Distilleries of Paso Robles
Paso Robles has evolved beyond its world-renowned wine reputation to become a craft spirits powerhouse. The region's entrepreneurial distillers are creating exceptional small-batch whiskey, artisanal gin, premium vodka, estate brandies, and unique liqueurs that capture the innovative spirit of California's Central Coast.
From intimate family-operated distilleries housed in converted barns to sleek modern tasting rooms with panoramic vineyard views, each stop on the Paso Robles Distillery Trail offers its own distinct character. Whether you're sampling barrel-aged bourbon, sipping botanical-forward gin, or discovering locally-inspired liqueurs, you'll experience the craftsmanship and creativity that defines this emerging destination.
Recognition Worth Raising a Glass To: SLO County has earned recognition as one of America's premier craft spirits destinations by both Travelocity and The American Distilling Institute, placing Paso Robles at the heart of California's distilling renaissance.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your Paso Robles distillery adventure, complete with curated routes, insider tasting tips, suggested itineraries, upcoming events, and recommendations for dining and lodging along the way.
Plan Your Route: Paso Robles Distillery Trail
Paso Robles Distillery Trail Overview
The Paso Robles Distillery Trail is your passport to exploring California’s Central Coast craft spirits scene. This self-guided trail connects more than a dozen artisan distilleries across Paso Robles, Tin City, Templeton, and beyond, each offering a unique take on whiskey, gin, brandy, vodka, and liqueurs. Along the way, you’ll discover everything from casual cocktail lounges to guided tours and behind-the-scenes tastings.
How to Explore the Distillery Trail:
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The trail is self-guided—choose your own route, check tasting room hours in advance, and book ahead for tours or classes.
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Use the official Paso Robles Distillery Trail Map to plan your stops. Distilleries are spread across Paso Robles, Tin City, Templeton, and beyond.
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For the smoothest experience, group nearby distilleries into one loop—perfect for a half-day or full-day itinerary.
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If you’re traveling with a group, consider a rideshare, transportation services, or private driver so everyone can relax and enjoy the tastings safely.
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Extend your visit with an overnight stay. From boutique hotels downtown to vineyard retreats and family-friendly inns, Paso offers a range of lodging options to match your style and itinerary.
Featured Distilleries (A-Z)
Distilleries to Visit
Paso Robles is home to a vibrant collection of distilleries, each with its own personality, signature spirits, and tasting style. From apple-based vodka and rum cocktails to grape-to-glass whiskey and handcrafted liqueurs, these stops highlight the creativity and craftsmanship that make the Paso Robles Distillery Trail a must-do experience.
- Azeo Distillery – Known for its innovative apple-based vodka, Azeo specializes in small-batch spirits crafted with precision and care. Tastings are typically by appointment, offering a more personalized experience.
- Bethel Rd. Distillery – Operated by the Udsen family of Castoro Cellars, Bethel Rd. brings a winemaking heritage into the world of distilling. Signature pours include grappa, aged brandy, and gin, with a tasting room located along the Templeton/46W corridor.
- Calwise Spirits Co. – Founded by Aaron Bergh, who comes from a family of moonshiners, Calwise produces rum, gin, and whiskey. Visitors can enjoy cocktails alongside casual bites in a relaxed setting, with options for guided tours and tastings.
- Donati Spirits – An extension of the Donati Family Vineyard, this distillery offers a chic lounge environment to sample oak-rested vodka, brandy, and limoncello. It’s a stylish stop for those who enjoy refined settings with their sips.
- Grain + Vine – Part of Barton Family Wines, Grain + Vine focuses on gin, rye, and bourbon. Located along the 46W corridor, the distillery also serves craft cocktails and bites. The name pays homage to both the farmer’s daughter and the grape grower’s son.
- Pendray’s Distillery – Founded in 2013 by Steve Glossner of Paso Port and Per Cazo Cellars, Pendray’s is known for brandy, grappa, and liqueurs. Tastings typically require reservations, and the Templeton location reflects its strong Paso Port connection.
- Re:Find Distillery – At the forefront of sustainability, Alex and Monica Villicana founded Re:Find to create grape-to-glass vodka, gin, and whiskey. The distillery evolved from Villicana Winery and Vineyard, making it a trailblazer in Paso’s spirits community.
- Tin City Distillery – Located in the bustling Tin City hub, this distillery produces brandy, whiskey, and the popular “Wine Shine”. Visitors can choose from tours, tastings, and curated cocktail experiences—all surrounded by a lively community of wineries, breweries, and eateries.
- Willow Creek Distillery – Housed at Opolo Vineyards, Willow Creek specializes in fruit brandies, grappa, and distinctive liqueurs. Don’t miss their Muddy Waters liqueur, made in partnership with Coastal Peaks Coffee, which highlights their inventive approach to flavor.
Tastings, Cocktails & Classes
Ways to Sip in Paso
Explore Paso Robles craft spirits through tasting experiences that range from casual sipping to hands-on learning. Whether you are interested in flights, cocktails, or exclusive bottles, there is something for every type of visitor.
- Flights and Cocktail Programs: Flights let you sample a range of spirits side by side, making them a great way to compare styles like whiskey, gin, and brandy. Cocktail programs showcase a distillery’s creativity, allowing you to enjoy spirits in signature drinks crafted to highlight unique flavors.
- Food Pairings and Bites: Some distilleries offer small plates or local snacks to enhance the tasting experience. From lounges to casual bar settings, pairing bites with spirits adds a flavorful layer of discovery.
- Hands-On Experiences: Go beyond the glass with tours, barrel tastings, or mixology classes. Some distilleries invite you to bottle your own spirit, step inside the still room, or learn blending techniques from an expert.
- Bottle Shop Perks and Exclusive Releases: Many tasting rooms sell bottles available only onsite. Visitors can also join clubs for access to limited releases or special perks, making it easy to take a piece of Paso Robles spirits home.
Itineraries (Half-Day / Full - Day / Tin City)
Build Your Perfect Spirits Day
With more than a dozen distilleries spread across Paso Robles, the Distillery Trail is best enjoyed with a little planning. These suggested itineraries make it easy to explore by area, minimize driving, and balance tastings with food and relaxation.
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Half-Day “46 West” Loop
Start at Re:Find Distillery for grape-to-glass vodka, gin, and whiskey, then head to Grain + Vine to sample gin, rye, and bourbon crafted by the Barton Family. End your loop at Bethel Rd. Distillery, where grappa, aged brandy, and gin await. Pause for lunch at nearby favorites like Kitchen 46 at Lone Madrone, Niner, or Tin City, then continue exploring wineries and dining along Highway 46 West for a full afternoon experience. -
Full-Day “Vineyard Drive and Templeton” Route
Begin with fruit brandies and liqueurs at Willow Creek Distillery on Vineyard Drive, followed by a visit to Pendray’s Distillery for grappa and specialty liqueurs. Continue on to Donati Spirits, known for oak-rested vodka, brandy, and limoncello in a stylish lounge setting. Finish your day with dinner in Downtown Paso Robles, where restaurants pair perfectly with your spirits adventure. -
Tin City Cluster
For a walkable experience, spend the afternoon in Tin City, a creative hub where you’ll find Tin City Distillery along with neighboring beer, cider, wine, and food producers. This compact area is perfect if you want variety without the drive, and it offers something for everyone in your group.
Planning Tip: Always check tasting room hours before your visit, and consider rideshare services, a private driver, or a designated driver to ensure a safe and stress-free day.
Distillery Trail Weekend
Each summer, Paso Robles celebrates its craft spirits scene with Distillery Trail Weekend, a three-day event that brings together all the stops along the Paso Robles Distillery Trail. It’s the best time of year to experience the region’s distilleries at their most festive, with enhanced tastings, tours, and special releases.
What to Expect:
- Distillery-wide celebration with expanded tasting flights, seasonal cocktails, and limited-edition spirits.
- Behind-the-scenes tours, meet-the-maker moments, and occasional demos or food pairings.
- A mix of walk-in opportunities and reservation-based experiences depending on the distillery.
- A relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere with something new to discover at every stop.
Plan Your Visit: Dates and details vary each year, be sure to check the Travel Paso Events Calendar or the Paso Robles Distillery Trail Weekend page for the latest schedule, offers, and participating distilleries.
Nearby (SLO County)
While the Paso Robles Distillery Trail offers a comprehensive exploration of local spirits, nearby San Luis Obispo County features additional distilleries worth visiting if you’re exploring beyond Paso Robles.
SLO County Distilleries to Explore:
- Autry Cellars (San Luis Obispo): Known for their brandy and grappa.
- Slo de Vie Distillery (San Luis Obispo): Specializes in fruit brandy, gin, grappa, vodka, and specialty cocktails.
- Rod & Hammer’s (San Luis Obispo): Offers a range of spirits including whiskey and other craft spirits.
These distilleries are part of the broader SLO CAL Distillery Trail, which showcases unique craft distilleries across the county.
Practical Info: Map, Hours, Reservations & Safety
Plan the Practicalities
A successful Paso Robles distillery adventure comes down to planning the details. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends, or as part of a larger group, taking a little time to prepare ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. From mapping your route to arranging safe transportation, here are the essentials to know before you go.
Trip Planning Tips:
- Map & Clusters: Use the official Paso Robles Distillery Trail Map to plan your route. Distilleries are grouped in clusters across Paso Robles, Tin City, and Templeton, making it easy to maximize your stops without extra driving.
- Hours & Reservations: Each tasting room has its own schedule. Many accept walk-ins, but tours, classes, and group visits often require advance reservations, so be sure to confirm before you go.
- Transportation: For groups or full-day itineraries, consider arranging a designated driver, rideshare, or booking a local tour service.
- Family & Pets: Policies vary by distillery. Some are pet-friendly and welcome families, while others focus on adult-only experiences, always check individual listings in advance.
- Accessibility: Contact distilleries directly regarding ADA accommodations to ensure everyone in your group can enjoy the experience comfortably.
For more resources, explore Paso Robles lodging and dining options to complete your trip.
Plan Your Spirits Getaway
Paso Robles is the perfect place to raise a glass and linger a little longer. Pair your distillery trail adventure with a stroll through Tin City, dinner in Downtown Paso Robles, and a cozy overnight stay at one of our welcoming lodging options. Check the Events Calendar for seasonal happenings, or browse our itineraries to build the perfect trip.
Your spirits journey starts here, come sip, savor, and experience Paso Robles in a whole new way.
