Someone that Annie and I know very well recently asked us these questions and it kind of got me thinking. Even though I have my opinions this question can be taken many different ways.
-What is the future of the Paso Robles wine business?
-Will Paso Robles be able to preserve that small town feeling as the wine industry continues to blow up?
-Will Paso Robles have the needed infrastructure to deal with even more tourists than what we are currently getting?
-What does the future have in store for wineries? A) In regards to the wine, how will they take things to the next level? B) We’ve already seen a huge influx of music and food at wineries…what’s next on that side of things?
Paso Robles has changed a lot in the short 10 years that I have been here but what is in store and can the city handle it? We’ve seen huge improvement in the food, art, and beer scene for sure…what’s next? Is there a “what’s next”?
There is part of me that wonders if we’ll come full circle and get back to the simplicity of things versus the shiny, bedazzled stuff…not that I dislike the shiny, bedazzled stuff…I’m just saying that we see many things come full circle so maybe that’s a possibility. I see the food, wine, beer, and music continue to blow up. I foresee more wineries collaborating with other wineries, restaurants, and so on. There’s the new spirits distillery thing happening locally as well.
It seems many of the winery owners, winemakers, restaurant owners, and chefs are continuing to push the boundaries and I think that is great for Paso. That will only help to bring more recognition here but is recognition what we need if we cannot handle it internally?
So, these are some thoughts and questions I have…what do you think?
I hope Paso stays small. I love the new restaurants and new wineries but love the small home town feel of Paso. Sideways the book we think ruined Santa Barbara County wineries and the experience, we hope that doesn’t happen to Paso. The wines are outstanding the new restaurants are excellent but please don’t grow anymore, we like the small home town feel.
I like that small town feel too, Jo. In my mind I see that growth is inevitable but if the city planners can shape it properly it may be able to work. I hope the small town feel and the infrastructure can be dealt with accordingly.
do not let Paso become another Napa Somona or Santa Barbara County.
I totally agree, Jo. I guess time will tell. I just hope people can avoid the greed.
Thanks for posing those questions, Matt. I too am concerned about Paso – hoping so much city planners are able to incorporate the inevitable growth in such a way that the heart of Paso continues to beat strong, that the vibrancy folks love continues to shine brightly, that the small-town feel and community connections remain intact. Had one thought which is to create multiple centers as growth demands. Not more malls, but rather other places built around a park-like square rather than a parking lot, surrounded by local businesses. I don’t have an answer, but hope so much the Paso Robles planners continue to create with outside-the-box solutions so the Paso we all love gets even better — even if it must get bigger.
Karen…I absolutely agree and I’m glad you brought this up when you were up at the house. I like the idea of possibly adding more “centers” in the area…that could alleviate traffic and mass crowds of people while keeping the small town feel. Cheers to smart growth!