MrsEduc8r

Hi. Ever since I saw the movie, I wanted to do the Sideways wine tour. However, a friend of ours who is from the area said that the wineries in Paso Robles are better and that the area is nicer. I have only lived in Northern California a few years and could use the advice of the locals. Which of these two areas would you choose if you only had time to do one?

Thanks.

MichelleY

If you really want to do the "sideways" tour, then do it. Follow your wishes. Your friend's opinion is just that, his opinion.

dbdurand

That link is no longer valid. Try this one and click on "Download the PDF" to get the Sideways map.

http://www.santabarbaraca.com/experi...rism/sideways/

mlgb

I don't agree that the Paso Robles area wineries are better. And it cerainly isn't as scenic.

sequess

If you're looking for the Sideways experience then the Los Olivos area is where you want to be. The little town of Los Olivos is charming and one of the main scenes in the movie was filmed at the Los Olivos Cafe (which I like very much). That being said, the Paso Robles area has many more wineries so you would have more variety there.

michele_d

We really enjoyed the wineries north of Santa Barbara. Spent four days there. It's a lovely area to drive from winery to winery. I do not think you will be disappointed.

mlgb

Here is a link to the Santa Barbara Vintners Assn winery guide. Some of them are appointment only. I'm sure 60 wineries listed will give you plenty of variety.

http://www.sbcountywines.com/wineries/vineyards.html

SOCALOC

***I don't agree that the Paso Robles area wineries are better. And it cerainly isn't as scenic.***

Many renowned wine gurus would disagree with that BIG time! And I don't know where you've been in PR wine country but it has some of the most breath taking land in the state!

OTH, Santa Ynez isn't a slum by any means.

If you want fun do the Sideways tour. If you're a wine enthusiast head to Paso Robles. Personally, since you're coming from the north I would head to Paso Robles hands down.

Winesafaris

Where you go should be determined by the type of wines you like! Both areas are wonderful, but the wines are very different (as is the scenery). If you like Pinot then by all means go to the Santa Ynez valley. If you like Rhone-style wines, go to Paso.

The great thing is, you can do it all! Maybe not in one trip, but I'm sure you'll be hooked after the first one then that could just be the beginning of exploring ALL the great wine regions of CA.