A Wine-Lover’s Birthday Weekend Itinerary in Paso Robles
If you’ve been daydreaming about the perfect California wine country escape, Paso Robles is your sign to pack the bags and hit the road. With scenic vineyard views, sip-worthy wines, and that laid-back charm we all crave, Paso is where "birthday magic" (or just good ‘ole times) happens.
Whether you’re a couple hours away or just looking for an easy weekend adventure, here’s what you need to know:
🚗 Drive Times: ~3 hours from Los Angeles, ~3.5 hours from San Francisco, ~2 hours from Santa Barbara.
Here’s how we spent the perfect birthday weekend — and how you can too.
DAY 1: Friday
🍷 12pm: Justin Winery
We rolled into Paso just in time for our Estate Tasting and Lunch at Justin Winery—and I’m so glad we did. This place is elegance in every sense. Sweeping vineyard views, modern yet warm architecture, and a sophistication that just floats through the air.
Why I loved it:
The entire estate feels curated without being fussy. The food was truly an experience. I believe we ordered one of everything on the menu to share and each bite designed to highlight the wine in a way that made me slow down and savor. They are also dog friendly, hence our sweet baby, Mr. JB Jones (the pug) posing with us below.
✨ Other experiences: Justin offers chef-led tastings, estate tours, and a luxury inn for overnight stays if you want to go full indulgence. If you have more time, or are seeking a more luxurious dining experience, I recommend booking a reservation for The Restaurant at Justin, which is Michelin-starred.
🍇 3pm: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
For our second tasting, we headed to J. Lohr’s Paso Robles tasting room—a well-known name, but with an unexpectedly homey feel. The space is lush with greenery, tucked under shady trees, and gives off backyard-chic vibes. We did the seasonal tasting, which gave us a flavorful mix of their portfolio, led by an incredible staff member with so much knowledge that we all had our pens out taking notes.
Why I loved it:
Despite being such a major name in wine, it feels like you’re in someone’s beautifully landscaped backyard. Intimate, casual, and welcoming—exactly what you want when winding down on day one. We enjoyed the charcuterie board and the ability to ask curious questions about each wine without feeling judged.
🍷 Other options: Their library tastings and vineyard walks are ideal for the wine-curious who want to go deeper.
🛏 6pm: Airbnb Check-In
Our Airbnb was the perfect retreat—modern, clean, and tucked into a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from Downtown Paso Robles. It had a big kitchen (hello, birthday dinner night), comfy beds, and a patio where we watched the stars in the hotel with our final glass of wine and some home-grilled BBQ.
If you prefer a hotel, here are some that I’ve stayed at and absolutely loved:
Allegretto Vineyard Resort – Tuscan luxury meets California wine country. I stayed here for a girls weekend in a double queen room with an outdoor terrace and it felt like a retreat, perfect mix of wellness and wine.
River Lodge – Easy, budget-friendly, and super close to downtown Paso Robles. Dog-friendly with amazing mid-century modern meets motel cowboy vibes - and best of all, complimentary breakfast by the stunning pool.
DAY 2: Saturday
🍷 11am: Austin Hope Wines
We started the day at Austin Hope with an outdoor tasting, and WOW—this space has evolved! It’s now a full-on wine village with chic corners, stylish lounges, and shaded seating that’s perfect for larger groups.
Why I loved it:
I always feel the welcome drink, especially if it’s a sparkling, is a great touch at wineries! They are dog-friendly, so our pug was able to join us again. We zoomed through the wine tasting and loved every moment of it.
They’ve really leveled up their offerings while keeping the vibe approachable. I was impressed with how each tasting area felt curated and cool. We had a shady outdoor section that was ideal for our group—laid-back but still luxe.
🏹 1pm: Cass Winery
Cass Winery is a wine wonderland. Set among rolling vineyards, their outdoor patio is the place to be at lunch. We indulged in their famous summer pasta salad and enjoyed a lively tasting hosted by none other than Ted, the owner and a Paso legend.
Why I loved it:
Perfect for big groups, especially during the day. Ted and his team make you feel like family—fun, funny, and full of great wine wisdom. And the best part? Cass offers everything: food, tastings, archery, horseback riding, and even a boutique hotel on the property.
🏨 Bonus tip: I’ve stayed at Geneseo Inn (on the Cass property) before and couldn’t recommend it more. Each room is made from a shipping container with vineyard views and complimentary estate breakfast delivered to your room. Total wine country dream.
🍴 6pm: Dinner
We mostly cooked in our Airbnb (because birthday wine + kitchen = magic), but here are two dinner spots I love and recommend every time:
Fish Gaucho – Upscale Mexican with killer margaritas and ceviche.
The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar – Cozy, lively, and all about rotisserie chicken, craft cocktails, and a killer wine list.
DAY 3: Sunday
🍇 Final Stop: Tablas Creek Vineyard
We closed the weekend with a stop at Tablas Creek, which I always recommend as a first and final stop of the day, for many reasons. First, they’re known for pioneering Rhône varietals in California, and after one sip you’ll be hooked. Second, you’ll leave with a table full of wine glasses and they offer many opportunities to re-visit a wine, if you love it. Third, stay for their desert wines, they’re one of my favorites and I think about them long after I leave.
Why I loved it:
It’s serene and somehow still lowkey. The tasting patio overlooks biodynamic vineyards, and every pour feels thoughtful. Their staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and will blow your mind with history and winemaking techniques behind the brand.
🌱 Don’t miss their biodynamic tours and behind-the-scenes look at how sustainable winemaking actually works.
💡 Final Tips
📍 Use Travel Paso to check for events, restaurant openings, and itineraries.
🎉 The Paso Robles Wine Fest is happening in May (soon) —mark your calendar!
TL;DR:
Paso Robles is the chill, cool-girl cousin of Napa with big wine energy and small-town charm. You’ll find world-class wines, unpretentious vibes, and endless ways to toast to the good life.
Ready for your own wine weekend? Grab your besties, book that stay, and don’t forget the stretchy pants because the culinary scene is also **chef’s kiss**
