We visited the northern San Luis Obispo (SLO) county area for the first time in the late 80s, first returning again in 2006 to western Paso Robles and the coast town of Cambria. We are impressed with the growth of the wine industry in SLO, as well as with the excitement and vintner creativity there.  In many ways, Paso Robles reminds us of Sonoma County back in the 1980s – or Napa in the 1970s.  The wineries are generally smaller, less crowded, and friendlier...going SLO. 

The folks behind the tasting bar are also more knowledgeable than their more commercialized counterparts in Sonoma and Napa.

We visited “west side” Paso Robles once again for a long weekend this past June 12 – 15, 2009.  We stayed at the Canyon Villa, a “bed & breakfast” where we’ve stayed before.  B&B hardly describes the quarters – it’s a mini-mansion Tuscan style with 270 degree panoramic killer views of the mountains and accomocates up to 4 guest parties.  Jim and Diane Babcock, the owners and hosts, know their way around the local wineries and are a fount of information.  Add to that Diane’s terrific breakfasts, the large Jacuzzi-style tubs in the rooms, and, … well, for us, it doesn’t get much better than this! It costs little more than a standard business class hotel, so for weekends you’ll have to reserve weeks in advance.