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Frequently Asked Questions

+ Can I order Tobin James wine online?

Absolutely! We sell all of our wines in our online store. We offer free shipping in CA on orders over $120 ($80 for Wine Club members).

Please call (805) 239-2204 or email info@tobinjames.com to place an order or for more information about online wine orders

+ What are your tasting room hours?

10 am - 6 pm

+ What is the best time to visit your tasting room?

Our tasting room is open daily, year-round (except Christmas). Our knowledgeable staff love to chat about wines with every guest. If you would like a quieter experience with more one-on-one assistance, visit on a Monday-Thursday. If you would like lots of interaction with other visitors and experience our fun atmosphere, we recommend visiting on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

+ Do I need a reservation for a large group?

We require all groups of 6 or more people—including limousines and buses—to make a tasting room reservation. This includes private wine tasting tours, hired vehicles, and local winery packages. Tasting fees apply. We do not accept large groups without reservations on Saturdays. Please note that Saturdays are extremely busy and typically book 2-3 weeks in advance.

Please call (805) 239-2204 for more information about group reservations and to make a reservation.

+ How do I make a reservation?

Please call (805) 239-2204 and to make a reservation. We do not take reservations via email or social media.

+ Do you require a reservation for wine tasting?

We highly recommend making a reservation. Due to COVID guidelines and restrictions, we have limited space and cannot guarantee accommodating walk-in guests. While we do our best to fit in any walk-in guests, there may be a long wait on busy days. We absolutely do not take any walk-in groups larger than 5. Please call (805) 239-2204 and to make a reservation. No reservations are required to purchase wine.

+ Are tastings inside or outside?

We are tasting indoors. When staffing allows, we have outdoor tasting available.

+ Is there a tasting fee?

The tasting fee is $20.00 per person, waived with an equal purchase of wine. Buy some wine and there's no fee! All wine club members receive one free tasting per quarter.

+ Do you have an outdoor patio or garden area?

Yes! There’s nothing better than enjoying a bottle of wine outside on a sunny Paso Robles afternoon. That's why we invite you to enjoy our unique artisan grotto area. Custom designed and built by local artists, our outdoor patio area comfortably seats twenty people. And we have several other tables and chairs for outdoor use on busy days. The outdoor area is pet-friendly, and on a first come first serve basis, so get there early for the best seat in the house! We do not take reservations for the outdoor spaces.

+ Do you serve food and/or have a restaurant?

We have a tasty selection of picnic supplies for sale. Our deli case includes salumi, gourmet cheeses, assorted crackers, and charcuterie plates. We also have local almonds and chocolates. Outside food is welcome in our outdoor picnic spaces. We do not have a restaurant.

+ Do you offer wine by the glass?

We can open a purchased bottle and provide some glasses for your picnic. We don't sell wine by the glass.

+ Is the tasting room pet-friendly?

As much as we’d love to welcome your furry friend into the tasting room, we don’t allow pets inside the tasting room. However, you and your pets are welcome to enjoy our outdoor grotto area. We even have a nice grassy area that everyone is welcome to use. We just ask that you keep your pets on a leash.

+ Do you allow children?

Children are allowed under adult supervision. Currently, we do not have our video games available. No one under the age of 21 can taste, even with parental consent.

+ Is there a dress code?

Come as you are. As long as you have a shirt, shoes, and a smile we’re happy to serve you in our tasting room. You might earn some extra bonus points if you're sporting a pair of cowboy boots and a ten-gallon hat.

+ Do you host private tastings or events? Do you offer private labels?

Unfortunately, we do not have the space or capacity for private events or labels.

+ Do you host weddings or large group gatherings?

Unfortunately, we do not have an event space for group events. We do sell our wine for weddings and group gatherings. Our sparkling is always a hit!

+ When does the Wine Club ship?

We ship our delicious club packages twice a year: March/April and October/November.

+ What is the sediment in my wine?

Sediment is a natural byproduct for intense-fruit red wines. Our winemaker did a very light filtration on the wine as not to upset the integrity of the wine. After being in oak, a light filtering is why sediment remained. It’s usually seen in older fine wines. Sediment is totally harmless. There is no negative impact for the wine. If you see it again in a bottle of fine wine, you may want to decant before enjoying.

Front facade Tobin James cellars two palm trees