5 Things You Must Do In Paso Robles Wine Country (That Isn’t Just Wine Tasting)

My husband Kevin and I love getting away to Paso Robles wine country. It’s so relaxing and a completely different pace than our home in Los Angeles. While Paso Robles doesn’t get as much attention as the other wine regions of California, we don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Kevin and I decided we both needed a mini getaway after being holed up in our tiny condo with newborn twins. Paso Robles is an easy trip to do with squirmy kids — located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles (3 hours by car from either city). Or if you have friends in either city and just want to say hello for the weekend and enjoy some good wine.

Paso Robles is close to the mountains, beaches and deserts — perfect for couples or friends who might not agree on one activity over the other. You literally could start off your day hiking the coastal mountains, then relax on the beach before hitting up some tasting rooms.

But what are some of the more unique activities you can do? Check out our picks of the 5 must-see activities in Paso Robles wine country. There is so much variety to do here. And of course, we had to include some wine tastings. When in Rome, I say!

5. Wander Through Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles Wine Country

Love art and the outdoors? Well, you won’t want to skip Sensorio Field of Lights — an immersive art exhibit in the heart of California wine country. Sensorio Field of Lights has been on my bucket list ever since I read about it in The New York Times travel section earlier this year. The attraction was listed as no. 6 in its top “52 Places to Go” column — beating out such places as Sicily, Tokyo and Paris. Take that Eiffel Tower! In this coronavirus age, could outdoor, immersive art be the wave of the future?

British artist Bruce Munro has created quite a visual wonderland — displaying more than 58,800 fiber-optic lights along the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Without a doubt, the best way to see the attraction is by doing the VIP experience ($79 per person in advance). The ticket includes access to the private VIP terrace area, private restrooms, an Airstream trailer bar as well as heat lamps and tables with fireplaces. But best of all? You get the best views overlooking the exhibition.

Kevin and I did 2 full loops of the exhibit at a leisurely pace — taking probably about 200 photos give or take! Though, the scale of the exhibit just couldn’t be captured on camera. You’ll just have to experience the magic yourself.

The exhibit will run until January 2021. And even after it wraps, the area will be turned into an art exhibit — with revolving exhibits dedicated to the cross section of art, technology and design. General admission for adults starts at $30 per person, $19 for children (or $9.50 during special family nights); children 3 to 12-years old are free. VIP tickets are $79 per person. Tickets can be purchased directly on the Sensorio Field of Lights website. Get more insider tips on Sensorio, including how to avoid the crowds and where to get the best glass of wine during your visit in our full feature story here.

4. Treat Yourself To An Incredible Meal

Where there is good wine, you’ll find delicious, fresh food. We love the variety of choices in Paso Robles — from country estates to mom n’ pop bistros to high-end restaurants you’d expect to find in Los Angeles or New York. First, for the traditional wine estate dining experience, we recommend grabbing an outdoor table at Niner Estates, conveniently located in the heart of wine country. Their menu features thoughtful, regional ingredients designed to showcase their estate wines. Consider getting their charcuterie and cheese board ($45), beautifully presented in Tiffin carriers or dabbas — a kind of lunch box used widely in Asia for meals on the go.

For dinner, you have a few choices. If you want to meet the locals, head directly to Buona Tavola, located in downtown Paso Robles. This family-owned Italian bistro has operated from this location since 1992 by chef Antonio Varia. Before moving to Paso Robles, Varia worked in restaurants throughout his homeland of Northern Italy as well as some of Europe’s top hotels. Kevin and I love asking locals where to eat — and Buona Tavola was the top of everyone’s list. Our favorite item? The fresh complimentary bread served with an addicting olive tapenade. I think we ate at least 3 loaves.

Finally, if you’re looking for a special occasion spot or a meal you won’t forget, head straight to Les Petites Canailles, or “the little rascals.” Restauranteurs Courtney and Julien Asseo named this trendy dining spot after their 3 children, including their latest child due within weeks of us dining here. We were impressed to see Julien working behind-the-scenes in the kitchen, perfecting each dish.

You’ll have the option to sit either outdoors or socially distanced on the inside. Kevin and I loved the stylish interior design of this restaurant and decided to grab a seat at the bar. Also, it was a little chilly that night and we’re weaklings when it comes to the cold (even with heat lamps!). Clearly, I’ve blocked out all my memories of living in Boston during the winter.

The menu at Les Petites Canailles evolves with the season based on what’s the most fresh. I ordered the dry aged Liberty Duck breast with beet and peanut butter puree ($40). If on the menu, this is a must-order item. The rich demi-glace sauce and the beets complimented the tender duck perfectly.

Be sure to check out the extensive wine menu and ask their sommelier for recommendations. Their wine list included a variety of local Paso Robles wines as well as rare French wines and other wines from around the world. The restaurant has limited seating capacity so make sure you make a reservation ahead of time, especially for dinner on Friday nights or the weekend by calling 805-296-3754.

3. Sip Some of California’s Best Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Paso Robles — and the tasting experience at Daou winery is about as good as it gets. But don’t just take our word, Daou has regularly been selected by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as the “American Winery of the Year,” competing mostly against the big players in Napa. A Daou wine tasting is always on the itinerary to Paso — no matter how many times we visit a year. It’s so good that we even arranged a virtual wine tasting with our family on the east coast during the height of COVID.

Needless to say, we were excited to visit Paso Robles to experience Daou’s tasting on property with its soaring views and incredible wines.

The winery was founded by Georges and Daniel Daou, Lebanese brothers who immigrated with their family to France when they were just 10- and 14-years-old to escape the civil war. They moved to the south of France, which is where their fascination with the culture of wine began. The brothers found their way to the United States to study engineering at the University of California — eventually founding a software company. When it got sold, they decided it was time to fulfill their long-time dream of opening a winery.

Tastings are $40 per person and you’ll get to taste their famed red wines as well as their refreshing 2019 reserve rose. It is made with 100 percent Grenache Noir and aged for 7 months in new French Oak. I mean, can anything beat a cool rosé on a sunny SoCal afternoon?

Somehow we spent 3 full hours lounging at Daou, even though it felt like we just arrived. Clearly, this was exactly the relaxation we needed before heading back to our Airbnb to take care of the kids. To learn more about our tasting experience and the backstory of Daou, check out our full feature here.

2. Solve Clues In An Immersive Scavenger Hunt With Urban Adventure Quest

Love solving clues? Ever think you’d just kill it on The Amazing Race? Or just kill each other? Well, luckily Kevin and I make good travel partners and know our strengths. Let’s just say, he’s in charge of the map (while I take the photos!).

Urban Adventure Quest is a 3-hour scavenger hunt, part walking tour that’s mixed with puzzles and clues showing you the city’s most famous landmarks. The time will fly by as you work together as a team to figure out each clue. Best of all? It’s easy to work this activity into any schedule. There is no official starting time — you just purchase the quest (starting at $49 for a team), and choose whenever you want to do it. The only thing you need is a Smart Phone to get each of the clues. A pen and paper is also very handy. We forgot that and ended up borrowing a pen (i.e. stealing it!) from a local coffee shop. Shh, don’t tell anyone!

Urban Adventure Quest has an extensive list of where they operate — from Hawaii to California to Florida and beyond. Check out their website to find your next adventure on their ever-growing list. We can see why it’s so popular! It was a blast, and the perfect activity to do either as a couple or with family.

1. Feed A Kangaroo And Learn About Rescue Animals At Conservation Ambassadors

Have you ever wanted to cuddle a lemur, play with otters, feed a kangaroo and hug an alligator? Well, maybe not that last one! But you can do all this and more on the grounds of Conservation Ambassadors in Paso Robles. A visit to their animal sanctuary is like getting a backstage pass to a rescue zoo.