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Non-drinker during wine tasting

We will be a group of 8 visiting Paso Robles in April. One in our party doesn't drink alcohol, and will be our DD. Will he be charged at the wineries? Can we bring in an NA beer for him? I have messaged a couple of wineries, and have not yet received a response. Thank you.

Visiting Paso Robles wineries with a non-drinker in your group is generally straightforward, but policies vary by winery. Here’s what you should know and plan for:

Non-drinker charges:

  • Most wineries charge per tasting for adults participating in wine tastings. If your non-drinker does not taste wine, many wineries do not charge them, but some may have a nominal fee for participation in tours or for access to the tasting room. It's best to clarify with each winery in advance.
  • Some wineries may include a non-alcoholic tasting option (sparkling grape juice, flavored water, or non-alcoholic mocktails), which might be offered for free or a small fee.

Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages:

  • Most wineries do not allow guests to bring in outside alcohol or beverages, including non-alcoholic beer, due to liability and licensing rules. It is safest to assume you cannot bring in NA beer.
  • Many wineries are happy to provide water, soda, or other non-alcoholic options on site, so your non-drinker can stay hydrated.

Tips for planning:

  • Contact wineries in advance to confirm policies for designated drivers or non-drinkers. This ensures there are no surprises and your group can enjoy the experience comfortably.
  • Consider wineries known to be DD-friendly or that explicitly offer non-alcoholic tasting options.
  • Your non-drinker can participate in tours, enjoy the grounds, and still feel included without needing to taste wine.
  • Always designate the non-drinker as the driver to stay safe and comply with California laws.

In summary, your non-drinker likely won’t be charged at most wineries if they skip tasting, and bringing in NA beer is generally not permitted. It’s best to rely on the winery’s provided non-alcoholic beverages and confirm policies ahead of time for peace of mind.

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