Fall in Paso Robles is an incredible time to visit our beautiful city. As the temperatures cool off and summer comes to an end, wineries begin to get ready for the harvest season. This season occurs during the month of October every year and it’s a time when the grapes have fully matured and are ready to be picked and moved into production.
Because it’s harvest seasons there are always different events and activities going on throughout the city which draws many people from all over the country who want to see what harvest season is all about.
In addition to harvest season, fall also brings cooler temperatures which makes it more inviting to sit outside while enjoying a delicious glass of wine. Summers can be brutally hot here in Paso Robles, so with the cooler fall temperatures it makes outdoor activities like hiking more bearable as well.
Paso Robles is absolutely gorgeous during the fall harvest season, and we hope you get a chance to come visit. Here is a list of activities you can do and events that are going on during the 2023 fall season in wine country that will help fill your days!
Fall in Paso Robles Wine Country
While the majority of fall events in Paso Robles are centered around harvest, there are still plenty of other things to do throughout town during our favorite season.
Hiking Trails
Within Paso Robles, as well as just a short drive away, there are plenty of incredible day hikes that you can take. These trails range from easily traversable concrete walking paths to trails that take you up into the mountains for some incredible ocean views.
If you’re looking for something low-key, we recommend the Salinas Riverwalk trail. This trail is located within Paso Robles and is a 1.6 mile, paved, walk from the Riverbank neighborhood to the 13th street bridge. This trail is very accessible and easy on the legs, but also gives you some great views of Paso Robles. This is great for all ages and abilities.
If you want something a little more daring and adventurous then we suggest either the Cerro Alto or the Bishop Peak Trail.
The Cerro Alto trail will take you to an elevation of 2,624, which is one of the highest points in San Luis Obispo. You’ll experience some incredible views of the ocean as well as the coastline. This trail is just under 3 miles to reach the summit and is about 20 minutes outside of Paso Robles.
Bishop Peak Trail is one of the best trails in the area, but it will require you drive about 30 miles from Paso Robles to the start of the trail. It is 3.4 miles long with a climb of about 1,100 feet at the summit of Bishop Peak. This is definitely for more advanced hikers and should not be attempted by those with accessibility concerns.
Sensorio
Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio is a unique immersive walk-through experience that continues to add new exhibits each year. These incredible fields of light exhibits used to be a temporary installation, but have now become a permanent resident of the area, and you have to see them to truly understand how magical it can be.
You can enjoy live music as well as food and drinks supplied by local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. This exhibition runs from September through the first week in January, and tickets are required for entrance.
Paso Robles Horse Park
The Paso Robles Horse Park is an equestrian showground for Hunter/Jumper competitions. It has been hosting these amazing events since 2015 when Linda Starkman, a Los Angeles native, opened up the park.
This fall there are a number of events being hosted at the park including the Harvest Special Schooling show in September, the Fall Fun Schooling Show in October, Paso Pumpkins & Ponies in mid-October, and the Paso Park Fall Classic and Paso Park Oak Tree Classic in November.
If you’re a fan of horses and equestrian events, you’ll want to check out the Paso Robles Horse Park
Harvest Month Events
As we mentioned above, October is Harvest Month in Paso Robles, which means that the wineries and vineyards, in addition to harvesting their grapes, also hold many special events throughout the month.
Unfortunately Hope Family Wines will not be hosting any special events for harvest month, but there are many other events happening throughout the region during the month for you to enjoy.
You’ll find everything from specialty wine tastings and live music to hosted dinners and wine release parties. If adventure is more your style, maybe a bike tour through the vineyards or a Backyard Bee Keeping Retreat would interest you?
Click this link for a list of Harvest Month related events for 2023!
Whatever your interests are, Harvest Month has something for everyone. The town is extremely lively this time of year as the weather during the day becomes more bearable and the nights become cooler. If you’ve never been to Paso Robles wine country during Harvest Month, we highly recommend booking a trip now.
Paso Robles is Perfect in the Fall
Summer in Paso Robles is always great, but sometimes you just look forward to that breath of fresh air that the fall temperatures bring in. Harvest Month creates quite the stir around town and you’re always going to have something to do and somewhere to go. The town will be bustling with energy and visitors as the grapes for the next batch of wine are harvest and made ready for production.
The only downside of coming to Paso Robles during the fall is that most people don’t want to leave!