later sold Estella and opened up a winery named after his family. The vineyard’s winemaker, Chris Eberle (no relation to Gary) is a SLO native and began his career at Eberle. After honing his craft throughout the world in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France, Chris returned home to take his current post. He says that his German stint and experimentation there had the biggest influence on his current style. Eberle’s tasting area is on a spacious outdoor patio overlooking hundreds of vineyard acres. The views go for miles and the sunsets are unobstructed. The signature group tasting includes a flight of five mixed Rhône-inspired reds and whites, and members and guests can book tours of the Eberle wine caves when available. Near the northern boundaries of the Paso Region in a relatively isolated location in the Cholame Hills, Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery is an idyllic chateau reminiscent of a European estate with dramatic Mediterranean architecture, fountains and lush landscaping. It was established in 2005 by Ken and Julie Warick and Nigel Lythgoe – the creators of the hit American Idol show. Not all wineries in Paso are set up to host weddings and large events, but Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery has mastered this concept as a venue with exceptional catering, event specialists and spectacular panoramas of the 130 acres of Rhône and Bordeaux-inspired grape vines. San-Juliette’s winemaker, Dan Smith, is an Oregon native and grew up inspired by the pinot noirs of Willamette Valley. Where to Stay and Play At Allegretto Vineyards and Resort, guests can enjoy wine
Allegretto Firepits over looking vineyards.
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tours on the property’s 20-acre vineyard, luxury accommodations and farm-to-fork gastronomy at Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Cello without ever leaving the grounds. Located just east of downtown, the 171-room resort is the vision of fourthgeneration hotelier Douglas Ayres, who curated the brilliantly eclectic design and artifacts in the resort as his personal art gallery from his family’s global travels. Other unique amenities include a courtyard with firepits for entertaining on cool nights, horseback riding on the grounds and a first-of-its-kind Sonic Labyrinth, in which guests can benefit from a tranquil space with a distinctive series of wind instruments activated by motion sensors. “Our resort is full of joy and discovery and creates the authentic feeling of being in Tuscany,” said Rich Verruni, general manager at Allegretto. “During a time when many people are not traveling to Europe, this is a great opportunity to visit a place with a heartbeat; it’s joyful and harmoniously inspired with intention.” Readers intrigued by the aforementioned mineral hot springs of Paso should consider a stay at the Paso Robles Inn, the only hotel that offers access to the springs via private soaking tubs in select balcony suites. In addition to its 98 guest rooms, the Inn also features a steakhouse, a nostalgic 1940s coffee shop, a cattleman’s bar lounge and meeting and event space. “If you’re looking for the true heart of Paso Robles, you’ll find it at the Paso Robles Inn. Located right across from the tree-lined downtown square, the Inn sits right on the very spot where Paso Robles was founded over 150 years ago,” said Erica Fryburger, general manager at the Inn. “Established in 1889, the Paso Robles Inn is more than a landmark but a lasting legacy
Paso Robles Inn.
