Rio Seco Vineyards - Our first Harvest Host experience!

If you are unfamiliar with the Harvest Hosts network, check out their website.  This network enables RV travelers to park and enjoy an overnight at a farm, vineyard or other agri-business location and learn a little while you are visiting.  One detail is that the site is usually “dry” camping  - a first for us, and I was a bit wary about trying no hookups. 

As it turned out it was really fun and a positive experience. Now, I am ready to try this again soon.  There are a number of hosts along our route and I am hopeful we’ll find another one along this trip route.

Rio Seco is a family-operated vineyard in the Paso Robles, CA, wine country.  The location is magnificent. The place we parked, right beside the vines, had wonderful views.  Our hosts were so friendly and gracious in every way, so we felt “right at home” in no time.  While there we tasted some great wines and found a couple to add to our wine cellar in the coach.

Probably the best aspect for this overnight was how dog friendly they were.  We were able to take long walks with Rosie and Willie through the vineyards and olive groves (another Rio Seco product). 

There was a vineyard dog, Monte, and a couple of very laid back, watchful cats, but my favorite farm animals were the chickens.  The roosters were our alarm clock  – not really necessary since Gary wanted to take sunrise pictures – and one hen was busy caring for her chicks.  I cannot explain my fascination with these animals, but its real.  Perhaps someday I will have a couple hens…

Rio Seco had a bottling event this week, but we missed that.  However, other Harvest Host RVers were scheduled to stay then and help out.  During their busy visitor season and festivals, they have music and food service.  Really sorry we missed arriving during that time.

 Rio Seco also has great spaces for group events.  They have a wonderful tree-shaded lawn area near the tasting room and deck,  and a wonderful grilling space (which caught Gary's eye immediately).

  

And, they have a guest house (4 units) with a unique concept for payment  - you can pay via buying wine!  A real winner!!

We all enjoyed seeing and feeling grass after being in our desert home (no grass), so much of the time.  The dogs were ready to stay there!

I must admit, this was the most relaxing stop on our trip and I am becoming a boondocking convert.  I know this last statement is a surprise for some of our RV friends, but it took a great experience like this to show me how wonderful being “off the grid” can be.