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Zippin’ and Sippin’ at Santa Margarita Zip Line

“Get off my mountain!” It was said with a broad, toothy smile and a twinkle in the eye. Some visitors to the Margarita Adventures zip line need a little encouragement to take the leap of faith off the side of the hill and ride the steel cable known as “The Renegade.” But those who do are rewarded by with a thrilling experience on the Santa Margarita zip line…and wine tasting at the Ancient Peaks Winery. Is there any better experience on the planet than an adrenaline fix followed by a soothing vintage?

The Ancient Peaks Winery at Santa Margarita in Paso Robles

When we first heard about the Zip and Sip, we thought this was either going to be the experience of a lifetime – or a really bad decision. We had just been on a zipline experience in the Andes Mountains of South America that left a lot to be desired on the safety side of the equation. However, the more we thought about it, the more we knew we had to do this. And we’re glad we did.

Laura getting a running start at the top of the Paso Robles zip line
Laura running off the top of the hill

The Santa Margarita Ranch sits at the very southern end of the Paso Robles AVA wine region and is hemmed in by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The topography makes for a very unique location – both for the Margarita Adventures zip line and for the Ancient Peaks Winery.

The ranch traces its roots back to the early Spanish missions (one is located on the property). In recent years, as vineyard land in Napa and Sonoma has become prohibitively expensive and remarkably scarce, other regions have been developed for viticulture. And the Paso Robles AVA is absolutely exploding. And it is all the better that the area around Santa Margarita had an established history.

We rolled up to the wood-framed building on Main Street bright and early for our Santa Margarita zip line adventure. We were asked to sign the legal wavers before boarding a mini-bus up the mountain to the zip lines. During the drive, we heard all about the history of the ranch, including how Robert Mondavi planted the grapes before ultimately relinquishing control to local ranchers.

Safety signs

On top of the mountain, a gentle breeze blew in our faces. We geared up and were given a safety briefing. This is not the same experience we had in South America. The folks at Margarita Adventures take safety very seriously: all new equipment, built in redundancy, double cables, helmets, sturdy leather gloves…and the list goes on. Some of us don’t do well with heights (me), so it is reassuring to see people who know exactly what they are doing. And before I knew it…

“Get off my mountain!” Deep breath. Two steps. And then I was flying out across the valley floor over trees and the grape vines of the Ancient Peaks Winery. This is what they mean when they say “adrenaline rush.” On the far hill, the staff unclipped me and I turned to watch Laura come flying over.

Laura at the bottom of the "Pinot Express" at the Santa Margarita zip line
Laura at the bottom of the “Pinot Express”

We repeated the experience four more times on cables of various lengths (and varying degrees of speed), including the final “Pinot Express.” The Zippin’ portion of our morning was a rush!

But we anxiously anticipated the Sippin’. The drive back in the mini-bus featured wildlife spotting (deer, eagles) and more history lessons on the ranch. Back on Main Street in Santa Margarita, we walked across the street to the Ancient Peaks Winery.

The Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso Robles, CA

There are few wineries we visit where we love absolutely every wine. Ancient Peaks Winery is such a vineyard. We sampled 11 wines and loved them all – both the whites and the reds. Their Blanco (Muscat 62% and Chardonnay 38%) is a light, ethereal bland with a dreamy floral bouquet and a crisp minerality with soft peach flavors. This was so good we bought several bottles to take with us.

Two glasses of red wine at the Ancient Peaks Winery outside of Paso Robles

In reds, there are a number of truly exceptional wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful trio of sweet nose, full fruit flavor and a mellow spice. We’re partial to Cabs and this was a delight. But Ancient Peaks Winery truly excels in blends.

The Renegade (71% Syrah, 24% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot) is a dry, bold vintage with solid black fruit flavor and a touch of tar from the Petit Verdot. It is absolutely beautiful and we were sure to pick up a bottle to take home to remember the trip. The flagship is the Oyster Ridge (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec) blend – a rarefied and complex blend of blackberry, black cherry, tannins and a touch of clove. This is a wine to save and savor.

After our zip line adventure, our only thought was: why isn’t everyone doing this? The sip and zip concept is the key to a perfect day in Paso Robles!

The Ancient Peaks Winery tasting room in the Paso Robles wine region
The winery tasting room

Santa Margarita Zip Line Adventures

Address: 22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Hours: Tours at 10:00, 12:30 and 3:00pm every day, with additional time slots on the weekends.

Cost: $109/person.

Additional details: Reservations are required. There are also weight and height limitations.

Website: margarita-adventures.com/

Ancient Peaks Winery

Address: 22720 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Hours: 11:00am-5:30pm daily (closed major holidays).

Cost: A 5 wine tasting is $15 (stemware included, $10 is waived with the purchase of a bottle).

Website: ancientpeaks.com/

The "mining town" at the Margarita zip line in Paso Robles

We were the guests of the Margarita Adventures and Ancient Peaks Winery, with the support of Travel Paso, for our Santa Margarita zip line adventure. As always, all opinions of the tasty and thrilling are our own.

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