In her new book, California’s Central Coast: The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles, Mira Advani Honeycutt features the largely undiscovered wine region that is gaining popularity for its wineries, down-to-earth communities and close proximity to Los Angeles.
Two of Mira’s suggested trips:
Paso Robles Weekend Trip
Drive: approximately 4 hours from Los Angeles
Where to Stay:
Paso Robles Inn
www.pasoroblesinn.com
1103 Spring Street
Paso Robles
800-676-1713
805-238-2660
Wineries:
Robert Hall
www.roberthallwinery.com
3443 Mill Road
Paso Robles
805-239-1616
Winery features Rhone blends and has a hospitality center with classes and summer concerts.
EOS Estate Winery
www.eosvintage.com
5625 Highway 46 East
Paso Robles
805-239-2562
Eberle
www.eberlewinery.com
3810 Highway 46 East
Paso Robles
805-238-9607
Winery owner, Gary Eberle, is known to cook Santa Maria-style barbecue in the parking lot.
Martin & Weyrich
www.martinweyrich.com
4230 Buena Vista Drive
Paso Robles
805-238-2881
Winery features Italian vintages like Nebbiolo and has a picnic area.
Bianchi
www.bianchiwine.com
3380 Branch Road
Paso Robles
805-226-9922
Winery has lovely architecture and a small, man-made lake. They specialize in Chardonnay and Zinfandels.
Where to Eat:
Shop at the cafes and bakeries in the town square to get lunch. More information
There's a farmers market with breads, meats and even a petting zoo every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the park at Sixth & Crocker Streets, in Templeton.
McPhee's Grill (Dinner)
www.mcphees.com
416 S. Main Street
Templeton
805-434-3204
Santa Ynez Day Trip
Drive: 2 1/2 hours from Los Angeles (north of Santa Barbara)
Wineries:
Lafond Winery & Vineyards
www.lafondwinery.com
6855 Santa Rosa Road
Buellton CA
805-715-2819
Winery features Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Babcock Winery & Vineyards
www.babcockwinery.com
5175 East Highway 246
Lompoc
805-736-1455
Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery
www.foleywines.com
Rancho Santa Rosa
6121 East Highway 246
Lompoc
805-737-6222
This winery is one of the area’s newest.
Buttonwood Farms Winery
www.buttonwoodwinery.com
1500 Alamo Pintado Road
Solvang
805-688-3032
Fresh peaches are available in the summer.
Where to Eat:
Picnic on the grounds of the wineries
Panino (lunch)
475 First Street
Solvang
805-688-0608
Ballard Inn Restaurant (dinner – reservations recommended)
http://www.ballardinn.com/restaurant.html
2436 Baseline Avenue
Ballard
805-688-7770