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Posted May 2006
Quick Guide: May through August in Paso Robles
Think hot. Think Mediterranean. Though Paso Robles is a coastal
area that gets plenty of cooling ocean breezes, many of the vineyards
you'll be visiting are far enough inland that the breezes feel
like barely a whisper during the heat of the day.
The best bet is, like most California coastal regions, to pack
layers of clothing that can easily be changed up as the day gets
warmer, and the nights cool down. Because there's nothing worse
than being caught in a tank top as evening temperatures dip, and
you're left shivering at the dinner table.
What to pack
Regardless of the season, the temperatures at the coast can quickly drop several
degrees in just a few hours, so it's always a good idea to bring layered
clothing. Have a warm jacket or sweater for cooler evenings (though you may
never need it in the balmy summertime) or misty mornings; plenty of loose-fitting,
airy shirts and slacks (leave the jeans at home), a sunhat and sunscreen.
Don't feel the need for pretense here, many of the wineries are still simple
tasting rooms where chances are you'll get a member of the family pouring
for you.
Dining Style
As in most of California, there's rarely
an occasion you'll need a tie or sport jacket. Even the most sophisticated
restaurants usually welcome diners dressed in pretty much anything
appropriate for a casual office environment: slacks and a sweater,
a comfortable skirt, pants, whatever—though for really upscale
dining its best to avoid jeans if possible.
The People You'll Meet
The Wine Country in Paso Robles is still very much an emerging
region, and the attitudes of folks around here reflect that.
They're hard workers, eager for a complement or two, and proud
of the great wines they're producing. Because this region is very
agricultural, don't be surprised to come across plenty of folks
who've just come in from the fields or vineyards who are eager
to talk shop. Conversely, the area can also be quite cosmopolitan,
with nearby universities and excellent dining, so don't feel like
you're completely out in the sticks.
Typical temperatures
Temperatures rarely go below 70 degrees in the summer, and routinely soar into
the high nineties during the day. There may be mist in the morning or late evening,
but mostly you'll be sweating.
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