Where do I even begin? This spot is an absolute hidden gem. The wines are incredible; featuring unique Italian varietals you don't usually find in Paso, which makes every tasting feel like a discovery. Like what even is Teroldego? I don't know but I love it! LOL The proprietor and winemaker is seriously inspiring. Her creativity and talent shine through in every single glass. You can tell there's intention and artistry behind what she's doing. She's known for her Sauvignon Blanc (and it lives up to the hype), but don't sleep on the reds...they are next-level good. Do yourself a favor and go. read more

Desperada was our last stop of the day and did not disappoint. Well known for creating outstanding Sauvignon Blanc the other wines were also very pleasing to the palate. The tasting room is decorated like something out of an old movie with older style furniture and art + photos everywhere. Our tasting was relaxed but we were never ignored. Our wine educator knew her stuff and spent time engaging with us. We really enjoyed our visit to Desperada Wines. Elite tip would be to make sure you secure reservations. Several walk-ins had to be turned away because there was not enough room to accommodate them. It is an intimate setting for a tasting. read more

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Leaving a 2 star review because of the feeling we were left with from Desparada Wines. Me and my wife have been coming to Paso Robles for the last decade. We have enjoyed our times at many wineries and tasting rooms. We are both Hispanic Americans. Today our tasting started off well. Desparada took us in without any reservations. We did call in advance and we're told to come in without any problems. The tasting room is quaint and the wines are quite good. The service on the other hand was not. We were greeted well and our server was ok. What got us was the difference we felt from our server as compared to the table next to us. We shared a tasting and I asked our server why do 1 white and then 3 reds followed by 1 white. He said the owner likes it that way. In my experience u do white first, or if u introduce another white wine after a red u cleanse the glass with the white, then pour the white wine. I also asked our server if we could try another wine off the tasting menu. He said no. So far it's ok. But then the table next to us gets there glasses cleansed and are asked if they want anything from tasting menu or off the tasting menu. It was our wedding anniversary. I felt ashamed and embarrassed. We'll not come back to this establishment. Too many other good options in paso robles that don't make you feel bad. read more

After two failed attempts to taste at Desparada, we finally made a reservation and were able to enjoy these fabulous wines. We had such a great experience tasting here and I can't wait to come back. We came in on a beautiful day and opted to taste outside on their raised tasting patio, something I didn't even know they had from the other times we stopped in. While the inside of their tasting room has a super cool swanky/gothic/romantic feeling, the outdoor patio with the nice big tree and shade covers really can't be beat on a nice day. This spot is known for their sauv blancs, and they did not disappoint. The tasting menu had two on when we were in, but luckily another one was open so we got to give it a try as well. We all enjoyed each of them, and I ended up leaving with a bottle of two different ones. Our tasting was lead by Charlotte, who was such a great host. She was knowledgeable about the wines, the vineyards the grapes were sourced from, tortoises (shout out to Tilly the winery tortoise), and Paso in general. She was fun to chat with and I'm glad we ended up with her as our host! The tasting room is fairly small, so it is definitely advised you make a reservation. We tried two times without and weren't able to come in, but had no problem securing a resy about 2 weeks out. read more

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I have had this place on my list for quite some time, and was pleased to have made it to a tasting, while visiting Paso Robles. Boutique wine, with stunning artwork for their labels. The blends are so thoughtful and well crafted. I really enjoyed the Soothsayer (forgot vintage, but 2023 sounds right) and their Chardonnay was also impressive. We met the wine maker in passing - she was so friendly and cool. A great experience, I am looking forward to joining their wine club. Also, a shoutout to our host (Crosby), very knowledgeable and friendly. Don't forget to say hi to the tortoise, Tilly (pretty sure that was the name). Bueno all around. read more

Excellent Sauvignon blanks, costumer service top of the line. Great experience over all read more

An intimate and special tasting experience in the heart of Tin City. We had been encouraged to try out Desparada by a few other wineries but told to definitely make a reservation as they operate by reservation only. We entered into a beautiful tasting lounge with moody decor and a nice chandelier. In the corner, there was a fish, snake and turtle! So cute. There is also a tasting area in the barrel room as well as an outdoor patio area. We were warmly welcomed by Josh. He was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. He made the experience really enjoyable. At a later wine tasting, we told them we had come from Desparada and had a great experience and they asked if it was with Josh! His personality and kindness carries through the industry! The wines are also really interesting. We learned about their wine making process which includes being held in these giant terracotta vases. We'd never seen anything like this before. They clearly craft their wines with care and creativity. We walked away with a yummy red. Great experience! read more

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We loved our experience at Desparada! We made an appointment same day, although I would encourage to plan ahead just in case you have a preferred time. When we arrived we received a welcomed greeting by Christian. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and easy to talk to. The location has a lovely front room and a back cellar area where you can see where the magic happens. The wine not only was tasteful, but had a lot of history and personalized stories attached to them. We appreciated how amazing the staff was and how they made our day extra special. read more

Desparada Wines - Wineries Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Came here for my third taste of the day and we have a great time with Christian. He was friendly and knowledgeable about the wine. I'm not a big white wine drinker but I was impressed with the whites that I was given. Then Cristian delivered a home run by letting us try a special wine which was a cab blend that I begged my wife to buy. It was a fantastic. I will be back to buy a bottle in the fall. Simlply a fantastic one of a kind wine I definitely enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend checking this one out. Great spot read more

Cool winery in Tin City area of Paso, with a lovely outdoor upstairs patio. We partook in their current tasting menu. Flights cost $20 per guest, waived w wine purchase. The flight included: 2 Sauvignon Blancs, 1 Chardonnay, 2 red blends with Cabernet Sauvignon leading one; Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc leading the second. Elaina was our server; she was delightful and knowledgeable. The entry isn't on the street front but down the walkway. We had reservations and got to check out their front lobby area and WC. The winery is owned by a woman, hence DesperadA. Cool decor and theme. read more

Desparada Wines - Entry to winery - Wineries Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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One of my favorite stops & winery tastings in Paso & Tin City! It's a great place to bring guests/family/friends who are either getting into wine or looking to explore different wines. Desparada whites (sauvignon blanc, and others!) are always top notch and their reds (fun blends, some Italian inspired) are so unique. I love that there are different takes on blends. Their labels are always super artsy and beautiful on the table. I enjoy them so much I even got one of the merch candles that re-use Desparada bottles! I appreciate being able to support a woman winemaker that is daring and makes some really good wine. There's a great patio when the days are nice and also a cozy tasting room. We also were able to taste in the cellar which was a little chilly but the experience was still nice nonetheless. I highly recommend checking out Desparada! read more

This is a must stop if you are in Tin city. This woman owned winery makes some unbelievable combinations That are just to die for. Combining traditional winemaking with new and innovative techniques The flavor profiles that they design are truly amazing. Both the indoor and outdoor tasting areas are beautiful, and well appointed. The staff is delightful to speak to and deal with, and truly love what they do! read more

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Walked in today and what an amazing tasting experience! Nice and cool, eclectic vibe, fun and interesting tasting with Christian! We will definitely go back with the good wine and excellent service. read more

We were late to our tasting reservation, but they still fit us in at Desperada, and we are so grateful for that, as it ended up being our favorite tasting on our trip to Paso Robles. The whole vibe of the place was well thought out, from the wine glasses, succulents and decor, to the bottle labels designed to capture each vintage. Our wine tasting server was super knowledgeable and friendly, this winemaker really feels like it's a close knit family (they sometimes doodle together to decide on a label, so cool!). We became club members, and enjoyed everything we tried there. Surprisingly, they are most known for the sav. blancs, but those were our least favorite. Fiancé's fav was Sackcloth and Ashes, mine was Soothsayer. We usually don't buy many white wines, but ended up leaving with a Chardonnay and a Rose as well, because they were so unique and enjoyable. And I really loved the Nebbiolo (but I might be biased as that's my favorite grape). Red blends- these were our favorites (sackcloth and ashes, soothsayer). So complex, kept us coming back. Chardonnay- perfect balance of buttery, oak was subtle and not in your face. Rose- 50% Nebbiolo, 50% Sangiovese. "Wine cocktail", hits the spot on a warm day. Such a dif rose, we love it. Nebbiolo- It's more of a Nebbiolo lovers Nebbiolo... 2012 vintage! Unfiltered, grippy, lingers, have to savor it. In your face, we enjoyed it, but not for a newbie to the grape. read more

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I'd been to Aaron Wines just a few yards away many times but never to Desparada until this weekend. Christian was great and very patient with my toddler. The wines are unique and artistic. Some of the wearable adult merch was NSFW but I walked out with a G rated baby onesie. Love that this is a woman-owned business. Give it a try (but be sure to make a res)! read more

We had a great time here thanks to Charlotte. It was a rainy Thursday before Christmas, so it wasn't busy and Charlotte was able to spend a lot of time with my wife and me to go into more detail about the winery, the wines, and Paso Robles in general as this was our first time in the region. She also made an effort to keep our little one entertained by showing him their books and pet turtle. The wines are excellent too :) Out of three tasting rooms' worth of wine on the day, Sackcloth & Ashes was my wife's top wine of the day. She's also not a Chardonnay fan, but she really liked Wayfinder. My favorite was the Carmen Sauvignon Blanc. It's unlikely any Sauvignon Blanc I've had before and I enjoyed the different expression. It was a riper fruit profile, but still lots of acid to keep it interesting. Thank you Charlotte for a memorable experience! read more

The ambience is amazing and the tasting room staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. You have to come here when you visit Tin City!

Went with some friends and we had such a great time! Josh served the tastings and he was very friendly, knowledgeable, and provided fun stories. One of us isn't the biggest fan of white wines but was floored by both white wines in the tasting (we all were). It's cool that they're using interesting aging vessels like terracotta and concrete in addition to traditional barrels and tanks. We also love that it is woman owned and operated. The branding is beautiful, thoughtful, and collaborative. This winery feels like a family. Needless to say, we joined the wine club before the tasting was over. read more

Desparada Wines - Wineries Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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We found Desparada in looking up women-owned wineries in the area, and it quickly became a new favorite of ours. Not only is Desparada's founder a badass, but she makes some truly badass wines. Their Tin City tasting room is playfully moody: dark walls, high ceilings, velvet armchairs, fun trinkets, good tunes. (And dog friendly!) They also have a lovely back patio for sunny days. We had the pleasure of being hosted by Josh on our visit who was engaging and informative. We enjoyed everything we tried and had trouble choosing two favorites to take home (we have to limit ourselves on these trips otherwise things really get out of hand lol). Small operation with very low production. Already looking forward to visiting again the next time we pass through here. read more

Enjoyed our time with Charlotte. Wines were great and atmosphere was friendly and comfortable. Will definitely come here again.

Am amazing experience and treatment in the tasting room. Everyone's palate is different and wine preference is extremely subjective. For me, there was not a single wine on the tasting menu that I didn't appreciate. I've only experienced this at one other winery's after 20 years of wine tasting. I purchased a few bottles and am extremely happy with them and am considering joint their wine club. read more

I've always enjoyed this wonderful winery, both the wine and the people. I just picked up my spring order which included a Tempranillo for the first time. Absolutely SUPERB. read more

I had a wonderful time at this tasting room. First off the tastings are by appointment only, kind of. We dropped in and took a chance and signed up for an open last minute appointment. A few mins later, I got a phone call from the girl running the tasting room letting me know we can come in right away. Score! I have to say, I love this space! The tasting room is a very beautiful and tastefully decorated room. It has dark walls with beautiful gold frames on the walls. The tasting table had beautiful glassware and very comfortable lounge chairs. We were taken on a journey from Santa Barbara up to Paso through their wines. Some light and crisp, some a little bolder but still fruit forward. What is really interesting is they age their wines in terra cotta, aka Amphora, which gives the wine a unique twist and their wines are sourced from bio-dynamic wineries, which taste fantastic. This tasting room, along with the wines, were a very special experience and I am so happy I happened to pop in. I highly recommend Desperada. Make an appointment, and let yourself take in all they offer, you will not regret it. read more

The coolest winery we went to! Love the place, the wine, the staff. Definitely going back

Tucked in a small alcove of Tin City, this is a a lovely tasting experience. We've visited Desperada many times, and always return for their luscious red wines that are balanced and complex. The wine bottles are truly works of art--with some, such as Sack Cloth and Ashes--having hand-written notes included from the wine maker inscribed on EACH bottle. Desparada is unique, unlike any other winery in the Paso Robles area. read more

This is my favorite winery in Tin City. They focus on bolder Bordeaux blends. Think wines that pair nicely with steak. The staff is always super friendly and the tasting room is cozy, bordering on small. I'd make reservations. This winery is female owned and operated. What matters most is the excellent quality and decent value for money. read more

Make sure to make an appointment. Six employees eating lunch with no customers and they said we needed an appointment. She then referred Aaron's to us because they might have availability. She did offer to show us what they carried? For what? They all picked up their food and walked inside when we were told they were too busy. She also said that she loved being hidden because they don't get as busy. I'm assuming this is not a way to increase business. Wish I could tell you how the wine is. But thank you for making us walk to Field Recording where they were okay with no appointments. read more

Wonderful wine. Tasty and thought provoking white wines and excellent reds. If you love wine and enjoy thinking this is for you. We love it.

We absolutely loved our tasting experience at Desparada!! The wines are truly amazing! We loved each one we tasted (that rarely happens for us while tasting). Janie provided a wonderful experience and was so knowledgeable and so approachable with questions. We joined the club and Desparada is definitely one of our new top favorites in Paso! read more

Desparada Wines - So excited to have joined the wine club!! - Wineries Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Located in Tin City, Desparada is by appointment only (or luck, if you happen to be there and they happen to be there then woo hoo!) We made an appointment on a Friday afternoon and I really enjoyed their wine. The wine is delicious and the labels are pretty. Keep in mind that this is a no frills winery. You don't come here to sit around and enjoy the sunset over the vineyard. You come to taste amazing wine made by great wine makers and it is 100% worth it! read more

We love Desparada, it was our second time here. Trailblazers and female owned. Excellent wines, a much different interpretation of white wine compared to other paso wineries and we DIG IT! Josh was amazing. Super funny, explained the wines and story perfectly. He really made our experience wonderful. I only wish I had more cash to leave for him because he deserved all of my money! Josh if you see this, thank you so much! We will remember this experience forever :-) ALMOST FORGOT: Tilly the vineyard tortoise provided surprisingly "snappy" service. I will let this slide because she is young and still learning. read more

Great experience tasting wines. Server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Will definitely return.

3 friends were having a girls trip to Paso, and we were told this would be a great place to try for sine tasting. It was! We made an appointment and were seated in a beautiful room with lovely cushy furniture for our tasting. The wines were very good, and the labeling is a beautiful story in itself. We all went away buying some of their delicious wine. A very unique tasting experience that we really loved! read more

Soooo glad I finally booked a tasting. All the wines are as elegant as the labels and the tasting room staff. Overall great wine and wonderful experience being there. read more

We had a lovely time tasting wine at Desparada. The wines were delicious and the ambiance was lovely. Janie, the tasting room manager was incredibly knowledgeable and very sweet. Tastings are private which made it much more personable too! read more

An honestly incredible experience. Not only were the wines amazing, but the staff as well. They advertise that they are appointment only, but they took our group as a walk in. Mikayla took us in the cellar where they generously offered us blankets to keep us warm. All of the wines were delicious, and we ended up walking out with several bottles. I didn't have a bad wine there. Ask them about the label designs and the names of the wines for a fun background on the owner and how her mind works! An unforgettable experience! read more

Such consistent quality in their wines. We joined the club! Our first club join ever.

Simply awesome no frills just a great tasting room next to the barrels and very boutiquey with outstanding wines and great value. Exciting, vibrant, layers of tastes with long lasting finIsh. A great little place in the TinCity. read more

Went to Desprada today and had a fabulous time with Josh. Loved everything we tasted. Learned a lot and laughed a lot. Definitely a must visit on the Paso wine trail! read more

We had a great visit to Desparada Wines today. Janie led us through their wi es and gave us a tour of their facilities. Fun, Taste and informative, definite two thumbs us. Great wine and great people. read more