Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo County is known for its proximity to Hearst Castle, as well as its wine-rich valleys (Paso Robles) and hip beaches, such as Pismo.

Whenever we’re passing through the Central Coast, we like to sip wine at Eagle Castle Winery, home of the 2007 Royal Red, which was awarded “Best Red Wine Blend” at the California State Fair wine competition.  More recently, Eagle Castle received the 2010 Best of Paso Robles Award in the Wines category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

While the wine list is tasty and the founder, Gary Stemper, friendly and involved, the charisma of the winery is worth the trip itself.  Complete with a moat (yes, a moat) and two four-ton doors, we were immediately impressed with details, including geode stones and rocks that house the fossils of whale vertebrate (they are currently being carbon-dated, but Stemper said they estimate the remains to be 3-4 million years old, and the area to have been covered with 3,000 ft of water).

After sampling the wines in the elegant yet comfortable tasting room, enjoy a bottle of your favorite with friends in the seating area on the roof of the castle and enjoy the view.

When you’re ready to retire for the evening, we like to make our headquarters at The Cliffs Resort, where ocean-front rooms and a relaxing sunset on Shell Beach await (approx $150-$200 per night).

For more information, visit http://www.eaglecastlewinery.com and http://www.cliffsresort.com.

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