This place might be one of the most inviting wineries in California, once you step foot in the door you are welcomed with open arms and treated like family. Toby James started out as a assistant winemaker for another local winery and was given a chance with six tons of grapes. After his first rendition won multiple gold medals he decided to take his operation to the next level and opened up Tobin James Cellars in 1993. Since then they have received countless gold medals and  praise for their top wines.

Tobin James Cellars is located east of Paso Robles off of CA 46. The winery was built on top of an old stagecoach stop and their building takes this as its theme. Inside the tasting room sits the antique Brunswick mahogany bar that pulls the entire room together. Along with the fun saloon like atmosphere that Tobin James provides, they also offer an inn for a nice stay.

While at the winery we participated in the bar tasting, which original included five wines but by the end of the tasting we had tasted ten wines. James Gang Syrah, Blue Moon Cabernet Sauvignon, Blue Moon Syrah, James Gang Reserve Syrah, Blue Moon Zinfandel, Fat Boy Zinfandel, French Camp Zinfandel, Private Stash Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Cabernet France Blend, Sparkling Wine and GSM. Our favorite of the group was the Blue Moon Zinfandel, it had notes of blueberry jam, cooked plum, chocolate, cigar box and leather.

  • Tasting-17
  • Vineyard/Winery-17
  • Hospitality-20
  • Extras-18
  • Cost-19

91/100