Find rest and relaxation in Cambria homes while exploring nearby wine country. California is known for its superb production of local wines, and the Cambria area is no exception. Marked by rocky cliffs and beaches, this small seaside village sits between San Francisco and Los Angeles, just south of Hearst Castle. With mild temperatures year-round, Cambria is a favorite destination of many wine lovers due to its proximity to area wineries. Stay in one of many comfortable Cambria vacation homes and enjoy taking winery tours and sampling the best wine this region has to offer.
Main Street
Thee are a few wineries right in Cambria itself, but you can also venture out to surrounding cities and towns to get an even wider selection. Conveniently located on Main Street, Black Hand Cellars is open on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The associated vineyard, Torie Ranch, sits in Paso Robles, but the wine tasting room is located in the quaint West Village section of Cambria. Choose a bottle of 2003 Syrah, a French oak with a touch of blackberries, tobacco, pepper and chocolate; or Hit and Run, a premium Rhone blend with mixed berries.
Also on Main Street in Cambria's West Village is Moonstone Cellars, open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In summer 2010, tastings cost $5 per person for 6 samples, but for another $5 you can keep the tasting glass as a commemorative souvenir. Sample wines like 2009 Viognier, 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Gewurztraminer. Another small coastal community boasting great wine is Bassetti Vineyards along Highway 46, specializing in the production of Syrah wine.
Perks of Membership
Try Hug Cellars in nearby Paso Robles for wines like 2007 Casa Torres Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2007 el Grandé Syrah. Visit the tasting room on Tuley Road Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., or make an appointment if you can't make it during these hours. Become a member of Hug Cellars wine club, and you'll receive perks like two 6-bottle shipments per year, access to limited wines, 20 percent discount on all Hug Cellar wines and invitations to Winemaker Dinners and other events such as the "Club Hug" party.
The Cambria Estate vineyard, 17 miles from the Pacific Ocean, sits in scenic Santa Maria. Benchland produces consistent, balanced wines, especially Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Become a member in any of Cambria's Wine Clubs, and you'll be treated to pre-releases, large format bottles and 20 percent off your wine purchases.
Sample in Style
Stop in at JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery on Chimney Rock Road in Paso Robles between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to sample a variety of wines presented by certificate-trained staff experienced in current wine releases. Learn about tasting techniques and food pairing while here. And if you're a Wine Society member, relax in the separate, private tasting sanctuary called the JUSTIN Wine Society Lounge, open on weekends.
Cambria is a great home base to stay and relax in comfort, knowing you can head out at any time for wine tasting. Use Vamoose's online search feature to narrow your lodging selections down by price, amenities and location.