About this tour
When Alex from our BugBitten team did this Paso Robles tasting, we were there to sample three reserve wines you won't find anywhere else — including Rondinella, a varietal grown exclusively at Al Lago Estate. The vineyard sits in California's wine country where rolling hills and established producers line the routes, and this is a quieter, more curated experience than the tourist-heavy tasting rooms dotted around town. The hour-long flight moves at a civilised pace, guided by someone who knows the vineyard's story and can walk you through what makes these wines distinctive. It's not flashy, but it's genuine.
Highlights
- Taste Rondinella, the only USA vineyard growing this rare Amarone varietal
- Three reserve wines selected for their distinctive character, not volume
- Guided tasting by someone with real knowledge of the vineyard's practice
- Quiet, intimate setting compared to busy Paso Robles tasting rooms
- Wheelchair accessible throughout — all surfaces and areas covered
- Can arrange lunch or dinner with advance notice and budget agreement
- Service animals welcome; infants can come in prams
What to expect
You'll spend an hour with a guide who knows the wines and the vineyard's partnership with winemaker Guillaume Fabre. Alex found the tasting moved at a thoughtful tempo — not rushed through, but not dragged out either. You'll work through three reserves, each one different in profile, and the guide will explain what you're tasting and why these wines matter. The vineyard is set up to be accessible: flat surfaces, easy navigation, no steep walks or dodgy terrain.
The real draw here is exclusivity without pretension. Rondinella grapes don't grow anywhere else in the US, so if you're curious about what that tastes like, this is your spot. It's not a full day experience — you're in and out in 60 minutes — so it works well as a single stop if you're moving between other Paso Robles spots, or as a focused tasting if you want depth over breadth.
Good to know
If you're after something beyond the standard Paso Robles tasting-room circuit, this hits differently. You're tasting rare varietals with someone who can actually explain the winemaking philosophy, not just pouring wine. It's suitable for a wide fitness range and genuinely accessible — wheelchair users, parents with prams, service animals all catered for.
Food isn't included in the base ticket, though they'll sort something out if you give them notice and a budget. It's not recommended if you're pregnant. An hour is quick — you won't leave feeling like you've had a massive wine education, just a solid introduction.
A guide is included in your price. Bring questions if you have them. If you want to eat, email ahead with what you're after and a rough spend. Public transport is nearby and accessible. Best visited outside peak summer if you dislike crowds, though this isn't a busy tour anyway.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.