While searching the internet for the top wineries to visit in Paso Robles we came across Cass Winery. The winery also comes with a standout restaurant in the area so we figured it would be a great place to stop and get lunch and add a tasting to our trip. Established in 2000 by Steve and Alice Cass, Cass Winery is located a little over 8 miles or 16 minutes from Paso Robles. The winery further gained influence from the South African culture and wineries as Steve took a trip to Stellenbosch to celebrate the completion of the residence and the vineyard and fell in love with it. The first vintage would not come until 2003 and the tasting room would open to the public two years later in 2005.

Cass Winery shows off a nice desert scape on the outside and a South African tasting area on the inside. They offer a few different seating options to choose from both indoor and outdoor. We chose to take part in our tasting at the Café. The food is definitely worth the trip and to Cass Winery but the fact that you can have a tasting as well makes it a no brainer for a lunch stop.

Our tasting included six different wines; the Backbone Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marsanne, Rockin’ One Blanc, Rockin’ One Rouge and Roussanne. Our favorite of the group was the Roussanne; flavors of melon, lemon, stewed apple, pear and cat pee with medium acid and medium plus body.