The latest addition to the Paso wine scene, Bottle Shop Public Market opened right next door to Hayseed and Housdon and are making it real easy to taste before or after any meal in the downtown square.

They’re also making it real easy to find a lovely spot to savor well-crafted wines in a modern industrial setting. Many of you readers are busy. I get that. Many of you have sharp palates, so I’ll net-it-out for ya:

Midpoint Winery (formerly Rotta Winery) is proud to be equidistant from LA and SF and within walking distance to all the fun in Paso. While they may be new to this location, they have a few older wines from Rotta including their “rockstar” Black Monukka with the delightful baked aroma that Madeira has.

Rockbound Cellars offers a unique indoor/outdoor experience all at once. They pour one of the most authentic representations of 100% cab with soft lilting red fruit and a mouthwatering long finish. Not jammy and without an overpowering bell pepper flavor, it has a hint of herbs that makes it my first choice beside hearty meat dishes like sausage or meatballs. What’s most impressive is that the owner/winemaker was present during our tasting, a classic sign of passion that travelers crave in such wine destinations.

High Camp opened in a great location next door to Stilson Cellars facing the AVA Hotel. Discover this hidden gem of a tasting room tucked away from the busy downtown square, yet a half block away from all the action.Their hip chic vibe in this cozy spot to sip elegant yet complex wines. Our favorite was a blend of petite sirah and petit verdot because of its hunky blueberry characteristics that were balanced by layers of spice, cocoa, and plum. It was as bold as it was balanced.

Locally famous, Chef Rachel is soon to open a place to feed the hungry within the public market for those who’d rather skip the square.

As if you needed another reason to travel this way, here’s where you can find More tasting notes from my time in this region.