Hearst Ranch Winery

Winery · San Luis Obispo County

Hearst Ranch Winery

Winery · San Luis Obispo County

1

442 Slo San Simeon Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452

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Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null
Hearst Ranch Winery by null

Highlights

Perched on a cliff with stunning bay views, Hearst Castle Winery offers a delightful mix of fine wines and gourmet sandwiches, making it a must-stop along Highway 1.  

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442 Slo San Simeon Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452 Get directions

hearstranchwinery.com
@hearstranchwinery

$$

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442 Slo San Simeon Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452 Get directions

+1 805 927 4100
hearstranchwinery.com
@hearstranchwinery

$$

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Last updated

Mar 7, 2025

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"Head to Hearst Winery for a rare chance to savor award-winning SLO CAL wine with water views and the sounds of the Pacific Ocean waves crashing nearby."

A Wine and Food Road Trip through San Luis Obispo, California - AFAR
View Postcard for Hearst Ranch Winery

Rashi

Google
Great place for lunch and wine tasting. Had wonderful quick service. Made reservations ahead of time (doesn't cost any money) and preordered our lunch. The sandwiches were fantastic and they were ready as soon as we arrived. It was perfect. We asked to taste a couple of wines that we wanted to purchase and they added to our tasting session, no fuss. The venue is perfect as well. We sat outside with our meals and wine tasted, all while hearing the waves crash along the shore. Beautiful. Parking inside the gate for the tasting room is limited but plenty of parking near the general store and along the side of the road.

Les Day

Google
We stopped at Hearst Ranch Winery for some wine tasting and had a wonderful time. Although they recommend making reservations, they were able to accommodate us, and we were seated outside with a beautiful view of the ocean. Our server was very friendly and made the experience even better. We chose the $45 Legacy Tasting, which included a flight of four wines. The 2021 Carpoforo Zinfandel was our favorite, and we ended up purchasing two bottles to take home. Overall, it was a great experience with excellent wine and stunning views. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

Arnold Flores

Google
Hearst Castle Ranch Winery🍷🥂 Nestled along the stunning coast, Hearst Castle Winery offers an unforgettable wine-tasting experience, perfectly complemented by breathtaking ocean views, earthy gardens, beautiful trees. The Chardonnay Steel Barrel is a standout, maintaining a beautiful bouquet of crisp citrus while eliminating the typical buttery essence. It's refreshing and light, ideal for those who appreciate a more delicate, clean style of Chardonnay. The Rosé blend, featuring Grenache, Tempranillo, and Malbec, is a delightful, fruity option—refreshing and perfect for a casual lunch or an afternoon of good conversation. It’s the kind of wine that pairs well with sunny days and lively discussions. For those seeking something with more depth, the Malbec offers robust dark red fruit flavors that make it a delicious choice to enjoy with a hearty meal, such as tri-tip or steak sandwiches. At $35 per person for the wine tasting, the experience is well worth it, especially since the fee is waived with the purchase of just two bottles. The winery also offers a simple but satisfying lunch menu featuring gourmet sandwiches—an absolute highlight. These are hands down the best sandwiches I have ever had. Each one is a rainbow of flavors, crafted with fresh meats, crisp produce, freshly baked breads, and tasty combinations like chicken and bacon. The Cubano sandwich stands out as a juicy masterpiece, with shredded, perfectly spiced meat that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a treat! The service truly elevates the experience. Karen, the cashier at the Seaside store, was absolutely wonderful. She suggested pairing our gourmet sandwiches with the wine tasting, which was an ideal recommendation. Teresa, our wine concierge, took the tasting experience to the next level. She explained each wine with passion and knowledge, making the tasting session both educational and enjoyable. The ocean views are nothing short of breathtaking, providing a serene and beautiful backdrop to your wine tasting. The gardens are alive with butterflies and vibrant plant life, adding to the earthy, tranquil feel of the place. Overall, Hearst Castle Winery does not disappoint. Fantastic wines, unforgettable sandwiches, great service, and stunning views make this a must-visit destination. Cheers to an amazing experience!🍷🍷🍷

Markus Stampfli

Google
Firstly you definitely need reservations now. A very upscale secluded area to taste and drink their wines and choice food items. Outside you can have a private table spaced generously amongst the large trees and a perfect view of the hearst harbor and pier.

Maria

Google
I had seen a bunch of bad reviews lately but as the place seemed beautiful and it’s the only winery in this region that we were around, I decided to go anyway…. And I regret. The attention of the first two ladies were actually very nice, they were very kind and receptive. When we seated at our table, the experience went down. The lady that attend us was in a hurry always and didn’t talk more than the extremely necessary. In other tables I saw that she explained more and gave more attention. She didn’t ask which one of the flights I would want, just presumed that I was going on the cheaper one and already brought the wines. From one wine to another, a lifetime passed, with no attention and we couldn’t even see her. The wines were good though. The sun started to get me and I asked if we could chance to one of the (many) other tables in the shadows, she didn’t like and said she would try to change our sunshade to help a little. In the end, she took the wrong wine I ordered to buy and again took ages to change it. And to finish, she took the difference of the money we paid as a tip without asking, she just kept it and I was so tired and stressed about the whole experience that I went home. The place is beautiful but it doesn’t compensate the rest.

Keyla Pech

Google
The wines were great, absolutely amazing. The service was terrible though, it took 2 hrs for my party of 4 to experience a tasting. We came early (3 when our reservation was at 3:30). They were kind enough to seat us earlier than our reserved time but we had to wait 15-20min in between pours. I came for the view I stayed for the wine Alas all I could do... Is wonder what time the server would return.

Lorin Kuschill

Google
Beautiful location, great wines, service was extremely slow. I would definitely recommend they do all the tastings at once with a flight because they take so long in between to refill for the next taste. Friendly staff though. Outdoor space was beautiful. Purchased two reds for us to take home.

sylvia elias

Google
I recently visited Hearst for a wine tasting and unfortunately, I have never felt so unwelcome at a wine tasting venue. As a returning customer, I have witnessed changes over the years. I used to enjoy bringing my own snacks, like cheese and meats, to complement the tasting experience. However, the venue transitioned to only allowing food purchased on-site, which was initially acceptable due to the decent selection available. Now, guests are restricted to food from a specific lunch vendor, which was inconvenient as we were directed to go across the parking lot to Sebastian's, only to find the kitchen closed upon our arrival at 3 pm. The only option was a pre-packaged box that contained cheese and meats that did not appeal to us. Additionally, the pour sizes were disappointingly small, and our server's attitude made us feel unwelcome. Despite the beautiful view, the overall vibe at Hearst felt off-putting, with strict rules and a sense of it being more about profit than hospitality. Our experience was unpleasant, and we couldn't wait to leave.

Ben H.

Yelp
Sebastian's Store has the best steak sandwich I've ever had. No joke. Everyone working was super cool.

Heather W.

Yelp
The first time I visited the winery, it was stunning with the views. I had a great experience. I went last year and they were remodeling, so it wasn't what I wanted to do. I thoroughly enjoy the outside, so I decided to wait til the remodel was done. Fast forward to this year.... I had just been to Hearst Castle and had an amazing time and wanted to keep that going. I came to the winery and was so turned off. It looks nice inside. I do however miss the gift shop they used to have. I do like the new fire place and wine bar they set up. But when I come to a place as beautiful as this, I want to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine with the incredible views this place offers. I walked in and they told me I couldn't sit outside because of the wind but I could go outside and look around. They also told me no that I couldn't have just one glass of wine I had to pay for a flight. I do enjoy flights, but just wasn't in the mood for one today, as I like the sweeter wines and mostly white wines. Most of the wines on the flight were red. I don't want to pay for a flight that I won't enjoy. I also find it funny that Mr. Hearst, I learned in the tour, was super fond of sweets and sweeter wine yet they don't offer any sweet wine. I just find that so odd. He liked his See's candy and sweet wines and praised people that brought him his sweets. I was told I could go outside and visit the beautiful outside, so I did. They had told me that I couldn't have the wine outside because of falling debris yet they let me go out there and walk. And then when I was out there, there was a woman sitting outside with her wine and only one glass. So two things they told me I could not do .....someone else was doing. I was just so turned off that we left. I miss the old winery and being able to just buy one glass. It's so crazy to me that they are turning away people wanting to spend money. I went in thinking I'll get one glass of wine to enjoy there and if I find one I like, a bottle or two to go. Instead, I walked out angry and disappointed.

Crystal S.

Yelp
You can now order your food from the shop directly across from the wine tasting room. Food has been excellent the few times I've picked up food. Mostly sandwiches and salads. I've been a member for at least 5 years or so. During those years a couple of times I've come with family and we buy bottles of wine and food. But now, you can no longer buy bottles to drink at the seaside tasting room. You can at Sebastian's which is the shop directly across from the tasting room. I do t want to do that! So it pains me to say I'm giving up my membership this year. It's a lovely venue, regular tasting is $35 and the 'proprietors' tasting is $50. I spend so much money buying wine here as a proprietors member, and now I can't enjoy a few bottles of wine with family? I'm done. And what happened to the umbrellas for the tables? It was a sunny day and even if temperature is cool, the sun is very hot when sitting outside. I had to ask to move tables, as did others who were outside. UPDATE: after attending Blendfest on the Coast in Cambria, I was told that the rule about no bottles at Hearst tasting room is ONLY for non members. Members are still allowed to purchase bottles to enjoy

Jamie E.

Yelp
We went there today and there were lots of empty tables but alas, if you didn't have a reservation, they were somewhat rude. The woman there just repeated the same thing no matter what we asked (we couldn't have eaten there anyway because they have no food, they are building a kitchen). We pretty much had to beg to be "allowed" to buy some wine to take with us. We bought 2 magnums of Cabernet at $105 each. Went across the street to Sebastian's and they had the same Bunkhouse Cabernet for $42/ bottle. Why is a magnum $21 more than 2 bottles? Perhaps there is a reason, please enlighten me. If you want to go, be sure to make a reservation.

Karen T.

Yelp
This was an absolutely fun day. Everyone is welcoming and friendly--from the staff at Sebastian's where you can order a take away lunch to enjoy with your tasing to the warm welcome at the winery. The sandwich was a Californian (turkey) and it was big enough to share--so yummy. Ranay was our server for our tasting and she was knowledgeable and provided good service. She asked enough questions to know my taste in wine and offered me choices that were not on the wine tasting list as alternatives. Overall it was a lovely spot overlooking the bay with warm and friendly servers. I like one of her suggestions so much I bought a bottle to take home.

Ratna J.

Yelp
Note: Hearst Winery is temporarily closed for renovations. The wine tastings have been moved to Sebastian's General Store. If I was to just review the food truck, it would be a 5/5. The service is amazing and the food is absolutely phenomenal. The burger patty is cooked medium-well just the way I like it. And the buffalo cauliflower tastes fresh and good. Unfortunately our wine tasting experience was not great. The service was a bit short. I heard the same server telling other people about their promotion but she failed to mention it to us. There was no back story on the grapes and where they grow them. We felt a bit of an outcast and unwelcomed when she did that. At the end when we were checking out, I asked her if we can keep the wine tasting glass and pay for the tastings if we don't want to get any bottles and she was a little puzzled. In typical wineries, if we don't purchase any bottles then we get to keep the wine tasting glass as long as we pay for the wine tastings. Not sure if I will come back. When I came here in 2019 my experience was phenomenal but now its a bit tainted.

J G.

Yelp
This had been one of my favorite places to visit, but on our last visit some things changed. It was recently remodeled and looks great, unfortunately they also changed their wine tasting approach. $35 wine tastings only, you can't buy a glass or a bottle. We asked if some of us could drink just whites on the tasting and they said no, in an unfriendly way. I don't think I will be back.

Priscila F.

Yelp
I've been a club member for a few years and their wine continues to get better and better every year. This location has an amazing ocean view available from their outdoor patio which is perfect in the summer. Their staff is always friendly and very patient with everyone (big or small parties). If it's your first time stopping by make sure to make a reservation so they can seat you right away, the flight fee is waived with the purchase of two bottles. The 2020 Arbuckle Ridge Cabernet Ridge is phenomenal, and 2021 bunkhouse can are a must try. Lastly, for those that travel with their furry family members this place is dog friendly.

Alyssa A.

Yelp
We heard about this winery while on our Hearst Castle tour and decided to stop by and enjoy afterwards. We came to do a wine tasting, and Christopher was wonderful! Super knowledgeable about the wine and the winery, he made sure we had a great time. The Malbec was our big winner of the afternoon. If you can only try one, this is it. We ended up being a couple bottles home. This is an absolutely beautiful location for a winery. Right on the edge of the water, you can get a waterfront table, enjoy your wine, and watch the waves come in. Both an enjoyable and peaceful afternoon.

LeeAnn B.

Yelp
Absolutely stunning winery! It's a bit off the beaten path as you can't see it off of the highway, but after reading some reviews, I knew that my husband and I needed to stop for a quick glass of wine after our Hearst Castle tour. True to the reviews, it is directly across the highway from the castle and our wine ended up being quite tasty. However, that's about all I got from reviews. I was STUNNED to see the view from the winery as the outdoor tables sit directly in front of the beach, which is not an inhabited or crowded beach by any means so the vibe was so calming and relaxing. We did make a reservation before hand and let them know that we would have our pups with us, and when we infomrmed that that we were celebrating our mini moon as we had just gotten married two weekends prior, they graciously moved our reserved table to one right on the water, so there weren't even other tables in the way of our view. It was a tad pricey for a tasting, but well worth it for ambiance alone, but the quality and flavor of the wines as well as the service was top notch as well. We also found out that we could order sandwiches from the local shop up the street and they would deliver the sandwiches to us at the winery after ordering, so that was such a fun surprise as well! I HIGHLY recommend stopping here while in San Simeon, pups included! Make sure to make a reservation though as they had no availability for walk in's when we arrived!

Jon K.

Yelp
Pleasant, relaxing afternoon and good service. The food service was quirky since they've temporarily closed the kitchen and you need to go to Sebastian's General Store a room the street. You can't buy a bottle to drink, all that was available was a $35 tasting with skimpy pours. Overall a good experience but pricy.

Monica C.

Yelp
Beautiful location. Amazing ocean view. Some staff were rude with nasty attitude. My waitress was amazing and very kind. Tasting is $35. Wines were just ok for me. But I enjoyed the experience.

Shannon B.

Yelp
There are simply no words to describe this experience-the best tasting room on the central coast. Delicious wine, knowledgeable, friendly staff and views that are uniquely California! A MUST visit.

Leisyka P.

Yelp
Don't come here without a reservation. It is a beautiful location but they don't let you into the good part unless you have a reservation. The staff is a little offputting probably because they deal with so many people without reservations. The location is fantastic on a clear day. And their wines are delicious. This place is across the highway from Hearst Castle. I have been disappointed by this place every time I go. I have tried to taste wine there three different times without success. First, arriving without a reservation, which of course makes tasting wine impossible. We tried to just buy a bottle of wine to drink there, but they won't let you go out onto the patio so we declined. The next time I went, it was closed and they were doing tastings across the street at the general store. Not quite the same experience so we decided not to do it there. The best experience we had with Hearst wines was in Paso Robles. A beautiful tasting room with friendly staff, and it was very welcoming. This location kind of bites. Even though it's beautiful, it feels as if you have to give your first child to get a table there.

McKenzie S.

Yelp
The most beautiful winery on the West Coast! Getting here can be a trek, especially if you're used to visiting several wineries in a day. But make sure to put Hearst Ranch Winery - San Simeon on your list of must-visits. We brought June, since this short excursion was the purpose of finding best dog wineries, eateries, beaches and dog parks. And we found one of the best dog friendly wineries here at Hearst! San Simeon Beach is epically beautiful. With views like this you won't want to leave! We opted to share a tasting flight and purchased a bottle of rose to share. We purchased a few meats and cheeses from their deli and made an impromptu charcuterie board. It was delightful! I highly recommend making the effort to drive the extra miles and spend an afternoon soaking up the sun on this stretch of the California coast. Bring your pups! Vacation pro tip - take a quick drive north to view the elephant seals!

Jasmine R.

Yelp
We came here after visiting Hearst Castle. Our waitress was attentive and charming. We sat outside where we had a beautiful view of the ocean. I walked over to the store next door to get a charcuterie board to have with our wine and that completed our experience.

Susan L.

Yelp
Decided this was the perfect stop before heading over to Heart Castle for a tour Pros: - That view! Tables and seating were on this gorgeous cliffside, perfect spot to see the ocean and the tiny pier in the distance. I seriously enjoyed my time sipping wine and hearing that lovely ocean. - Staff were super friendly. Towards the end of my tasting, it got a bit busier, but still she paced the wines really well. There were lots of gnats flying around, and when one bug plunged to it's wine death into my glass, she kindly replaced it with more wine - Picnic friendly. I saw a few people open up lunch bags full of treats from home to nibble on while enjoying the wine and ambiance. - The store inside had a few cold items for purchase - cheese, meats, etc. In you weren't smart enough to pack your own treats - Easy to make a reservation online Cons: - Bathrooms were pretty limited. Maybe I just timed it incorrectly but I had to wait quite a bit to use the bathroom - Parking is in an unpaved lot. It was pretty full when I went, though there were less people than expected inside. I imagine parking may be difficult when this place gets really busy - Weather dependent. I would really check the weather to see how hot/cold it'll be before you make your reservation since seating is outside - Wine bottles are on the pricey side Would I come again? Yes, that view was amazing

Julia C.

Yelp
On a Monday in September, we wanted to get a glass of wine and enjoy the beautiful view. Upon entering the empty tasting room, we were greeted (more like accosted) by a woman. "Are you here for tasting? It's $35". No, I explained, we were wanting to get a glass of wine and look out over the water. She promptly said we needed to go to the store across the way. I asked if we buy a bottle, are we able to enjoy it out by the tasting room (the store had no view). "No, we only do tastings here and it's $35. Do you want to do it? Too expensive?" Like...how dare you? I understand there are probably policies, but there was no one there, and no reason to be so brash.

Bruce O.

Yelp
Hearst Ranch Winery, San Simeon, CA - November 27, 2023 We arrived at about 1:30 pm without a reservation on a Monday. They were not busy at all and they were able to seat us right away at a nice table, beachside with the sight and sound of waves in front of us. Just a note, normally they're pretty busy here and reservations are highly recommended. Our hostess's name was Amorette, and she was friendly and talkative as she checked us in and took us to our table. We learned we both grew up in the same part of Southern California. Our server's name was Jacob. He was very friendly and attentive and got us started on a couple wine flights right away. The cost of wine fights is $28 each, waived with a two bottle purchase. We tried the rose', Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All wines were very tasty and in the $32 -$52/bottle price range. We bought 4 bottles and waived our tasting fee. Great spot to hang out on a sunny lazy afternoon on the ocean shore. You can also buy a glass of wine or a bottle and enjoy it on the grounds there.

Denise S.

Yelp
I am giving the two star, because you can't beat the view. My friend and I come here every time that we are in Cambria. We do a tasting, get some snacks and buy plenty of wine. Every time we come, the experience gets worse and worse. We like to have something to eat with our tasting, and will get something to eat, the last time we could pick out a cheese, some fruit and crackers. This time we were told we had to march across the driveway to another store to get food. We did, and were told " we close at 3:00 pm so you better hurry" the guy helping at the deli counter was super nice, and we grabbed what was available - a $24.00 pre-packed box of cheese, salami, some nuts, and some packaged crackers. We marched back and were led to our seats outside - again, great view - our server was SO unfriendly that it was almost uncomfortable. We had a TINY tasting of four selections, bought a couple, and got the - - - - out. The tasting is $35.00 per person, and the experience was SO unsatisfying. Here is my advice to the owners: get really friendly wait staff, put a deli at the back of that huge tasting room, make it an experience. As much as we love the history, you are so off the mark for customer experience and we are debating on keeping this on our yearly list of things to do.

A C.

Yelp
Hearst is top rate. Greatly enjoyed the setting, coastal breeze and conversation set in the shadow of San Simeon. Pick up bottles of cab and tempranillo thereafter.

Nicole V.

Yelp
I mean...the location speaks for itself right? A good friend of mine highly recommended this place for us during a trip to Morro bay from OC. Glad we spent the extra 20 minutes driving up to come to this place. We did the legacy tasting which came with 4 pours for $28. Personally I think for that price it should be more like 5-6 pours but the location and service make up for it. Grace was our host and she paid special attention to our pup which we loved. Their patio and tasting room are dog friendly. there is a store next to it where you can bring sandwiches in from but they also sell little finger foods inside. The retail they have in there is great also. Will be coming back ! Can't wait to check out the winery in paso. Thanks !

Laurel T.

Yelp
I'll admit, there was a few minor inconveniences, but Renee took care of everything and made it a 100000 times better I ended up making a reservation online but then called the day of and asked if I could make it for earlier. It was no problem and everything was smooth sailing. I was ready to be on another planet and let loose We were immediately sat and I was honestly really impressed with their layout / the ambiance. The gift shop was great and the ocean view can't be beat (Also very thankful with how dog friendly they are) Anyways, we were given the whole rundown by the hostess. She explained they have a food truck (I personally didn't see it and someone else went over and placed the food order) and explained how we can place an order for food at the truck but then they would bring it to us. They also had a lot of charcuterie items inside that you could buy and eat at your table It was a little rocky after being sat down. Our server was very sweet and taking her time at each table making sure all the questions were answered and etc. BUT, after telling her 4 times I'd love to do the wine flight I ended up getting my food before the flight came to my table (I ordered a burger well done and some fries. So this wasn't a 2 minute food item I ordered) by the time the flight came my food was already half way down my gullet. But thankfully when we were sat they gave us each a glass of wine to kick everything off. (From the first photo I took which was time stamped and to when my flight arrived it took exactly 36 minutes and it wasn't busy at all) It came to a point where I finally had to call our server over and asked her again for my flight. She could tell that I was upset and immediately started apologizing and came out with a couple extra wines to try. I'm not a HUGE red wine fan, especially for day time. It was really awesome she noticed that I wasn't touching the very strong reds. She asked if I wanted some white wines and a rosé instead At the end I told her I wanted to buy a bottle of the rosé but then she informed me it would just be a 4 dollar difference if I bought another bottle of it because then the tasting fee would be waived. So I went ahead and did that. She ended up giving me a complimentary glass after the mixup earlier and apologized again At the end everything was amazing and it was just a bump in the road. After being a few drinks Deep I even forgot about the whole thing I'm definitely not the best at winery reviews since I don't take it very serious like a lot of wine connoisseurs. But I highly recommend coming to this place just for the view alone. I'm already mass texting all my girlfriends saying we need to plan a little getaway soon and I'll definitely put this place on the list

Jason S.

Yelp
Initially came here because of the incredible view and one of the very few wineries/tasting rooms that are ocean front. However, went across the way to Sebastian's to grab some food and brought it over to accompany the wine tasting I had here; great wines- the Chardonnay was crisp, clean and perfect! Service was excellent and didn't disappoint at all, even with a few visiting dogs that had a passing dust-up; all was taken in stride and our experience was wonderful. You're outside, looking at the ocean and if you moored up on your own yacht, you can keep an eye on it the whole time you are there. Definitely make a reservation as it can get busy!

TJ Q.

Yelp
Man. This was a total stop by accident and so happy we didn't. The view was absolutely amazing and the wine was good as well. It was such a great way to end the day. Please realize they take reservations so grab them ahead of time. Also they close at 4pm. Keith our server was an awesome guy and really knew the wine. Our favorite was the rose but highly recommend you get the tasting! Must stop when on the central coast and the weather is good!!!

Jan C.

Yelp
Five stars for location, the very pleasant tasting experience and the good selection of wine. We lucked in to a tasting because of a cancellation. I definitely recommend reservations. We bought several bottles of wine and made a productive stop in their gift shop. We'll definitely return.

Brian C.

Yelp
Beautiful space on the coast at San Simeon. The wines are fabulous and the staff is really nice and attentive. You can get food across the street at Sebastian's.

Patrick S.

Yelp
The view while tasting wine was incredible. I don't know why we haven't been here sooner. We will be back just for the experience. The tasting fee is a little high but the atmosphere makes it worth it. When we checked in for our reservation, a group of 4 checked in after us and raced past us to the counter to get their first pour or rosé and were seated before us; pretty rude but it was obvious they lacked self-awareness. It would have been nice if the staff realized we were first and asked them to wait. Our wine pourer was extremely sweet and fun and helped us have a great experience. We bought few bottles and may be back to join the membership.

Wendy G.

Yelp
Unfortunately- same experience. Girl at front very rude. It was an unwelcoming experience-- we left. It would have been nice to sit at one of the many many empty tables while we waited for our reservation. Many nice wineries to choose from- we'll keep this off our list.

Anita M.

Yelp
No, your new rule to allow wine tasting flights ONLY is NOT pro business. We visited many wineries in the area and all offered tasting flights, glasses, and bottles for purchase. I'm disappointed in your new program and will not be back.

Mark C.

Yelp
Wine selection is wonderful, if you are new to wine varietal, allow your friendly host to educate you on some choices. Pay attention though, the sea breeze, crashing waves wino laughter will distract from this beautiful cliff side patio. The ambience of the ocean never gets old. Too cold too hot? They remodeled for more space inside, Food and merchandise is at the restored Sebastian's. Please feed the tourists, not the squirrels that play next door.

Landon H.

Yelp
Unfriendly, unwelcoming, and ageist, do avoid if you aren't over the age of 40. The wine isn't great, very "standard". The servers don't really know their product and instead use industry buzz words. They also do very light pours for younger people (less than 1oz per pour for us but saw most tables of older people get near a 2oz pour) for a $35 price tag. They now force only tastings, and no drinking bottles on the premise policy. Money hungry business practices that probably will blame inflation.

Danielle M.

Yelp
Such a lovely little winery with fantastic wines! I have been wanting to visit here for a while and am so excited we had time before visiting Hearst Castle! The outdoor space, with the gorgeous ocean background, really is a great. We came in December so there were no food trucks, but we were glad to find you can bring your own food/picnic or grab some meats and cheeses from their shop. Reasonable price bottles, and we fell in love with their Zinfandel! I highly recommend stopping by here if you are in the area!

Meena N.

Yelp
This is must stop for a glass of wine. The combination of the woods and the ocean is just beautiful. There are several tables outside. We were there at 11am so there were plenty of tables. Our server was very friendly and sweet. They have a cute gift shop and meats and cheeses for purchase. The bottles of wine are very reasonably priced.

Brooke L.

Yelp
Worth stopping by, beautiful location and view. The setup and flow is a little bumpy. Keith is great with the tastings :) The cheeseboard setup is odd but would be cool if they had a choice of different types then price it. Otherwise you'll need to purchase each cheese etc

Barbara Q.

Yelp
This place is in such a scenic place in a cute sleepy beach town. Lots of outdoor seating right by the beach. Wine is so delicious! Their Malbec is fantastic; & their Sirah is great too! Service was so friendly. I highly recommend Jacob; so personable.

Natalie L.

Yelp
This is at the top of our favorite wine tasting spots! The weather is always perfect and you can't beat hearing the ocean waves crashing as you are enjoying a glass of wine or two! From the hostess to our server, everyone is always top notch and accommodating with their service. Tastings are free for members up to 4 people total! Great selections of wines, now that it's getting colder I love the red varietals. Stop in for probably the best wine tasting experience on the central coast.

Nancy W.

Yelp
We went back again and missed the short rib sandwich but had some good wine and other food The Location the bluff overlooking the ocean is great

Sandra P.

Yelp
Okay...so I am in love with this place. And yes, I love it so much...I became a member. What are the perks of being a member? Well first of all, 20% off the retail price and of course special seating with VIP service. First of all, the wine is delicious! The GSM Reserve is definitely my favorite and a must try when you visit. This beautiful winery is unique because they have an ocean view. I actually don't know of any other wineries that sit right on the beach. Taking in the view while enjoying a bottle of wine...complete heaven. Do make a reservation or you may not get to share a glass of wine with your company. Again, make a reservation! Service is incredible and there is gift shop as well as deli goods and a gourmet foodie truck! It's a great stop!

Kathy C.

Yelp
Beautiful setting Food available at the Sebastian market Wine mediocre-staff not particularly well trained in their product

Michele O.

Yelp
What a lovely setting for tasting some great wines! This was our first time to their "new" tasting room. Huge indoor area, but the best place to taste is outside, looking out at the ocean. We wanted to try a variety of their wines, so we opted to try the Legacy wines ($25.00 tasting fee). You can also buy the wine by the glass or bottle to sip at your table. There is also a small deli on site. Very good wines at reasonable prices; we bought 4 bottles to take home with us. Friendly, knowledgeable staff is a plus. Tip: Make a reservation before you go. This winery is quite popular, and does get booked solid.

Kelley L.

Yelp
Christina provided amazing service. It's a beautiful day, with beautiful ambiance and wonderful wine. Christina made our experience that much more amazing. Thank you Christina.

Sharon M.

Yelp
Preciously to the remodeling of this winery, customers could purchase a bottle of wine instead of individual wine tastings. Their new rules, not published on their website, are the only option is wine tasting. We could not buy a bottle of our favorite wine. The ocean scenery is lovely.

Lisa T.

Yelp
Love love love!!! We haven't been since they opened the new area! And what was already great is now amazing! Amazing ambience amazing wine and amazing food! Definitely get some Hearst castle beef!! Dog friendly too!!

Kathryn B.

Yelp
I have done a LOT of wine tasting in my life and it is my considered opinion that this is the BEST setting for wine tasting EVER! How could it not be? It's beachside. HRW wines are less expensive than some of the local wineries. Not inexpensive, but less expensive than some. We appreciated that to the tune of taking an entire case home with us. This was the third time I've tasted here and I've never left empty-handed. Andora was a fabulous taster. She was outgoing and just a lot of fun but she also seemed to know her wines. The last time I visited (June 2022), I was very unhappy because the hand-held e-device that was used to ring up my purchase had pre-set the Taster's Tip for $50! I couldn't figure out how to change it to the more appropriate $20, so I felt very ripped off. Yesterday, I said to Andora, "Would you please set the tip to zero and then I'll give you cash." She said, "Oh, thank you. That's always the awkward part of this. It is set to zero." She ran me through the receipt, including the 10% case discount, and I was a happy camper. In a previous review, I had complained that I wasn't given a case discount. This time, it was automatically applied. So they seem to have responded to guest input. And THAT is how you run a successful business. Thank you. We live in Nevada but, the next time we return to Cambria (which is typically twice a year), there is no doubt that we will return to HRW.

Paula T.

Yelp
Wow! Lots of tables to see the incredible views of the ocean. A great place to picnic and enjoy a glass of wine. They have a large selection of cheese and meats. You can also order sandwiches, burger. We had the lobster roll and the ahi tuna tacos. The white cuvée was crisp and delicious. The GSM was full bodied. There is also a view of Hearst castle.

Rob F.

Yelp
Our favorite experience Great seaside view, great wine, great service! their new tasting room is great

Amanda T.

Yelp
After touring the iconic Hearst Castle, one must visit the Hearst Ranch Winery's San Simeon tasting room. It's a relaxing place to enjoy excellent wine while overlooking a breathtaking bay beside the Pacific Coast Highway. Hearst Ranch Winery was created after Jim and Debi Saunders bid on a private tour of Hearst Castle that was hosted by Steve Hearst. To thank him for his generosity, the Saunders made him bottles of wine with a huge etched "H". A few days later the Saunders received a call from Steve Hearst asking what their winery was called. The Saunders' Vineyards is a few miles inland from San Simeon in the Paso Robles Appellation, but they were not in the retail end of the wine business at the time. Thus, a new personal and business relationship began in 2010 when Steve Hearst and Jim Saunders established Hearst Ranch Winery to create the best wines possible on California's Central Coast.

Rita B.

Yelp
Beautiful location, had the Rosé, 92 points well deserved, then onto lunch from the Cruiser food truck, amazing, great food, great service, a definite stop while visiting Hearst Castle or just cruising down the PCH between San Luis Obispo and Monterey!