If you’ve ever wanted to experience the heart of Paso Robles wine country in a way that’s as fun as it is unforgettable, a ranch tour at Hoyt Family Ranch is a must. Tucked away on the scenic Westside, this hidden gem combines rustic adventure with the refined pleasures of wine tasting for an experience that appeals to wine lovers, families, and anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Take the tour in Spring, when everything is green and there are adorable baby chicks! In Summer, the vines are the most gorgeous. In Fall, there are grapes to sample right off the vines, as well as cool ocean breezes.
You’ll want to bring a picnic, or order a cheese and charcuterie board from a local purveyor to make the most of your time on the racnh. We ordered ahead of time from Lou Lou Cheese Girl, and picked it up on the way. There are plenty of options from grocery stores to local cheese shops around Paso Robles.
Your journey begins on the Ranch house porch, where you’ll be greeted by the small winery dog, who may want to join your tasting! 🙂 You’ll enjoy a curated wine flight of Hoyt Family’s hand-crafted wines. They make crips whites like Chardonnay and Viognier, and a seasonal Rosé as well as a Sparkling Cuvée. The red are their signature wines, including Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Merlot-Cab blend called Dylema.
Then it’s time for a little adventure: hop on an ATV for a ride across the ranch’s rolling hills. And you can bring wine and snacks to enjoy on the hilltop! The wide-open views of Paso Robles vineyards and countryside are breathtaking, and the ride itself is a thrill that brings out the kid in everyone.
Among the vines, you can walk through rows of grapevines in various stages of growth. In Spring, you can see budbreak, leafing, and infloresence (the flowering of the plant). In Sumer, the vines are at their most beautiful, with luscious green leaves and grape veraison, ripening in the California sun. There’s something magical about plucking a cluster right off the vine and tasting the fruit that will soon become Hoyt’s beautiful wines. In Fall, you can taste the sweetness when it’s almost ready to be made into wine. This is a rare chance to connect directly with the land and the winemaking process!
More of the ranch’s four-legged residents will be ready to greet you, as you make your way to the goat pen (when they are not out chomping up all the weeds). Goats also add a playful charm to the day, making it easy to slow down, laugh, and enjoy the moment. They are an important part of sustainable farming at the ranch.
On the Hoyt Ranch hilltop, enjoy breathtaking views of the Willow Creek AVA and the Paso Robles landscape. Sip, savor, and compare the flavors while you relax with a picnic in the fresh air. Jump on the swing, and soar high in the sky. It’s the perfect way to linger, share memorable moments, and soak up the beauty of the ranch.
A day at Hoyt Family Ranch isn’t just a wine tasting—it’s an immersion into the Paso Robles lifestyle, where rustic charm and fine wine come together in one unforgettable experience.
Sparkling Wine Events in Santa Barbara County
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