Small-town charm meets sophistication in Paso Robles, the up-and-coming wedding destination for oenophiles, foodies and romantics alike. Tucked into the Centra lCoast, it serves as a beautifully functional midway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles, 200 miles equidistant from both cities .El Pasode Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” is 30 miles inland from the ocean and the coastal towns of San Simeon (home of Hearst Castle), Morro Bay and Cambria, boasting a pleasant Mediterranean climate that keeps nighttime temperatures cool after hot summer days. Graceful oak trees are sprinkled among the undulating hills and lush valleys, which are bedecked in grapevines, evidence of the area’s most popular industry and pastime, with more than 200 vineyards in operation.
Abundance thrives in this terroir, from the unparalleled landscapes to a rich history of Spanish missions, local fiestas and the Wild West. “There is just a lot to do,” gushes Kasey Helt, manager of Still Waters Vineyards. “Between wine tasting, or being so close to the ocean, or visiting Hearst Castle—there is so much for your guests to be a part of and to enjoy in the area—and the weather.” As a result, Paso Robles’ wide range of venues attracts brides of all sorts, from those with cowgirl boots on under their gowns to those in Manolo Blahniks frolicking down an aisle of estate vines.
Still Waters Vineyards
This enchanting boutique vineyard is nestled upon a hillside with immaculately cultivated, terraced grounds bursting with russet hues in the autumn and bright pops of color in the spring, when thousands of planted bulbs bloom. As many as 150 guests can watch your ceremony in the shade of a century-old grove of olive trees overlooking a serene valley vista of open sky and slopes of grapevines. If an intimate affair for 80 is more to your taste, then retreat indoors to the Barrel Room. A vegetable garden is at your caterer’s fingertips, as well as the estate’s blend of olive oil—petite bottles of which make tasteful wedding favors.
Silver Horse Winery
Built in 2005, this family-owned, hilltop winery is the epitome of country chic, with a breathtaking, panoramic view of surrounding vineyards that The New York Times deemed the best on the Central Coast. Effortless elegance can be found at every turn, from the dramatic vaulted ceilings of the Spanish-style architecture to the outlying reception building with room for 400 attendees, which also features canvas walls that roll up on sultry summer evenings. Thoughtful entertainment details, such as bocce ball, horseshoes and outdoor firepits, allow guests to meander about as they sip wine or nibble s’mores.
Santa Margarita Ranch
Head south from Paso Robles to get hitched at this historic ranch on 13,900 acres. It boasts a mid-19th-century farmhouse and a steam engine train to transport guests from the ceremony to the reception via a scenic route around the property. For the reception, a massive, rough-hewn barn encloses the asistencia—a stone building, with a capacity of 275, that was built in the 1770s as part of the California missions along the El Camino Real. For larger groups, make it a garden affair on the expansive grounds with space for as many as 1,000 guests.
Peachy Canyon Winery
Idyllic and intimate, this winery can accommodate weddings for as many as 200, but still lends the atmosphere of a cozy family fête. Tie the knot under an old-fashioned gazebo, with guests looking out upon hills of vines. The tasting room is an 1886 schoolhouse—clad in prim white clapboard—which serves as both a classic and endearing backdrop.
Paso Robles Inn
A jewel on the village square, this California Mission–style hotel was originally built in 1891 on a spot long coveted for its naturalhot springs. Those same thermal waters now flow into mineral tubs set within deluxe guest rooms for a splash of relaxation perfect for prewedding jitters. The well-appointed rooms look out upon lush gardens beribboned with winding brick pathways that lead to a brookside ceremony site, which accommodates 250 guests. Receptions take place on the outdoor patio or inside the historic grand ballroom, which features fully restored hardwood floors and towering ceilings. Brides adore the one-stop-shop appeal of the inn for its proximity to downtown’s many boutiques, tasting rooms and delectable restaurants—making rehearsal dinners, bachelor parties and sightseeing a snap.
Eagle Castle Winery
Ideal for those with visions of a fairytale wedding, this unique venue was built to replicate European castles of yore. The winery specializes inBordeauxand Rhône varietals, and together with the romantic rolling hills and grand architecture—complete with surrounding moat—it is the perfect setting for a royal affair. Extravagant offerings include a rooftop location with unparalleled views, a grand hall resplendent with tapestries and chandeliers, and an outdoor terrace with space for 250 guests to dance under the stars amid flickering torchlight.
Cass Winery
Relaxed and a dash offbeat, Cass welcomes guests with a dose of hospitality. Don’t let its top-notch wines belie its unpretentious modus operandi—a surfboard hangs over the barbecue and it is not unusual for locals to arrive on horseback for evening tastings. A remote hilltop meadow encircled by fields of grapevines sets the scene for a dreamy ceremony beneath the canopy of a 200-year-old heritage oak tree, with seating for 100. For the reception, estate chef Jacob Lovejoy creates delicious fare from the onsite garden, with options that run from haute cuisine to updated comfort food such as apple pie in Mason jars, beer floats or—a groom favorite—a whole roasted pig. The veranda comfortably shelters 100 guests, but the hacienda-style winery, with its two large barn doors, can be opened to make use of the tasting room or the cozy barrel room with its capacity for 70 guests.
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Additional image credits: Santa Margarita Ranch, Cameron Ingalls Photography; Silver Horse Winery, Cameron Ingalls Photography; Cass Winery, Jana Williams Photography