Cuisine has always been part of California’s Central Coast culture. In the mid 1800’s early ranchers hosted large Spanish style feasts for ranch workers featuring oak grilled beef. This special style of barbecue is now a major attraction for visitors in our region. You can still cruise down Spring Street in Paso Robles any holiday or weekend and find smoking oak pits offering up a juicy tri-tip barbecue meal, pinto beans and all.
While agriculture and great food have always been synonymous, it is the recent explosion of the Paso wine industry that has seduced artisan food producers, chefs and restaurateurs to region. Paso Robles’ rolling fertile hills and valleys, nurturing warm climate, coupled with the bountiful nearby ocean and abundant cattle ranches, also contribute to the allure and add to the diverse landscape of premium fresh food products to choose from.
Known as agri-tourism, foodies are now discovering that Paso Robles offers an inside look at the local farms, ranches and vineyards that shape the flavors of the region, and Paso Robles seems to be able to maintain its approachable goodness. Many locals enjoy sharing stories and history about families who have farmed for generations. Welcoming new producers who have discovered Paso Robles also contribute to the flavor of the region with their passion and craft.
Imagine eating just picked ollieberries warm from the vine, or customizing fresh made goat cheese with local herbs, or sipping different varieties of local olive oil, or dining on farm tables under the warm sun shaded by oak trees after a day of harvesting grapes. When back from a day on the farm or vineyard, picture yourself taking a stroll around the City Park for a do it yourself Downtown Foodie tour. Start at We Olive on Park Street for olive oil, tapenade and vinegar tasting, step into the courtyard at Thomas Hill Organics for a farm to table snack, and continue to Estrella or Fenomenal eateries for tapas and beer. Stop by Clayhouse or Orchid Hill tasting rooms for an urban wine tasting experience. Then, linger a little longer with a gelato from Powell’s Sweet Shop or enjoy the patio at Vivant Fine Cheese for a wine and cheese pairing.
Satisfy your culinary appetite in charming Paso Robles, California. Friendly farmers, regional food purveyors, chefs and winemakers will all welcome you. Now is the time to discover why Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast is becoming a favorite culinary destination.
What to look for now?
Artisan cheeses, organic and sustainably grown produce, heirloom vegetables, olive oil, lavender, honey, sustainably grown meat and poultry, locally caught fish, and world-renowned wine!
Central Coast Lavender Farm ~ Seasonal farm stand, U pick, events and tours by appointment. www.centralcoastlavendar.com
Happy Acres Family Farms ~ Goat cheese farm and farm stand. Tours by appointment. www.HappyAcresFamilyFarm.net
Jack Creek Farms ~ Seasonal U Pick garden, tours, events, picnic ground and pumpkins. www.jackcreekfarms.com
Natures Touch ~ Local produce and products, nursery, and natural food products. www.naturestouchnurseryandharvest.com
Olivas de Oro Olive Company ~ Olive Oil and olive products, olive orchard, tasting room, events. Open weekends & by appointment. www. Olivasdeoro.com
Pasolivo Olive Oil ~ Olive mill, tasting room, events. www.pasolivo.com
Windrose Farms ~Biodynamic farming for professional and recreational chefs. Seasonal Saturday tours. www.windrosefarm.org
Mt. Olive Organic Farm ~ Sustainable & organic produce, olive oil, bakery, lunch, tours by appointment. www.mtoliveco.com/farm/
Indian Valley U Pick Farm ~ Northeast of San Miguel bring your own container for seasonal heirloom fruits & vegetables. Call pager before coming, 805.227.5660
Stillwater Vineyard ~ boutique winery with seasonal farm stand herbs and vegetables grown on the winery estate. www.stillwatersvineyards.com
First Crush Winemaking ~ offers wine making and blending seminars, and seasonal harvest experiences
Reserve Events & Destinations is a Destination Management Company that specializes in wine and culinary experiences on the Central Coast of California. Groups of all sizes enjoy unique experiences, customized activities and connections to the region provided by their services.
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