Need to get away from the mainstream? Take the Hidden Wine Trail Eastside. Highway 101 in Paso Robles separates the wine regions into the West and East. On Hidden Wine Trail Eastside Here are five very different and fascinating wineries. You will love each of these because they are fun and different from the mainstream. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views and the wines offered by these terrific wineries.
Our selection of the best-hidden wineries on the eastside
• Penman Springs – Coziest and friendliest tasting room
• Cass Vineyards – A good place to enjoy a deli lunch
• Pear Valley – Amazing views of eastside vines, spacious tasting room
• Pomar Junction Vineyard – Nine generations of farming at this ranch
Dining and Lodging Recommendations
Restaurants Premium Lodging Wine Map Planning Guide
Winery Descriptions, Driving Directions, Tasting Room Hours
Pear Valley
This winery started in 1999, and the winery and tasting room opened in 2009. Pear Valley has one of the most spectacular views in all of the Paso Robles wine country. They do weddings here, and what a memorable setting it is. The tasting room is vast, as in the picnic area. The vineyards are sustainably, and the buildings are energy efficient. One of the things that I like about this winery is the pricing of the wines. The wines are excellent quality wines, and there are plenty to choose from in the under $20 range. Directions from downtown Paso Robles: Head north on Spring St. and turn right on 24th Street. Turn right on Union Road. Take the first left to stay on Union Road.
Penman Springs Vineyards
Penman Springs is a low-key, very friendly tasting room. Usually, you will find a couple of delicious appetizers to go along with the wines. The wines are all quite good and the best thing, reasonably priced. The dry Muscat Blanc and the Merlot are outstanding. The tasting room usually has some appetizers to go with the wine. Penman Springs is a little more than a half-mile from Clautiere on Penman Springs Road.
Cass Vineyards
From Penman, turn left onto Linne Road and travel 2.3 miles to Cass. Note, during the winter, this road could be washed out. If so, you will have to take a long way around. It means going back on Penman. Turn right on Union and right on Geneseo Road. Take a right onto Linne Road to Cass Vineyards.
You will find things more serious and wine-like at Cass Vineyards. This winery has a very elegant tasting room with a beautiful tasting area and a great looking barrel room. Everything about the winery is on the chic side. The staff is serious but friendly. But the best part of a visit is the wines. Our two favorites are the Tango, a dry rosé Rhone, and the Rockin One, mainly a Grenache wine with an added touch of Syrah. Wines are all estate wines, and the production of each is minimal. The winery has a very cozy picnic area and lovely vineyard views.
Pomar Junction Vineyard
Pomar Junction is about 15 minutes away from Cass. From Cass head east on Linne Road for 1.5 miles. Continue straight onto Geneseo Road for 2 miles. Turn right onto Creston Road and travel 3.5 miles and turn left onto S. El Pomar Road and proceed 1.7 miles to the winery entrance. Eight generations of the Merrill Family have been farming Pomar Junction. For 30 years, the family grew grapes for many Paso Robles wineries. After much pondering, the family decided to make wines with the best of their grapes. Now it is Dana and Marsha Merrill and son Matthew that farm the vineyards sustainably. Matt is the winemaker, along with consulting winemaker Kevin Riley of Sextant Winery fame. Pomar Junction is a cozy spot to taste wine and even better for picnicking. There are a boxcar and caboose to check out and beautiful views of the vineyards. You will love the wines at Pomar Junction.
Addition Wine Routes in Paso Robles
- Highway 46 West
- Backroad Wineries Eastside
- Highway 46 East
- Vineyard Drive Wineries
- Adelaida Wineries
- Paso Robles Wine Country Guide