Paso Robles Extravaganza

Story by Lionel Neff

After months of planning, the long-awaited, two-day, three-night Paso Robles Extravaganza drive finally came to fruition. On a chilly, foggy morning of Tuesday, April 11, 35 intrepid participants made their journey to the meet-up point in Santa Barbara at the Habit Burger parking lot. By 9:30 a.m., everyone was checked-in and accounted for and the signal was given for drivers to start their engines. The enthusiasm to get underway was palpable.

Our journey took us over Hwy 154, with green hills filled with lupine and poppies. The overview of Lake Cachuma, recently filled to overflowing, was breathtaking as we motored by. We hopped onto Hwy 101 for the drive to Shell Beach, where we stopped for a short break (a break every 80 miles or so is not a bad idea, the reason for which will remain discreet). Our drive north on Hwy 101 continued until we reached San Luis Obispo, where we crossed over to Morro Bay and continued at our steady, reasonable pace along the sublimely beautiful coast until we arrived at the beginning of Hwy 1, the Big Sur route. Just ahead, a scrumptious lunch and beautiful terrace awaited us at the Ragged Point Inn and Restaurant.

When we arrived at Ragged Point, we were surprised to see our parking spots had been graciously reserved with yellow tape and an attendant on hand. The terrace was set with tables protected from the sun’s rays with umbrellas. To put it mildly, the management put on the ritz for the SBR Porsche Club. After our lunch and reconnoitering the beautifully manicured grounds and vast views of the rocky coastline, we jumped into our Porsches and snaked our way south for 14 miles to San Simeon and Hearst Castle, where we all participated in our pre-selected tours. Midweek touring is ideal: no traffic on the highways nor crowds at restaurants and historic sites.

After the Hearst Castle tours, we drove south past Cambria to Hwy 46 where we crossed the most spectacular belts of green, not missing the views of the various castlelike wineries that commanded the hilltops. Thirty-six miles later we arrived in Paso Robles and were warmly greeted by the staff at the Paso Robles Inn, our home for the next two nights. Though a free night in Paso Robles, it appeared most everyone had dinner at Buona Tavola, a wonderful, cozy Italian restaurant across the street from our hotel.

Opposite page: On the road with friends. Photo by Leslie Power.

Top left: The group, ready to get started. Photo by Lionel Neff.

Second row, left: Lunch at the Ragged Point Restaurant and Inn on scenic Hwy 1. Photo by Dennis Power.

Second row right: A happy six at the Ragged Point lunch stop. Photo by Randall Fishwick.

Bottom left: the Hearst Castle entrance. Photo by Dennis Power.

Lower right: the Hearst Castle outdoor pool. Photo by Randall Fishwick.

Bottom right: the Hearst Castle living room. Photo by Dennis Power.

Wednesday, April 12, was for winery tours. The plan for the morning was to meet at 9:00 a.m., have a discussion regarding the planned events, and depart on the day’s adventure at 9:30, but we discovered that all the wineries do not open until 11:00. Being it was such a beautiful morning and the verdant hills and dales beckoned, I decided a group ride to Lake Nacimiento, a mere 18 miles away, was the perfect means to pass the time. We were not disappointed; extraordinary, well-maintained, curvy roads produced the rapture and enjoyment these fine cars bring to one’s forefront.

Though our drive required a few (three to be precise) U-turns (for various reasons I won’t go into) the excitement of the road remained undaunted. We eventually made it to Adelaida Road and ultimately to Pasolivo Olive Oils where we spent an enjoyable time walking the stunning grounds and sampling various olive oils grown and processed on the premises. Then it was back behind the wheel of our steady steeds, as evidenced on our marque’s hood logos.

Little did I know what lay ahead was to exceed any and all expectations. From Adelaida Road we proceeded onto Vineyard Road and our luncheon engagement at Opolo Vineyards situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of the vineyards that surround the property. Since reservations had been arranged months in advance, Opolo outdid themselves in presentation, food quality, service, and welcoming attitude. What awaited us was a terrace where a huge table, appointed umbrellas, and a well-staffed cadre of servers all arranged for our 35 hungry travelers. Once seated, the sparkling wine started to flow, followed by a salad, platters of Greek sausages accompanied by pita slices, and the sauces that created a gastronomic delight. After that, variously topped pizzas started to roll out in what appeared to be an endless procession.

Our not-soon-to-be-forgotten luncheon over, we again jumped into our cars for the ride back to the hotel for what most considered a well-deserved nap. The plan for the evening’s event was to gather in the lobby of the hotel at 6:00 p.m. for the short walk to the Fish Gaucho for dinner. The Fish Gaucho is recognized for its unusual, gourmet

Mexican seafood dishes (and margueritas). The restaurant was packed. However, since reservations had been arranged well in advance, our tables awaited us when we arrived. After dinner, a welcome, though chilly, walk back to the hotel was had.

Thursday, April 13, was set aside for a tour of the Estrella Warbird Museum. A chilly 38-degree morning greeted our 9:00 a.m. gathering for that day’s event. Plans included a short drive to the museum adjacent to the Paso Robles Airport just off Hwy 46. When our troupe of Porsches arrived, our host arranged for us to drive out to the tarmac to gather in front of the airplane collection for pictures and kudos. We were introduced to our docent who proceeded to provide an inspirational two-hour tour of the facility. The tour included a host of various aircraft, an outstanding car collection (though void of any Porsches), and a bevy of military vehicles and armaments. By noon, we all departed with sensory overload and broad smiles for our drive home.

All-in-all, it was an event I truly enjoyed planning and leading for such an engaging group of individuals. Though the adventure was great, participation by our members made it the greatest!

Top row: olive oil sampling and the setting at Pasolivo. Photos by Dennis Power.

Second row (l to r): the lunch bunch at Opolo Vineyards. Photo by Randall Fishwick. More great dining in Paso Robles at the Fish Gaucho.

Photo by Dennis Power.

Third row: scenes from the outdoor collection at the Estrella Warbird Museum. Photos by Dennis Power.

Lower left: part of the car collection at the Estrella Warbird Museum.