Paso Robles, once a quiet agricultural town, has firmly established itself as one of California’s premier wine regions, boasting vineyards and vintages that rival those of Napa and Sonoma. We were invited to Paso Robles to review some of its most celebrated venues, and in doing so we discovered not only the region’s vinicultural excellence but also its hospitality, cuisine, and artistry—all seamlessly interwoven into an unforgettable experience.
We began our weekend with an exquisite dinner at Enoteca, located in the charming Tuscan-inspired Bellasera Hotel, our home base for the trip. The wine list alone was a testament to the prestige of Paso Robles, featuring a dazzling array of local selections. Choosing was no easy task, but we ultimately delighted in a pair of Cabernet Sauvignons for which the region is rightly celebrated. Among the standouts was the Union Sacre Cabernet Franc—a wine of light body and lively personality, dancing with flavors of cherry, blackberry, and strawberry, all underpinned by an earthy, peppery finish. We were equally impressed by the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon,
Paso Robles’ signature expression: a bold, full-bodied wine layered with rich dark fruits—black cherry, blackberry, and currant—beautifully integrated with warm notes of vanilla, cedar, and a touch of spice. It was a powerful yet elegant showcase of why Paso Robles has become synonymous with world-class Cabernet. In a stroke of serendipity, we even spotted Austin Hope himself, famed vintner and frequent guest at Enoteca.
The meal unfolded as a parade of delights. We opened with a fritto misto, a masterful medley of calamari, shrimp, mighty-cap mushrooms, and fried lemon wedges—the citrus crispness elevating the dish to brilliance. A creamy burrata followed, accompanied by prosciutto, berry coulis, peppery arugula, and crushed pistachios—an indulgence of texture and balance.
For mains, the grilled branzino seabass stole the spotlight. Its freshness required only a whisper of lemon, parsley, garlic, and thyme to shine. The NY strip steak fries, with chimichurri, Greek-style fries, and a refreshing tzatziki, was an unexpected but inspired marriage of Argentine and Mediterranean influences. We closed the evening with a silken, decadent panna cotta, the perfect finale to a meal both elegant and comforting.
The Bellasera Hotel, situated at the junction of Highways 101 and 46, offers both convenience and charm. Its Tuscan-inspired architecture greets guests with two stately fountains that soften the hum of the nearby highway. Inside, our suite impressed with its spacious layout: a bedroom separated from a cozy living area, complete with sleeper sofa, kitchenette, and dual large-screen televisions—ideal for couples or small families alike.
The bed was supremely comfortable, its linens and high-end pillows inviting deep rest. Beyond the accommodations, the property offered thoughtful amenities: a pool accented by an outdoor fireplace, soft music, and plush towels. We were particularly impressed by the accessible pool lifts for both the pool and jacuzzi—an inclusive touch too often overlooked. The next morning’s breakfast featured a divine avocado toast topped with fresh goat cheese, though our coffee, regrettably, fell short. Fortunately, our server, Veronica, provided such warm and attentive service that the experience remained memorable despite the weak brew.
Our journey continued at Vina Robles, a distinguished Paso Robles winery and tasting room, that combines Old World craft with modern sensibility. The heat of the Paso sun gave way to the cool embrace of a modern industrial-style tasting hall, where we were welcomed by Nina, a gracious and knowledgeable host. The winery also offers a variety of spaces designed for every occasion: an indoor balcony that overlooks the winery and features a bar, a large central tasting bar, cozy seating areas for lingering over a glass of wine, a dramatic communal table crafted from reclaimed wine barrels and materials, a private room ideal for hosting special events or intimate gatherings, and a retractable garage door that opens for an indoor-outdoor experience. This versatility makes Vina Robles as functional as it is welcoming.
We imbibed a fantastic flight of wines, each one reflecting the diversity and strength of Paso Robles winemaking. Among them, the Vermentino stood out for its refreshing vibrancy—crisp and aromatic, with bright notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality that made it the perfect companion to a warm afternoon. Equally memorable was the 2020 Signature, a powerful yet elegant Bordeaux-style blend. This wine impressed us with its lush concentration of blackberry, layered with hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, and spice, all harmoniously framed by velvety tannins. These two wines became our clear favorites, perfectly capturing the dual character of Paso Robles: bright and lively on one hand, bold and sophisticated on the other.
The air carried the irresistible aroma of authentic Neapolitan pizza, baked in a hand-built brick oven imported and constructed using time-honored techniques. Watching chef Nicola Allegretta and his brother orchestrate pizzas with farm-to-table ingredients was as captivating as tasting them. Each pizza was a triumph of texture and flavor, which can be accompanied by fresh salads, sandwiches, and, finally, a sumptuous dessert like a tiramisu, lovingly prepared by the Allegretta brothers’ mother. We could not resist tasting the tiramisu, which proved to be every bit as exquisite as promised—silky, perfectly balanced, and utterly unforgettable. The winery’s hospitality extended even to four-legged guests. We admired as staff provided a plush dog bed and cool water to a couple’s pets, ensuring they, too, could indulge in the comfort of Vina Robles. Eco-friendly touches, such as bamboo serving plates, underscored the winery’s thoughtful approach.
The pinnacle of our weekend came at Sensorio, a transcendent landscape where art, light, and nature coalesce.
The evening began in an open-air amphitheater with live piano music, fine wine, and small bites, setting the stage for what was to come. As dusk gave way to night, we embarked on a two-mile journey through the otherworldly Field of Light—a mesmerizing expanse of illuminated orbs stretching to the horizon. An ancient oak, silhouetted against a star-filled sky and surrounded by a glowing sea of light, stood as a reminder of nature’s timeless majesty. We were particularly entranced by Bruce Munro’s FOSO: Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra, an installation of hundreds of glowing “instruments” that pulse and shimmer in harmony with an ethereal orchestral score. Another highlight was DIMENSIONS by HYBYCOZO, a series of monumental geometric sculptures illuminated from within. These intricate, laser-cut works cast elaborate shadows across the ground, enveloping visitors in a tapestry of shifting light and pattern. Sensorio’s magic is not reserved for adults alone; its family-friendly design ensures that visitors of all ages can partake in the wonder. It is, in every sense, a feast for the senses—a place where imagination, artistry, and landscape create an unforgettable memory.
Through this invitation to experience Paso Robles, we came away with a profound appreciation for its wines, cuisine, hospitality, and artistry. From world-class Cabernet Sauvignons and exquisite dining at Enoteca, to the charm of the Bellasera Hotel, the conviviality of Vina Robles, and the radiant wonder of Sensorio, Paso Robles revealed itself as far more than a destination. It is an experience—refined, indulgent, and unforgettable. Vina Robles, a Paso Robles Winery and Tasting Room,https://vinarobles.com; Sensorio, https://sensoriopaso.com;
Travel by ENTREE 
Leave a comment