No holiday tradition is complete without gathering around the table for conversation, laughter and great food. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort is devoted to gastronomic excellence, and the Mediterranean-inspired creations at Cello Ristorante & Bar enchant locals and visitors alike. At the culinary helm is Executive Chef Justin Picard who crafts seasonal menus, including special Christmas and New Year’s Eve combinations, with ingredients sourced regionally and from the Chef’s Garden on the estate. On a daily basis, Chef Picard can be found in the garden harvesting fresh ingredients for his inspired dishes and seasonal mixology program. He also raises bees for honey, harvests olives for tapenade, and gathers seasonal fruits from the estate, such as figs, mandarins, pomegranates, persimmons, and Meyer lemons for his creations. You can join Chef Picard for an Organic Garden Tour, Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.  The extensive wine list, local artisanal beers and craft cocktails complement the daily offerings. The restaurant opens to a patio with iron fire bowls and a bocce ball court that takes advantage of the garden setting. Whether for an energizing breakfast, productive lunch, happy hour, or romantic dinner, Cello is Paso Robles’ destination restaurant with the highest standards, service, and commitment to delighting guests. Ask for the prix fixe three-course lunch ($15), or dinner ($35), or explore the full range of offerings on the menu and wine list.

Many accommodations offer guests a sense of physical relaxation, but at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, emotional and spiritual rest are given equal attention; you’ll leave yearning to return. The resort is nestled on a 20-acre estate in Paso Robles that includes wine grapes, olive and fruit trees, walking paths, and manicured Mediterranean gardens with crafted vignettes. The thoughtfully curated environment sets a tone for serenity and discovery. The resort’s 171 guest rooms and suites are complimented by museum quality art and artifacts, French inspired Abbey, boutique spa, pool and cabanas, wine tasting room, Cello Ristorante & Bar, and a myriad of event spaces, providing a remarkable setting for holiday traditions.  

“The Allegretto’s purpose is to inspire joy in every holiday celebration we host,” said Allegretto’s General Manager, Rich Verruni. “Whether that’s a family reunion in the Murano Private Dining Room, a company party in the Dylan Room or Veneto Ballroom, or a gathering of friends in Cello Ristorante & Bar. Our commitment is to ensure that each experience lifts the hearts of those who attend.”

The expansive Italian-style villa with global accents counts among its many venues a grand 12,000-square-foot piazza, 375-person-capacity ballroom, in addition to several smaller, beautifully appointed celebration rooms, the Abbey, and gardens for intimate gatherings or large events. The resort’s professional Catering & Events team works to simplify and streamline planning.

Visionary Douglas Ayres first established the eight acre vineyard on the estate prior to building the resort. The award winning Allegretto wines were launched concurrent to the opening of the property in fall 2015 and feature Viognier, Duetto—a field blend of Viognier and Vermentino,  Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines can be enjoyed in the Willow Creek Tasting Room, located at the resort, or at Cello Ristorante & Bar.

The Allegretto Vineyard Resort is located at 2700 Buena Vista Drive in Paso Robles, California, 93446. For more information, please visit AllegrettoResort.com, or call (805)369-2500.