Post-Race Relaxation: Exploring the Best Wineries in Paso Robles After Wildflower

One of Wildflower’s longtime triathletes, Ali Rush, keeps finding her way back to the course year after year. She’s a Cal Poly grad, a certified advanced sommelier, and the owner of both 15C Wine Shop and Shift Studio. Over the years, she’s experienced Wildflower as a student, an athlete, and now as a local business owner.

“There isn’t just one favorite memory because Wildflower has been part of so many phases of my life. I started out as a Cal Poly student waking up early to lifeguard the swim, then came back as a graduate bringing friends and racing. Now I’m pouring local wine and watching my son race in the kids’ event. It’s come full circle,” Rush says.

For Wildflower 2025, Ali is debuting her limited edition Wildflower Red and Rosé wines, made just for race weekend. You can preorder and pick up a bottle at the 15C Wine Shop booth in the Wildflower expo. It’s a great way to celebrate after the race or bring home as a souvenir. You can preorder through your Participant Profile, or if you haven’t registered yet, bottles are also available here for on-site pickup during race weekend.

If you’re planning to stick around the Central Coast after the race, there’s still plenty more to enjoy once the hard part’s over. After a tiring weekend of racing at Wildflower, there’s no better way to wind down than with a chilled glass of wine and a relaxing afternoon in Paso Robles. Whether you raced for your personal best or crossed the finish line for your own sense of accomplishment, there’s a good chance your body could use a break.

Paso Robles is just about an hour from Lake San Antonio. The drive is easy and beautiful with rolling hills and vineyard views that feel like a nice change of pace after the intensity of the weekend. Whether you’re looking to try a few new wines or just want a quiet place to relax and recharge, Paso Robles wineries are a great way to close out your Wildflower Experience.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of Ali’s favorite spots in Paso Robles:

Dusi Wines
If you’re looking for something easy and laid-back after the race, J. Dusi is a great option. It’s right off Highway 46 and known for making smooth, flavorful red wines, especially Zinfandel.  The tasting room has a casual, friendly feel, which makes it a solid spot to relax and enjoy the afternoon.

Barton Family Wines

Barton is a great spot to unwind after the race. You can grab a glass of wine, get some food, and hang out for a while in their comfortable outdoor area. They also have a distillery on site, which makes the experience a little more unique. It’s a great pick if you’re with friends and want to keep the post-race celebration going.

Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated but still relaxed, Austin Hope is a great place to stop. They’re especially known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, and the tasting space has a clean, modern vibe. With indoor lounges and outdoor cabanas overlooking the vines, it’s the kind of place where you can either kick back inside or hang outside in the sun.

Tin City
Tin City is more of a wine collective than a single winery. You’ll find everything from wine and cider to craft beer and food, all in a super casual setting. It’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for something different and want to check out some local hidden gems. It’s also a great chance to support small, independent winemakers who are doing things their own way and bringing something unique to the scene.

Whether you’re celebrating a strong finish or just glad you made it to the finish line, wine tasting in Paso is an easy way to relax after the weekend. You don’t need to hit every winery on the list. Just pick one or two and enjoy being off your feet for a while. After everything your body went through during the weekend, you’ve more than earned it.

Check out our interview of Ali Rush from 15C and why she loves Wildflower in the link below!

15C Ali Rush Interview