At Vina Robles, the owners bring their Swiss heritage to California’s Central Coast, where they unite the best of both the old and new worlds. The team has built a stylistic bridge between the finesse of the European wine and the bold flavors of the estate grown Paso Robles grapes. Sourcing fruit from their five estate vineyards located on both the east and west sides of Paso Robles wine country the winery is able to take advantage of the diverse growing conditions to create standalone varietals as well as unconventional blends with distinctive character.

The best place to enjoy the Vina Robles experience is at their Hospitality Center located just off of Highway 46 East on Mill Road in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. The classic Mission-style design is enhanced with modern European elegance throughout. The hospitality center includes several event facilities, a gallery, a large market place with artisan foods, recipe books, gourmet gifts and several imported Swiss products. The spacious tasting room is located at the center of the building with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace and large windows for visitors to enjoy the views while tasting.

Visitors may choose to enjoy a traditional tasting at the large bar where they may taste three featured estate wines complimentary, taste up to six main estate wines for $7, enjoy the reserve tasting of limited-edition Cuvée Collection wines for $10 or they may select the Cuvée Collection paired with artisan cheese by Vivant Fine Cheese for $15. The varietals produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tannat, Touriga, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Viognier as well as a number of unconvential blends. The wine tasting fee is waived with purchase.

A new seated tasting area has been added to the tasting room by the fireplace. The café style area is the ideal place to enjoy a seated tasting of cheese and wine. Luana Gerardis, director of hospitality at Vina Robles, recently launched the new tasting program.” Some of the most glorious flavors in the culinary world are created with the marriage of the right wines to the right cheeses. Starting in February, we are excited to introduce a sit down wine and cheese experience in our hospitality center. Guests will have the chance to sample some local and international artisan cheese perfectly paired with the elegant and balanced wines of Vina Robles. We want to provide guests with a great tasting experience and even inspire them to host their own wine and cheese pairings.” In addition to the two cheese pairing menus, the hospitality center will soon be offering a gourmet chocolate tasting menu.

Whether visitors decide to enjoy a tasting menu, purchase items from the deli case, or bring their own picnic, there are many places to sit and enjoy food with wine. The large fountain in the courtyard is a focal point offered from the tables scattered along the perimeter of the building. The tables are tucked in under the building’s roof to offer shelter from rain or direct sunlight. Another peaceful retreat is on the east side of the building where tables and chairs are set by a gorgeous waterfall-style fountain. For those who prefer to sit inside, decorative tables with chairs and lounge areas can be found within the hospitality center.

The Vina Robles hospitality center is also home to a dedicated 1,800 square-foot art gallery with rotating exhibits featuring local artists. The Gallery is open during tasting room hours and from now until April 2nd, the Gallery is featuring a Chinese brush painting exhibit titled “The Dancing Brush” by the Central Coast Brush Painters. The exhibit will feature both paintings and calligraphy done on rice papers in the traditional Chinese manner. An Artists’ Reception will be held on February 4th from 1 to 4 p.m. and will include the presentation of art works by the artists, wine tasting and light appetizers. This event is complimentary and open to the public – no reservations required.

The winery is also holding a Valentine’s Day dinner this month. On February 14th, a four-course Latin Riviera-style dinner paired with wine is being held at the Estrella restaurant located in downtown Paso Robles. The dinner is $80 per person or $70 for Signature Club members and reservations are required. Guests will receive a special surprise gift as an added touch to a romantic evening. This is an excellent opportunity to try out one of Paso Robles’ hot new restaurants.

For another food and wine treat, on February 11th from noon to 4 p.m., a Harris Ranch beef pairing will be offered. Harris Ranch will prepare New York steak with their chef’s favorite seasonings. Guests will be able to taste the different flavors and learn how they pair best with Vina Robles wines. The winery also offers a Saturday Live Series every other Saturday with complimentary music in the tasting room from noon to 4 p.m.. On February 11, 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist Nataly Lola will be performing her distinctive folk-jazz repertoire coupled with her lyrics and melodies. Then on February 25th Tony Harmon, an internationally recognized concert guitarist who has performed on concert tour, on numerous television shows and in special events across the globe will be providing entertainment. He composed and performed the musical soundtrack for ABC television’s The William Randolf Hearst Story and performed at the Western White House for President Ronald Reagan.

With the multiple venues available at the hospitality center, there are several events offered each month. Check the winery’s website for details.