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I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said that “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” We know that Thomas Jefferson definitely was on the right track with his sentiment. These days however, visiting a winery is still about the wine, but has also become about the beauty of the landscape and the flow of the architecture.  Essentially, the take-away at a winery is the sum total of the entire experience. The way that everything comes together creates our impression and determines what will draw us back for more, or not.

Located in the heart of the Central Coast of California, is breathtaking Paso Robles. With wines suited for every budget and taste, it’s no wonder that the area has become one of the country’s leading wine country destinations. Locals and visitors alike love the cozy vineyard inns, great restaurants and unpretentious vibe. Last time I counted, there were just over 200 wineries in the area. Save yourself some time and read the latest list of the most beautiful wineries in Paso Robles (not in any particular order). We can't wait to hear about your adventures! Be sure to share your stories in our comments section. 

Perched on the west side of Paso Robles, above Peachy Canyon Road at an elevation of 1700+ feet, sits Law Estate Wines. Being elevated as such, it's easy to imagine the picture-perfect views and sloping hillside. The ethereal horizon is what inspires great painters to paint a masterpiece. It is here, where the forces of nature come together and offer us a glimpse of ever-changing perfection. Stories that guests tell after a visit to Law always include mention of the endless landscape that never disappoints. As if scenery weren't enough, the wine produced at this stunning site is particularly spectacular. Every aspect of the architecture contributes to the clean style of Law wines.

Known for their Rhone blends, the Sagacious Blend and the Beyond Category are two of my favorite selections. As the old adage goes, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ You will definitely want to taste through the wines and find the beauty that speaks to your taste. You cannot go wrong at Law Estate. It's a happy place that leaves you feeling satisfied in every way imaginable. 

Justin Vineyards and Winery is always a favorite of ours. For decades the team at Justin have been striving for excellence and the result is a dynamic place where great wine flows endlessly. Being beautiful means many things. It can be the spectacular views, the delicate people, the luxurious decor, the velvety wines and much more. At Justin, everything comes together in a strikingly beautiful way. The moment that you arrive at the estate, the layers of complexity and care are evident throughout. Be it the Inn at Justin, the restaurant or the perfectly manicured grounds, you will find beauty in all that you encounter.

For a fun experience, ask about the Chocolate Paired Tasting. The hand-crafted chocolates are lovely with the wines selected. For a treat to the senses go for the Isosceles Library Tasting where you will dive into a flight of flagship wines, paired with cheese and charcuterie. If you haven't been dazzled enough by the end of the day,take a walk up to the chateau and marvel at its architectural glory. 

Mitchella Vineyards and Winery is a treasure. Family owned and operated, it sits along the banks of the Huerhuero Creek. A place and space that has attracted settlers for centuries, is now an estate winery that is completely in tune with its surroundings. Creek beds have always been rich in minerals. The soft, rolling hills above provide nutrient rich soil and a natural drainage system. It's no surprise that Angela and Darren Mitchell found their way to this magical spot. There is a table and chairs beneath a large tree that overlooks the vineyards and skyline. This relaxing venue was striking, mostly in its simplicity and unadulterated beauty. My boyfriend and I couldn't decide which wine we liked most, so we bought a mixed case to take home and further our discussion.

We are still talking about the beauty from the land that is perfectly captured in the bottles, each one an original masterpiece. Just between you and I, I’m leaning towards the 2014 Innuendo Noir. For a place that will deliver unexpected beauty and charm, visit Mitchella Vineyard and Winery as soon as you can!

Alta Colina Vineyard and Winery is definitely worth mentioning. The strides that the Tilman Family (proprietors) have made to transform this Adelaide winery is truly impressive. Located high above the sea, the elevation at Alta Colina is about 1800 feet. This means that the views are magnificent and the wines produced are bursting with complexity. The Tilman team has created a beautiful estate that compliments the scenery with every turn. My favorite spot is a lookout deck that wraps around an old tree. From there, with beautiful Rhone -style wines in hand, I could see for miles across the sprawling mountain plateaus and vineyards.

There is a majestic feel about Alta Colina and it's not because of the building built there, it's because of the way the human spaces are carved around an inharmony with nature. Some have said that this style is also the way that wines are crafted at Alta Colina. Ask about the Summit Vineyard Tasting, the Cellar Door Tasting and the Trailer Pond! There are so many things to taste and see here, that the simple message is . just go. You won’t regret it at all. Alta Colina Vineyard and Winery awaits you.

DAOU Family Estates is widely known for its beauty. If you ask any local which winery in Paso Robles is the most beautiful, they will no doubt say, DAOU Family Estates. Having recently had the opportunity to go there myself, I can see why. The scope of DAOU is nothing short of spectacular. Proprietors and brothers, George and Daniel Daou have made their vision of beauty (in wine and aesthetic) a reality. No detail has been left unnoticed and no expense has been spared. Every inch of the Daou Family Estate is thoroughly combed. The history of the DAOU Estate is rather profound. Resurrected in 1961 as Hoffman Mountain Ranch, it was the first gravity-flow winery in the United States and Paso Robles’ first commercial winery.

The site was chosen for its beauty and elevation. Rising above 2100 feet the winery has rare and unique soil and terroir. The result, combined with fine winemaking and attention to the process, is a perfect environment for growing Bordeaux and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. All tastings are facing the beautiful view. Adirondack chairs line the edge of the vista and relaxation is practically instant. Ask about the Al Fresco Culinary and Wine Pairing, it's over the top amazing.

Whether you visit a few of our picks or all of them, you will definitely be enthusiastic about the wines, the space and the beautiful landscape. Every time I visit Paso Robles, I wonder why I waited so long. There is a sense of “cowboys & wine” that exists in Paso, which is inspiring and very satisfying. The area is ideal for developing your wine IQ and discovery in a relaxed and unpretentious way. More than anything else, I love the friendly people that I have met along the way. I can't wait to  shine up my cowgirl boots and return to Paso Robles soon!