by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Allegretto Vineyard Resort, a European-style facility, offers lodging, a restaurant, piazza and much more in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. The facility opened in September 2015. The hotel is an excellent base for exploring wine country.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles was the site for the recent CABs of Distinction events. The first event was held in the piazza filled with tables and umbrellas shading the delicious Paso Robles wines as numerous writers, with wine in one hand and and pens in the other, eagerly tasted wines and talked with winemakers. The weather was perfect for the outside wine tasting and the ambiance of the piazza added to the charm. Other CABs of Distinction events were held in the ballroom which were set up for panel discussions.
Allegretto Vineyard Lodging Site
Upon entering Allegretto Vineyard Resort, visitors will be greeted by a long wrought iron Y-shaped stairway with a large, elegant modern-style chandelier overhead. The chandelier tends to remind one of a flowing water fountain. To the right is a long checkin counter and to the left is Cello, a Mediterranean-style restaurant.
The Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres was under construction for two and a half years and opened September 8, 2015. For Douglas Ayres, the facility is a love of architecture and music, part of a symphony. The result is a luxury hotel with 171 rooms and a Mediterranean-style restaurant. In addition eight acres of vineyards are close to the facility. Allegretto has an outdoor pool, an outdoor hot tub and a bocce ball court. The entire facility makes one think of a wonderful visit to Tuscany.
As one walks through the hotel to the ballroom and meeting room areas, they pass by the library that features a humongous red wood slab almost covering a wall. World events are noted on the redwood including the Great Wall of China, the death of Julius Caesar and the birth of Jesus. More recent dates included the discovery of America and the American Civil War. The last date was 1952, the year the tree was cut down. Passing the library, visitors will see displays of framed artwork and numerous sculptures along the hallway walls.
We briefly met Douglas Ayres and he enthusiastically told us of his belief in the connection between architecture and music. He also enjoys wine. Later it was noted that allegretto is a musical term meaning a brisk tempo. For Ayres, Allegretto was inspired by the love of architecture and music. He noted that music is a rhythm of architecture. He wanted to create a space where people can walk into and be removed from the hustle and bustle of life.
The lodging facility has a showcase guest room which opens onto a patio. The room was filled with details and we were assured that all of the rooms are similar. Each room includes WiFi, flat screen television, refrigerator, Keurig coffeemaker, robes and slippers. Guests have access to complimentary valet parking.
In the easily accessed Cello restaurant, we enjoyed a light lunch with a picturesque salad and a lemon sorbet accompanied with a tangerine basil sprig. Both were as tasty as beautiful.
Allegretto has eight acres of vineyards. Varieties in the onsite vineyards include: Tannat, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Vermentino. Wine was produced beginning in 2013.
If you have the opportunity, consider scheduling a stay at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. The resort provides a perfect base for exploring Paso Robles wine country.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
2700 Buena Vista Drive
Paso Robles, California 93446
Below are several photos of Allegretto Vineyard Resort.
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Article written May 2016
