Author: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos by: Joe Hilbers

Paso Robles, Harvesting Joy

By: Ronnie  Greenberg

Photos: Joe Hilbers

                   Embrace the allure as nature provides an awesome road show on the way to Paso Robles. Set  in the northern part of San Luis Obispo, it was the original trail chosen by the Franciscan Friars known  as the El Camino Real, the King’s Highway. Take in the beauty as the last of the leaves shimmer like pyramids of gold speckled with crimson, and the crisp air is scented with smoke wafting from fireplaces.

                  All roads lead to the Allegretto Vineyard Resort whose story has an aura of romance, and stunning beauty that delights the senses. Gracing this enclave with its classic charm, the elegant resort is an ideal springboard for the surrounding area.

Inspired by wine country and European hospitality, the Allegretto evokes an Italian vineyard estate on 20 acres of vineyards, olive groves and fruit-bearing orchards on Paso Robles bucolic east side. A world unto itself with 171 spacious guest rooms and suites, locally inspired cuisine, wine bar featuring the resort’s own private wine label among many others, full-service spa, pool, manicured gardens, walking paths,  courtyard, and French inspired Abbey. Indoors and out, hundreds of antiques, art, artifacts, and vignettes invoke  luxury and warmth. Every decor element that graces the resort was chosen not only for its beauty, but also its meaning.

Cello Ristorante & Bar on site

Cello Ristorante & Bar  is a culinary getaway that brings the locals and guests into the Allegretto culture of joy, discover and serenity. Chef Justin Picard leads the  upscale, casual Mediterranean-inspired experience your way morning, noon and night. He brings a world of diverse selections of inventive creations, and prides himself on deep relationships and knowledge of the local farmers and purveyors with whom he works on a daily basis. The restaurant’s open kitchen design encourages spectators, while the outdoor chef’s garden supplies herbs.  Guests can enjoy dinner by candlelight at intimate tables or join the communal tables, sit fireside at the outdoor fire bowls or even take on a  game of bocce ball on the comfortable heated patio. The interplay of food and wine is key to the Cello experience.

At lunch, small bites  and dinner Chef Picard’s menu offers up creative dishes from regionally farmed and foraged ingredients. Enjoy such delights as oak roasted salt springs mussels; bbq Spanish octopus; crispy pork belly, crispy California coast calamari;  fruiti di mare; chicken carbonara;  or the 100% oak pit grilled, Angus beef filet, natural cab prime New York and prime rib eye, served alongside seasonal vegetables.

Thomas Humphrey , the director of food & beverages oversees the extensive domestic and international wine list, exceptional hand crafted garden-to-glass cocktails, and craft beers.  Cello is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone (805) 369-2503.

Spa

Get the royal treatment with the Allegretto signature massage; Intermezzo or vine inspired aromassage. Indulge in the Spa Escape for 2-3 hours or the 2 for 2 massage. For facials there’s the Caudalie, premier Cru and Vinoperfect radiance. Visit www.spaallegreto.comfor full spa menu.