Chardonnay Stroll: Sipping Paso Robles Downtown

Paso Robles is celebrated for its bold reds, but Chardonnay lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the heart of downtown. The region’s diverse microclimates and innovative winemaking have led to a variety of Chardonnay styles—from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and buttery.

Learn all about Chardonnay (and its best friend, Sauvignon Blanc)!

In downtown Paso, we have 10 wineries with Chardonnay to celebrate on International Chardonnay Day Thursday, May 22 (this is celebrated on Thursday before Memorial Day in the United States). 

Why Paso Robles Chardonnay?

Paso Robles is uniquely positioned to produce an impressive spectrum of Chardonnay styles, thanks to its diverse terrain, microclimates, and coastal influences. The region’s rolling hills, varying elevations, and diurnal temperature shifts create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay grapes that can be crafted into a variety of flavor profiles. From crisp, citrus-driven Chardonnays aged in stainless steel to rich, full-bodied versions with buttery textures and hints of oak, there’s truly something for every wine lover. Downtown Paso Robles brings this diversity to your fingertips, with tasting rooms offering thoughtfully curated selections that reflect the region’s broad winemaking capabilities.

Whether you’re a fan of fresh and mineral-forward whites or prefer the complexity of barrel-aged Chardonnays, downtown Paso has the perfect pour waiting for you.

Where to Taste Chardonnay in Downtown Paso Robles

With over 20 tasting rooms within walking distance, downtown Paso Robles is ideal for a self-guided Chardonnay tour. Grab our map from or just stroll the downtown streets.

If you’re exploring downtown Paso Robles, here are some top spots to sip and savor this versatile white wine:

Alamar Wines

Explore their exquisite Chardonnay, straight from Santa Lucia Highlands. Some of our favorite cheese to pair with this Chardonnay are Brie, Triple Cream, & Monterey Jack.

Alpha Omega/Tolosa

Tolosa’s Chardonnays showcase the diverse terroirs of California’s Central Coast, offering a range of styles from crisp and unoaked to rich and barrel-aged.

CaliPaso Chardonnay

Calipaso’s Chardonnay from Paso Robles delivers a well-rounded and expressive wine, with bright fruit flavors and a touch of oak that adds depth without overpowering its smooth, elegant character.

Derby Wine Estates

Derby Wine Estates’ Chardonnay from the Derbyshire Vineyard captures the essence of the San Luis Obispo Coast with its bright citrus flavors, crisp acidity, and subtle flinty minerality that reflect the vineyard’s cool coastal influence.

Hayseed & Housdon

Hayseed & Housdon crafts 2 Chardonnays: Excuse My Dust Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, crafted from Edna Valley grapes, and delivers a bold, terroir-driven profile. Steel Reins Chardonnay from Santa Lucia Highlands is stainless-steel-fermented chardonnay. It is light, crisp, dry and obviously NOT oaked.

High Camp

This crisp and refreshing coastal chardonnay comes straight from the sunny vineyards of Green Gate Farms in Edna Valley. With its inviting golden hue, it’s bursting with flavors of citrus, melon, and just a hint of vanilla from spending 8 months in neutral oak barrels.

Hope on Park

This tasting room showcases a variety of wines, including a well-balanced Chardonnay that reflects the region’s terroir.

Hoyt Family Wines

This Drink-it-all-day Chardonnay is elegant and crisp with light oak and a hint of butter. It has won Gold in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2 years in a row!

Indigené Cellars

This Chardonnay from Santa Lucia Highlands grapes is complex, with focused citrus notes and light minerality. Layered tones of almond and quince frame vanilla and asian spices that fade as the medium toast expands.

Justin Vineyards & Winery

Known for its Bordeaux-style reds, JUSTIN also offers a refined Chardonnay at its stylish downtown tasting room. Pair your tasting with small bites for a complete experience.

Learn all about Chardonnay (and its best friend, Sauvignon Blanc)!

Whether you’re a Chardonnay aficionado or just beginning to explore this versatile varietal, downtown Paso Robles offers a delightful and accessible wine-tasting experience. Cheers!

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