Hotel Feature: Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles

Location

Address: 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, California 93446

Allegretto Vineyard Resort is located on the east side of Paso Robles, just off Highway 46. Its position makes it an ideal base for travelers, whether you’re arriving by car, train, or plane. The resort is easy to reach and perfectly situated for exploring both downtown Paso Robles and the surrounding wine country.

• Air Travel: If you’re flying in, the closest airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), about a 40-minute drive south of the resort.
• Train travel: The Paso Robles Amtrak station is only a 7-minute drive away, which makes Allegretto a great option if you prefer rail travel along California’s Central Coast.
• Major Cities: From San Francisco, the drive is just under 3 hours. From Los Angeles, it’s about 3.5 hours. And from Santa Barbara, you’ll arrive in about 2 hours.

For those without a car, we recommend Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Car Service (805-467-3256). They’re reliable, locally based, and familiar with the region’s wineries and attractions—perfect for a stress-free way to explore beyond the resort.

About The Hotel

Allegretto is the vision of Douglas Ayres, whose family has been in the hotel business for generations. His personal journey shaped every corner of this property. Inspired by a two-year study abroad focused on art, culture, and wellness, Douglas poured his experiences into Allegretto, creating what feels like a passport to Europe without leaving Paso Robles.

Every detail—whether it’s an antique archway, a carefully placed sculpture, or an imported tile—reflects his belief in energy, harmony, and the healing qualities of art. He describes Paso Robles as a magnetic place, full of positive energy that inspired him to put down roots here. Standing in the hotel’s courtyard or strolling through the vineyards, it’s easy to understand why.

Atmosphere

From the moment you arrive, Allegretto feels unlike any other resort. Douglas’s study of energy and harmony shows up everywhere, often in ways you may not notice at first. For example, the arched doorways and the intentional placement of tiles in the hallways are designed not just for beauty, but to influence how sound moves through the building.

This thoughtfulness creates a peaceful rhythm as you walk the halls—almost like the building itself is humming in harmony. Pair that with Tuscan-inspired courtyards, fountains, and gardens, and you have a resort that feels both luxurious and calming.

Staff

The staff truly elevated our stay. From the moment we checked in, they were warm, attentive, and—most importantly for us—wonderful with our son.

We were given a personal tour by the General Manager, Rich Verruni, who shared fascinating stories about the art and design of the hotel. As a thoughtful touch, he also gifted us a bundle of lavender grown and dried right on the property. Along the way, we met the bar manager, Ronnie Johnston, who was equally welcoming. One of the highlights was chatting with the Resort Docent, Karyl Lammers, whose wealth of knowledge about Allegretto and Douglas’s vision made us appreciate even more how this resort became such a masterpiece.

At dinner in Cello Ristorante & Bar, the team surprised us. They had already communicated among themselves that we were expecting another baby, so the hostess and server greeted us with congratulations and handed us a mocktail menu right away. That extra step of communication and care made us feel so seen and celebrated.

Cello Ristorante & Bar

Dining at Cello was one of the highlights of our stay. The restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with an authentic Italian touch, and every dish was crafted with care. The homemade pasta, in particular, tasted as if it came straight from the kitchens of Italy.

One thing that sets Cello apart is their monthly “Tour of Italy” menu, where they highlight the cuisine of different Italian regions. Each day, a new dish is featured, giving guests a true taste of Italy.

Lunch

• Mocktail – PalNOma
• Caprese sandwich with fries
• Prosciutto and smoked ricotta sandwich with fries – Tour of Italy special

Dinner

• Charcuterie Board – we especially loved the locally grown green wine grapes, pickled onion, carrot, and asparagus
• Allegretto Cello Sauvignon Blanc
• Cucumber Mocktail
• Shrimp Scampi – Tour of Italy special
• Carbonara

And a surprise visitor! We were joined by Mr. Scrappy, the restaurant’s friendly local cat.

Cello also has a dog-friendly menu, thoughtfully crafted with premium ingredients so pets can enjoy the same level of care as their owners.

Rooms

We stayed in the 425 square foot Premium Prelude King room, which felt like a peaceful retreat after exploring Paso Robles. The room featured high, European-style ceilings that gave it an open, airy feel, along with a plush king-size Dream Sleeper bed that made for a cozy and restful night. A full-size sofa sleeper gave us extra space, and the room was equipped with all the comforts we could need—flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, refrigerator (decent size), Keurig coffeemaker, and cozy robes and slippers. The bathroom was just as inviting with custom bath amenities, a great spacious shower, and a well-lit vanity that made getting ready each day a breeze.

Room Highlights:

• Plush robes and slippers
• Keurig coffeemaker
• Ayres signature toiletries
• Flat-screen TV with entertainment center
• Marble shower
• Sofa sleeper
• Personal refrigerator

Many rooms feature private terrazza balconies, where you can sip wine while overlooking the vineyard, pool, or courtyard.

Allegretto is also pet-friendly, offering select rooms with direct courtyard access, along with complimentary dog beds and bowls. Pet policy and etiquette is clearly communicated, making it easy for both pet owners and non-pet travelers to enjoy their stay comfortably.

Parking

Parking was straightforward with plenty of available spots. Valet service is offered for $20/day. One small drawback for us was that EV charging stations are reserved for valet guests only. While valet provides access to four Tesla chargers and one standard charger, self-parking guests don’t have on-site charging options.

Thankfully, the Tesla Supercharger station at 2421-2445 Golden Hill Road is only a 5-minute drive away with 43 chargers available. You can easily grab coffee or shop nearby while you wait.

Wellness: Spa, Pool & Fitness Center

Even though we didn’t experience the spa this visit, it’s worth mentioning. Spa Allegretto is designed to immerse guests in relaxation with treatments that emphasize balance and connection. It’s a “getaway within a getaway,” and we plan to book treatments on our next visit.

The pool area sits at the back edge of the property, surrounded by vineyards. With cabana rentals (for guests only), loungers, and even a hot tub, it’s a serene spot for families or couples to unwind. Seasonal poolside service adds to the indulgence.

The fitness center is open 24/7 and includes treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines, and medicine balls. Though we skipped it in favor of walking the grounds, it’s a nice option for those who want to stay active.

Art And Artifacts

One of the things that makes Allegretto stand apart is that it feels just as much like an art gallery as it does a resort. As guests, we had the option to join a guided art tour (offered Thursday through Sunday at 11am) or simply wander at our own pace. We chose to explore on our own, and everywhere we turned, there was something new to discover. Each piece has been personally curated by Douglas Ayres during his travels, and the collection feels like a cultural journey woven into the stay.

Walking through the property, it struck us how intentional every detail was. Ancient civilizations like the Hindus and Egyptians understood the power of beauty, symmetry, and proportion, and Douglas and his team drew inspiration from those same principles. The walls, for example, are plastered with pulverized Israeli marble, while a Renaissance-style Dorata stone fireplace brings Old World craftsmanship to life. There’s even a charming French-inspired chapel, which doubles as an event venue and adds to the sense of timelessness.

One of the most striking outdoor pieces is the obelisk in the East Garden, located just beyond the Romeo and Juliet Tunnel. These towering monuments were once symbols of power in ancient Egypt and later inspired structures around the world in places like Washington, D.C., Paris’s Place de la Concorde, and St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Along the Via Verona, we also came across sculptures representing different faith traditions: a statue of the Buddha, a Hindu goddess from the Vedic tradition, and the Virgin of Guadalupe—crafted in San Miguel de Allende and blessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.

But the part of the collection that truly stopped us in our tracks was inside the Sequoia Room. At its center is a massive cross-section from a giant sequoia tree that had fallen in Sequoia National Park. Seeing the rings of this ancient tree up close was incredible—it wasn’t just a piece of wood, it was a timeline of history. The resort had marked key events alongside the rings, from the building of the Great Wall of China to the birth of Christ, to both World Wars. Standing in front of it, we felt such a powerful reminder of how small our own moment in time is compared to the life of this tree. It was humbling, awe-inspiring, and easily one of our favorite discoveries of the trip.

We also spent some time in the Sonic Labyrinth, which is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced at a hotel. As you walk through, motion sensors activate wind instruments that create soft, soothing tones. The sounds shift and evolve as you move, and the intentional quiet at the center of the labyrinth gives you a grounding pause. It’s a space designed for reflection and focus, and it left us feeling calm and centered.

Allegretto is full of these kinds of surprises—art, artifacts, and spaces that spark wonder while also encouraging you to slow down and connect with something larger than yourself.

Guided Art Tour

• Thursday–Sunday at 11:00 AM

Schedule A Tour

• Friday & Saturday: 4:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM

Activities

There’s no shortage of activities at Allegretto. Some of our favorites included:

• Visiting George the Alpaca, who happily grazes the vineyard grounds.
• Exploring the Star Garden Trail, a meditative path with twelve Zodiac-inspired stations. Each station encourages reflection and mindfulness, offering a unique way to connect with the land.
• Enjoying live music in the lobby or Cello Ristorante.
• Vineyard tours and tastings (available on select days).
• Olive oil tastings from local producers.
• Private yoga sessions in the Abbey.
• Private paint and sip events.

For free fun, the resort offers bocce ball, cornhole, chess, ping pong, and tandem bikes—perfect for families.

Allegretto Wine Tasting Room And Membership

Another great feature of staying at Allegretto is visiting their on-site wine tasting room, where you can experience the resort’s own wines. Crafted sustainably and in small lots, each glass showcases the unique terroir of Paso Robles. Allegretto wine tastings are available daily, and if you’re planning to visit with a larger group of seven or more, reservations are required.

For guests who want to take their experience a step further, Allegretto offers a Wine Club Membership. Becoming a member not only keeps you connected to their limited-production wines but also opens the door to exclusive benefits at the resort.

Wine Club Benefits

• 4 Complimentary Tastings
• 2 Complimentary Vineyard Tour & Tastings
• 2 Tickets to the Annual Club Member Party
• Customizable wine selections from their limited-production portfolio
• Early access to new releases
• Discounted shipping rates
• Preferred pricing on winery events

Resort Benefits For Members

• Preferred room rates*
• Guestroom upgrades*
• 2 PM late check-out*
• Complimentary valet parking
• 10% off spa treatments

*Restrictions and blackout dates may apply; a minimum two-night stay is required over weekends, and suites are excluded. Benefits are subject to availability.

Membership Options

• Symphony – 12 bottles twice a year
• Sonata – 6 bottles twice a year
• Quartet – 4 bottles twice a year

Allegretto At Night

When the sun goes down, Allegretto transforms. Soft lighting illuminates the courtyards, fountains sparkle, and the artwork takes on an entirely new presence. There’s a magical energy at night, making an evening stroll around the property one of the best experiences of our trip.

Nearby Attractions

If you’d like to explore outside the resort, there’s plenty nearby:

• Paso Robles Wine Country – With over 200 wineries, it’s a wine lover’s paradise within minutes of the hotel.
• Albertsons – Just a 7-minute drive away for groceries and essentials.
• TASTE! Craft Eatery – A trendy spot serving up creative sliders, hearty mac and cheese bowls, fresh salads, and a popular weekend brunch only 7 minutes away by car.
• Fish Gaucho – A top-rated downtown restaurant with bold Mexican flavors within a 6-minute drive from the hotel.
• River Oaks Hot Springs Spa – A 5-minute drive to a relaxing spot for mineral springs and scenic views.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Wineries

If you’re traveling with your pup, you’ll be happy to know Paso Robles has plenty of dog-friendly wineries where four-legged friends are just as welcome as their owners. Here are some great options close to Allegretto with their drive time from the hotel listed below:

• Eberle Winery – 4 minutes
• Sculpterra Winery & Vineyards – 9 minutes
• Jeff Branco Cellars – 10 minutes
• Mithcella Vineyard And Winery – 11 minutes
• Robert Hall Winery – 5 minutes
• J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – 7 minutes
• Bethel Rd Distillery & Winery – 12 minutes
• Iron Oaks Winery – 6 minutes
• DAOU Vineyards – 17 minutes
• Four Sisters Ranch Vineyard & Winery – 22 minutes
• Tooth And Nail Winery – 13 minutes
• ONX Wines – 15 minutes

Nearby Dog-Friendly Restaurants

There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants nearby Allegretto offering great food and relaxed outdoor spaces. Here are some favorites with their driving distance from the hotel:

• Hunter Ranch Grill – 5 minutes
• Thomas Hill Organics – 7 minutes
• Jeffrey’s Wine Country BBQ – 7 minutes
• Pappy McGregor’s – 7 minutes
• Firestone Walker Brewing – 8 minutes
• Fish Gaucho – 7 minutes
• Andrea’s On Pine – 8 minutes
• Rustic Fire – 5 minutes
• Brother’s Cafe 3:16 – 6 minutes
• Odyssey World Cafe – 7 minutes
• Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars – 6 minutes

Stay Again?

After our two-night stay, we can confidently say we’d stay again at Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles. Other than the EV charging limitation, everything exceeded our expectations—from the warm staff and inspiring art to the delicious food and peaceful grounds.

We recommend Allegretto to anyone seeking a comfortable, luxurious, and reasonably priced escape in Paso Robles. Whether you’re traveling with kids, pets, or just as a couple, this resort offers an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.