«Return to Blog List Explore the Craft Distilleries of Paso Robles

While Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a bonafide wine destination, there’s another growing beverage scene to take note of: craft spirits. It’s true! Paso Robles is building a reputation for its boutique distilleries, offering an alternative tasting experience for visitors to discover.

So how does a wine region venture into the world of craft spirits? Well, it all started when a few winemakers began to take their leftover grape extracts and use it for grape-based spirits, to help minimize waste. Soon, more passionate individuals started experimenting with distilling spirits. Today, this growing community of farmers, brewers, winemakers and bartenders have put Paso Robles on the map as a true distillery destination.

Getting Started

If you’re a fan of brandy, gin, vodka or the like, you’ll love venturing out along the Paso Robles Distillery Trail. This trail is a collection of distilleries spread throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. Included are one-of-a-kind distilleries such as Paso Robles’ first craft-distillery, RE:FINED, where a variety of spirits feature only all-natural, local ingredients. Azeo specializes in vodka and brandy made from apples. Pendray’s produces brandy and grappa.

Tin City

Just south of Paso Robles in an industrial cul-du-sac district known as Tin City, you’ll find Calwise Spirits Co., makers of rum and gin. You’ll also find Wine Shine, which crafts brandy with everything from mango and black peppercorn to hibiscus and lemon. Tin City is a fun area to explore for those interested in wine, craft beer and cider, too.

46 West

Over along the Highway 46 West area of Paso Robles Wine Country, you’ll find a couple of distilleries inside of wineries. These include the speakeasy-style KROBAR at Barton Family Winery, which specializes in small-batch gin and bourbon. Red Soles Distillery at Red Soles Winery produces natural and infused spirits using a handcrafted sill from Germany.

All About Grappa

Rounding out the list of craft distilleries in Paso Robles include a few more creative pursuits. Bethel Road focuses on outstanding grappa and aged brandy. Willow Creek Distillery features pear brandy, grappa and walnut brandy made with organic walnuts from the Opolo Winery estate.

These nine distilleries each feature their own unique artisanal spirits worth exploring. They each offer an alternative way to taste through the area. If you’re worried about drinking and driving, though, check out the ‘Chase the Spirits’ tour from Alabaster Box Charter. During this afternoon distillery tour, you and up to five other adults will be escorted to three craft distilleries in the area. On the tour you’ll taste some of Paso Robles’ finest craft spirits. The best part? Alabaster will be able to pick you up from and drop you off at the Adelaide Inn, or a destination of your choice.

The Adelaide Inn is located in the heart of Paso Robles Wine Country just minutes from historic downtown Paso Robles’ shopping, dining and wine tasting rooms. Come see us and discover why the Adelaide Inn is your home away from home. We ensure that exceptional service, immaculate rooms and thoughtful amenities are all designed with comfort and convenience in mind.

Tags: Distilleries, paso robles, spirits, things to do