My favorite hidden gem in California has incredible food and wine — and it's more affordable than Napa Valley

Paso Robles is my favorite hidden gem in California.

Courtesy of JUSTIN Winery My favorite hidden gem in California is Paso Robles, a central coast town filled with wineries.

Paso Robles has much cheaper tastings than Napa.

The average cost is $27, while it's $79 in Napa.

There's also a range of great restaurants, from Michelin-starred dinners to handmade pastas.

Where should you go in California for delicious food, sprawling vineyards, and the satisfying sound of a freshly uncorked wine bottle? Let me guess, you're thinking of Napa .

But what if I told you there's a hidden gem on the central coast where you can get all of the above with fewer crowds, lower prices, and cooler tasting experiences? Welcome to Paso Robles .

A wine for everyone You'll find the stunning Justin vineyards and winery in Paso Robles.

Courtesy of JUSTIN Winery Growing up in the Bay Area , Napa Valley quickly became a special place for my family.

With no relatives living in the US, my Greek parents took us there every Christmas to make the holidays feel special.

I've visited Napa over 20 times, but over the past few years, Paso Robles has stolen my heart.

Paso Robles is almost exactly in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco, about 200 miles each way.

Parallel to the mountains and the sea, the region has a unique terroir due to big temperature swings.

The topography's distinctive microclimates are perfect for growing a variety of grapes, helping Paso distinguish itself in a crowded California wine market .