We live in the Paso Robles wine country and I get requests constantly about our favorite wineries, where to shop, where to eat, and, how to dress. Paso is a very casual laid back town, it is nothing like Napa Valley, Sonoma, or any of the other wine areas. It has its own heart and soul. That is why we love it so much. Let’s talk about the Ultimate Packing List for a Perfect Weekend in Paso Wine Country, and join some of my favorite blogging buddies for some great packing tips.
When I spot someone in cocktail attire and high heels, I instantly know they are tourists. Even though Paso is home to four Michelin guide restaurants, world-class wineries, and a charming, vibrant downtown, California Wine Country Casual attire rules. While wine tasting you will find women dressed in casual midi dresses (and maxis), linen outfits, and simple jean outfits.
I would say most wine lovers come to Paso for a long weekend. If they are coming from afar they will probably combine it with a trip to the Santa Barbara Wine Country as well. Let’s pretend we are traveling from the East Coast and need to pack for a four-day weekend which could easily be packed in a carry-on. I will try to share some of our favorite spots (there are many). Anytime from now until November it will be warm to hot during the day with warm evenings. I rarely wear jeans, and primarily wear linen, and cotton gauze once the weather warms up. Wear layers. If it happens to cool off in the evening a wrap or a light jacket will always do the trick.
So, what to pack in your suitcase for four days in Paso? I have a hard time limiting my shoes. I would pack a pair of sneakers, and two pairs of sandals. Two packable hats should be plenty. Two linen blouses, two t-shirts, two skirts and two pairs of pants. that can be interchanged with one another for different looks. One large purse should be all you will need. It should be big enough to tote snacks, makeup,personal items, toiletries, and all your travel essentials. One swimsuit and a coverup that can do double duty as an extra midi dress for any wine tasting experience. One sundress will be sufficient. You can top the sundress with a jacket, or wrap if it cools off in the evening. along with some casual lightweight accessories. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses and you should be ready for your wine country trip. This list could easily be expanded for up to a week just by packing more underwear.
SHOP THE POST
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Cheval-best in Paso
Stables-less expensive family-oriented sister property of Hotel Cheval
Allegretto Inn-off the beaten path but lovely
WHERE TO EAT
DINNER
In Bloom, Le Petites Canailles, Il Cortile, BL Brasserie
Casual Fare
Finca-Market Walk, Via Carvaggio-Market Walk, La Cosecha, Fish Gaucho, Thomas Hill Organics, LEO Gelato-Paso Market Walk
FAVORITE WINERIES
Most Beautiful Tasting Rooms & Amazing Wine
Booker, Epoch, Six Mile Bridge, Denner,
Tablas Creek
Villa Creek
Casual Fun Tasting Rooms & Great Wine
Brecon, Lone Madrone-also lunch on weekends, McPrice Meyers, Paso Wine Merchant-Paso Market Walk
Tin City Favorites-You could spend two days here alone
Benom, Turtle Rock, Jacob Toft, Giornata Wines & Etto Pastifico (great homemade pasta and gourmet food items, Hubba,
WHERE TO SHOP
Womens Clothing
Bijou, Wildflower Women, Haylee & Co, Firefly, Ambiance, Sole Tree (great shoes)
Sole Tree-fabulous shoe store
Misc:
The General Store, Vivant Cheese, Brown Butter Cookies
Thank you for reading Ultimate Packing List for a Perfect Weekend in Paso Wine Country. I hope you may have found this post helpful should you travel to our area. Now let’s pop over and visit the rest of my friends for their tips. You might also enjoy reading How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe Hawaii.
Barb L says
Great tips and ideas for packing as well as places to visit. Your wine country sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing – you always nail it
Cindy Hattersley says
We love it here Barb!
Valletta says
My husband and I lived on a ranch in Paso for a year, a kind of sabbatical after we sold our business. It was so chill, relaxing, slower pace of life than Silicon Valley that’s for sure! Loved being close to the ocean, wine, horses, just fantastic place to live or visit. Love the Boot Barn, too!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Valletta
We just love Paso. I have yet to make it to the Boot Barn!! Thank you for reminding me!
Karlie Cool says
Recently you posted about a giraffe patterned dress that you bought at H&M. I’d never been, but went to SLO and bought it. Wore it tonight to see Book of Mormon at Cal Poly PAC. It was perfect! Thank you for all you are sharing with so many of us.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Karlie
I am so happy to hear that!! We are heading to SLO today for a birthday lunch!
Katherine says
Hi Cindy,
Love your laid back style.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Katherine
Thank you so much!
Cindylou says
Great guide to Paso. Been going there off and on for36 years. I live in So Cal so it’s close to a 4 hr drive. Il Cortile is my favorite restaurant. Next time I go I’m hitting that shoe shoe store you mention. Thanks for all the tips and winery recommendations, some were new to me. And if people want a beach retreat I recommend Cambria.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Cindylou
We love Il Cortile. We think it is the best Italian food outside of Italy!! The shoe tree is fabulous!
Linda says
Can we get more information about your wrap? Thanks
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Linda
Sorry I failed to add it to the widget. It is on there now, but here is the link: https://rstyle.me/+-xIz5lJnIouWrtAm9i70RA
Annie Diamond says
Cindy, you have the best style! Every look is head turning! I can’t wait to visit in October.and now I know what to pack!
xx
Cindy Hattersley says
I can’t wait for you to visit!!
Liana says
What a wonderful post Cindy, this couldn’t have been in a better time as I’m planing a family weekend in Paso for Father’s Day. I had just started looking for hotels and wine tastings, this is giving me a great starting point.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Liana
I hope you have a wonderful trip! Feel free to email me with any questions!
Linda says
So much wonderful information. Thank you!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Linda
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Karen jones says
We are just down in Ventura and have always wanted to travel to Paso for Wine Tasting. Now that we are finally retired we will use your wonderful suggestions when we do. Thank you for the great suggestions. Maybe we will see you around town. Love your style by the way.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Karen
Hope to run in to you!!
Kim says
Cindy, I love this post. Nice to know more about PR… I really want to explore more. When we passed through there on the way to visit colleges I just remember how charming the downtown is. This is a great list for a lot of trips in California! Love the white look on you! That skirt is so good! Thank you for doing this with us all.. x Kim
Cindy Hattersley says
Kim this was such a great idea!!
Juliet says
Cindy … I’ve never been to Paso and it’s high time. Way past high time. I love your wine country capsule wardrobe; it can be applied to all wine regions … at least here in California. I’m Pinning away. When I finally get down there I’m going to see and do everything you’ve mentions. How lucky are you to live in the midst of all this beauty and fun activity. So fun doing this with you! xo
Melinda says
We love visiting Paso for some wine tasting. We have discovered Croad Vineyards as a wonderful place to stay. A cute Bed & Breakfast – with a yummy breakfast – and some really good wine. There are so many good places to visit there and we will definitely take some of your suggestions on our next trip. Thanks for the tips!
Dawn Lucy Ross says
Amazing ideas! I love your style! I especially like that pretty white summer maxi!
OXOX
Dawn
Nancy says
PERFECT TIMING…my husband and I have reservations to stay in Paso Robles this weekend. We live 40 minutes from Paso in Arroyo Grande. Several times a year I fill the car with girlfriends and we go for lunch and shopping in Paso. Your blog followers that are not familiar with the SLO area should look at a map and visit for ten days!
Nice work Cindy.
Linda Henderson says
Paso Robles is intriguing. My husband and I made a day trip there from SLO several years ago. We need to spend more time. Thanks for sharing your recs.
La Contessa says
Paso,Pismo Beach and San Simeon Castle plenty of things to do in your area!
How many wineries are there in Paso Robles do you think that are open to the public?
I find the area even more Beautiful than Napa Valley.
I’m ready for the warm weather so I can wear my linen and cotton!!!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Cindy, this is the perfect “cheat sheet” for packing for many areas this summer. I have bookmarked it for a few adventures we are taking.
I am a serial overpacked, one of the reasons I love to travel in the winter…less clothes and a warm coat always looks great.
Have a wonderful week Cindy!
Cynthia says
Dear Cindy,
THANK YOU for this and the similar packing list you posted last year. I followed your guidelines and it was perfect for a December week in Florida! I’m from Ohio and I didn’t realize how cool it gets in the evening near the coast! We had a great trip and I felt prepared for each day, THANK YOU!
Mary Ann Pickett says
This is so helpful, Cindy…and a great guide to the area. I love the chic black and white combos…always in style–but that’s YOU of course.