|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Day 3 of our Paso Robles Adult Playday started slowly at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort—nobody seemed particularly motivated to leave. I’ll miss those sweet mornings on my private patio—lost in a warm cup of coffee, watching the speckles on sunlight rise up across the Tuscan courtyard. Allegretto was luxurious, yet playful — part resort, part art gallery, part retreat. After several days of great food, wine and laughter, saying goodbye felt a little like leaving a fabulous summer festival for grownups.
The final winery stop of the trip took us high above Paso Robles to DAOU Vineyards, where the winding hilly road opens onto one of the most spectacular views on California’s Central Coast. Immerse yourself in the sweeping landscape surrounding DAOU Mountain—where much of the grapes are dry-farmed. Combined with the region’s rich limestone soils, conditions are ideal for growing the bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône-style wines that have made DAOU famous.
For lunch I ordered a Chopped Salad — a crunchy mix of farro, curry cauliflower, kale, pickled raisins, dukkah cucumber, and feta emulsion — easily a best value menu item at $15, and so satisfying. On the side: warm rustic bread served with adorable DAOU butter cutouts. Our server shares that nearly 90% of the menu is sourced from within a 30-mile radius of the winery, some of it even grown at their on site organic garden.
Tasting flights start at $50 and are waived with a two-bottle purchase. Open daily, DAOU strongly encourages weekend reservations, but here’s your Insider Tip. On weekdays, try stopping in without a reservation and grab a seat in one of the comfortable Adirondack chairs that line the property. Order a bottle, grab your book, and let the view do the rest.
Of course, Food Party! trips are never just about eating and drinking. One of the best things about Paso Robles is that adventure is always close at hand, so make sure to head out and explore your choice of the trails, forests, ridge lines, and coastal paths nearby. It’s the right counterbalance to a weekend of indulgence.
Favorite Hikes Near Paso Robles
• Cerro Alto Trail — a steady climb ending with sweeping Central Coast views
• Reservoir Canyon Trail — shady canyon hiking with seasonal waterfalls
• Fiscalini Ranch Preserve — bluff walks above crashing ocean waves
• Salinas River Walk — an easy nature escape—7 minutes from Allegretto Resort
Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience
Now if you happen to be in the mood to drive north instead of south—we’ve got you covered. One suggestion to consider is a stop at The Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience returning May 14–17th.
Enjoy four unforgettable days celebrating the best of Sonoma County wine country—alongside world-class chefs, acclaimed winemakers, artisans and farmers. Don’t miss the Grand Tasting Saturday, May 16th, and fill in the rest of your time with vineyard lunches, seminars and lively outdoor events. The festival blends exceptional food and wine with sustainability, local agriculture and the warm hospitality of the region. Guests can expect everything from celebrity chef demonstrations and curated wine pairings to immersive experiences highlighting the bounty, creativity and vibrant culinary culture of Wine Country.
Find out more information and to buy tickets for individual events, click here.
- photos courtesy of LSIC unless noted
