On the road again to Paso Robles, California! Just off Highway 46 East, these rolling hills have evolved into a buzzing area full of new wineries and tasting rooms. And I was so excited to begin the journey by staying at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. You can get the taste and vibes of Italy without the airline price tag with its Tuscan-style architecture, museum-caliber artwork, spa, restaurant, lamas, sheep, vineyard tour and gardens. Owned by the Ayres family, we put it to the test to see if it does indeed compare to Tuscany as I was just there in Spring. With its upscale tasting room on the grounds, I had my eye on the Ayres Family Reserve 2019 Malbec aged in 25% new French and American oak barrels with “refreshing flavors of mixed berry compote, black raspberry, and aromatic allspice.”
Driving from Apple Valley, California where I was able to visit my bestie first for a few days, it was about 4 hours driving through the desert. And when I arrived, it was a very spicy 94 degrees feeling much like Phoenix even though over the mountains about 30 minutes was the cool Pacific Ocean. Gas was absolutely insane ($7+ a gallon thanks to Trump’s war) and my left shoulder was throbbing. I never had issues with it before so new pain for me in the past month _ wonderful! I’m starting to realize I’m getting too old (or injured?) for this shit but that’s a story for later. I had a pretty light schedule that day thankfully and even lighter when miscommunication happened and there was no art tour or spa appointment so I got my exploring zoomies out around the grounds first and knocked out for a much needed nap. The previous night, a dog got out loose and decided to howl all night so I was dead! But enough travel woes, let’s dive in…
Step into a Tuscany inspired world at Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, CA! The art gallery style Allegretto is influenced by European hospitality, evoking an Italian-inspired estate on 25 acres of vineyards and fruit-bearing orchards of Paso Robles‘ idyllic East side. The property is a unique world of its own with 171 guest rooms and suites, locally farmed and foraged cuisine, a wine-tasting lounge featuring the resort’s private wine label, a full-service boutique spa, pool and cabanas, manicured gardens, walking paths, abbey, sonic labyrinth, hundreds of collectible art pieces and artifacts from around the world, a Piazza Magica, and inspired vignettes that invoke the luxury, warmth and beauty of the Italian phrase la dolce vita meaning “the sweet life” which is a lifestyle focused on pleasure, luxury, and savoring everyday moments. It’s a whole different take on the rolling countryside of California with some farm life fun too!
My room was located on the third floor facing the pool and vineyards at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This is a view from the courtyard.It was nice and cool inside my room at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Black marble accented by white was the theme here at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The shower was while marble like I have at home at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Certainly not a group activity for the toilet time at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.This brand was great as a body wash at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The coffee station and mini fridge at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A very comfy and cozy bed allowed me to drift off easily at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A mini bottle of wine and some tasty treats for me upon arrival at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The velvet couch at Allegretto Vineyard Resort with artwork.They did have some textures true to Italy at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A desk and more art for work at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Looking back towards the door at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. It was not really giving Tuscany vibes in the room.Out my window, the views brought you back to vineyard life at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.And the pool looked very inviting however my skin was not interested in the hot sun at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A little better close up of the sweet treats which I loved snacking on at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. I still have yet to try the mini wine bottle!I really liked they had their own water and were not stingy with it at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.After unloading all my luggage and wardrobe, it was time to explore and started with the Murano room for private parties at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Even the entryway to the elevators, which were the only ones I found on property, were a vibe at Allegretto Vineyard ResortThe whole first floor of Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a living art gallery with curved Italian ceilings.One of my favorites was this mermaid however to me she looked like an angel at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Picturesque lounges surrounded the property at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Even this table was a stunning piece of art at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Each section of Allegretto Vineyard Resort was decorated with accent pieces from around the world at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.And each piece of art showcased perfectly at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Another favorite was the giant buddha at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Popping out into the courtyard, it worked well because it was so hot I didn’t have to work around any humans at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The telltale tall trees found in Tuscany at Allegretto Vineyard ResortMy eyes were glowing at thoughts of photography the next day at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.We were certainly going to make use of all this space at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.In the other direction, a blue fountain and sculpture at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The courtyard is the place you can pretend it’s Italy minus the desert heat at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Roses were everywhere at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A fountain not as old as the ones in Tuscany but in the style at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.To the right of the only elevators, this excellent corner at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.I loved this statue and its placement with the mirrors at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Heading toward the front entrance at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The Cello Restaurant at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Peeking into the bar at Cello at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.And the dining room at Cello at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.More art displays in every direction at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Some people like to do the wine tasting and just roam around which is perfectly ideal!The fireplace area which is always on at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.To the right, a movie on a loop you can watch at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. It’s also on your TV too!Looking back from the large Italian fireplace at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A giant sequoia tree slice for all to see how small we are at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Perhaps a game of chess with your wine at Allegretto Vineyard Resort?The pinned wall of visitors from around the world at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.More dreamy walkways at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Into the lobby we go at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.When you walk in to the right at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The sliding glass and wooden doors at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The grand staircase upon entrance at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Helpful front desk awaits your checkin at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Right outside the front doors at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A view from the entrance at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Looking out from the entrance past the fountain at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.And standing directly in front of the entrance at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.There are bikes for use but always check your tire pressure first at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Next to the bikes, a statue lady reads a book at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Each day these pots with water and flowers are replaced at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.This one looks like how I felt, faded from the heat and lack of sleep at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The amazing chandelier light art at the entrance of Allegretto Vineyard Resort.You can see its octopus shape better here at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Frescos everywhere when you look up at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Before you enter inside Allegretto Vineyard Resort.I soon learned of the zodiac garden which would be best viewed in the early morning or sunset at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The wine tasting room at Allegretto Vineyard Resort near the lobby.The wine tasting area at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.There is also an outside option at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.I went out into the heat again and wandered around at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.I found one of two walking zen zones at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.This is the backside of the church and bell tower at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Human sized chess pieces near the vineyard at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The entrance to the church at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The interior of the church at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Loving the ceiling of stars at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.When you walk closer, music begins playing at Allegretto Vineyard ResortThis wooden gazebo was an epic shoot spot the next day at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Of course I found a cat, a void this time at Allegretto Vineyard Resort who enjoyed yelling at me.More artwork out back of Allegretto Vineyard Resort.From the back side of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, you just keep walking until you can’t anymore to find the farm animals.First found was a cluster of chickens hiding in the shade at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Right behind me, the vineyard from my window at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.My first farm friend, a nosy little goat at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.He knew I had snacks so he was legit head out the fence ready at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.
The cutest llamas at Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, CA! Ask the front desk for some food to feed all these furry friends and make your way to the backside of the property where you’ll encounter goats, chickens and different colored llamas roaming around the property, all eager to enjoy some tasty treats from your hand. There are also cats roaming around as well to get your cat lady or cat dad fix too!
The cutest fluffy head at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.This llama also gave me a side profile at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.I tried to pet him while feeding him but he was having none of that at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Of course I saved some for the goats patiently waiting too at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Walking back from the farm life, this huge crystal glistening in the sun was glorious at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. After my comatose nap, I groggily got ready for a wine tasting!A crispy welcome pour at Allegretto Vineyard Resort! Notice the artwork matches the resort walls.The same void (I think) was screaming at me when I walked outside at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.There was a choice of red or white flight and I was feeling red that night at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A little bit of the history at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.And my selection a little clearer at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Wine tasting after a zombie nap is wildly underrated at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This was one my of faves!Adorable little bottle holder at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Very bold but beautiful Malbec at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Loving the labels on these wines at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. The Della Vita is the infinity symbol you’ll see on the walls, headboards, floors and more.The Tannat meaning tannins was least agreeable to my tastebuds at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. I used to not be able to drink red wine because of the tannins but thankfully my body has adapted but still, I did not want to tempt headache fate.The man who started it all for the Ayres family at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. If only all of our forefathers had great insights, we could all be billionaires!Sunset dinner was out front of Cello restaurant that night at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. ‘Merica in Tuscany vibes here!Cello has this whole space to linger at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.I was on a small food and beverage stipend, so had to make it last at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. The burger it was!I did however indulge in another glass of wine at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. When in Rome… errrr Tuscany lite!The focaccia bread with garlic chunks was delicious at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. They do pasta and bread right here!My server asked if I wanted to taste the rose and of course I said yes at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.A lovely tasting of the Allegretto Vineyard Resort rose however I was hooked on reds.The Heart of the Vine at sunset hits well at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The huge burger and fries that I had to take half with me at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. If you’re really hungry, order this!After dinner, the fire pits lit up and people gathered around the fire at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Allegretto Vineyard Resort at night with a full moon rising was a sight to see.If you have time and energy, walk around at night at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. It’s a whole twinkling walkabout! I slept like a log that night which was good because I had a whole photoshoot the next morning. The wine helped for sure!The Paso Country Breakfast filled me up well at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.After the photoshoot day, I relaxed out front and saw these labled vineyards at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. It was too hot again in the afternoon so inside I went until dinner!With a day full of wine tastings ahead, I had to go clean with ginger beer at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.This salad really hit the spot at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.And just a few bites of this fungi pasta and I was stuffed at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. This dish was the best I had there!
I did get the enjoy this hot tub at night with some new California gal pals! Brian Delfin PhotographyThe pool was usually packed during the day and with no time to play, I dared not swim in it at night as it was not heated. But it was certainly a vibe with cabana options, a bar, fresh made pizza and more options. Brian Delfin PhotographyAfter dinner another walkabout and found this ferrari at Allegretto Vineyard Resort where they were having a gathering soon.A sunset in the making at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.Views from the entrance glowing in the sunlight at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The other side also has a sign, you can’t miss it at Allegretto Vineyard Resort.The entranceway to Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Enjoy your stay and keep exploring the massive property!
Overall, it was not very Tuscany, Italy vibes at all except in small doses. I suppose if you had enough wine, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference though! Things are very lush and opulent in Tuscany but also rustic and refined. I think the pasta and pizza (I didn’t try) probably hit the mark, the wine was very good but something was missing… probably Italy.
