For anyone keen to explore the world-famous wine region of Central California, the cities of San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach are the perfect jumping-off points.
(Photo: Sidecar Tours Inc. San Luis Obispo / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Teeming with world class vineyards, lovers of the fermented grape see a trip to California’s Central Coast region as being akin to a religious pilgrimage. Tens of thousands of visitors come in their droves each year to gain a fascinating insight into the wine-making process – not to mention a chance to sample some of the local produce. Here are some of the best guided wine tours and tastings that start in San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach.
Private Sidecar Wine Tour with Wine Tasting
Embark on a memorable private wine tasting tour in San Luis Obispo with a twist in a tandem sidecar motorcycle. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll enjoy the freedom of the area’s backroads, stopping off to visit a total of three acclaimed wineries and enjoy wine tastings with your experienced guide. As you travel between the wineries, feel the wind rush through your hair as you marvel at the beautiful scenery and hear the history of the sites from your guide. Your sidecar ride, guide, winery admission, and wine tastings are all included in the tour price. From $199 per person.
Heart Castle & Paso Robles Wine Tour
(Photo: Toast Tours)
Combining a wine tour with a visit to one of California’s most historic landmarks, this small-group adventure offers a memorable day of discovery. After collection from either San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach, you’ll traverse mountain-lined highways en route to the magnificent 19th-century Hearst Castle, where a guide will show you around. Next, it’s the seaside town of Cambria to explore, have lunch and shop. You’ll finish the day in Tin City, Paso Robles’ hippest wine destination, visiting two boutique wineries, plus breweries, a cider house and more – all fully guided. The tour price includes castle entrance, tastings at the two wineries, bottled water, and transport. From $189 per person.
Paso Robles Wine Adventure
Meet other wine enthusiasts on this intimate, small-group tour that includes visits to 4-6 regional wineries. With the option of meeting in San Luis Obispo, and with no fixed routes, the itinerary can be fully customised to fit each individual group’s preferences, allowing them to pick and choose from the 300 or so vineyards in the area. Tours run whatever the weather and are hosted by experienced, knowledgeable guides. A complimentary deli-style picnic lunch can also be included if requested. From $205 per person.
Eastside Paso Robles Limousine Wine Tour
(Photo: HarshLight via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Explore this magical Californian wine region in style by travelling between wineries in a private limousine. Starting with a morning pick-up in an air-conditioned vehicle from San Luis Obispo, this full-day tour invites guests to visit four individual award-winning wineries. During each visit, you’ll be shown around the site and get to learn about how wine is made before trying out some of the home-grown produce. Transportation, wine samples, and bottled water are all included in the tour price. From $966 per person.
Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour
This semi-private tour allows guests to set their own pace by hopping on and off at wineries of their choosing. After a morning pick up at your chosen location in San Luis Obispo, for the ensuing 5 hours you’ll traverse the scenic environs of Paso Robles Wine Country, stopping off at several vineyards along the way. At each, you’ll be accompanied inside by your driver to meet your wine-tasting hosts before enjoying a sumptuous sampling session of the in-house plonk. Each stop can be extended at the guests’ request. The tour price is inclusive of transport, bottled water, snacks, and lunch. From $122 per person.