Tips for Planning a Paso Robles Wine Tour

Are you looking to visit the Paso Robles area of California and take a wine tour? If so, you have hit the jackpot. In the immediate area, there are over 170 wineries, many of which are open to the general public. This makes planning a wine tour fun and exciting.

Before sharing a few Paso Robles wine tour planning tips, it is important to focus on these tours. You may find variations of the meaning. For the most part, wine tours involve taking a tour through an area that is often known as wine country. Along the way, you stop and visit multiple wineries. Wine tasting is always involved. There are, however, wineries in the area that will allow you to tour their grounds with a guide. This is a wine tour, but a private one that usually requires an appointment

The first step in planning a Paso Robles wine tour is deciding when. If you live in or around the State of California, you should have more freedom. If you are vacationing, your travel dates may already be set in stone. The good news is that California has beautiful weather all year round. Many wineries are open to the public daily. Some Paso Robles wineries do cutback their hours during the winter.

Next, decide how you wish to get around. You have the option of driving yourself or taking a guided wine tour. When on a guided wine tour, you often ride in a van or a shuttle bus. If you intend to drive yourself, it is recommended that you choose a designated driver. This will allow your wine tour to be fun and safe. You will have to pay for a guided wine tour, but everyone is your group will be able to participate in wine tasting.

If you opt for a guided wine tour, you may not have much freedom in deciding where to stop. Many tour companies have arrangements with local wineries. This can work to your advantage though. You may receive discounts on the cost of wine tasting. In fact, the cost may be included in your overall package fee. Despite the lack of freedom, know that reputable wine tour companies carefully pick which Paso Robles wineries they stop at, ensuring you get the best.

If you opt to drive yourself, you have the freedom to choose which Paso Robles wineries you want to visit. As previously stated, the area is home to around 170 wineries. Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit all in one day. First, it is recommended that you do a little bit of research online. A standard internet search can tell you which wineries come highly rated and recommended, like Martin & Weyrich. When you choose a winery that comes highly rated and recommended, you are sure not to be let down.

In keeping with choosing wineries for stops on your wine tour, look for those where appointments are not needed. If you run late, will you still be able to enjoy an hour of wine tasting? Then, examine prices. On average, most wineries charge $4 per person for wine tasting. You will find some higher and lower rates. In fact, you will find some wineries that offer complimentary wine tasting. Complimentary wine tasting is nice, but may come with some restrictions.

Once you have selected which wineries you want to stop at on your wine tour, look at a map. To prevent backtracking and unnecessary travel expenses, organize the wineries in order of location. Start with the winery that is located the closest to your home or hotel.

As a recap, most Paso Robles wineries are open daily; however, you will find extended hours in the summer. Guided wine tours are recommended if no one volunteers to be the designated driver. When you do have a designated driver, choose your wineries carefully. Look for those that come highly rated and recommended, as well as those with low wine tasting fees.