Tourists flock the Napa Valley and the nearby regions of the Santa Barbara county with the hopes of experiencing an authentic rustic life with lots of fine wine added to the mix. Unfortunately what they really end up coming back with is a hangover and much lighter pockets. The wines are overpriced, the tasting rooms filling to the brim with eager tourists and traffic jams that are a veritable headache.
But considering the economics involved, this sad state does not seem to surprising. There are too many people around, too many extra people come from outside and hence, the prices go up instantaneously. The result is $350-a-night “luxury” hotels, exorbitantly priced wine tasting sessions. But there still is hope. All you need to do is move away from the usual itinerary and head over to a small torn called Paso Robles.
This surprisingly pristine place has spectacular views and good wine (experts give it a hands up) that comes at affordable prices. It is situated halfway between Los Angeles, to the south, and San Francisco, to its north. There are a number of hotels out here that provide pretty reasonable lodging. There are also some tourist spots such Hearst Castle and Big Sur near Paso Robles. Wouldn’t be a trip to miss for sure.
Via: Independent , PasoWine , VisitCalifornia
