It was a special time of late summer glow, just before summer's end, when we (Ann, Marion, Luisa, Emanuel, Norma, John and I) explored Paso Robles Wine County. Our adventure began at Niner Wine Estates, a family owned estate winery, in the Willow Creek District. After researching best lunch at a winery restaurant Niner Wine Estates Restaurant topped the list. Hence this is where we decided to kick off our wine adventure.
Upon entry into the estate its beautiful Heart Hill Vineyard came into view. The setting was absolutely perfect for our vinously inspired outing.
Niner's estate vineyards includes, Bootjack Ranch in the Geneseo District, and Heart Hill Vineyard in the Willow Creek District, Paso Robles; and Jespersen Ranch in the Edna Valley. This post will highlight our Nine Wine Estates gastronomic adventure. First, here is an intro to Paso Robles Wine Country.
Welcome to Paso Robles Wine Country
Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) established in 1983 is a large and very diverse wine region. It is home to so much diversity in wine, with over 200 wineries in the appellation. Paso Robles 11 sub-appellations showcase the uniqueness within Paso Robles Wine Country. Its 40,000 vineyard acres, produce more than 60 wine grape varieties – from Spanish (Albariño, Verdelho, Tempranillo) to Italian (Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera), Bordeaux to Rhône, including the area’s heritage variety Zinfandel. The most widely planted varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The “Other Red” varieties such as Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, and others (like Portugese Touriga Nacional).
We began at Niner Wine Estates, known for its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and their flagship Bordeaux style Fog Catcher, red wine blend. They also grow a wide range of varietals and specialize in small lot productions for their wine club members. Their tasting room, restaurant and winery are Solar Powered and LEED Certified. Their wines are produced at SIP Certified Winery at Heart Hill Vineyard.
Our visit to Niner not only an introduction to what the AVA has to offer but also, Paso's amazing culinary scene. Welcome to our serontinal adventure!
Wine Tasting and Lunch: Niner Wine Estates
We arrived in Paso Robles and drove to Niner Wine Estates, 2400 Highway 46 West to begin our wine country adventure.
We came for a wine tasting over lunch at Niner Wine Estates.
The hospitality at Niner starts on “Heart Hill,” where century-old trees are planted in a heart shape. The food is equally romantic, sourced from a chef’s garden with over 300 edible crops in addition to their own honey and eggs; look for dishes seasoned with lavender, lemon verbena, and magnolia petals. While vegetable heavy, the menu often features unusual cuts like rib eye spinalis and pork secreto. Wine Enthusiast
Without a doubt this description inspired us.
Immediately upon arrival we were warmly greeted.
Niner Wine Estates welcomed us with a Zinfandel Nouveau wine.
Off we went to explore the gardens and take in the views.
While we waited for the reservation time for our group we loved exploring the garden area.
Soon we were seated on the outside patio.
We chose some wine flights to taste.
Did I say the grounds at Niner Wine Estates are amazing!
Lunch at Niner Wine Estates showcases that excellent Paso cuisine is not just limited to standalone restaurants. It is hard to beat summer's end in Paso Robles with so many wonderful wineries and a vibrant culinary scene. Moreover, we were treated so well at Niner Wine Estates. Put it on your to enjoy with friend's list. It is special for creating memories with friends. If you are looking for a wine country adventure Paso Robles is a must. I invite you to join me in my travels in Paso Robles, California, and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Sharon
Summer's End, September 2026
Paso Robles, California
