La Dolce Vita Meets California Dreamin'

Today, you'll leave coastal Santa Barbara to get the flavour of the inland wine region of the Santa Ynez Valley and the laid-back town of Paso Robles. Start your day off at this beloved local coffee shop and get on the road!
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Los Alamos is a gourmand town with adorable storefronts and a Western vibe, and, lucky for you, it's here to be explored! Though tiny, this one-road town has attracted impressive names in the food world, including Per Se alums Daisy and Greg Ryan, who run Bell's, a French-inspired bistro.
The 1880 Union Hotel has been serving up stiff drinks and Wild West ambiance since the late 19th century. It's still worth a gander for its authentic decor, pool table out back, and storied history as a stagecoach stop. (The facade is a replica, but it's still pretty cool!) If that doesn't pull you in, you might like to know the building is at least partially owned by Kurt Russell, who pops in from time to time. Other celebrities attached to the venue include Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Jon Bon Jovi, all of whom filmed music videos here.
The lobby is typically open so you can take a peek inside. The bar is unlikely to be open in the early morning.

In your explorations of town, you've probably come across a stately Victorian bed and breakfast, the historic 1880 Union Hotel and saloon, and well-curated wine emporiums. Stroll through town, savour its flavour, and have a relaxed breakfast at Bob's Well Bread Bakery to enjoy strong espresso drinks, superb bread and pastries, and scrumptious menu. Order ahead of time to beat the weekend lines!
Opening Hours: Thursday – Monday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday – Wednesday: Closed
Please note: at many stops, restaurants are closed from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Condé Nast Traveler calls Presqu'ile Winery “one of the ten most beautiful wineries in California”.
Take in the long drive to its doorstep and savour its luscious grounds, decadent tastings, and elevated atmosphere. Just 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, this family-owned winery is known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
Enjoy a tasting or a Wine and Food Experience on their outdoor terrace – reservations can be made here. Welcome to the Santa Maria Valley AVA!
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday: Closed

The Monarch Butterfly Grove in Oceano is a stop on the new Monarch Butterfly Trail that goes up and down the Pacific coast. From November to February, up to tens of thousands of monarchs descend on eucalyptus trees here while they wait out the winter, one of the largest overwintering western monarch populations in North America.
Park on the road outside the grove and walk over to the Monarch Butterfly signage. A short loop will take you into a lightly wooded eucalyptus grove. Look closely for brown clumps on the branches in case the butterflies are not flying around (if it’s too cold, they won’t fly.) Learn more about the population and phenomena here.
If you’re here during summer, this is still a great coastal stop, with a wonderful trail leading to a large stretch of sandy beach. Get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery!

Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) covers an enormous swath of landscape with rolling hills, rugged mountains, and Pacific coastline. It produces more than 40 wine grape varieties, and has over 200 tasting rooms and 40,000 vineyard acres.
One local favourite is DAOU Family Estates. The Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, are stars of the scene, delivering superb reds and whites that can be enjoyed with stunning views.
Given the popularity of this winery, reservations for the daily tastings may fill up, so plan accordingly.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
In the case that a tasting is full, other excellent Paso Robles wineries include Law Estates Wines, Epoch Estate Wines, and Booker Wines. Please note that alternative wineries close earlier.

Paso Robles has a strong connection to France, with its Mediterranean climate and history of wine making. You'll see this clearly at BL Brasserie, owned by a Frenchman serving classic French bistro food.
At BL Brasserie, you can savour traditional brasserie-style dishes, prepared with local ingredients and paired with Californian and French wines.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday: Closed
For reservations, please call +18052268191.

Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio, including both Field of Light and Light Towers, is a magnificent display of night-time lights that celebrates the unique beauty of wine country. Designed by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro as a temporary installation, this event has been so popular that its run has been repeatedly renewed. Much to the relief of those who love it, the installation recently gained "indefinite" status to be experienced for years to come.
This is a multi-acre, walk-through installation that features over 58,800 illuminated stemmed, flower-like fibre optic spheres "planted" into a mesmerising undulating terrain. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Purchase tickets here or arrive by 7:30 p.m. for day-of tickets.
Check for seasonal hours. During most seasons, Sensorio is open Thursday to Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Enjoy a stay at the cosy Hotel Cheval, a boutique property with just 16 rooms. This equestrian-themed hotel is classy and sophisticated, with a nod to the rustic, cowboy roots of the Central California Coast. The details are what make this hotel so beloved, consistently ranked a top hotel in the state, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles. Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.