We broke up our trip down HWY 1 with a detour in to Paso Robles. We had heard wonderful things about this small wine region and had discovered a waterpark that we knew the family would enjoy after a long day on the road.

The scenic drive into Paso Robles from the coast is beautiful as hills of golden grass turn into a sea of vineyards.

Z Ranch

Our digs for the two nights in Paso Robles was a renovated farm house on a property that included a zebra (we nicknamed Zee-bruh, so creative are we), Alpacas, sheep, chickens, cows and horses amongst its human inhabitants. Each morning, deer strolled across the property. On side of the property was a vineyard and it was nice to wake up and stroll the property each morning.

“Wine tasting before waterparks” as a general life philosophy that we adhere to led us to Four Lanterns Winery.

This was blind choice from dozens of wine tasting options and we truly lucked out. The proprietor, Jackie, serves their wine while her husband takes charge over the winemaking process.

Paso Robles is HOT! This means that big wines are made in this region, Zinfandel being a popular choice. Four Lanterns specializes in Rhone blends which was a treat as we were seeking some unique flavors far different from whatever wine happens to be BOGO at Publix that week.

We enjoyed a flight of wines, all delicious, on the outdoor lawn while learning about the history of Paso Robles wine country.

Jackie recommend we hit Peach Canyon Vineyards as our next stop on the way to tube rides and lazy rivers and we were happy we took her advice.

Paso Robles is FRIENDLY. You instantly get the vibe of a down to earth, warm and welcoming, farming and ranching community when arriving in Paso Robles. From the grocery store check out clerk to employees of the wine tasting rooms and teens enjoying their summer jobs as lifeguards at Ravine Waterpark, smiles abound and pride for Paso Robles are evident.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch while being served more Rhone style wines by a young and knowledgeable employee of Peach Canyon before heading off to the waterpark.

Temperatures were approaching 100 degrees in north Paso so a waterpark was a great way to spend the afternoon. A family favorite was a slide we nicknamed “the toilet bowl” and you can easily see why…