Last December the Wall Street Journal’s Wine Notes compiled some “easy wine resolutions” for 2010. The list was great – but one in particular is the inspiration for this post.
“Take a wine trip” is what the authors said. Most of us on the West Coast think of going to Napa or Sonoma, which are world class. However, a smaller, lesser known wine region – although definitely growing in popularity – is Paso Robles along California’s Central Coast.
With more than 200 winerires in the area, you will find enough wine to taste. But even though Paso Robles is growing, the choice of hotels is still slim compared to Napa, especially if you are looking in the luxury B &B category.
Hotel Cheval
Recently, I sat down with Robert Gilson, owner of Hotel Cheval in downtown Paso Robles. I make the distinction of it being downtown because many of the other B&Bs are in the country, which means a longer drive in if you want to eat dinner in town where there are some nice restaurants.
Gilson and his wife has been involved in revitalizing many buildings in Paso Robles. This hotel is their passion, and it really is reflected in the hotel’s charm and warmth.
Only 16 rooms, it is warm and personal..and with outdoor outdoor fireplaces, as well as a horse driven carriage that can take you to and from dinner downtown so you can imbibe all you want – that pretty much fills the charm category. Chester the horse has become quite popular there. The owners are horse lovers, so there is an equestrian themes bar in the hotel also.
Gilson says Paso Robles is comprised of old families mixed with new families…and it is still not a “perfecly polished” town. There is no Starbuck’s and no Coffee Bean. (Isn’t it funny that the omission of those two chains can say so much?) There is a saloon in town, and at the time I spoke with Gilson, a guy rode into the saloon on a horse. And even though I like to write about places to bring the kids, there are better places than Paso Robles for that.
Gilson says there are advantages to the character of Paso Robles over wine country up north..better value…less snobbery…and less traffic. (Love Napa, but have you traveled on Highway 29 during a busy weekend?)
Oenophiles: The wineries recommended for tasting visits are Justin, Tablas Creek, and Eberle. The last time I checked, Eberle had free tastings. You don’t see that very often in Napa… www.justinwine.com, www.tablascreek.com, www.eberlewinery.com. Tablas Creek used to offer a special program where guests can pay to participate in the wine making process – check on that if you are interested. Another great source for wine before you go is www.snooth.com.
Other things to do in Paso Robles – golf, and Hearst Castle is nearby.
www.hotelcheval.com. Cheers!
