Wine Tasting in Paso Roblos with top pick Cass Winery, Santa Ynez & Lompoc- June 2026
If we had to choose one winery in Paso Robles to recommend, CASS Winery would be our absolute favorite. It’s so much more than a winery—it’s a complete wine country destination where you can spend an afternoon, a full day, or even an entire weekend enjoying exceptional wines, incredible food, beautiful accommodations, and unforgettable experiences.
One of the highlights of our visit was the guided tour through the sprawling 145-acre estate vineyards. Seeing the expansive vines, learning about the growing season, and hearing how the grapes become award-winning wines gave us an even greater appreciation for every glass we tasted. The views are spectacular, and the staff’s passion for wine making shines through every part of the experience. Tasting Room/F & B Manager gave us a great tour and here pictured with our great wine/food server.
The wine tasting was outstanding from start to finish. We especially loved the dry Rosé, which was crisp, refreshing, and bursting with bright strawberry, watermelon, and citrus notes—perfect for a warm Paso Robles afternoon. The white wines were equally impressive, particularly their Viognier, with beautiful aromas of peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit balanced by refreshing acidity. We also enjoyed their Marsanne, which offered a rich yet elegant profile with hints of pear, citrus, and a creamy finish.
For the reds, CASS truly shines. Their Rhône-style wines are exceptional, especially the Grenache, with vibrant red berry flavors and subtle spice, and the Syrah, offering layers of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, and smoky oak. Their signature Cabernet Sauvignon was rich and full-bodied with dark cherry, cassis, and velvety tannins, while several of their estate blends beautifully showcased the depth and character that Paso Robles is known for. Every wine was beautifully balanced, and there truly wasn’t a single pour we didn’t enjoy.
What really makes CASS stand out is everything there is to do beyond wine tasting. One of the most unique experiences is the Third Wheel Tour, where you ride through the vineyards in a vintage-style motorcycle sidecar, taking in breathtaking views while learning more about the estate. The winery also offers axe throwing, archery, horseback riding, vineyard carriage rides, e-bike rentals, cooking classes, wine blending experiences, Paint & Sip events, seasonal concerts, and other special events throughout the year.
The on-site CASS Café is another highlight of the visit. The wood-fired pizzas, baked in their large pizza oven, are absolutely delicious and pair perfectly with their wines. We also loved the warm Za’atar pita served with house-made spreads, estate olive oil, and balsamic, along with one of their fresh seasonal salads that completed the meal beautifully. Don’t miss the tri tip sandwich with some of their red wine. Sitting on the patio overlooking the vineyards while enjoying lunch and wine pairings was one of the most relaxing parts of our day.
If you don’t want your visit to end, stay overnight at the beautiful Geneseo Inn, located right in the vineyards. Waking up surrounded by rows of grapevines is an unforgettable experience, and staying on-site allows you to enjoy everything CASS has to offer without feeling rushed. Whether you’re exploring the property, attending one of their many events, enjoying another tasting, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine and the incredible scenery, there’s always something to do.
From the award-winning wines and exceptional food to the welcoming staff and unforgettable vineyard experiences, CASS Winery offers everything you could want in a Paso Robles wine country getaway. Every visit reminds us why it remains our favorite winery, and we can’t wait to return.
To learn more, book a tasting, reserve a stay at the Geneseo Inn, or explore all of their experiences, visit https://www.casswines.
We had a nice visit to Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles. The beautiful Tuscan-inspired architecture, peaceful gardens, and welcoming atmosphere make it a relaxing place to spend an afternoon, even if you’re not staying at the resort.
One of the highlights was the Allegretto Wines tasting room. We enjoyed a flight featuring their estate-grown Paso Robles wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux-style red blends, and elegant white wines. You can enjoy your wine tasting either inside the tasting room or outside on the patio, and you can pair your wines with a selection of cheeses or chocolates for an even more enjoyable experience.
After the tasting, we relaxed by the pool and spent time in one of the comfortable cabanas. It was the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
If you’re visiting Paso Robles, Allegretto Vineyard Resort is well worth a stop for great wine, a relaxing atmosphere, and a memorable wine country experience.
Learn more: https://www.
Nestled in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, Cutbow Wines is a boutique winery founded by husband-and-wife team Emma and Taylor, whose passion for farming, winemaking, and the outdoors is reflected in every bottle they produce. Rather than owning estate vineyards, they carefully lease and farm exceptional vineyard sites, allowing them to source premium fruit while letting each vineyard’s unique character shine through in their handcrafted wines.
Their philosophy is simple: great wine begins in the vineyard. Emma and Taylor focus on sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention in the cellar, creating wines that are expressive, approachable, and true to Paso Robles’ diverse terroir. Every vintage is crafted with intention, balancing elegance with the bold character the region is known for.
Among their standout wines are a refreshing Rosé, vibrant Chardonnay, expressive Grenache, richly layered Syrah, and beautifully balanced Red Blend. Their Rosé is especially memorable—crisp, bright, and perfect for warm California afternoons, with lively fruit flavors and refreshing acidity.
Cutbow Wines shares its home with Levo Vineyard in Paso Robles, where guests can enjoy intimate tastings in a relaxed setting. The experience is welcoming and educational, giving visitors the opportunity to learn directly about the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the adventurous spirit that inspired the Cutbow name. Whether you’re an experienced wine enthusiast or discovering Paso Robles wines for the first time, the hospitality provided by Emma and Taylor makes every visit memorable.
If you’re looking for authentic, small-production wines made with passion and purpose, Cutbow Wines deserves a place on your tasting itinerary.
Learn more about their wines, upcoming releases, and tasting experiences at https://www.cutbowwine.com.
Our recent wine-tasting trip through Santa Barbara Wine Country was outstanding, with three wineries standing out for both their exceptional wines and memorable hospitality: Dierberg Vineyards (https://www.dierbergvineyard.
Dierberg Vineyards was a highlight for anyone who appreciates cool-climate wines. They are especially known for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. The Chardonnays showed remarkable balance, freshness, and elegance, while the Pinot Noirs offered beautiful layers of red fruit, spice, and complexity. Their commitment to sustainable farming and vineyard-driven winemaking is evident in every glass. Dierberg is a family-owned winery in a gorgeous wine country setting that was started in 1996 by Jim and Mary Dierberg. Produces a range of reds and whites under the Dierberg Vineyard, Star Lane Vineyard, and Three Saints brands. The property features a vast and beautiful outdoor area, perfect for a four-season destination like the Santa Ynez Valley. https://www.dierbergvineyard.com/
Star Lane Vineyard provided a wonderful contrast. While Dierberg is renowned for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Star Lane is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style wines from Happy Canyon. The wines are bold, structured, and beautifully crafted, showcasing why Star Lane is considered one of Santa Barbara County’s premier Cabernet producers. The stunning estate, gravity-flow winery, and subterranean caves make the experience as memorable as the wines themselves.
Folded Hills Winery near Buellton rounded out the experience perfectly. This family-owned, sustainably farmed ranch and winery offers a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent variety of wines, including enjoyable Chardonnay and Pinot Noir selections. Beyond the wines, what made our visit truly special was the hospitality. Tegan and Kylie were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout our tasting. They took the time to share the story of Folded Hills, answer questions, and make everyone feel welcome. Their warmth and enthusiasm elevated an already wonderful experience and left a lasting impression.
Overall, these three wineries offered a fantastic variety of wines and experiences. Dierberg impressed with world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Star Lane showcased exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, and Folded Hills combined excellent wines with outstanding hospitality from Tegan and Kylie. We would gladly return to all three and highly recommend them to anyone visiting Santa Barbara Wine Country.
We had a fantastic tasting experience at Sandhi Wines in Lompoc! The tasting room is conveniently located in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, making it a perfect stop while exploring the area’s outstanding wineries.
The lineup was exceptional, especially their elegant Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We also enjoyed learning about some of their acclaimed vineyard-designate wines, including the Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay, Romance Chardonnay, and Memorious Pinot Noir. Every wine beautifully expressed the unique terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills.
A fun surprise was their impressive specialty coffee machine, and the food pairings made the tasting even more memorable. The fresh French tartines served alongside the wines were delicious and complemented each pour perfectly.
The staff was warm, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing the Sandhi story. If you’re visiting Lompoc, this tasting is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
Website: https://sandhiwines.
Photos by Marie Llug