I’m really curious about what you think of Paso Robles. Mainly, are there things you think are going really well in the Paso Robles wine industry (what specifically)? And on the other side of it are there things you think need some work, some tweaks…that could make things better?
Part of the reason I’m asking you is because I often get asked…so curiosity got the better of me and now I’m asking.
Thanks!!
If I could afford to have a “second home” anywhere, it would be in Paso Robles! we LOVE the Paso Robles area for wine, food and fun! We have visited Santa Barbara/Los Olivos/Solvang, Napa, Sonoma and Oregon but always want to return to Paso Robles. Living in Texas, we make one trip a year to the U.S. wine country. We alternate our trips by going some place, then Paso, some place then back to Paso. No other wine producing area grabs and holds on to our hearts like Paso Robles. The staff in restaurants, hotels and wineries alike are gracious and polite. The wine is FANTASTIC! The restaurants are unique and provide a delicious value product for the money. We have adored the Paso area (including SLO) since our first visit years ago. Then we go and discover your blog…OMG!! Where else would there be a couple who “taste wine for the people”????? A Texas lover of CA wines!
April…you are awesome!! I really agree with all your points. Obviously there are some exceptions…not all are doing great customer service, etc. But that’s our goal…to find those places that are really here for the people and doing good things. We love this area as well and we just want to do whatever we can to keep it legit!! Cheers to you!!! 🙂
After taking 3+years to find the right combination of a nice home and plant-able property, we found our dream in Paso Robles. No other location had the combination of small town charm, upscale restaurants and great wines! Now after living here for a year and 4 months, we are even more convinced that we made the right choice in our search for a fulfilling retirement locale. Paso is not perfect…we have to deal with the water issues now before too many more vineyards are planted and the aquifers are tapped out beyond capacity. And of course, we have our roads! Drive Airport or Union enough and you’ll have to visit your dentist for all of the fillings you have lost!!! But these things are all on the radar and are being addressed. Our wine industry is growing and with that will come the inevitable growing pains. We do not long to be another “Napa” but are more similar to “Sonoma-style”. We are passionate about the vines and the wine that comes from them but not to a point of over-commercialization and from that, we will define the Paso Robles style of vineyards and wine…one with it’s own description!
This community has a large and caring heart and that has been one of the most compelling reasons for believing we will work through the issues as they confront us. People really care about one another and it shows. Walk the streets downtown and strangers look you in the eye and say “hi”! Strike up conversations at a tasting room and you feel like you have met a long lost friend! Stroll through our farmer’s markets and feel the passion that the farmer’s have for the crops they produce! It’s the people of Paso that really set us apart from other towns, large or small…we are a community that cares and we are all a part of that!
Wow Steve…I really like the way you put your response together!! I REALLY agree with you which is why we are buying a house and raising Sammy here. I also agree there are some concerns but it seems like they are or will be addressed.
My big thing is that I wish city council would do a bit of a better job marketing itself to the citizens of the city. When bad or dumb things happen they sit back and don’t come out and communicate. I really wish they would be more conversational and engaging with the community…I don’t don’t think they do a horrible job, but I think they could do a better job.
Cheers to ya Steve…great comment about Paso Robles!!
Can I take a train or bus from Paso to San Jose? Thanks! I would like to live in Paso and commute to San Jose.
Hi Pete. Yes, there is a train/bus station right downtown in Paso Robles.