hearst castle holiday tour 2022

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Visit Hearst Castle with 165 rooms and over 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. View massive 3-ton elephant seals battle for mates while females give birth to their young on the beaches. Bring your group for a tour of the State Capitol Museum and surrounding historic sites.

Hearst Castle is all decked out for the return of Holiday Twilight Tours

The holiday spirit is making a comeback at Hearst Castle. Museum technicians have been working around the clock for weeks to get the castle ready for visitors to enjoy.

Hearst Castle’s majestic doors take you back in time to a 1920s Christmas wonderland just like William Randolph Hearst celebrated it back in the day.

“We have a complete manual which every year we add to as we learn new things as a way to improve what we’re doing,” explained Shirley Smyth, a museum technician at Hearst Castle. “We try to follow a lot of what Hearst did during his time.”

From traditional Christmas lightbulbs to sparkly stars at the top of the Christmas trees, it is hard to know where to look inside the Casa Grande’s Assembly Room.

“One tree is a boy’s tree and one tree is for the girls, an abundance of presents and gifts and just everything over the top because he [Hearst] loved Christmas,” Smyth said.

The two giant Christmas trees are fan favorites.

“I was born in 1950, and it reminded me of the old-fashioned Christmas trees with the garland and everything,” said Sharry Cummins, who visited the castle. “It was very beautiful.”

Pete Gutierrez from Hollister has toured Hearst Castle several times but not during the holidays.

“I like the bottom where they have wagons and the presents, it looks like a lot of work that they had to do,” Gutierrez said.

The return of the Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tours has kept workers pretty busy.

“We started on November 1st, and it takes a mighty team to accomplish all the decorating and it takes almost three weeks,” said Cara O’Brien, Hearst Castle’s Museum Director.

Shirley Smyth, who has been doing this for at least 35 years, is part of that mighty team.

“It’s a great feeling of accomplishment when it’s finally all completed and everybody is going like, ‘oh, we got it done, we did it, but it’s worth it,’” Smyth reflected. “The people are so happy, and it really says Christmas when they walk in the door.”

As visitors make their way through the Refectory, they can enjoy a display of candles, wreath centerpieces and baby trees with mini presents.

The Morning Room and Billiard Room have poinsettia flowers wrapped in holiday ribbons.

“We are really excited to welcome people to our holiday tours, and it’s the first time since 2019,” O’Brien added.

People walk away feeling ready to spread some holiday joy.

“I’ve never been here when they have the Christmas decorations, so it’s fun,” said Cathy Mcomber, who visited the castle. “Gets you in the spirit of it. I think I’m going to tell my kids to come over here for Christmas.”

Holiday Twilight Tours kick off on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, and will continue on select dates until Dec. 30, 2022.

Ticket prices start at $30 for adults and $15 for children.

For more information, click here.

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• Things To Do

Hearst Castle Holidays

There’s no better time than the holidays to experience the sights, sounds and grandeur of Hearst Castle . Set atop La Cuesta Encantada or “The Enchanted Hill,” Hearst Castle twinkles with thousands of Christmas lights and all the trimmings. Travel back to the time of Mr. Hearst, who loved to deck the halls and celebrate the holidays in style. Hearst Castle brings to life his love of all things Christmas, and invites you to join in the spirit of the season!

Hearst Castle Christmas

Nearly every one of Hearst Castle’s 68,500 square feet gets the holiday treatment from the end of November through the end of December. In the 1920s and ‘30s, William Randolph Hearst took great pleasure in decorating his home for Christmas, sharing his holiday cheer with famous guests. Today, the tradition continues with Christmas lights throughout the estate, enormous trees decorated as they would have been during Mr. Hearst’s lifetime, and huge wreaths hung outside. Several experiences exclusive to the holiday season allow visitors to glimpse Hearst Castle in a new and special way.

Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tour

From the end of November to the end of December, visitors can tour Hearst Castle in the evening, when the Christmas lights shine bright. This magical 75-minute tour takes in holiday highlights, and is designed for accessibility including wheelchairs, service dogs, visual and hearing impairment. Stops include the grand rooms of the Casa Grande, the gardens, kitchen, theater, and the Neptune and Roman swimming pools. All transportation to and from the Visitor Center is included, and reservations are strongly recommended.

#hearstcastlechristmas

Hearst castle holiday feast .

Visitors to the estate need not dream of dining at Hearst Castle― they can be personally invited! Members of the Foundation At Hearst Castle are invited to enjoy a black-tie dinner during the holiday season, among the art and antiquities of Mr. Hearst’s dining room. Named after the dining hall of a monastery, the “Refectory” was designed by architect Julia Morgan, who included medieval references throughout. Only the ketchup and mustard bottles on the table give away the fact that the room was, in fact, a modern construction.

Guests to Hearst Castle rarely get to experience the property in such an intimate, dramatic way. The evening includes a sparkling wine reception, multiple courses informed by the setting and the season, and music of the 1920s and ‘30s. The event is limited to just 75 guests, who are transported by private coach to the hilltop estate. In prior years, decadent courses include dishes of the era, including foie gras and oysters, duck confit, chocolate lava cake, and soufflé, all expertly paired with wine.

Hearst and Hollywood Tour

Available only during fall and winter, this tour explores the relationship between stars of stage and screen and William Randolph Hearst’s spectacular home. In the 1920s and ‘30s, the Hollywood elite made San Simeon their destination, that is, if they could score an invitation. In addition to Hearst’s longtime partner, Marion Davies, the property saw actors like Cary Grant, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, Bette Davis, and others. This is a two-hour, semi-private tour, meaning your small group will have opportunities to choose from a number of areas to visit while on site. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will escort you through the estate, sharing stories, anecdotes and facts about Hearst’s famous guests.

Dinner and a Movie

Also presented by the Foundation At Hearst Castle, this black-tie fall event pairs a multicourse dinner with a film screening in Hearst’s private theater. The evening begins with a picturesque drive up to the estate, followed by a gourmet dinner with wine in one of Hearst’s guest houses. Afterward, walk through the manicured gardens to the opulent private theater of Casa Grande for a classic film or newsreels from Hearst’s heyday. Here, Hearst indulged in moving pictures with actress Marion Davies and their star-studded lineup of friends. Put yourself in their shoes ― or better yet, their seat! ― on this uniquely decadent night.

Hearst Ranch Winemaker Dinner

On a quintessential Central Coast fall evening, join the proprietors of Hearst Ranch Winery for a six-course seated dinner paired with their wines. While Hearst Ranch Winery lies a few miles away in Paso Robles Wine Country, its San Simeon tasting room boasts special ties to the coast. This event takes place in Old San Simeon’s historic warehouse, just downhill from Hearst Castle, overlooking the idyllic William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach . Prepared by esteemed caterers and accompanied by live music, this night showcases the very best of Hearst Ranch during Paso Robles’s Harvest Weekend.

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Hearst Castle Twilight Holiday Tours

See the historic castle’s Holiday decorations

Visitors to Hearst Castle between the day after Thanksgiving and the end of December have a special opportunity to take a Twilight Holiday tour of the castle. This seasonal tour showcases the abundantly decorated grounds, many decorated Christmas trees, huge wreaths and Mr. Hearst’s famous art collection.

Experience the lighted splendor that was shared by Mr. Hearst and his guests during the 1920s and 1930s Christmas season. The 75-minute tour winds through the grounds and includes 190 steps and a two-thirds mile walk. Two accessibly designed Holiday Twilight Tours per evening are also available. The tours are wheelchair accessible.

View the beautifully decorated Casa del Sol guest house and the grand social rooms of the castle. Relive some of the holiday events as the guide shares stories of festivities from the castle’s heyday.

Reservations are not required. The tours start at 5 p.m. and end around 8 p.m. Reservations are not necessary and there is an $8 reservation fee per ticket and additional fees for changes or cancellations. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $30 for adults, $15 for children from 5-12. Children under 4 are free.

For more information call (800) 444-4445 or visit the tours section of hearstcastle.org .

Cambria Directory

How to Visit Hearst Castle on the California Coast

Hearst Castle is a sprawling Moorish-style mansion and surrounding complex on the California coast . Between 1919 and 1947, it was the residence of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, and in 1954 it was turned into a California State Park. Hearst Castle has 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways, plus a three large guesthouses and the opulent main mansion, which is full of Spanish and Italian antiques. In its heyday, Hearst Castle had a private movie theater, a zoo, tennis courts, and two magnificent swimming pools. Lavish parties were common at Hearst Castle, and movie stars were frequent guests.

Tours of Hearst Castle

You can buy tickets for Hearst Castle tours  at the castle visitor center or reserve online at Reserve California . The visitor center is at the bottom of the hill and castle is at the top. The only way to get more than a fleeting glimpse of it is on a guided tour, which lasts about two hours. All tours include the Greco-Roman style Neptune Pool outdoors and the Roman Pool, an indoor beauty lined with cobalt blue Venetian glass and shimmering gold tiles. Other special tours include:

• Hearst Castle Evening Tour: The house is interesting during regular day tours, but can feel more like a museum than someone's home. During the evening tours, the mansion comes to live thanks to tour guides dressed in 1930s fashion, much like Mr. Hearst and his friends would have.
• Hearst Castle at Christmas : Although there are no events during the holidays, the house is decorated in seasonal style, with lights and garlands. It's also generally less busy than in the summer.
• Designing the Dream : Get an overview of how the Castle was built from its earliest construction in the 1920s, through the final touches done in the mid-1940s. See the Casa del Sol guest house and the north wing of the big house.

Tips on Visiting Hearst Castle

Before you set off to visit this National Historic Landmark, there are a few important things to note (especially if you plan on bringing little ones along).

• The Hearst Castle Theater 's 40-minute show tells the story of Hearst Castle and is a good addition to the site tour.
• The Hearst Castle app gives you an in-depth history and notifies you when important or interesting things are nearby. It also helps you decide what must sees at the castle to put on your list before you get there. WiFi is slow at the visitor center, so it's best to download it before you go.
• The castle isn't the most interesting place for children to visit. No strollers are allowed on the tour, and there are lots of antiques and art that little hands shouldn't touch.
• In the summer, the temperature at the top of the hill can be as much as 30 degrees hotter than at the visitor center. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and take a bottle of water.
• Crowds are also the worst in the summer, so be prepared for long lines and larger tour groups.

How to Get There

Hearst Castle is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, so there are plenty of easy ways to get drive here. The best way is to take scenic Highway 1 along the coast of California, but be sure to check ahead with CalTrans for road closures. Winter rains and mudslides sometimes close the scenic highway well into summer. You can call them toll-free from anywhere in California at 1-800-427-7623 or check the status on their website .

It takes six hours to get to Hearst Castle from San Francisco on Highway 101 and Highway 46. To drive all the way from San Francisco to the castle on Highway 1 will be about eight hours on the road, so plan on a long weekend trip with maybe a stopover in beautiful Monterey.

From Los Angeles, it's about a six-hour drive on Highway 101 and Highway 1. From San Diego, the drive on Interstate Highway 5 North to Interstate Highway 405 and onto Highway 101 adds about two hours, making it an eight-hour trip total.

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WATCH: Hearst Castle Prepares for Annual Holiday Twilight Tour

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Located on a historic estate in San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a well-known destination on the central coast. Each year, the castle’s seasonal Holiday Twilight Tour gives guests a chance to see the castle lit up with lights, Christmas trees and other decor at night. 

Holiday decorations are in every room along the Grand Rooms Tour of the castle which includes the assembly, refectory, billiard and the morning room. 

The seasonal grandeur preparations started weeks before the holiday season. Decor is taken out, cleaned and put together in time for tours starting on the day after Thanksgiving. 

“We just want to make sure to give ourselves plenty of time because it is a very time consuming process.” Jenny Daly, the Museum Curator said. “We have our whole team working on it every day.”

Daly says each year the decor remains the same to keep with the traditions that make the castle what it is.

“I think the whole thing about this place is that there’s a strong sense of tradition and there’s a lot of doing things the same as they were done before,” Daly said.

Cal Poly history department student intern Conner Phillips at Hearst Castle was in charge of setting up trees and lights in parts of the refectory. This included the musician’s loft, where a musician would sit and play to guests as they ate dinner. 

Phillips has had a behind the scenes look at the set up in multiple parts of the castle, but credits the assembly room as his favorite part.

“It’s just by far the most impressive. The scale of the trees when you walk in are incredibly striking, so I feel like nothing really compares to that.” Phillips said. “But I do really appreciate the way that the refectory has been decorated. I think that you don’t normally see the trees up above you as much so I think that is something really special.” 

The Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tours will continue through December 30. 

Hearst Castle Evening Tours

Read the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 closures, here .

Available each Spring and Fall (March, April, May, October, November and December): The Hearst Castle Evening Tour allows you to view  this historic California mansion in the twilight hours—just as Mr. Hearst’s own guests did in the 1930s. Wind your way through House A (Casa del Mar), Casa Grande’s social rooms, guest accommodations, the Main Library and Mr. Hearst’s own private Gothic Suite. Docents dressed  in 1930s period attire complete the experience, bringing the Castle to life once again.

The Evening Tour is 1 hour and 40 minutes long and consists of approximately a 3/4-mile route to walk. For those who have difficulty walking or standing for extensive lengths of time, we recommend the  Accessibly Designed Evening Tour  which is also wheelchair accessible.

Tour highlights include House A (Casa del Mar), Assembly Room, Refectory, Kitchen, Library, Gothic Suite, Billiard Room, Theater, Gardens, Neptune Pool and Roman Pool.

Download the Hearst Castle mobile app to:

• Learn about William Randolph Hearst, Julia Morgan, and other personalities who figure in the Castle’s history
• Discover the Neptune Pool, private air strip, hidden dressing rooms, and much more
• Listen to narration and read text by Hearst Castle historian Victoria Kastner
• View beautiful images by Hearst Castle photographer Victoria Garagliano

Get the most out of your visit to America’s most fascinating castle and download the Hearst Castle mobile app for your  iPhone  or  Android  today.

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Optional Extras

Course dates, about this course.

More information: https://bit.ly/3Lg2qbP *DETAILED EMAIL WILL BE SENT TO YOU UP TO 14 DAYS AFTER YOU REGISTER* *PRE-TRIP MEETING WILL BE SCHEDULED IN FALL TO GO OVER ITINERARY PRIOR TO TRIP* Day 1 - Nov. 29: Board your luxury motorcoach and depart from Heather Farm Park. You will have a 1-hour comfort stop as you head towards Cambria Pines Lodge, for your overnight stay. You will check-in and have time to rest and unpack before you meet your group for a private buffet banquet in the beautiful Sycamore Room. Your dinner includes bread, Caesar salad, seasonal veggies, roasted butternut squash, pappardelle pasta, creamy chicken marsala, with choice of soft drink, coffee or tea and dessert. Once your dinner has concluded, you will explore the Cambria Christmas Markets, which are located on the hotel grounds. The 2022 map (see flyer) shows all the Holiday themed activities, vendors and snacks that are available for sale, as well as a Light Labyrinth featuring several fun lighted displays. You will be able to enjoy the markets until you retire for the evening. Day 2 - Nov. 30: You will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast buffet from 7:30am-8:45am before your board the bus to Hearst Castle. You will arrive to Hearst Castle at the visitor's center, where you will board your shuttle up to the entrance of the majestic castle. You will have a reserved tour of the Grand Rooms, which features the Assembly Room, Refectory, Billiard Room, Theater, Gardens, Neptune Pool and Roman Pool. After your tour you will have time to browse the Café and order a snack. You will depart Hearst Castle by 12:30pm and start your journey home. You will have 1 comfort stop on your way home; and approximate arrival time is 6:30pm. Please Note: Cambria Pines rooms will be on the 1st and 2nd floor. The rooms do not offer a mini-fridge or microwave. Non-smoking facility. Travel insurance is available for purchase through TravelCenter (925) 937-2223.

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by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

California , Travel · Last Updated: August 14, 2023

Visiting Hearst Castle: + Choosing The Best Hearst Castle Tour

Everything to know before choosing the best hearst castle tour.

Nestled in the hills of San Simeon California lies the opulent Hearst Castle overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This California icon has a rich Hollywood history and is well preserved from its completion back in the 1940s. It was built by media magnate William Randolph Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan. In fact, Julia was the first female architect in America and was commissioned to build this stunning mansion. Hearst wanted a retreat that was halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

It’s a prime example of the American Gilded Age and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Hearst Castle draws inspiration from various European architectural styles. Including Spanish, Italian, and Mediterranean. The design combines elements from different historical periods and regions. Resulting in a unique and eclectic architectural masterpiece. In this blog, I’m going to outline the best Hearst castle tour for you to take so you’re prepared for your visit.

Hearst Castle History

Hearst Castle is an iconic jewel nestled on California’s central coast. It stands as a testament to the opulent legacy of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Born from a vision that blended European elegance with American innovation, the castle’s history is a tale of architectural brilliance and extravagant indulgence.

In 1919, Hearst enlisted the remarkable architect Julia Morgan to shape his dream into reality. Over the following decades, the hilltop estate evolved into a masterpiece of design. The castle’s history is intertwined with a legacy of grandeur and the mingling of artistic marvels. Hearst’s insatiable appetite for art and antiquities led to the accumulation of an unparalleled collection. Spanning ancient sculptures, Renaissance tapestries, and Old Master paintings.

As the roaring 1920s unfolded, Hearst Castle transformed into a vibrant social hub, welcoming Hollywood stars, politicians, and luminaries to revel in its splendor. Lavish parties and sophisticated gatherings became the norm, with guests staying in charming guest houses that dotted the estate’s landscape. The Great Depression cast a shadow over the grandeur, causing construction to wane and altering the course of the project.

Nevertheless, the castle’s magnificence endured, eventually finding a new purpose as a California State Park and National Historic Landmark. Today, visitors journey through time as they explore the castle’s ornate interiors, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Things to Know Before Visiting Hearst Castle

• You will need to book tickets in advance to visit and they cost $30-$100 depending on which tour you take
• When arriving you must park at the visitor center and take a 15-20 minute bus ride up the hill to the castle
• You are in a group of over 20 people when touring and you must stick to your group
• They do allow video and photography however they didn’t set aside time for this and you had to rush to get photos while they were doing the tour
• The best Hearst castle tour for first-time visitors is the grand rooms tour

What is The Best Hearst Castle Tour to Take?

Grand rooms tour + upstairs suite tour ($30 each).

If you’re visiting for the first time I would recommend starting with the grand rooms tour. This guided tour provides an immersive experience through some of the most splendid spaces within the castle complex, revealing the architectural marvels and the extensive art collection that define Hearst Castle’s legacy. The tour takes 70 minutes and you can see highlights such as the gardens, Neptune pool, casa grande, dining hall, movie theatre, and the Roman pool.

You are able to book tours back to back and if you want more of this stunning property consider booking the grand room tour as well as the upstairs suite tour. These two tours go hand and hand. They both last for 70 minutes and the upstairs suite tour includes Doge’s Suite, Library, The Gothic Suite, Duplex Bedrooms, Celestial Suite, Gardens, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool.

Finally, it’s best to purchase tickets on the California Parks site.

Art of San Simeon Tour + Hearst of Hollywood Tour ($100 each)

Both of these tours are offered seasonally starting on October 1st. Since more than 90% of the objects in Hearst Castle were purchased specifically for the estate. On the two-hour semi-private art tour, your guide will focus on Hearst and how he acquired his paintings, tapestries, sculptures, antiquities, and other fascinating works of art. The group is limited to eight people making it a bit more quaint. You will visit some rooms that are featured in the four standard daytime tours and continue to rooms in the Castle that have never before been included.

The Hearst of Hollywood tour is for all of my Hollywood lovers! San Simeon was the destination of choice for Hollywood’s elite. William Randolph Hearst and his companion, actress Marion Davies, extended coveted invitations to the time-honored greats of the movie industry. Such as Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Greta Garbo, Irving Thalberg, Bette Davis, Clark Gable, and many others. On this semi-private tour, you will enjoy two hours at the Castle with a knowledgeable guide who focuses on Hearst and all things Hollywood.

Can you swim in the Neptune Pool?

The short answer is yes. But you need to pay a pretty penny. First, you need to be a member of the prestigious Foundation of Hearst Castle which costs $500 annually. Then you need to fork over $1000 to partake in the night swimming events which take place during the summer months. It’s definitely a bucket-list experience, however, with that comes a price!

So as you can see there are multiple options to choose from. I hope you gained some insight into which tour is the best Hearst castle tour for you. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to check out more of my California guides .

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The Original Hearst Castle & Paso Robles Wine Country Tour

• Bottled water
• Professional guide
• Transport by air-conditioned mini-bus
• Hearst Castle Grand Rooms Tour Ticket
• Visit 2 local wineries (tasting fees included)
• Visit Tin City (time here is at your own expense)
• Entry/Admission - Hearst Castle
• Entry/Admission - Paso Robles
• Purchases in Tin City (choose between wine, beer, cider, distilled spirits, ice cream and more!)
• Entry/Admission - Cambria
• Pick-up from Paso Robles & Atascadero between 8:15 – 8:45 AM. Drop-off to Paso Robles & Atascadero between 5:15 - 5:45 PM. We will confirm the exact pick-up time & location the evening before your tour. Please Note: We're unable to pick up and drop off in San Simeon, Cambria or Morro Bay.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• A current valid photo ID is required on the day of travel
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers as the weather is subject to sudden changes. Often, the coastal weather can be cool with some fog and Paso Robles can be much warmer with lots of sunshine. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen.
• By California law, any children under the age of 8 years old, as well as any children shorter than 4’9” must be secured in a car seat or booster seat. Toast Tours DOES NOT provide a car seat or booster seat, and it is your responsibility to provide this yourself. Children under the age of 8 years old will not be allowed on the vehicle if you do not have a car seat or booster seat.
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 26 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Hearst Castle Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Linn's Restaurant Stop: 90 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Paso Robles Wineries Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 4 Tin City Cider Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• 233deenaf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent itinerary for a tour to Hearst Castle. Toast Tours put together the best day for 13 women to visit Hearst Castle! All details were thoughtfully planned, and timing was perfect. The best part was having Lars as our driver/guide. He went out of his way to provide an excellent experience for us and to show us more of the area than we had originally thought we would see. I highly recommend Toast Tours for your travels around Los Robles and San Luis Obispo. Read more Written May 26, 2024
• ImLivingMyDream 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific, five-star wine tasting experience with excellent guide! Toast Tours for organizing our private Paso Robles wine tasting experience as they were highly rated online and listed as dog friendly. And they did not disappoint! Kristina worked with me for a week to organize the perfect itinerary, giving me lots of options for terrific tastings that were dog friendly, scenic settings and highly rated. She then took care of our winery reservations and booked our lunch too. On the day of our tour, Jennifer, local wine guide extraordinaire, picked us up from our hotel and drove us to each reservation. Her van was packed with waters, snacks and even a dog bed for pups!!! Along the way, Jennifer educated and entertained us with her extensive knowledge and experience in the Paso Robles wine scene. She truly made our day, so friendly and helpful (taking our pictures at every stop and even advising us on things to do on the rest of our trip, ,) we really didn't want our day to end. If you're planning a tour with a small or large group, make it with Toast Tours and Kristina and Jennifer will make it unforgettable! Read more Written May 23, 2024
• mtT627PC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A 5 Star Toast to Toast Tours ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot recommend Toast Tours enough! Our day of wine tasting was absolutely perfect, thanks to their exceptional service. Toast Tour went above and beyond. Kristina planned the perfect itinerary for our group of 6 based off of what we wanted to see and ensured that our non-drinker felt included and part of the experience as well. Reservations were made at each winery and our tour guide, Matt, was fabulous at making sure we got to each place on time without rushing us to wrap things up. Needless to say, Matt was amazing! He was knowledgeable, attentive, and a true expert on the wineries and Paso Robles. He fit right into our group and easily chatted along with us the entire time and made sure we were all well taken care of the entire time we were with him. We originally booked a 5 hour tour but ended up staying out 6.5 hours without any problems or pressure to end our tour. This was hands down the best wine tasting tour we've ever been on, and it's all thanks to Toast Tours Team, Kristina and Matt. I cannot recommend Matt enough as a tour guide and Kristina as our planner. She was very pleasant and easy to work with on planning the perfect day for us. If you're looking for a memorable wine tasting experience, look no further than Toast Tours! Read more Written April 21, 2024
• F5367JClukeb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Toast Tours…….great experience! Today, April 18, 2024, Toast Tours took our group of 8 wine tasting in Paso Robles. It was a great experience. The vehicle was clean and comfortable, it was on time and Jennifer, the driver drive/host was perfect. She fully explained how the day would unfold and took full responsibility for getting to each winery and leaving for the next. And her local knowledge was an added plus. Our group is made up of very experienced wine tasters with many years of experience in Paso Robles. Toast Tour made our day special…..thank you. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• Maria S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Toast tours was epic Lars was our driver. Knowledge of the area was outstanding. He was prompt. Did not rush us - bus was comfortable and supplied with water and snacks. Would not hesitate use again Read more Written March 19, 2024
• ramellab2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Friends’ gateway We loved this tour. Great wine tasting, superb lunch and a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide. Nigel is great tour guide. Highly recommend theirs tour. Read more Written March 16, 2024
• colleenbC4267NQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Paso Wine Tour Had the absolute best time with Jen for my bachelorette party! I was amazed by the attention to detail and the selection of wineries. I cannot recommend enough! Read more Written March 11, 2024
• Mary_Valencia_CA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific!! Highly recommend!! Wow! Incredible! Highly recommend. Lars was a great guide, he was early to pick us up, made sure we were comfortable, very professional and very knowledgeable of the wineries and the area. Kristina was wonderful during the planning process. Great communication. Will definitely book again!!! Read more Written January 19, 2024
• hmpsnlssn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! Nigel gave us a great tour a round three vineyards! Great vibe in the bus and great knowledge about the wines in the area Read more Written January 6, 2024
• Y9401DQsteveh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private tours wonderful experience Spend two wonderful days with Nigel and Lars touring a half dozen boutique wine makers in the Paso area. Wonderful time. Toast was very accommodating, and flexible with our two days of tours. Would highly recommend using their business to anyone looking for a private winery tour experience. Thanks Toast Read more Written December 11, 2023
• BArtiga 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The only way to go wine tasting! We have used this team before and they never disappoint. Lars and Kristina are so accommodating, easy to work with, and super knowledgeable. They helped with reservations for the tour itself and they even helped with dinner reservations outside of the tour. They made our days of tasting super easy and their recommendations were all spot on. Highly recommend. Read more Written November 25, 2023
• L2229RFrobertt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wifey's 50th wine tasting excursion. I took my wife and a few of her friends on Toast-Tours, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. They were punctual, clean and very professional. Kristina took care of the itinerary (She gave us a couple of options to choose from) and Lars was our Driver (He was with us the whole way and answered all of our questions) and they both went above and beyond to satisfy our needs. My wife was very happy with everything. We plan on doing this again soon. I highly recommend Toast-Tours for your Wine Tasting adventure. Read more Written November 20, 2023
• ssU7677GD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private Paso Tour Lars took our family for a custom tour in Paso Robles. His knowledge of the industry and professionalism were top notch. The tour was planned in advanced with the help of Kristina. The attention to detail was excellent. At each stop we were greeted by the vineyard representatives and the were expecting us. The tastings and discussions were personalized. Great job Kristina and Lars. Your company is a winner! I wish you success in the future and will look you up the next time we are in the area. Read more Written November 20, 2023
• janicetY3819SX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific Wine Tour We loved our wine tour with Toast! Kristina organized our personal experience after talking with us and it was perfect! Our host and driver, Jennifer, was so knowledgeable and we learned so much about the area and fabulous wines produced here. We highly recommend Toast Tours! Read more Written November 16, 2023
• ValorieP16 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Wine Tasting Experience in Paso Robles Had the most amazing experience wine tasting via Toast Tours with friends in Paso Robles. Our guide Jennifer was informative, fun, and went over and beyond to make sure we had a great time. So much laughter and we had so much in common with her. Our tour was for sure a 5 star experience. Thank you. Read more Written November 14, 2023

More to explore in Paso Robles

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The Original Hearst Castle & Paso Robles Wine Country Tour provided by Toast Tours

Queen of the Castle

In a world first, Bazaar photographs this season’s dramatic fashions at the ancient royal Castle of Mey and on its windswept shores, starringthe supermodel Jourdan Dunn. She talks to Lydia Slater about embracing her own power, facing her future and why this shoot is so special for her

But I wondered whether she might jib at the privations of our shoot at the Queen Mother’s former castle, which entailed travelling to the far north of Britain – almost to John O’Groats – and shooting outside, with several enormous wolfhounds, on a bitterly cold day.

As our pictures show, I need not have worried. "The place was so beautiful!" she says enthusiastically when we meet in Bloomsbury. "All seals, and water, and sands – it was a wonderful escape. I understand the attraction, to be so far away from everybody. My gran loved the Queen Mother – they shared the same birthday – so this would probably have been her proudest thing." And the dogs? "I'm used to dogs," she says. "They had such a nice energy, they came to me and they didn’t intimidate me in any way." Altogether, when it comes to fashion shoots, despite her supermodel status, her philosophy is to "soldier it out with everybody", she says. "I’m down for the cause, whatever it is. I love the art of it all, and the creative process. Everyone has a role, and mine is to be the muse, and to do whatever you want to create an iconic image."

It is fair to say that Dunn’s feelings about modelling have not always been so positive. After being scouted in Hammersmith’s Primark at 15, she says she had a "love/hate relationship" with the industry. "I looked at it as something that had taken me away from enjoying my teens, even though no one forced me to do it," she says. "I guess I didn’t feel confident in myself. I had low self-esteem about my body – I was tall and lanky. Things happened quite quickly for me, but I wasn’t really able to enjoy my success." Pregnancy at 18 also impacted her career, although her mother stepped in to take care of her son Riley while Dunn was travelling for work. "I have an amazing support system with my mum and his dad," she says now.

During the pandemic, Dunn began working with a life coach, which seems to have been something of a watershed for her. "It helped me to realise what my purpose is and what my passions are. I love beauty, I love art and that’s what the fashion industry does. I never used to believe I was creative, but my life coach said, 'You’re creating all the time!' So I’m starting to feel the love for fashion again. Now that I’m much more confident in my body and myself, I feel worthy to be there among all the other girls. I don't want to hide in a corner away from everybody.

.css-1pfpin{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-size:1.75rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;padding-left:5rem;padding-right:5rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pfpin{padding-left:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pfpin{font-size:2.5rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-1pfpin b,.css-1pfpin strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1pfpin em,.css-1pfpin i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} "Now that I'm more confident in my body and myself, I don't want to hide in a corner"

"Even getting this cover –" she breaks off and wipes her eyes, apologising. "I feel a bit emotional about it. Three years ago, I'd have thought, 'Why would I get that?' This time, that little voice did try to pipe up, and I was like: why wouldn't I be best of British? I've learnt to quieten those doubts."

Indeed, at 33, Dunn is riding high. Having made her acting debut in the 2022 ITVX drama Riches , she's now working with a coach to perfect her American accent. "I'm starting with the alphabet and certain words to get my tongue around pronouncing things. It's just to have another skill in my toolkit for when those roles come through."

And then there's her plan to start her own brand, hot on the heels of her online cookery show, Well Dunn , in which she prepared meals with fellow supers including Cara Delevingne. "I want to be the UK’s Black Martha Stewart," she says. "That’s the next step to building an empire and creating generational wealth, and having the Dunn name live on past me." What does she plan to sell? "Riley and I are fanatics about hot sauce, we’re always on a search to find the spiciest, so from condiments and seasonings, to cutlery and potware – that’s my next plan. I’ve got my moodboard together, now it’s about talking to people who can make it happen." In five years’ time, she also wants to open her own gastropub. "I do like the idea of a Caribbean/British combination. I’d love to create that space for other people to come in and enjoy amazing food and a great vibe, that’s the end goal. If you have a desire, why not make it happen? I’m just going to go for it. And I want to be a good example to Riley not to limit himself. Especially because he already feels limited."

Riley suffers from sickle-cell disease, which has necessitated hospital stays and blood transfusions, and Dunn has campaigned for years to raise awareness of the condition. "He doesn’t feel comfortable talking about it with his friends or his teachers, and that makes me even more ambitious to get it to a point where it’s just the norm – it shouldn’t be that teachers aren’t aware of it," she says.

This year, Riley will turn 15 – the same age Dunn was when she shot to fame – but, though she says she’d be supportive if he wanted to model, his ambitions lie elsewhere. (Even supermodel mothers are an embarrassment to their offspring, it seems: "If I know a meme or a certain phrase, or a dance on TikTok, he’ll be like: 'Mum, what are you doing? Why are you saying that?'") And would she like more children? "I’d love a big family – I’ve got three siblings and we’re all very close. Riley has siblings on his dad’s side already, but I’d also like to give him some. I know he would be excited. He was saying the other day, 'Mum, you’re going to have to hurry up!'"

Meanwhile, Dunn has plenty to be going on with; indeed, after our meeting, she’s got to go home to West London to pack for another fashion shoot. "It’s so great to work with new people," she says happily. "The teen Jourdan in me is saying: 'Wow! We get to do this? We’re shooting a Harper’s Bazaar cover?' I am so excited about my life right now." The feeling’s mutual.

Photographs by Richard Phibbs, styling by Cathy Kasterine. The 'Best of British' June issue is out now.

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