Hotel at a Glance: Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles

There’s hardly an inch of Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles’ 20 acres that isn’t put to good use. The rest of the outdoor grounds surrounds guests in garden-lined walking paths, a pool, and even a bocce ball court. There’s plenty to do inside the 4.5-star, European-inspired resort as well. Paintings and sculptures fill common areas and some 171 rooms and suites, where guests sleep beneath 14-foot ceilings.

• Resort credit: You get $50 per stay to spend on dining and spa treatments.
• Local flavor: Allegretto’s chef works closely with local farmers to create organic cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Or, visit Cello Ristorante and Bar, which offers dishes made from regionally farmed and foraged ingredients, alongside an extensive domestic and international wine list, garden-to-glass cocktails, and craft beers.
• Treat yourself with spa services such as a body scrub, facial, or four-handed massage.
• Sip even more wine: Beyond the onsite vineyard, Paso Robles Wine Country has more than 200 vineyards and wineries. This Groupon comes with two wine passes per stay to local vineyards.
• Nearby activities include kayaking and visiting Hearst Castle, the 1947 estate of William Randolph Hearst.

Paso Robles, California: 32,000 Acres of Wine Country Just Miles from the Ocean

Visitors to Paso Robles would do well to book a hot-air balloon flight at some point during their stay. It’s only from high up that one can fully appreciate the expanse of the region’s vineyards. In total, there are about 32,000 acres of grape-growing soil spread across the mountain landscape. Back on the ground, you’ll find the fruits of these vineyards at hundreds of local tasting rooms and restaurants. To help navigate this sea of merlot and zinfandel (the area’s heritage wine), look to local tour companies such as the Wine Wrangler.

Once they’ve had their fill of wine, visitors can relax at a local hot spring—Paso Robles’ other claim to fame. It’s also just a short drive to oceanfront towns including San Simeon. Home to an enormous seal population and free rookery, San Simeon’s beaches are popular spots for viewing the animals up close. Nearby Pismo Beach has a 23-mile coastline ideal for surfing and beach culture—and you’ll see signs of both. Besides surfing and tanning, visitors enjoy hiking the Oceano Dunes and exploring the coast’s tide pools.

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