Lone Madrone Tasting Room — Attraction in Templeton

I rode my motorcycle from Cincinnati, Ohio to the west coast of California looking for exhilaration. By pure chance or maybe fate, I crossed the mountainous range from PCH and was drawn into this oasis on the roadside that seemingly just appeared. I can’t express how fortunate I am to have made that stop at Lone Madrone. The atmosphere and setting was serene, the people were the finest of any, and the food provided a top off of experience. I recommend this place rather you intend to eat, taste wine, or spectate. However, the real treat is the people who work here. I don’t know how they got this amazing set of individuals. They were so hospitable and interested in my story, as I was interested in their incredible stories as well. To Amber, I anxiously await that getaway for you and would love to hear all about it. To Hana, not to be confused with Hannah, I love your name. I love your story. I love you. What an inspiration you are and the journey you’ve had. We both have our own horsepower lol. Thank you for sharing a piece of you with me. It was a light of beautiful hope and I will...

A girls weekend in Paso started with a patio tasting at Lone Madrone. Our server Mary walked us through some history and info on their dry farming and organic practices behind their wines. We tasted five wines and their English Bristols cider. My favs were the 2022 Estate Zinfandel and the 2022 Old Hat. I loved the fact that the winemaker's son designed the gorgeous label for the Zin, featuring a wreath of the cover crop they use in their organic vineyards. I got a bottle and once it's empty, I have plans to put some twinkly lights in it.

It was disappointing that although the winery confirmed with our organizer that they had lunch available at the time of our Friday visit (we did have a reserved tasting reservation), it turned out that they were not serving lunch that day! But it ended up working out - we drove down the road and had an outstanding lunch with great cocktails at...

This is truly a place you need to visit when in Paso Robles. Why you ask? There are a number of reasons to go and the biggest (and simplest) is that they have exceptional wines, nice atmosphere, and great people. Starting with the wines they are refined and have their own personality. One way I like to think about them is that they are clean, crisp, and each wine has a clear purpose and flavor profile. All in all they are good! A few favorites (from my last few visits) Oveja Negra blend and my favorite Nebbiolo. Yum! One fun time to visit is Burger Sunday’s in the summer. A nice glass of Nebbiolo and a lamb burger just hits the spot while breathing in the fresh vineyard air is just a thing to enjoy.

Overall really enjoyable winery and a bonus the wines are ones not to be missed.

Have you been and do you have a favorite wine...