Explore a 240-Acre Wine Ranch & Dine in a 200-Year-Old Manzanita Grove at Hawks Hill Ranch Winery
Written by: Lauren Strojny, Paso Robles CA
Some say wine tasting is enjoyable anywhere, but I believe the setting makes all the difference. Certain wineries elevate the experience beyond just great wine—they create something truly unforgettable. Consider this: Did you connect with the story behind the winery? Was each pour presented with care and intention? Did the atmosphere make you feel welcomed and immersed? When you pay attention to these details, you’ll start to see what transforms a tasting from ordinary to exceptional.
Unique wine experiences are key for deepening our connection to a winery’s brand. In my Six Star Experience Series, I’ll take you through which winery visits left me in awe and explain what made it next level—so to say what made it “above and beyond” a five-star review.
This week, I’m featuring Hawks Hill Ranch Winery, in Paso Robles, California.
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The Featured Experience
Winery: Hawks Hill Ranch Winery in Paso Robles, California
The Experience: Estate Ranch Tour
Overview: This is a fully private tasting experience. Buzz around the 240 acre ranch in a 4-wheeler while tasting the wines amongst the vines. Completed in a 200 year old Manzanita grove with lunch provided by Red Scooter Deli.
What Makes the Hawks Hill Winery Ranch Tour Exceptional?
Explore 240 Acres of Untamed Beauty: This isn’t just a tasting—it’s an off-road adventure through 240 acres of rolling vineyards, rugged terrain, and breathtaking landscapes. From the moment you hop into the custom ranch vehicle, you’ll feel like you're on a Jurassic Park-style expedition—only this time, with wine in hand.
Taste Wine Among the Vines: One of the most memorable moments? Sipping wine right where the grapes were grown. As you traverse the estate, you'll pause in select vineyard blocks to taste wines crafted from the very vines surrounding you—offering a deeper connection to the land and its flavors.
Ancient Manzanita Grove & Picnic Retreat: Midway through your journey, you’ll step into a hidden gem—an enchanting 200-year-old manzanita grove. Here, charming picnic tables await, inviting you to slow down, sip, and savor a perfectly paired lunch beneath the twisted red branches of these ancient trees.
Exclusive Wines & Personalized Experience: The ranch tour grants access to rare, estate-grown wines not available in the tasting room. With a dedicated host guiding you through the experience, every sip is enriched with insight, history, and the unmistakable character of Hawks Hill’s terroir.
Highlights
Tucked into the heart of Paso Robles’ west side, the journey to Hawks Hill Winery is as stunning as the experience itself. Upon arrival, we were greeted in the tasting room with a refreshing splash of rosé before setting off on our private adventure A short 5-7 minute drive led us to the Hawks Hill Ranch, where the real excitement began. We hopped into a rugged 4-wheeler, zipping across 240 acres of vineyards and rolling hills. Along the way, we stopped at three distinct vineyard blocks, tasting wines crafted from the very grapes surrounding us while learning about the land’s unique terroir. The adventure ended in a breathtaking 200-year-old manzanita grove, where charming picnic tables awaited. Here, we enjoyed a private, wine-paired lunch from Red Scooter Deli, soaking in the tranquility of this hidden gem. This fully private experience is perfect for groups or anyone seeking more than just a traditional tasting—this is wine country exploration at its finest.
Where to Book
· What to Book: Hawks Hill Ranch Tour
· Price: $150 per person | $75 wine club members
· When: by reservation (for groups larger than 4 guests contact info@hhrwinery.com or call 805-635-2202)
· https://www.hhrwinery.com/tastings
· Catch a visual of this experience in my reel on my Instagram page @wine.with.lauren