The 2004 film Sideways introduced the world to Central California and its wine, but what they don't tell you is that connecting all of these world-class wineries to each other and the outside world are some seriously sweet little two-lane mountain roads. While Sideways dwelt in the more southerly Santa Ynez Valley near Buellton and Solvang, our trip is about 90 miles north in the Central Coast area near Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo.
Paso is a very gearhead-friendly place that until recently hosted a big hot-rod show every Memorial Day. It's got a large park right off of the main drag (Spring Street) that's surrounded by some choice bars and restaurants. Near the north end of town on Spring Street, turn west onto 24th Street and head into the hills.
Our destination is the Wild Coyote Winery, which is owned and operated by the proud owner of a custom Road King, Gianni Manucci. He runs a little bed-and-breakfast at his winery, and if you ask nicely, he just might give you a little riding tour of the area. To get to Wild Coyote, take 24th (which becomes Nacimiento Lake Drive, or County Route G14) 2 miles to Adelaida Road, turn left and go 3 more to Wild Coyote. Past Wild Coyote, continue down Adelaida; it changes names more times than you can keep track of in its wind down to the coast. Turning south will get you to CA-46, which cuts from the valley to the coast, while heading more westerly will get you to Cambria on the coast, or just ask around at one of the dozens of wineries plying the beautiful vine-covered hills.
Going back to G14 and heading west will get you up to picturesque Lake Nacimiento, deep in the coastal range, in the twistiest way possible.
start:
Paso Robles Town Square
GPS: Lat 3537'34"N, Long 12041'24"W
24th and Spring
GPS: Lat 3538'21"N, Long 12041'33"W
Wild Coyote Winery
GPS: Lat 3539'39"N, Long 12046'06"W
end:
Cambria
GPS: Lat 3534'01"N, Long 12105'60"W
Lake Nacimiento
GPS: Lat 3545'25"N, Long 12053'02"W