One of the most immersive evenings for visitors staying overnight in Paso Robles is Light at Sensorio by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro.
This is Munro’s largest artwork in the world, lit by fiber optics, the hills are gently illuminated into subtle blooms throughout the undulating landscape. Visitors can walk along pathways for a little over one mile to get up close to this permanent outdoor exhibit.
Arrive at sunset for some spectacular views of Paso Robles rolling hills dotted with ancient oak trees. At dusk, there are over 100,000 stemmed spheres that begin to illuminate in different colors.
Senses are awakened throughout the evening for general admission ticket holders. Live nightly music welcomes guests at the entrance near food and beverage stands featuring snacks, local beers, wines and distilled spirits for themed cocktails.
The ultimate ticket at this venue is a reserved Terrace Experience. Sit at a flickering fire table on the elevated terrace to take in the views of this spectacular exhibit. A silver Airstream is a bar serving ticket holders one complimentary glass of house red or white wine, beer of the evening, or non-alcoholic beverage. Cheese and charcuterie plates are also offered at this venue.
Along the pathway, visitors enter the Light Towers honoring Paso Robles’ extensive wine country. Each tower is made from wine bottles with a total of more than 17,000 wine bottles used in this installation. Illuminated bottles with glowing optic fibers morph in colors to an inspiring musical score.
Powered by solar, these stunning exhibits engage visitors with the landscape and environment through an ethereal light and sculptural experience.
After a few hours at Sensorio, drive into the center of Paso Robles for dinner at Les Petite Canailles. This sophisticated and modern restaurant was recognized in the 2023 Michelin Guide for its extraordinary culinary experience.
One of the best ways to experience the ultimate dinner inside this French farm-to-table Bistro is ‘Trust Us’. Nightly Chef Julien Asseo and his team prepare an inspirational five-course tasting menu. The entire table must order this special dinner for $98 per person. Wine pairings are an additional $80. The restaurant’s wine list has earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for each of the two years the restaurant has been open.
The focus of the wines are California and French. There is a special selection of Paso Robles L’Aventure Winery wines made by winemaker Stephan Assoe, Julien’s father.
Chef Julien moved back to France at the age of 16 to attend the Lycee Hotelier de Gascogne near Bordeaux. After graduation, he worked in the kitchen at La Fontaine de Mars, before coming back to California.
Guillaume’s talent in the vineyard is shown in his calloused hands, while Arnaud’s movie star looks and soft smooth hands show how he is more the General Manager and Sales Manager of the winery.
This 2020 Paso Robles wine is made with 96% Syrah, 2% Grenache and 2% Viognier. Guillaume said on the label, ‘The wine is a homage to those who have taught me, inspired me, and believed in me.’ This velvety elegant wine is a blend of fruit on the west side of Paso Robles where the soil is siliceous and calcareous with hardly any top soil.
After dinner stay at the boutique Farmhouse Motel near the center of Paso Robles. There are 26 charming country design cottages with front porches for guests to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. This dog-friendly property is an ideal home base while exploring an ultimate trip to Paso Robles.
Image Credit: juliemcdonaldmsa @ Instagram
