this time of year.Before I give you my guide to Paso Robles, California – let me tell you a quick back story about JUSTIN. JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is located about 3hrs 30 mins north east of LA. The region wasn’t known for wine until in 1999 when JUSTIN decided to enter a wine award from their vineyard in Paso Robles. The wine went onto win a converted international award – the World’s Best Blended Red Wine – during a blind taste test in London, England. It was that award and that moment that propelled JUSTIN wines to fame and put the Paso Robles region on the map in terms of being a respected wine region.During winter I always love to try and book a trip to get me through the snow and bitterly cold days – Paso Robles would be the perfect escape if you too are looking for an escape. Here are my recommendations for the region. If you can’t manage a trip, be sure find a bottle of JUSTIN wine and you can enjoy the taste of California’s Central Coast sunshine in a bottle instead!The new JUSTIN downtown tasting room in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles.

Stay

JUST Inn
Do you see what they did there?! 😉 I was blown away by the JUST Inn – the views from the rooms are quite simply stunning. It truly felt as though I were looking out over the rolling hills of Tuscany. Our room had a lovely fireplace, hydro jet spa bath and very comfy beds! Plus, it’s only 30 minutes from Downtown Paso Robles.Food

Hatch
Make sure you make a reservation at this popular spot, but it is worth the wait even if you don’t. The first night we didn’t make a reso. and we just waited at the bar and enjoyed a cocktail or two while soaking in the cool design. The food was great; most of it is cooked in the wood fired oven, and you are sure to receive a warm welcome from the staff, too.The Restaurant at JUSTIN

Make sure you stop by the Restaurant at JUSTIN, which is located on the property of JUSTIN’sestate vineyards. The food is delicious and the sommeliers pair each course with the perfect wine. We stopped by for brunch on the weekend and sat on the terrace overlooking the vineyards whilst enjoying their excellent food and wines.Spearhead Coffee

If you’re in the mood for a small breakfast or just a great coffee, then be sure to head to Spearhead coffee. The staff are really friendly and their small batch coffee is great. Best coffee spot in town, hands down.What to do

If you booked a vacation to wine country there’s a high chance you’re going to see the vineyards and taste the wines, so the good news is that there are so many to choose from in Paso Robles. I would suggest starting at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; you have to see the underground cellar and tasting room they have created, it is mind-blowing. You can even see how they stack the barrels so that they should be able to withstand an earthquake! Then, get the concierge to book you with the car service for a tour of the best vineyards in the area. Staying at JUSTIN you are right in the middle of everything, which is great. If you prefer, you can simply head downtown to the many tasting rooms. JUSTIN has just opened a new downtown tasting room prominently on the square along Downtown City Park in Paso Robles as its second location in the region, so stop by and check out the sleek modern décor and enjoy a tasting session.Shops

Refinery
This antique and consignment homeware store is a treasure trove of design finds. if you are anything like me and love design and homewares then be sure to stop in and browse their ever-changing assortment.

General Store Paso Robles
This is a charming gift and lifestyle shop and it sells everything from homewares, specialty food, beauty, gifts, books and cards.

Brown Butter Cookie Company
Next door to the JUSTIN downtown tasting room is this local bakery that sells a great selection of cookies – the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

All-in-all Paso Robles is a great place to relax with friends or family to enjoy some amazing wine. Let me know if you book a trip!// Photography by Will Taylor | This post was brought to in partnership with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; thank you for supporting our partners who make our content possible.