A Wine Lover’s Guide to Syrah
International Grenache Day is September 18, 2026, and International Syrah Day is February 16, 2027 and there’s no better place to celebrate than downtown Paso Robles, California. This dynamic region is renowned for its rich winemaking history and diverse terroirs, and it’s home to some of the finest Syrah, Grenache, and Rhône red wines in the world. Paso’s downtown wineries provide the perfect atmosphere to sip, savor, and celebrate this bold red wine.
Why Syrah and Grenache?
Syrah is a vibrant red wine is known for its deep color, bold flavors, and rich aromas of dark fruit, black pepper, and spice. Originating from the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah has found a perfect home in Paso Robles’ unique climate, producing wines that range from juicy and fruit-forward to complex and age-worthy. (Learn more about Syrah.)
Grenache (also known as Garnacha) is originally from north-eastern Spain, which then spread to southern France, becoming a widely-planted grage in the Southern Rhône. It has become a staple for blends in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as well as risen in popularity across the world, delighting palates with its sweet yet spicy notes
Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual drinker, Syrah, Grenache and Rhône red wines offer something for everyone.
Let’s explore Downtown Paso Robles wineries where you can indulge in these world-class wines.
Downtown Paso Syrah, Grenache, and Rhône Wines
Alamar
Nestled in the heart of Paso Robles, Alamar Winery is an intimate, boutique winery offering a personalized experience for Syrah lovers. Their focus is on creating wines with balance and finesse, and their Syrah is a true expression of the region’s terroir. The rich and complex layers in their Syrah will make it a memorable part of your celebration. With a cozy tasting room and a welcoming atmosphere, Alamar offers a perfect space to savor a glass of Syrah while soaking in the charm of downtown Paso Robles.
Bushong Vintage Company
Bushong Vintage Company is known for its welcoming and knowledgeable staff, offering a unique wine-tasting experience. They specialize in crafting small-lot wines, and their Syrah is no exception. Expect full-bodied, bold flavors with a mix of ripe fruit and smoky spice, an ideal pairing for celebrating International Syrah Day. The vintage-inspired tasting room gives a nod to Paso’s winemaking history, adding a touch of nostalgia to your wine journey.
CaliPaso Winery
CaliPaso creates Rhône-inspired blends that meld Syrah with Grenache and Mourvèdre, offering a bold yet smooth wine with layers of dark fruit and subtle spice.
Cendre
Cendre Winery is a hidden gem in Paso Robles, and its Syrah offerings are sure to impress. With a focus on creating wines with depth and elegance, Cendre’s Syrah showcases the rich and powerful characteristics of this grape variety. Whether you’re visiting for a tasting or enjoying a glass of wine in their stylish tasting room, Cendre is the perfect spot to enjoy Syrah’s full-bodied flavor profile.
Cloak & Dagger
Cloak & Dagger produces Rhône-style blends that are deeply expressive, with Syrah combining beautifully with other varietals for a rich, full-bodied wine.
Cypher Winery
Cypher is known for their experimental approach, producing exciting and complex blends that often feature Syrah as a key component, bringing together flavors of blackberries, white pepper, and herbs.
Decemil Wines
Decemil Wines is devoted to Rhône varieties, grown on their unique site in the renowned Paso Robles Willow Creek District AVA. The wines are meant to be both approachable and sophisticated, with balance and ageability. They offer several Syrahs, Grenaches, and Mourvedres, as well as various Rhône blends.
Diablo Wines
Diablo Wines specialized in Spanish varieties, but winemaker Enrique likes to dip his hand in many style of wines here in Paso Robles. His Diablo Garnacha is a Spanish-leaning version of Grenache, and his Max & Nico Syrah is a classic Paso big red. Enrique also won Best Red Wine and 2026 Winery of the Year from the Central Coast Wine Competition.
Derby Wine Estates
Derby Wine Estates offers an extraordinary tasting experience with stunning views of the Paso Robles countryside. Their Syrah is one of the highlights of their wine list, with bold fruit flavors balanced by a smooth finish. Whether you’re perched on their outdoor terrace or inside their beautiful tasting room, Derby’s Syrah will be the perfect wine to enjoy on International Syrah Day.
Hayseed & Housdon
Hayseed & Housdon blends Syrah with varietals like Grenache and Cinsault to create a wine with rich texture and fresh, bright fruit flavors balanced by earthy undertones.
Hope on Park
Hope on Park is a contemporary winery known for its fun and relaxed vibe. Their Syrah, a rich and peppery delight, captures the essence of Paso Robles winemaking at its finest. Enjoy the cozy and stylish tasting room as you sip and celebrate the bold flavors of Syrah with friends or fellow wine enthusiasts. With a central location in Paso Robles’ downtown, this winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their Syrah experience.
Hoyt Family Vineyards
Hoyt Family Vineyards bottles a beautiful Grenache.
Indigené Cellars
Indigené Cellars celebrates the unique terroir of Paso Robles and focuses on wines that reflect the natural beauty of the region. Their Syrah is a standout—deep, spicy, and full of rich fruit flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a glass at their tasting bar or relaxing in their inviting space, Indigené Cellars offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the complexities of Syrah from one of Paso’s finest boutique wineries.
LXV Wines
LXV Wines is all about a sensory experience. Their Syrah, rich with dark fruit flavors and hints of spice, is crafted to engage all of your senses. The winery’s beautifully designed tasting room and exceptional service make it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy International Syrah Day. Sip on their Syrah as you take in the winery’s luxurious ambiance, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Nenow Family Wines
Nenow Family Wines is family-owned boutique winery located in Paso Robles, California, dedicated to crafting small-lot, Rhône-inspired wines that reflect their passion and commitment to quality. Nenow bottles Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault, as well as a Grenache Rosé and various Rhône red and white blends.
Sea Shell Winery
Sea Shell Winery is a small, hidden treasure in Paso Robles that focuses on sustainable farming and artisan winemaking. Their Syrah is bold and smooth, offering layers of ripe berry flavors with a hint of pepper. Located just off the beaten path, this winery provides a serene environment to relax and savor the true essence of Syrah.
Serial Wines
Serial Wines is all about creativity and innovation, and their Syrah perfectly reflects this ethos. With a focus on small-lot production, their Syrah is a beautiful expression of Paso Robles’ diverse terroirs. Bold, fruit-forward, and peppery, this wine will give you a whole new appreciation for Syrah. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging experience, Serial Wines should be at the top of your list for International Syrah Day.
Seven Oxen Estate Wines
Seven Oxen Estate Wines, co-founded by Adriana Neal, Bastien Leduc, and Rebecca Leduc, is committed to environmental stewardship. Winemaker Bastien Leduc emphasizes sustainability at their CCOF certified organic vineyard in Paso Robles. They create approachable wines with old-world charm that reflect their unique terroir. They offer a Grenache and a Mourvedre.
Sol de Paso
Sol de Paso is a family-owned winery that prides itself on crafting wines with true character. Their Syrah is elegant and smooth, with flavors of dark fruit and spice that make it the perfect wine for any occasion. With a focus on creating approachable yet refined wines, Sol de Paso is a great spot to unwind and savor some Syrah.
Stilson Cellars
Stilson Cellars offers a truly unique and intimate experience. Their Syrah is rich, dark, and packed with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and spice. Known for their commitment to quality and excellence, Stilson Cellars provides a welcoming space where you can enjoy Syrah in its purest form. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a newcomer, Stilson’s Syrah will make your Syrah Day celebration special.
Tank Garage Winery
Tank Garage produces Rhône-style blends that are structured and approachable, and never makes the same wine twice! Last year, they let Syrah lead the way alongside other complementary grapes. This year, they have a red blend (with Grenache) called Il Peso, and a fun rosé Pét-Nat including Grenache called Pink Motel.
Syrah, Grenache, & Rhône Blends
While Syrah on its own is a powerful wine, and Grenache is lighter and fruitier, there’s something magical about blending it with other varieties, especially in the style of the Rhône Valley. These Rhône-style blends, often featuring Syrah as the star, offer a harmonious balance of flavors and complexities that showcase the versatility of the grape.
Paso Robles is the perfect destination to celebrate Syrah, Grenache and all the Rhône blends, with its vibrant winemaking community and exceptional wine offerings. From boutique wineries to stunning tasting rooms, the region’s downtown wineries are the ideal spots to indulge in this bold and complex wine. Whether you’re a red wine connoisseur or a first-time taster, Paso Robles has something for everyone. So, gather your friends, head downtown, and raise a glass to the beauty of Syrah and Grenache—today, and every day!
