A happier hour awaits! Thankfully, distilleries along Highway 1 are as welcoming as our wine tasting rooms and craft breweries. Discover top shelf spirits poured with a smile, including rich brandies, herbaceous gins, flavorful grappas, complex rum—even rye whiskey and bourbon aged in wine barrels. With distinct distillery trails to choose from, relax amid wine country views and gleaming copper stills. Admire the vines of Paso Robles distilleries one day or explore the modern, eclectic feel of South County distilleries the next. From classic to creative, Highway 1 craft cocktails are poured up with passion. In fact, Highway 1 is known as a premier craft spirits destination by the likes of American Distilling Institute and Travelocity. Whether you’re into crisp and clean vodka or sinfully smokey whiskey, expect distinctive flavor in addition to educational distillery tours, live entertainment and unmatched good vibes. Leave the dress code at the door and head to a place where everyone is soon to know your name. Like Highway 1, each sip is a new adventure. Where will your next drink lead?
Discover The Distilleries of Highway 1
Los Osos
Foggy Bottom Distillery
From hiking trails to local tales, a trip to Foggy Bottom Distillery promises the perfect blend of corn whiskey and conversation. Located in Los Osos near Montana de Oro State Park, this coastal distillery is a great place to unwind and relax after a day of coastal hiking or biking. Nestled behind Martin’s Restaurant, follow the signs to find distiller Todd Adams, always eager to educate or offer distillery tours. Backdropped by a working still, enjoy a distinctive speakeasy atmosphere paired with Highway 1’s only locally-made corn whiskey. Explore a variety of spirits, including aged bourbon, gin, spiced rum and unique specialty spirits all in one casual location. Travelers should plan visits in advance as Foggy Bottom Distillery is open only on weekends: Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. The distillery also features a small gift shop and hosts occasional events, so be sure to call ahead for more info.
Edna Valley
Autry Cellars
Wine and spirits collide to create a beautiful balance along Highway 1. Autry Cellars is a prime example: This intimate Edna Valley distillery was born from winemaker Steve Autry’s experimentation with brandy and grappa. Stop in to savor a variety of small-batch brandies, including apple brandy crafted from the goodness of local apples. Taste the difference barrel aging in American, Hungarian and French oak makes on each of Autry Cellars’ wine grape brandy selections, an illuminating experience. Visitors will also discover a limited selection of grappa, an Italian-style “digestif” spirit made from grape solids, especially lovely when sipped after a farm-fresh meal. Be sure to ask the distiller about his eco-friendly philosophy, as his grappa represents a zero-waste product. A natural tinkerer, the winemaker enjoys explaining the science behind fermentation and distillation, so feel free to ask questions along the way. To learn more about Autry Cellars’ exceptional spirits, schedule an appointment.
Rod & Hammer SLO Stills
Don’t miss out on a SLO tradition. Since 2019, Rod & Hammer SLO Stills has embodied the bold spirit of two iconic San Luis Obispo locals. Named after its owners, SLO Brew’s Hamish (“Hammer”) Marshall and surfer Rodney (“Rod”) Gegelski, the distillery specializes in rich brown spirits handcrafted to dazzle the palate. Located beside SLO Brew’s The Rock at the edge of Edna Valley, the tasting room offers straight bourbon whiskey, straight rye whiskey, cask strength bourbon whiskey and distiller’s reserve rye whiskey, to name a few. Savor individual spirits by the glass or opt for a flight to sample them all (the flight fee is waived when you take home a bottle). When hunger hits, no worries: Rod & Hammer also features a short menu of whiskey cocktails and easygoing bites like pizza, salads, and charcuterie. Open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., this must-visit Highway 1 distillery is worth more than a few cheers.
Grover Beach
SLO de Vie
Enjoy a taste of the world without leaving Highway 1. SLO de Vie Distillery in Grover Beach is known for distinctive spirits inspired by its Portuguese-Russian owner. Specializing in spirits made from pomace, the distillery crafts traditional “aguardente,” a delightful Portuguese brandy using Azorian methods. Varieties include reserve, maracuja (passionfruit), and anise aguardente. SLO de Vie also produces vodka, gin and grappa, utilizing Central Coast fruit and ingredients like Seville oranges, rosemary and lavender grown in the owners’ backyards. Visit the Grover Beach distillery—located a stone’s throw from famed The Spoon Trade restaurant—to explore these unique spirits in full. This adventure promises to be photo worthy as well as flavorful: Taste amongst large copper stills, barrels and bottling lines.
San Luis Obispo
Krobar Distillery
Distilled with diversity in mind, Krobar Distillery pours up spirits to entice a myriad of tastes. A pioneer in the Central Coast spirits boom since 2012, founders and winemakers Steve Kroner and Joe Barton helm a pair of popular locations in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. In Paso Robles, Krobar distills primarily gin and vodka, including specialty batches like pink gin and kaffir lime vodka. Located behind Grey Wolf & Barton Family Wines, this vineyard-flanked tasting room also features weekly craft cocktails and a small bites menu. While distilleries in Paso Robles are known for showcasing scenic views, South County holds its own unique charm. For a more downtown vibe, head to Krobar’s bustling San Luis Obispo location, which serves brown barrel-aged spirits such as bourbon, rye and malt whiskeys as well as rum. Kick back with fresh craft cocktails made from Krobar Distillery spirits and local ingredients, order up a tantalizing small plate or embark on a fascinating distillery tour.
Atascadero
Central Coast Distillery
In the heart of Atascadero, Central Coast Distillery weaves a tapestry of flavors where culinary passion meets distilling artistry. Here, renowned chef and nature whisperer Eric Olson crafts the Forager line of spirits, each sip telling a story of wild-harvested botanicals and treasures from local beekeepers, ranchers and farmers. Embark on a journey through a garden of libations—crisp gin, velvety bourbon, pure vodka, sumptuous rum and mezcal born from the smoke-kissed agave of Paso Robles. But the magic doesn’t stop at the rim of a glass. On Thursday evenings, as golden light paints the tasting room, Chef Eric’s kitchen comes alive, pairing handcrafted cocktails with complimentary appetizers. Whether travelers are drawn in by the warmth of amber spirits on a Thursday or Friday from 5 p.m., or savoring a leisurely Saturday afternoon starting at 3 p.m. Central Coast Distillery invites all to linger, sip and savor a tasting experience that feels a little like coming home.
Templeton
Pendray’s Distillery
Based in Templeton, Pendray’s Distillery began as a way for winemakers Steve and Lola Glossner to produce spirits for fortifying their PasoPort wines. What began as a way to close the production loop became a business in its own right. Today, Pendray’s Distillery makes small-batch craft spirits including barrel-aged brandies, grappa, and fruit-based liqueurs in a 500-liter Holstein pot still. Steve Glossner comes to spirits via the wine industry, having made wine for Adelaida Cellars and Halter Ranch before making port-style wines. The company’s portfolio now includes PerCaso Wines, PasoPort Wines, and Pendray’s Distillery spirits. A visit to the tasting room can include samples of spirits as well as any of the Glossner’s other available wines. Be sure to try Pendray’s liqueurs, in particular, which are made only from neutral spirits, fruit or herbs, and sugar. The blueberry liqueur makes a perfect sipper for a hot summer day, and the chamomile liqueur can warm up a cold winter night. Stop in at Pendray’s for tastings Thursday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Donati Spirits
Soak in the sun-dappled beauty of Templeton while exploring new flavors at Donati Spirits in Templeton. Home of Donati Family Vineyard, this popular winery destination is a hidden gem for spirits enthusiasts, so be sure to add it to the list. Established in 2020, Donati Spirits crafts 80-proof Bear + Prophet vodkas from Donati Vineyard chardonnay grapes, a popular offering with a distinctive finish. Enjoy the winery’s neutral vodka or savor a barrel-rested variety at the tasting room’s luxurious Spirits Lounge. Here, visitors can explore flavored vodkas like pumpkin spice, watermelon-mint, pomegranate, pineapple, grapefruit, lavender-vanilla, blood orange—even a “bloody mary mix” vodka. Make a reservation to enjoy these truly unique tastings Friday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Bethel Rd. Distillery
At Bethel Rd. Distillery in Templeton, the acclaimed Udsen family of Castoro Cellars fame weaves winemaking expertise into spirited new realms. Owner Niels Udsen’s dream of crafting Italian-style grappa made him a local distilling pioneer, and now every Bethel Rd. Distillery spirit—from brandies to gin—flows from a grape foundation, honoring the land’s viticultural roots. In the cozy tasting room, open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can savor liqueurs born of estate-grown walnuts and oranges, each sip a story of Templeton terroir. But the Udsens’ passions run deeper than the still: they infuse Bethel Rd. with the same melodic soul that drives their famed Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival. Here, live sessions showcase touring talent and hometown heroes alike, blending handcrafted libations with the rhythm of the Central Coast. Bethel Rd. invites travelers to immerse themselves in this harmony of grape-based spirits and vivacious tunes—an invitation to sip, listen and connect.
Paso Robles
Re:Find Handcrafted Spirits
Journey to the birthplace of Highway 1’s craft spirits revolution at Re:Find Distillery in Paso Robles. Here, owners Alex and Monica Villicana turned their Westside winery into a beacon of green innovation, breathing new life into winemaking leftovers and spent brewing grains. The result? An array of handcrafted vodkas, gins and liqueurs that sip like liquid alchemy. Looking for a whiskey distillery in Paso Robles? Re:Find is known for incredible whiskey offerings imbued with a uniquely smooth finish. Tucked beside Villicana Winery, Re:Find’s inviting tasting room opens its doors Thursday through Sunday by appointment. Small groups of up to six can immerse themselves in an intimate exploration of these eco-conscious elixirs at one of Paso Robles most famous distilleries. Elevate the tasting with housemade and local mixers, bitters and garnishes that dance in the glass. From timeless classics to bold new frontiers, Re:Find pours the pioneering spirit of Paso Robles. It’s a place where sustainability entwines with craftsmanship, and every carefully distilled drop tells a story of transformation.
Azeo Distillery
Calling all fruit-spirit enthusiasts: Azeo Distillery in Paso Robles is an orchard of liquid delights awaiting discovery. Named for the azeotrope—a scientific phenomenon where mixed liquids boil at a constant temperature, defying simple separation—Azeo’s offerings burst with nature’s sweetest flavors. Here, distiller David Vondrasek began with an apple epiphany, creating a vodka so juicy it holds the essence of 28 apples in every bottle. The Paso Robles distillery’s diverse portfolio now includes grape vodka, moonshine, rum, silver rum and an agave spirit reminiscent of tequila. Tasters who step into Azeo’s tasting room may find Vondrasek himself often pouring both spirits and stories, his passion evident for all to see. Visitors can discover these fruit-forward wonders weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when David is known to work onsite, or arrange a weekend or evening tasting by appointment.
Calwise Spirits Co
From dorm room dreams to distilled reality, Calwise Spirits Co pours the story of California’s wild heart into every handcrafted drop. In Paso Robles, Calwise Spirits Co stands as a testament to founder Aaron Bergh’s enterprising vision, which first took root in his Cal Poly University dorm. Today, it’s a celebrated distillery where the soul of the Golden State is bottled and shared. Their Big Sur Gin is a liquid postcard from California’s rugged shore, marrying grape spirits with foraged herbs—sage, elderberry, yerba santa, bay, and juniper—each sip a hike along misty cliffs. For visitors who favor oak and smoke, Axe Hole Whiskey beckons with chocolate-roasted malts mellowed by 18 months embracing American oak. The Hazard Reef collection invites rum devotees to ride waves of flavor, from straight to spiced, all born of rich molasses. Meanwhile, Western Fruit Exchange orange liqueur zings with sun-kissed California citrus. Visitors to Calwise can embark on a sensory expedition: savoring spirits neat, exploring artfully mixed cocktails, or delving into distillation lore on guided distillery tours that peek behind the copper-clad curtain. Open Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m. (appointments welcome), Calwise beckons spirit seekers to taste the essence of the Central Coast, lovingly captured in small batches that tell big stories.
Willow Creek Distillery
At the crossroads of vineyard and still, Willow Creek Distillery transforms wine country bounty into aromatic treasures. Tucked within Opolo Winery along Highway 1’s vine-draped landscape, Willow Creek Distillery is a hidden treasure born of vision. Here, winery mavens Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols coax estate-grown fruit into grape-based elixirs that honor the storied Willow Creek sub-appellation of Paso Robles. Under the artful hand of head distiller Kevin Coulton, each spirit tells a tale of Willow Creek terroir. Sip the VS Brandy, and let caramel and vanilla dance across the palate, or explore the curious charm of “Malt ‘n Oats.” Fruit lovers can wander through an orchard of brandies—Williams pears, figs and Morello cherries turned liquid gold. For those seeking richer indulgences, estate walnuts, coffee beans and chocolate-mint yield distinctive liqueurs. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Opolo Winery, discover how this innovative destination breathes new life into Paso Robles distillery culture.
Tin City Distillery
At the heart of Paso Robles’ Tin City, where ingenuity flows as freely as fine spirits, Tin City Distillery sparkles as the crown jewel of craft. This lively industrial park is home to over 40 businesses, each echoing the area’s independent spirit. At its core, visitors will find Tin City Distillery—once known as “Wine Shine”—where skilled artisans like Patrick Brooks transform grains and fruit into liquid masterpieces. Here, rye and bourbon whiskeys mingle with gin and vodka, each sip a testament to craftsmanship. Fancy a cocktail without the fuss? Try their ingenious pre-mixed creations: The Manhattan Project brings the Big Apple without the mixing, while the Dirty Martini Deal shakes things up with a splash of local olive brine. For sips on the go, snag a tin can of vodka lemonade. Or venture into their orchard of brandies, where mango, ghost pepper and hibiscus offer tastebud-tingling adventures. Aside from great Tin City Spirits, find even more to explore: Step out and savor award-winning wines, innovative brews, and artisanal delights from passionate local producers. Tempting aromas waft from unique eateries and specialty shops beckon with treasures waiting to be discovered. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.mTin City Distillery invites all to raise a glass to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Wine Tasting on Highway 1
Where grapevines kiss the sea breeze, California’s Coastal Wine region uncorks a world of flavor along Highway 1. Here, award-winning wines flow as freely as the views, from rolling hills draped in emerald vines to tasting rooms perched above the Pacific’s blue-green shimmer. Novices and oenophiles alike are invited to swirl, sip and savor at scenic stops that dot the coastline. Highway 1 roadtrippers can dive in the rhythm of the vines at lively food and wine festivals, where glasses clink to the tune of local music. Or seek intimate moments at winemaker dinners, where each pour tells the story of sun, soil and skilled hands. In this welcoming wine lover’s paradise, variety reigns supreme. Iconic chardonnays, earthy pinot noirs—each glass brims with coastal character along Highway 1.
Beer Gardens & Taverns
Highway 1 pulses with the heartbeat of hops and barley. Here, in sun-dappled beer gardens, innovative brew houses and taverns steeped in charm, the Central Coast’s craft beer culture pours to life. Pull up a stool and let the taps tell tales of award-winning brews—from lagers light as sea foam to IPAs bold as breaking waves—each sip a testament to local mastery that’s turning heads from here to hop heaven. Friendliness flows as freely as the beer in Highway 1’s brewpubs and tasting rooms, where community and conversation is always flowing. Quench that thirst where the brew meets the blue—Highway 1’s beer scene has a pint waiting.
