So hopefully, when traveling, you end up exactly where you wanted to go. Other times, you get lost, and end up where you should have gone in the first place! Some of you, for example, might be driving around for Paso Robles, but end up (fortunately) at ‘The Range’ in the town of Santa Margarita.

Paso Robles has developed into one of California’s premiere wine making regions, and this part of California has seen a huge increase in wine tourism. As a result, this has brought many thirsty and hungry travelers to the region, but not all of those travelers make it to Paso Robles without making a wrong turn here or there. Some of them are lucky enough to exit off Highway 101 a couple of exits too early (or too late!) and they end up in Santa Margarita. This is a town that is so small, that a stoplight has yet to be erected. It is also home to one of the best kitchens in the central coast. Now, you had better bring your appetite, and cash, because your plastic will get you run right out of town.

Not only does ‘The Range’ boast a fantastic menu, of which the steaks are truly the highlight, but it has one of the greatest wine lists in the area. On any given night you will probably be sitting next to a table of rowdy winemakers and grape grower s that are pairing their latest vintages with the local cuisine. This is one of the area’s favorite spots, especially for locals who are looking to escape some of the tourist favorites on busy holiday weekend. If you play your cards right, you just might make some new friends and get to sample some unreleased vintages!