WILL TRAVEL FOR FOOD

From my first sip of DAoU wine, I was buzzing for more. I was at Deer Valley Resort’s Taste of Luxury Series last spring. A sponsor of the event, DAOU Vineyards — a California winery founded and operated by the Daou family — immediately prompted me to learn more about Paso Robles and the wines produced there. Not only were the wines impressive, but the passion behind the winemaking was clear.

Soon thereafter, a trip to California’s Central Coast was on the schedule.

Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is tucked just over a hillside from the coast. A charming town square is framed by rolling hillsides where the soil is predominantly calcareous and the growing region offers 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).

The climate mirrors Bordeaux and Rhone, and much of the grapes grown in the area are cabernet sauvignon, but more than 60 varieties can be found at the 200 Paso Robles wineries, including grenache, zinfandel and plenty of whites.

At the very top of the vistas of Paso Robles sits DAOU. The winery is 2,200 feet above sea level and produces some of the most well-known wines of the region. While you may recognize other regional names like J. Lohr and Robert Hall, 85% of the wine produced in Paso Robles goes directly to wine club members. This means it won’t be found in many stores or restaurants, making the coveted bottles harder to come by.

Add in farm-to-table cuisine, history, art, and luxurious (or budget-friendly if you prefer) hotels, and you will be hooked. Here are some tips, so you can start planning a trip.

DAOU VINEYARDS

DAOU VINEYARDS

ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT NINER WINE ESTATES

A short drive away, the Hearst Castle offers a 250,000-acre property to explore with an estate, gardens, pools, art, history and more.

If you are in the area on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, be sure to check out Sensorio, a 15-acre light installation by artist Bruce Munro.

Stay

ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT Just outside of town, this Tuscan-style hotel inspires guests to relax, reflect and refresh. Filled with so much art that an art tour is recommended for it to be fully appreciated, the 20-acre vineyard and resort is an experience in itself. Walk the 12 stations of meditation, mingle with alpacas, or plan some downtime at the spa and pool. A tasting room means you don’t even have to leave the hotel to visit a Paso Robles winery. Gracious open public spaces, like a European-style courtyard and cozy sitting rooms, allow for plenty of downtime. Cello Ristorante & Bar offers Mediterranean-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may never want to leave, but with so much to explore in the area, you should.

Sip

DAOU VINEYARDS A flagship winery in the region, the estate is at the top of the highest hill in the area and should be at the top of your list. Sweeping views and a stunning setting will invite you to taste and sip your way through the afternoon.

NINER WINE ESTATES The 200 to 400 cases (primarily of cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay) are generally spoken for through their wine club. They can also be found on some restaurant menus. Be sure to browse the expansive garden, and don’t miss the classic, yet over-thetop, cheese plate.

Look for farmers markets highlighting regional goodies scattered in different areas on various days of the week.

EPOCH ESTATE WINES Get a tour of the property atop York Mountain while you taste the wines. There is a story behind each brick and the original basket press used by the York brothers that hangs on display. The winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, originally studied engineering and grew up working on a family vineyard.

LAW ESTATE WINES At the top of yet another mountain, Law provides a different view and take on Paso Robles wine. All tastings are by appointment, and you will be guided through a flight of four wines while your hosts give you the rundown of why the facility and winemaking practices make the wines so special.

Savor

THOMAS HILL ORGANICS This is a must-stop spot offering brunch, lunch and dinner that highlights local purveyors and seasonal ingredients. A picturesque courtyard lets you relax and enjoy an accompanying wine pairing with your meal. At lunch, don’t miss the black lentil tacos and a killer burger.

EPOCH ESTATE WINES

THOMAS HILL ORGANICS

EPOCH ESTATE WINES

LES PETITES CANAILLES This charming, modern French restaurant is the brainchild of a winemaker’s son and a butcher’s daughter. The combination is perfect, especially if you want to do the nightly tasting menu and wine pairing. Otherwise, choose from seasonal items and regional ingredients. Try to save room for dessert, like fluffy chocolate mousse and decadent crème brûlée.

BL BRASSERIE For a more classic French dining experience, this longtime local favorite fits the bill perfectly. Start with a glass of Champagne and a round of oysters and escargot, and finish with the fish with red wine sauce.

Sip and Savor

At DAOU, you will find a unique selection of Mediterranean small plates — a nod to the owners’ Lebanese roots. Dishes like labneh, dolmas and spicy feta are offered in a variety of settings around the winery. At Niner, make a plan to organize your tasting around a lunch of classic California options, accompanied by fresh bread and some of the ingredients grown on site.

Pairing up in Paso Robles

The city is a great destination for girls’ trips, weekend getaways or your next special event.

Plan a visit to Tin City for a co-op of artisans, tasting rooms, food options and more. Closer to downtown, stop by Paso Market Walk for a quick meal, sip or treat.

DAOU VINEYARDS

LAW ESTATE WINES

DEER VALLEY RESORT’S TASTE OF LUXURY

DON’T MISS THE NEXT COURSE IN DEER VALLEY RESORT’S TASTE OF LUXURY SERIES. THE WEEKEND WILL FEATURE THREE-STAR MICHELIN CHEF MASSIMO BOTTURA FOR EXCLUSIVE VIP MEET-AND-GREET RECEPTIONS AND SIXCOURSE ITALIAN DINNERS WITH WINE PAIRINGS ON THE EVENINGS OF DEC. 16, 17 AND 18 IN THE RESORT’S FIRESIDE DINING ROOM AT EMPIRE LODGE. BOTTURA IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST INNOVATIVE CULINARY FIGURES, AND HIS INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED RESTAURANT, OSTERIA FRANCESCANA, WAS NO. 1 ON THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST TWICE.

THE TASTE OF LUXURY IS A YEAR-ROUND SERIES OF EVENTS CENTERED AROUND EXCEPTIONAL CULINARY EXPERIENCES. LOOK FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS ON UPCOMING EVENTS AT DEERVALLEY.COM.