If you are looking for a unique way to experience Paso Robles wine country, a private sidecar tour through Third Wheel Tours at Cass Winery offers an unforgettable adventure. With vineyard views, local wine, and a one-of-a-kind ride through the vines, this experience gives visitors an up-close look at one of Paso Robles’ most beautiful wineries from the seat of a vintage-style motorcycle sidecar.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something different to do during your wine country getaway, this tour is a fun and memorable addition to any Paso Robles itinerary.
Read More: 24 Best Things to Do in Paso Robles
Third Wheel Tours’ Sidecar Winery Tour Review
How to Book a Third Wheel Tours Experience
Third Wheel Tours offers unique sidecar winery tours in both Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, giving visitors a fun and memorable way to explore California’s Central Coast wine country. The Third Wheel Tours I took was located at Cass Winery in Paso Robles, I’m not sure of the SLO winery location.
Guests can choose from 1-hour, 2-hour, or 4-hour tour options depending on how much time they want to spend exploring vineyards and tasting wine. The private sidecar tours accommodate two guests and include a knowledgeable guide who shares information about the wineries, vineyards, local history, and winemaking process along the way.
For larger groups, the Paso Robles location also offers Tuk-Tuk wine tours that can accommodate up to six guests. These open-air vehicles provide the same personalized experience while allowing friends and family to explore wine country together.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons. Tours can be booked directly through Third Wheel Tours, where guests can browse available wineries, tour lengths, and special experiences.
What to Expect on the Tour
The experience begins at Cass Winery, where you’ll meet your guide, sign waivers, and get acquainted with the motorcycle and sidecar setup. Both guests ride in the sidecar, one in front of the other, and riders can switch positions during the tour. Guests now are required to wear helmets, but when we did this tour three years ago I guess we lived dangerously because I can’t remember wearing a helmet and can’t find a helmet in any of the photos I took!
Unlike a traditional wine tasting visit, this tour takes you directly into the vineyard. As you travel through the property, your guide shares the history of Cass Winery, information about the vineyard, and insights into the winemaking process from grape to glass.
One of the things that makes the tour especially enjoyable is the personal attention. Since it is a private tour for two guests, you can ask questions, stop for photos, and enjoy a customized experience without feeling rushed.
As the tour makes stops throughout the vineyard, your guide provides shade with a large umbrella, making it easy to stay comfortable while learning about the property.
Along the way, you’ll hear about sustainable vineyard practices and why some of the vine “trunks” are cut, what some of the markings mean, and even learn something about the dead leaves. But honestly three years later I can’t remember any of it except for the owl boxes and bee hives!
You’ll spot owl boxes strategically placed throughout the vineyard. These owl boxes provide homes for barn owls, which help control rodents and other vineyard pests naturally. It is a fascinating example of how wineries work with nature to protect their vines while reducing the need for chemical pest control.
And the winery works with some local beekeepers to keep hives on their grounds for pollination.
The route offers beautiful views of rolling vineyards, oak-studded hills, and the surrounding Paso Robles countryside. Riding through the vines in an open-air sidecar creates a completely different perspective than what most visitors experience from a tasting room patio.
Wine Tasting at Cass Winery
No visit to Cass Winery would be complete without tasting the wines.
Following the vineyard tour, guests can enjoy a wine tasting experience featuring a selection of Cass wines. After seeing where the grapes are grown and learning about the winemaking process, tasting the finished product becomes even more meaningful.
The wines often showcase the Rhône-style varieties for which Paso Robles is known, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to explain the characteristics of each pour.
Start or End Your Tour with Lunch at Cass Winery
One of the best ways to complete your visit is by pairing your sidecar adventure with a meal at Cass Winery’s restaurant.
The winery’s on-site kitchen serves a menu inspired by local ingredients and wine country flavors. Guests can enjoy everything from fresh salads and artisan sandwiches to heartier entrées and wood-fired pizzas, all designed to complement Cass wines.
Many visitors choose to arrive early for lunch before their tour, while others prefer to relax with a meal afterward and reflect on their vineyard adventure. Either option makes for a perfect wine country afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Wear a Helmet?
California law requires helmets for motorcycle passengers, including those riding in a sidecar. Third Wheel Tours provides “elegant” (their word) helmets for all guests, so there is no need to bring your own.
How Many People Can Ride on a Sidecar Tour?
Each motorcycle and sidecar combination accommodates two guests plus the driver. Both guests ride in the sidecar and can typically switch positions during the tour stops.
How Long Are the Tours?
Third Wheel Tours offers 1-hour, 2-hour, and 4-hour experiences. Longer tours typically include visits to multiple wineries and allow more time for wine tasting and exploring the vineyards. The 1-hour tour is just a tour, no tasting. The 2-hour tour is the sidecar tour followed by a tasting.
Is Wine Tasting Included?
The 1-hour tour is just a tour, no tasting. The 2-hour tour is the sidecar tour followed by a tasting. Contact Third Wheel Tours directly about the 4-hour tour, but I believe it includes multiple wineries and a tasting.
I believe we did the 1-hour tour and then separately we did a tasting for 1 person since one of us had to drive back to our AirBNB and parent our kids. Plus, I instantly get a headache when drinking red wines, so I usually taste the white wine (there’s usually only one) while my husband tastes the reds.
What Should I Wear?
Comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Paso Robles can be warm during the day, but chilly at night, so dressing in layers is often a good idea. The ground that the motorcycle and sidecar ride on is covered in nut shells in order to eliminate dust getting kicked up. I wore a white shirt and didn’t regret it!
Can Larger Groups Participate?
Yes. While sidecar tours are designed for two guests, Third Wheel Tours also offers Tuk-Tuk tours in Paso Robles that can accommodate groups of up to six people.
Is the Tour Suitable for First-Time Visitors to Paso Robles?
Absolutely! The tour provides a fun introduction to Paso Robles wine country and offers insights into local wineries, vineyard practices, and the region’s winemaking heritage.
Is the Sidecar Tour Worth It?
For travelers seeking more than the standard tasting-room wine tasting, the private sidecar tour at Cass Winery offers an experience that is both educational and entertaining. The combination of vineyard exploration, wine education, and the scenic riding adventure creates a memorable way to experience Paso Robles wine country that you won’t soon forget!
I highly enjoyed the tour and would definitely recommend!
My tour was not sponsored, I paid for it myself.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Paso Robles
While wine tasting is the main draw, Paso Robles offers plenty of other activities to fill your itinerary. Explore the boutique shops and restaurants around Downtown Paso Robles, sample locally produced olive oils, or visit the wineries and breweries of Tin City. Art lovers won’t want to miss Sensorio’s Field of Light installation, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives through the rolling countryside. With great food, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere, Paso Robles is the perfect destination for a getaway.
Read More: 24 Best Things to Do in Paso Robles, California
Field of Light at Sensorio
One of the most spectacular art installations in California, Field of Light at Sensorio transforms rolling hills into a glowing sea of color. Thousands of lights illuminate the landscape after dark, creating an unforgettable experience that feels both artistic and magical.
Read More: How to Experience Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles, California
Go Olive Oil Tasting
Paso Robles is not just about wine. Olive oil lovers will enjoy tasting locally produced oils at Pasolivo, Templeton Olive Oil Company, and Kiler Ridge Olive Farm. Many tastings include flavored oils, balsamic vinegars, and gourmet products that make excellent souvenirs.
Read More: Go Olive Oil Tasting in Paso Robles, California
Eat a Delicious Brown Butter Cookie
A visit to Paso Robles is not complete without stopping at Brown Butter Cookie Company. Their famous sea salt cookies have developed a devoted following and make the perfect sweet treat while exploring downtown.
Read More: Must Try Foods Along California Highway 1
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California. I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.