Hotel Blog

Image: nerissa’s ring

The Paso Robles wine experience is all about sipping on flights of fine wine while you gaze over stunning rows of sun-kissed grape vines that stretch far into the distance…

Or is it?

Paso Robles’ Tin City is shaking the wine-tasting industry by the scruff of its neck and serving up some incredible samples in the industrial part of town.

Tucked away off Highway 101—nestled along the historic 1,200 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail—Tin City has been attracting small-batch artisanal wine-makers for five years now.
There are now more than a dozen wine-tasting rooms scattered throughout the district’s tin warehouses, rubbing shoulders with a brewery, a cidery and some distilleries.

Cutting edge producers include Aaron Wines, where the Petite Sirah and blends come from the rugged limestone hills of westside Paso Robles, and the vineyard-driven Pinot Noir comes from the coastal no-man’s-land west of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Then there’s Levo Wine, which is dedicated to the small batch process, producing just 1,000 to 1,500 cases a year. All of Levo’s fruit is sourced from cool climate Santa Barbara Rhone vineyards and steep Bordeaux vineyards of Happy Canyon American Viticultural Area in Santa Ynez.

And cider-lovers will adore the Tin City Cider Co, which produces a carefully-crafted cider from the best California apples. The cider varies on tap at Tin City change with the seasons—and you’ll probably catch some live music with your pint.

The Tin City experience less about gazing over rows of sun-kissed grape vines and more about sampling some fine renegade Rhone varietals in a super-hip, edgy setting.

If you’re searching for a unique wine-tasting experience, a getaway at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Black Oak Hotel is a perfect idea. This beautifully-landscaped property features a variety of impressive rooms and suites, along with a heated pool, sauna and hot tub.