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April 2-5, 2026

PASO ROBLES

Blending Escape

Immerse yourself in the rustic charm and burgeoning viticulture of
California’s Central Coast with our trip to this enchanting wine region.

We will meet the innovative winemakers who harness the unique microclimates and diverse soils to cultivate a remarkable array of grape varieties, resulting in world-class wines. We will indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences that capture the essence of Paso Robles’ bounty and pair perfectly with the wines. With the rolling coastal hills as your backdrop, and laid back Paso Robles hospitality at every turn, we’ll engage in an unparalleled exploration into Paso’s flourishing wine culture.

WHY YOU GO

• The perfect blend of laid-back rustic charm and modern winemaking

 

• Otherwise impossible insider access to some of Paso’s most exciting up and coming wineries, Vines friends like Turtle Rock, Epoch and Hubba

 

• Our epic farewell pizza party with Juan’s and our winemaker friends, each bringing a special bottle from their own cellar – one unforgettable night of great wine, wood-fired pies, and shared stories to toast the end of an incredible journey

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 - THURSDAY, APRIL 2

WELCOME TO PASO!

Welcome to Paso Robles! Whether arriving by car or through nearby airports like LAX (a scenic three-hour drive), San Luis Obispo, or San Jose, your journey brings you to The Piccolo – a lively yet laid back retreat perfectly suited for our experience.

 

Welcome drink and Orientation Tasting on the rooftop

Begin your Paso Robles adventure with a curated tasting in the hotel’s rooftop bar area. Guided by our superstar winemaking partner Juan Mercado, you’ll explore the region’s renowned Rhône varietals and discover why Paso Robles is celebrated as the “second Rhône.” This tasting compares the distinct styles of the Old Guard and New Guard, setting the stage for the days ahead.

 

Dinner in downtown Paso at The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

We’ll take a leisurely stroll to one of Paso’s favorite local haunts, where a delicious, wood- fired rotisserie dinner awaits. Paired with hand-selected hidden gem wines from the area, this meal offers a perfect introduction to the flavors of Paso Robles. In addition to tasting some of the wines from the restaurant’s list, we will be joined by a passionate local winemaker showing her lineup of Bordeaux and Rhône blends.

DAY 2 - FRIDAY, APRIL 3

TERROIR, TIN CITY & LIGHTS

 

Private tour, tasting and lunch at Epoch Winery

We will be joined by winemaker Jordan Fiorentini and owners Bill and Liz Armstrong for a tasting of this critical darling’s lineup of wines, followed by picnic lunch in the vineyard with sandwiches by local favorite Red Scooter Deli. The creatively prepared seasonal meal will be accompanied by some older vintages of Epoch’s own wines.

 

Tin City Wine Crawl

Tin City is an “evolving industrial makers market nestled amongst the oaks where friends, adventurers, and aficionados come together to partake in craft wine, beer and spirits served up by Paso’s most passionate artisans.” We will walk through and take our time tasting through the offerings at the various micro-producers, including local favorites Hubba and Jacob Toft. There are local snacks and one of the state’s best ice cream makers along the way.

 

Sunset viewing at Sensorio Light Show

Arrive at the magical Sensorio Light Show just in time for sunset. With a glass of Paso wine in hand, soak in the mesmerizing interplay of art and nature as the rolling hills are transformed by Bruce Munro’s world-famous Field of Light installation.

 

Dinner at Les Petites Canailles

Cap the evening with a meal at this intimate farm-to-table bistro blending the flavors of California’s Central Coast with French-inspired finesse. Their thoughtfully curated wine list features a harmonious mix of traditional and modern selections, making this a dining experience to remember.

DAY 3 - SATURDAY, APRIL 4

BLENDING & PASO COMMUNITY SPIRIT

 

Blending session with our partner Juan Mercado

Step into the creative world of Juan Mercado, one of Paso Robles’ most innovative winemakers and one of our newest partners. He’ll guide you through a tasting of base wines, Rhone varietals and Tempranillo blends sourced from his favorite vineyards. Under Juan’s expert tutelage, you’ll craft your very own blend, perfectly tailored to your palate and reflective of the Paso Robles terroir.

 

Catered lunch at the winery

After your successful foray into winemaking, pause at the winery’s long table for a relaxed lunch prepared specially for us, and paired with some Juan’s own wines.

 

Rest and relaxation

Enjoy some downtime to unwind. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride or simply relax at the hotel.

 

Epic gourmet pizza party at Juan Mercado’s home

Our last evening promises to be a delightful one – we’ll convene at Juan Mercado’s winery, where we’ll feast on wood-fired pizzas paired with exceptional wines from Juan’s private cellar. Expect a festive atmosphere as some of Juan’s winemaker friends stop by, bringing their own special bottles to share. It’s the perfect way to wrap up our time together, celebrating in true Paso Robles style with great food, incredible wine and warm company.

DAY 4 - SUNDAY, APRIL 5

DEPARTURES

 

Check out and departures, or stay for more epicurean adventure.

THE DETAILS

How to arrive

The closest airport is San Luis Obispo (SLO – approximately 2.5 hours by car) but guests can also fly into San Jose (SJC – 2 hrs 45 mins by car) or LAX (3 hrs 40 minutes by car). The Vines can help arrange transfers (not included in the trip cost) from any of these airports to the hotel.

Accommodations

The Piccolo, a lively yet laid back retreat tucked just off Paso Robles’ historic town square.

 

Winemaking – Juan Mercado & Anthony Yount

Originally from Mexico but having grown up in Northern California, Juan Mercado began in the wine business by assisting famed Napa winemaker Pax Mahle. He later founded Napa darling Realm Cellars, which quickly garnered critical adulation and amassed a multi-year waiting list. In 2018, ready for a new adventure, he moved to Paso and started RIISE, buying two local storied vineyard designates and sourcing from other sites in the Willow Creek District. With consulting winemaker Anthony Yount, he now creates surprisingly balanced, texturally elegant wines.

Maximum number of guests

16

SOME of the EXCLUSIVE WINES
YOU WILL DRINK

Highlights from during the adventure…

 

Tablas Creek “Patelin de Tablas” Blanc 2022
My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Linne Calodo “Nemesis” Red Blend 2021
L’Aventure Estate Rosé 2023 in magnum
L’Aventure “Optimus Estate” Red Blend 2014 in magnum
SITE Larner Vineyard Grenache 2014
Lone Madrone “Points West” White Blend 2022
Indigené Cellars Pinot Noir Monterey County 2020
Field Recordings “Nolan” Xarel.lo 2023
Field Recordings “Bartholomew” Red Blend 2023

At the final night’s pizza party…

 

Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Rosé NV
Dr Loosen “Wehlener Sonnenuhr” Riesling 2018
Joseph Colin Bourgogne Aligoté Les Jardins de La Côte” 2020
Lopai “Heliotrope” Red Blend 2020
Lopai Syrah 2020
Lopai “Nocturnes” Red Blend 2021
Royal Nonesuch Farm “Hokum” Red Blend 2021
Copia “The Story” Red Blend 2021
Copia “The Cure” Red Blend 2021
Copia “The Source” Red Blend 2021
Turtle Rock “Westberg” Red 2021
Turtle Rock “Willow’s Cuvee” Red Blend 2021
RIISE “Doyen” Red Blend 2019
Fulldraw Vineyard “Honey Bunny” Red Blend 2021
Fulldraw Vineyard “Chopping Block” Red Blend 2019
RIISE “Jovian” Red Blend 2019
La Bruja Vino Regional 2022
Guigal Vignes de L’Hospice St. Joseph 2019
Royal City Syrah 2009

PRICING INFORMATION

    Member Double
    $8,950
    Member Single
    $6,700
    Guest Double
    $12,800
    Guest Single
    $9,100

    The trip cost includes all accommodations, meals, wines, local transportation and group activities. Guests are responsible for the cost of their flights and airport transfers to the hotel.

     

    Please note that Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

     

    Cancellation Policy
    Please review the cancellation policy for this trip on the RSVP page.

    Photo Credits:

     

    Some of the images used in this itinerary correspond to the hotels,
    wineries, restaurants, and destinations that are part of this unique experience:

     

    https://riisewine.com/
    https://thepiccolo.com/
    https://www.hatchpasorobles.com/
    https://epochwines.com/
    https://www.lpcrestaurant.com/