13 Unique Activities at Paso Robles Tasting Rooms
September 17, 2019
Paso Robles Wine Country is known for our maverick winemakers and coloring outside the lines with unique California blends and authentic experiences. If you are in search of out of the box activities, something interactive for the non-wine drinkers in your group, or just love to multitask Paso has you covered!
Here are thirteen of our favorites who deliver outstanding wine plus adventurous and offbeat activities that will create one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll remember forever!
13 of our faves
Ancient Peaks Winery – Ziplining, Wildlife Tours, and Kayaking
Trailblazing Ancient Peaks Winery sits in the heart of the charismatic small town of Santa Margarita. Their sister biz, Margarita Adventures, offers several agritourism adventure experiences on their historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Take a walk (or Humvee ride) on the wild side! The Wildlife Tour explores the ranches’ natural habitats and native flora. Up-close sightings of deer, eagles, hawks, and more are a normal occurrence. Glide through the great outdoors with a guided Kayak Tour on the Santa Margarita Lake. Unplug and reboot your connection with nature, see the lakes majestic rock formations, and keep an eye out for eagles, herons, and deer. Looking for a bit more of a thrill? The Ziplining is just for you! Embark on six distinct ziplines that take you over valleys of oaks, mountainsides, and vineyards, Along the way the guides share details of the ranch’s remarkable natural features, sustainable winegrowing practices, and role as part of California’s famed Mission Trail. Conclude your adventure at the Ancient Peaks tasting room and café!
Dark Star – Ax Throwing, Dart Board, Observation Beehive, and DIY Burgers
One of the OG’s in the Paso AVA, Dark Star has been paving their own path for 25 years, crafting small production wines and breaking all the rules with their 20 different varietals. Their indoor/outdoor tasting space is relaxed, family & pet-friendly, and chocked full of out of the box activities. Challenge your pals to one of the oldest sports in existence – ax throwing. This sport has regained popularity and is really fun. You can also play a game of darts or watch the observation beehive. Hungry? Dark Star has you covered with DIY (you grill them!) burgers.
Graveyard Vineyards – Fishing
Located on the east side of Paso on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, where the sky is big, the sun is warm, and the rolling vineyards are lush, is the quant winery of Graveyard Vineyards. Sitting next to a historic 1865 graveyard, they pride themselves on producing small-lot wines with big flavors. This relaxed winery has a perfect picnic area next to the stocked fishpond. Speaking of fishpond, visitors are encouraged to bring their poles, sit on the dock, hook-up and catch away! Be sure to snap a pic of your ‘big catch’ and share it with us at #pasowine.
Brecon Estate – Guest Helipad and Jumbo Hanging Photo Frame
Like dramatic entrances? Then put Brecon Estate on your itinerary! Equipped with their own helipad (yes, a helicopter pad) this boutique winery is nestled among vineyard-covered hills on the westside of Paso Robles in the Adelaida District. While at Brecon, make sure you snap a pic at the super Instagramable jumbo suspended photo frame that hangs from a giant oak. Make sure to tag #BreconEstate so they can see your fun and…repost!
Cass Vineyard & Winery – Horseback Riding
Experience Wine Country off the beaten path, on horseback! Cass has partnered with neighbor Central Coast Trailrides to offer a wine country adventure dreams are made of. Ride through the vineyards at Cass to see the changing seasons, explore the sandy riverbed, view the wide variety of wildlife, and trek through the heritage oaks. Finish up your ride at the Spanish hacienda-style tasting barn and café. Perfect for families or large groups – a great activity for your next destination family reunion!
Castoro Cellars – Disc Golf
Castoro Cellars is known for their award-winning wines, year-round live music, exciting events, art showcases, yoga brunch classes, and many more out of the box experiences. But did you know they also have disc golf? Set amongst rolling hills of old-growth oaks in the organically farmed Whale Rock Vineyard, this scenic disc golf course is fun yet challenging. Designed to be enjoyed by kids, beginners, and disc experts. We recommend all skill levels come to play and bring the entire family.
Bushong Vintage Company – Star Wars Pinball
While in historic downtown Paso Robles you must visit Bushong Vintage Company which is a hop, skip and a jump from the iconic Downtown City Park. While tasting their small production, eclectic wines try a turn on the Star Wars pinball game or spin some vinyl from the 1,000+ album collection. May the force be with you!
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars – Putting Green
The Glunz Family produces over 10 different varietals that are available to sample daily at their tasting room located along Highway 46 East Paso Robles in the Geneseo District. Surrounded by 40 acres of grapes this charming and casual winery offers guests not only stellar wines but also interactive games suited for all ages. Play a game of bocce, corn hole, or take a whirl on the new putt-putt golf course. Your ace in the hole will deserve another glass of wine.
Penman Springs Vineyard – Puzzles
Visitors can feel the warmth of Penman Springs Vineyards as soon as they pull into the parking lot. The rural landscape covered with vineyards and oak trees offers a sense of country peacefulness that makes it hard to believe downtown Paso Robles is just a few short miles away. The property’s elevation offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Paso Wine Country, encouraging visitors to enjoy the welcoming picnic area and rustic tasting room. You’ll feel at home in the cozy tasting space where a large puzzle sprawls the farmhouse table for guests of all ages to partake in. Also, a great activity for those who aren’t drinking wine.
Sea Shell Cellars – Beach Mural
Located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles, Sea Shell Cellars has an approachable, fun, and relaxed vibe that matches their champion wines. Husband and wife, Michelle and Rick, carried their affinity for the beach as a homage to the wonderful memories they’ve made there. The tasting room is in-step with the nautical them of the brand. A massive floor-to-ceiling beach mural graces the space, an ideal spot to take a group pics – grab a glass of wine, some fun beachy props and say “Sea Shell”!
Barton Family Wines – Giant Lawn Games
You won’t want to leave the Barton Family Tasting Room. The restored modern farmhouse, large wrap around deck with killer Paso vineyard views, onsite farm-to-table Café, and adjacent distillery all make for a genuine Paso Wine experience. They have taken lawn games to a new level! Extra-large Connect Four and Jenga are perfect ways to challenge your pals, befriend strangers, or for those who aren’t drinking their distinct handcrafted wines. They also have the uber-popular Corn Hole and Ladder Golf for your playful enjoyment.
HammerSky Vineyards – Knockerball
HammerSky Vineyards has teamed up with Knockerball SLO to bring this fun and exciting activity to their tasting room guests. Knockerball is a thrilling game with players wearing an inflatable ball while playing games like soccer or Sharks and Minnows. Players will attempt to stay on their feet while trying to knock over other Knockerballers and spectators will try not to spill their wine while laughing at all the big hits. If you’ve never played or seen Knockerball, then be sure to come out to HammerSky this fall to enjoy stellar wines and big laughs!
Pianetta Winery – Camping
Find your happy place at Pianetta Ranch and Winery, relaxing around the campfire with family, friends, and a glass (or bottle) of wine and taking in the brilliant views. The ranch is 95 acres, 65 of which is planted to vine, providing a beautiful place to stay on your next visit to Paso Robles, or a relaxing place for locals to unwind. Pack your tent and sleep among the vines or stay in the well-appointed Airstream Retreat, both are perfect for experiencing Paso Robles in a completely unique way!