christo

Going to California mid January and would appreciate if readers could provide suggestions on good restaurants in the wine region between Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. Also ideas on wineries that have tours and meals/accommodation available.

Thanks.

NeoPatrick

Have things calmed down yet at the place made famous by the movie Sideways?

laurenzo

type in "santa ynez" and "paso robles" in the search box and you will get some good information... Santa Ynez is one wine region and Paso Robles is another. They are about 90 minutes, at a minimum, apart.

off the top of my head some good restaurants are Hitching Post (in the movie Sideways), Los Olivos Cafe, Fess Parkers, Mattei's Tavern, Grappolo's in the Santa Ynez area (south)

There are loads of restaurants in the San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles area too (north).

Which area would you prefer? How long will you be here? If I know more specifics, I can give suggestions, ok?

christo

Thanks Laurenzo.

We will be staying 1 night each in Solvang, Pismo Beach, San Simeon and Monterey coming from and returning to LAX. I intend to drive via San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles sticking mostly to hwy 1 and 101. I never saw the movie and don't know the area.

MichelleY

Dear christo:

All the areas you mention are near wineries. Even near Pismo, See Canyon has some small wineries. Edna Valley is also near SLO.

Good luck.

MY

christo

Thanks.
Looking forward to this! Made a reservation at Hitching Post. I'll check out these wineries but am not familiar with California wine- I'm sure it's good though !

laurenzo

christo, what kind of food do you like? I can recommend French, Italian, Japanese, BBQ, seafood, etc if you let me know your preferences.
As Michelle mentioned, Edna Valley is near San Luis and has top rated chardonnays. You can buy many of our local wines inexpensively at the local Costco, unless you prefer to ship some home via the wineries.