Insider Travel Tips to California Vineyards with Secret Attractions

Paso Robles wine country tours are a staple activity when visiting California vineyards. Local wineries are world-famous for their products, but did you know that when California wine tours take place off the beaten path, amazing attractions await?

Peachy Canyon Winery: Romantic Cottage Getaway

The Peachy Canyon Winery is famous for its red wines. Look for Merlots, Cabernets and expect Zinfandels. Of special note are the blends, such as the 2008 Vesuvio, which contains primarily Sangiovese, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The main attraction is the Old School House tasting room, which features small batches of wonderfully crafted concoctions.

When you leave the local winery tour behind, you notice the Peachy Canyon Guest Cottage. It is a one-bedroom cottage built in the middle of the California vineyards associated with the Peachy Canyon Winery. From Sunday to Thursday, it costs $200 per night to stay; on Friday and Saturday nights it costs $225. A barbecue grill invites to a romantic evening for two, set against the backdrop of Petite Syrah as well as Zinfandel grapes. Being out in the middle of nowhere was never more fun.

Eagle Castle Winery: Sunday Night Venetian Mask Carnival

With more than 750 acres of California vineyards, and the remarkable Eagle Castle as a backdrop, this winery is a major landmark among local wineries. Wine country tours without a stop at the Eagle Castle are incomplete. Grapes currently planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Merlot.

Not mentioned on any of the California wine tours are the Sunday night Venetian Mask Carnival events. Pay $15, and visit the winery on Sundays between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. While you do not have to be a member of the winery's club -- it is free to join -- there is a $5 per ticket savings if you do. Check the winery's events and look for the Sunday Venetian kNights listing. Who needs Venice when this winery offers an authentic masked ball?

Castoro Cellars: Monthly Changing Art Exhibits

Walk down to the tasting room that is situated in the Cobble Creek Vineyard. The theme is Mediterranean, and for only $3 you have the option of tasting seven different wines. If you make a purchase, the tasting room fee is waived.

If your taste departs from traditional wine country tours and tends to be more artistic in nature, the Castoro Cellars are your destination of choice. Every month or so, the winery features a new art show that may highlight water colors one month, and oil on canvas during another. Head to the Castoro Cellars Gallery for a breathtaking display of varying artwork; walk around the outside to enjoy the local scenery. (If you sketch, do not forget to bring your colors.)

Establishment Information

Peachy Canyon Winery
1480 N. Bethel Rd. in Templeton, CA 93465
(866) 335-1918
Tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eagle Castle Winery
3090 Anderson Rd. in Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 227-1428
Tasting room hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Castoro Cellars
1315 North Bethel Rd. in Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 238-0725
Tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.