A run to Paso Robles...or other?

[TheEngineer]

Heading to LA this weekend, and if time permits, heading to a wine country in the area. I was thinking of a one day jaunt to Paso Robles. Is this a good stop and if so, any suggestions? I went to Temecula last time and not really looking to go back soon.

Mike

[Innkeeper]

If you belong to the Tobin James Wine Club stay at their guesthouse, preferably Sun Room. We've been there twice.

More great wineries in the area than you could possibly get to. On the East Side in addition to TJ there is EOS, Eberle, and AJB (killer Zin). On the West Side there is Pipestone (Rhone Ranger), Peachy Canyon, and many others such as Justin we can ill afford. Have not been to or had any Tablas Creek, but have heard much good about them.

Carl

[Innkeeper]

Forgot to mention restaurants. Two we have been to and highly recommend are McPhee's Grill in Templeton (a few miles south), and Berry Hill Bistro in Paso (marinated steak with AJB Zin!). The most well know in Paso, and one we have not been to, is Bistro Laurant.

[wondersofwine]

Paso Robles sounds like a long drive from L.A. Santa Barbara County would be closer.

[Kcwhippet]

Yeah, but we know the long distances Eng is willing to travel - he made a 6-7 hour run from his home to Glenora in about 5 hours. You're right though. SB would be a much better haul than Paso, because that's halfway to SF. How about this, Eng. Why not give Brian Loring up in Lompoc (a bit past Santa Barbara) a call or email and ask for a visit (tell him I sent you). He can run you through all his barrels.

[winoweenie]

I second the Santa Barbera and you can also use me name wif the Loring purveyor. Downtown Santa B also has the Retail outlet for Santa Barbara winery which has been producing some pretty nice juice. WW

[TheEngineer]

I just left Brian a call...it might be too late... Thanks gents. IK, I appreciate the pointers too...I might head up there Sunday as I might have time too....just in case.

[TheEngineer]

Would it be better to go up on Sunday? I am around both days. WW and KC, could I impose on you to give Brian a call for me too.....I'm not sure that my message to him was not too cryptic.....sorry for the inconvenience..... I land around 10:00am PST so I have time to get up there for the day. [img]http://wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] I left him my number so if he can that is great...if not then that is fine as well.. either way if he could leave a message then I will pick it up when I get off the plane.....I can't believe I'm going to impose on so many people....... [img]http://wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[winoweenie]

Imposition is when you ask us to meet your plane, pick-up your baggage, drive you to the hotel and use our credit card to check-in. Will call Brian this morn. WW [img]http://wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

[TheEngineer]

Ww, I'm enroute. You r awesome1

Many thanks from sunny ca.

Mike

[TheEngineer]

WW and KC, thanks for your help! I went to the winery today and realized unfortunately that it was closed. I called Brian and left him a message apologizing for the extreme short notice and that I would (now that I know where it is) come back another time. (I think I knocked on all the doors starting from the Pali to Ace engineers [img]http://wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img] )

I got a very nice message later from Brian Loring who was very apologetic but he was very busy at another event this weekend so he would not be back. Even though he must be having a tough schedule, he took the time to give me a call. I really did appreciate that. Thanks much Brian and I will definitely come back one day.

All in all, it was a nice day for a drive!!! Stopped off at K&L's new store in Hollywood too. Maybe I'll go back up to Santa Barbara tomorrow after the seminars......but man does 101 come to a halt around Ventura County and Oxnard....

[winoweenie]

Sorry that you dint make connections Eng. There's lots of other wineries in the area. And the 101 is loaded from it's junction with the 5 until you get to Santa Rosa. Used to get up at 4 am when leaving Newport Beach on my way to Napa and still took 7 hours to reach San Fran. WW