In Part 1 on Allegretto Vineyard Resort we covered the restaurant, Cello Ristorante & Bar. Now I’d like to discuss something that you would not typically think of at a resort in Paso Robles…art! I’m not just talking about a few paintings or murals lining the hallways. No, I’m talking about statues, sculptures, paintings, old intricate wooden doorways, and so much more.
Doug Ayres, owner of this property, has put so much thought and effort behind each detail. Each piece has a purpose. When Linda Sanpei of Parker Sanpei (a PR and marketing company in San Luis Obispo) gave us the tour with more detailed information than one could possibly take in, it was quite evident that Doug not only has a keen eye but enjoys the meaning and stories behind the art.
Based on conversations I had with a few people, it sounds like they may be planning “art tours” at Allegretto so people can come in and really learn about the diverse art displayed throughout the facility. I for one think this is a great idea. We shall see what happens. You can see some of the art in the slideshow below. You will also see some shots of the room we stayed in and the huge courtyard with beautiful mature olive trees.
Speaking of olive trees, the other thing they’ve done very well is the landscaping. From the mature olive trees and table grape vines to all the young plants that will serve as natural screens and walls in time. They’ve also got two bocce ball courts, a pool area with cabanas, a small vineyard, a chapel behind the resort, two small to medium sized event rooms you can rent, one large event space that can hold 300 people, and gorgeous sunset views from the restaurant patio and front of the resort.
One of my favorite moments while we were there was after dinner we decided to take a glass of wine and sit in the courtyard by the fire. I absolutely felt transported to another place. It was peaceful, comfortable, and for our short stay I certainly felt like we were somewhere in Europe. You don’t see Paso Robles when you’re in the courtyard…and maybe that wine helped the imagination take us away as well.
Doug and his team have done a wonderful job and I look forward to many wonderful visits for wine, food, and probably a little bocce ball action. Thank you to Linda Sanpei, Doug Ayres, Chef Eric Olson, and the Allegretto team for the tour, the room, the food, and the hospitality. See you soon.
Don’t forget to check the slideshow below. Cheers!
But first….some interesting facts about Allegretto:
– There is a huge slice of a sequoia tree in the salon that is HUGE. They figure the slice was taken about 100 feet up, which means the base of the tree would have been three times the size of the slice.
– The crystals on the chandeliers in the hallway each have their own unique sound. They’ve been placed to create a symphony.
– There are matching pairs all over the grounds. For example, there is a painting of birds on one wall, and in the room on the other side of the wall, there are the same number of birds in a sculpture. This was intended to create harmony and balance.
– There are 100-year old Pichilin olive trees all over the property. These were the olives first used in martinis and are what is used to make the estate olive oil.
– There is a fountain in the middle of the courtyard that has concentric circles – representing life.
– The statues on the property face the same direction as the stones they were carved from stood in Rome.
– There is the “Hall of Wisdom” which features different religions from all over the world.
– The “Romeo and Juliet” tunnel leading into the courtyard is big enough to fit a horse and carriage, if that’s how one chose to enter.
– During the Summer, there is a café open to serve the pool and cabana goers.
– The abbey is for ceremonies, as well as Chara classes (similar to Yoga).
– There are fruit trees all over the property that bear fruit to be used in the restaurant.
– The spa on property offers services like a meditation room, 3-stage aromatherapy, infrared detox sauna, and couple’s massage, to name a few.
– The “Willow Creek” tasting room onsite is available for local wineries to come and pour for guests and visitors. It will house the Allegretto label when it gets bottled.
– The Allegretto has about 40 acres in the Willow Creek area planted in mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with about 7-8 acres planted onsite.
– There is an ever-expanding Chef’s garden outside the restaurant. Chef Eric Olsen loves to forage.
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