There's more than just wine in Paso Robles. Go now to see 'A Field of Light' installation.

Created by British artist Bruce Munro, “A Field of Light” at Sensorio comprises more than 58,800 light-stemmed spheres, all solar-powered, that output various colors to accentuate the landscape.

The Paso Robles region has more than 300 wineries producing some of the best wine in the world. But that’s not what caught my eye on a recent United Airlines flight coming home from a band tour. I came across an Instagram post that looked like a valley of lights. 

That valley of lights is an art installation called “A Field of Light” at Sensorio, created by British artist Bruce Munro. It’s just one more reason to head to Paso Robles.  Located about 10 minutes east of town, the installation comprises more than 58,800 light-stemmed spheres, all solar-powered, that output various colors to accentuate the landscape. It is magical. Imagine all those lights covering 15 acres of rolling hills and oak trees, with paths and places to sit in this lighted rainbow. 

I recommend checking the time of sunset before buying tickets. I timed our dinner downtown perfectly, and we were just in time to see the lights pop as the sun set. A great hang for sure.

Admission is $30 per person – inside, there is a gift shop, a couple of food trucks, and a wine and beer bar. There was also a live band playing on the lawn. There are VIP packages available for purchase ($95 per person) that include entry, dinner and drinks.

The installation has been so successful over the summer that they are extending it until at least January 2020!

But I also go to Paso Robles for the wine. My cousin, Amanda, has been working in the cellar at Tablas Creek Vineyard for several years. To get there, you take the stunning Vineyard Road, full of moss-covered California oaks and golden paddocks with countless wineries and olive oil farms.

I have never been to a biodynamic winery, let alone heard the term. To say I’m impressed is an understatement. The entire vineyard is powered by solar! I am fascinated to learn that Tablas Creek is a “dry farm,” which means they use techniques to conserve soil moisture. This allows nature to dictate the true sustainability of agricultural production in a region.

I walk out with a couple of bottles of wine (I love their Patelin de Tablas Rosé and the red Rhone blend, as well) and jump back onto Vineyard Road, a road I could drive for miles and miles. Other vineyards of note are Halter Ranch Vineyard, Adelaida Vineyards and Lone Madrone.

For those of you that aren’t into wine, there is something for you, too. In San Miguel, about 15 minutes north of Paso Robles, is Mission San Miguel. If you’re into California history, this is National Historical Landmark is stop to make. Check out some of other places to explore, after all, it’s just a road trip away!

Read the rest by heading over to DESERT magazine, part of the USA Today Network!

DAOU Vineyards' view alone is worth the drive to Paso Robles.