The USAToday is reporting that Paso Robles is now the number one spot for wine tourism in California:

PASO ROBLES, Calif. — The February issue of a respected wine industry trade publication gives only one of the world’s wines both a rarefied 98 score and the top spot in the “highly recommended” section.

Near perfection came from Saxum, a well-regarded but obscure winery in Paso Robles, a one-time California cow town becoming a superior wine-producing region known by few non-aficionados outside the state.

Located on California’s Central Coast, the Paso Robles viticultural area’s consistent quality and relatively moderate land prices have combined for phenomenal growth.

In fewer than 20 years, the number of wineries has grown from 30 to 250 and counting, plus at least 600 hopefuls making boutique bottles at custom crush co-ops to hawk at restaurants and local wine bars.

Esteemed reviewer Robert Parker has said the region of rolling, oak-studded hills holds California’s greatest potential. Winemakers swear by a climate and limestone-infused soils that mimic the southern Rhone region of France.

Source: USAToday