Your Perfect Blend of Adventure Awaits - Come Craft it!
In SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), the art of blending goes far beyond the wine glass—it's your playground for discovering the magic of perfect pairings. From crafting your own custom wine experiences to mixing the ideal day of coastal adventures, cultural discoveries and outdoor fun, sun-soaked SLO CAL serves up an enchanting array of flavor combinations to tinker with: morning surf sessions followed by afternoon wine blending, vineyard ziplines paired with boutique shopping, rugged hikes rewarded with a farm-to-table feast—and that's just the beginning!

Experience Wine Blending in SLO CAL at BlendFest on the Coast:
This February, SLO CAL's blend of discoveries takes center stage during BlendFest on the Coast (February 20-23, 2025). Over 40 Paso Robles wineries gather in San Simeon and Cambria to showcase innovative blends against a breathtaking seaside backdrop.
Join winemaker dinners featuring farm-fresh cuisine at iconic coastal venues like the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, test your skills at the interactive Blending Seminar, or attend the show stopping Sunset Grand Tasting on Oceanpoint Ranch's Sundance Lawn, where exceptional wines meet Pacific views and live music.
The festival concludes with Sunday winery visits, inviting you to explore the diverse landscapes and warm hospitality of Paso Robles Wine Country. With so many SLO CAL destinations and attractions nearby, you can easily design your own itinerary that expertly blends local wine and wonder.
Master the Art of Wine Blending
Back to Top of ListReady to roll up your sleeves and create something special? From intimate winery workshops to hands-on wine blending seminars, SLO CAL's vintners invite you to unleash your inner winemaker. Learn the delicate art of combining wine grape varietals while basking in SLO CAL's legendary hospitality and vineyard-flanked scenery. Whether you're mixing up a masterpiece at a quaint Paso Robles vineyard or exploring elegant tasting rooms along Highway 1, you'll find exclusive access to wine blending fun throughout the region.

Your Guide to Wine Blending Adventures:
The Blending Lab: Hands-On Wine Science
Throw on your crisp, white lab coat and join the fun at The Blending Lab in Paso Robles, a working laboratory where wine becomes an accessible adventure for everyone. Through their Guided Wine Blending Classes, you'll craft your own unique bottle tailored precisely to your taste. Their modern, fresh space at Paso Market Walk welcomes both walk-ins and reservations for solo or group classes. Here, wine isn't just for experts—it's a bridge connecting people, cultures and stories in every glass.
Mix it up: Cruise Highway 46 West to the beach, combining a day of Paso Robles wine tasting with laid-back coastal discoveries in nearby Cayucos, Cambria or Morro Bay.
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery: Bordeaux Dreams
Channel your inner French winemaker during JUSTIN's Barrel Tasting & Deconstructing Isosceles experience at their iconic Paso Robles tasting room. With Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc at your fingertips, you'll learn the secrets of balance and harmony that have made JUSTIN's Isosceles wine blend world famous—and yes, you'll take home your creation to impress your friends back home!
Tip: The Restaurant at JUSTIN is a Michelin-Star hot spot serving ultra-seasonal delicacies paired with world-class wines. Book an Estate Wine Tasting & Lunch or explore their immersive Chocolatier for a Day offering for even more DIY deliciousness.
Mix it up: Blend this elegant experience with a rugged horseback or e-bike ride through the vines!
Oso Libre Winery: Ranch-Style Blending
Experience the freedom of wine blending at Oso Libre (translated: 'Free Bear'), where oak-studded hills and grazing cattle create a stunning ranch backdrop for your winemaking adventure. Watch for their hands-on blending events (like their annual Blending Seminar and Luncheon), where you'll learn the art of blending while enjoying a hearty wine country meal. Tip: Don't forget to ask about Oso Libre's estate beef offerings—a savory souvenir worthy of your latest wine creation.
Mix it up: Elevate this earthy endeavor with a majestic hot air balloon ride high above a brilliantly painted Wine Country landscape.
Riboli Family Wines: Craft Your Competition Blend
Get in on the friendly competition at Riboli Family Wines through their signature blending workshops. Discover shimmering beakers filled with various varietals as you challenge fellow guests for the title of Best Blend! Whether you're a serious wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable experience, these interactive sessions blend education with unbridled creativity. Keep an eye on their events calendar for upcoming blending workshops.
Tip: The winery's on-site bistro serves up delicious Italian comfort food, perfect for a post-blending celebration.
Mix it up: A trip to Paso Robles is incomplete without strolling downtown's historic streets, checking out colorful tasting rooms, restaurants, galleries and boutique shops.
Beyond the Bottle: A Blend of SLO CAL Experiences
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Coastal Delights
- Meadows and Main Street: Savor a meadow wine tasting at Stolo Vineyards where cool ocean breezes shape exceptional white wines, then explore Cambria's charming antique shops.
- Rock and Roll: View Morro Bay's iconic rock by boat (wave hello to the otters!) before settling in for afternoon wine tasting at Absolution Cellars on the oceanfront Embarcadero.
- Paddle and Pour: Kayak to Avila Beach's historic Point San Luis Light Station, then return for tastings at beachfront wine rooms like Peloton Cellars, steps from the sand. For ultimate relaxation, cap off the blend with a soak in natural hot springs at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.
- Surf and Swirl: Catch waves in sunny Pismo Beach, then savor sunset sips at Tastes of the Valleys wine bar, a local favorite. Crown your adventure at Dolphin Bay Resort's Lido restaurant, where ocean views enhance every bite.
Adventure & Nature
- Trek and Paddle: Hike the rugged trails of Montaña de Oro State Park, then kayak peaceful estuary waters. Refuel at laid-back Beerwood in Baywood Park, where seasonal snacks complement a rotating mix of craft beer and wine.
- Soar and Sip: Get your adrenaline flowing with a zipline tour over ancient vineyards with Margarita Adventures in Santa Margarita, then reward yourself with a tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery, where wines are grown in rare ancient sea bed soil.
- Dunes and Dining: Start with a rugged ATV ride along Oceano's legendary shoreline, then head to Jocko's Steakhouse in Nipomo, where cowboys and winemakers rub elbows over authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue.
- Coast and Corkscrew: Pedal along one of California's most stunning stretches of coastline from Ragged Point to San Simeon, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Pacific. After your scenic Highway 1 cycling adventure, reward yourself with oceanfront wine tasting at Hearst Ranch Winery, where you can savor estate wines and a well-earned lunch while watching waves crash against the uncrowded shore.
Small Town Treasures
- Gardens and Grains: Begin at Kula Vineyards and Winery in Atascadero for small-lot wines, grab dinner at Cielo’s Rooftop Bar and end your day at Tent City Beer Company—because sometimes the perfect blend includes a craft brew with a view of Sunken Gardens.
- Stretch and Savor: Start with morning yoga at Templeton's VinYoga, explore premium wines, spirits and more at Castoro Cellars, then feast at McPhee's Grill where farm-to-table meets vine-to-glass.
- Frescoes and Fine Wine: Discover spectacular Mission-era artwork at Mission San Miguel Arcángel, then venture to Villa San-Juliette Vineyard & Winery where European flair meets stunning views and chef-driven eats.
- Tiny Town, Big Flavors: Step into the whimsical town of Harmony (population 18), where Harmony Cellars pours stellar Zinfandel alongside storybook views. Continue to Cayucos for famous brown butter cookies and a sunset stroll (or fishing!) on the historic pier.
Urban & Valley Ventures
- Shop and Swirl: Explore downtown San Luis Obispo's vibrant boutiques, books and gifts, then unwind at nearby Tolosa Winery with world-class pinot noir and savory charcuterie. The sprawling patio is a popular spot to lounge for a reason!
- Links and Libations: Tee off at Nipomo's Monarch Dunes, then celebrate your score in nearby Grover Beach at The Spoon Trade, where local wines complement creative cuisine.
- Vintage Views: Cross the iconic swinging bridge into Arroyo Grande's whimsical village—browse boutiques and antique shops, then settle in for an incredible farm-to-table dinner at Ember.
- Valley Ventures: Cruise Edna Valley's tasting rooms, where chardonnay and pinot noir shine against rolling hills and ancient volcanic peaks. Afterward, choose your adventure: The beach at sunset or a stroll through dynamic downtown San Luis Obispo. Either way, you’re only a few miles from dinner and a show.
Tips for Crafting Your Best SLO CAL Blend
Back to Top of ListCheck First, Sip Better: When blending wine country experiences in SLO CAL, be sure to check for hours and seasonal offerings—many spots feature special touches like live music, food pairings or seasonal events that can make your blend even better!
Layer Like a Local: One of SLO CAL's best features? Everything's close! Start your morning kayaking, spend afternoon hours soaking in mineral springs, then wind down with a winemaker dinner amongst the vines. Just remember to bring layers—SLO CAL's sublime weather can shift from sunny to breezy as you move from coast to countryside.
Wild Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for SLO CAL's remarkable wildlife. Spot exotic zebras along Highway 1 (descendants of Hearst's famed herd), watch for seals, pelicans, whales and otters all along the coast—nature adds its own special blend to every SLO CAL adventure.
Follow Your Flow: Remember, the best blends often happen when you let the essence of SLO CAL guide you. Follow that intriguing side street to a locally-loved coffee shop, peek into that funky record store or let the aromas from a neighborhood farmers' market lead you to your next culinary discovery. Like any good blend, the gold is in going with your instincts and savoring the journey.

Why Blend in When You Can Mix it Up in SLO CAL?
It's time to put your own spin on SLO CAL vibes. Whether you're putting on your winemaking hat to create your own wine blend or mixing outdoor adventure with culinary discoveries and beyond, SLO CAL supplies endless opportunities to bottle the best California blend.
Farm-to-table eats, diverse tasting rooms, vibrant galleries, historic sites, wildlife viewing, unique boutique shopping and so much more—now's your chance to choose your SLO CAL ingredients freely! From the craggy cliffs of San Simeon to the rolling hills of Paso Robles and stretching on through the stunning dunes of Nipomo, each unique SLO CAL stop uncorks the opportunity to discover an unforgettable blend that is far more than the sum of its parts.
Remember, the best blends aren't just found in the bottle—they're created in the memories you make along the way. So raise a glass to adventure, creativity and the delicious magic that awaits in SLO CAL.