Wine tasting - Paso Robles - TravBuddy

California has some amazing wineries, but the best-known are grouped around the Napa and Alexander Valleys up north. The Central Coast, while not as well-known, boasts some amazing wineries as well and can be enjoyed for a fraction of the cost of wine tasting in Napa (a typical flight is usually $5 at most, with many wineries offering free tastings).

Most wineries are located off of Highway 46 in Paso Robles, but also stretch south into San Luis Obispo and the Edna Valley. If you're planning on going to Hearst Castle or are even as far north as Monterey, Paso Robles is a short drive down Highway 101. Make a left onto Highway 46 and proceed east for about a mile before being rewarded by these great vineyards.

Extra bonus for history buffs: there are several California missions located along this route, most notably in Carmel, Soledad, San Miguel and San Luis Obispo.