Adelaida Road is home to some of Paso Robles’ finest wineries, including Carina Cellars. Travel just ten minutes west of town and find the quaint winery and tasting room on David Hardee’s “Rancho del Cielo.” David purchased the property in 2006, which is home to 20 acres of Viogner, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and a bit of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat.  With access to quality fruit and at the guide of one of Central Coast’s finest winemakers, Joey Tensley, it is no wonder Carina Cellars is producing stellar wines.

Upon arriving at the “Rancho del Cielo,” guests are immediately welcomed by an open air tasting room with outdoor picnic seating. Look out for two adorable black kittens that will likely come to greet tasters. The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday during the winter and then open Thursday through Monday during the summer months. Check the website for current hours, www.carinacellars.com.  Each Saturday, a $5 tasting fee includes cheese pairings with Carina Cellars’ select wines.  Members of the wine club, which is called Iconoclast, are offered complimentary tastings and special discounts on wine and merchandise. Iconoclast members are also invited to members-only parties and are offered limited release and members-only wines. Iconoclast members can choose between either quarterly or bimonthly shipments of two, four, or six bottles of wine.

At the end of 2011, only 20 cases of the 2010 Viogner remained. This is the first release from the estate vineyard. Not only is it a stand-alone delicious wine, it shows tremendous promise for the estate red wines that will follow. The Viogner has notes of honey suckle, cream and stone fruit and is a truly balanced white wine. Napa Cab is not often easy to come by in Paso Robles, however, Carina Cellars’ Farmhouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is just that. Consisting of fruit from the Silverado Trail in the renowned Napa Valley appellation, the 2006 vintage is showing quite nicely right now and the inside scoop is that it will be presented on sale in the first part of 2012.

“Rancho del Cielo” is also home to a stunning guest residence that is available to the public year round. Rates start at only $275 for the three bedroom beauty. 360 degree mountain and vineyard views surround the home. This is an ideal place to stay in wine country with a small group of friends or family; not only is the house a short drive from both town and renowned wineries, it comes equipped with an infinity pool! Guests are also welcome to enjoy the Iconoclast benefits for the duration of their stay. For more information, visit www.vrbo.com/339203

During your next visit to the Westside of Paso Robles, venture out to Adelaida Road and enjoy the rustic charm of Carina Cellars.

Carina Cellars at 3525 Adelaida Road in Paso Robles. Call (805) 252-0860 for more information or go to www.carinacellars.com.