Ribbon cutting held for new Allegretto Vineyard Resort

Posted: 7:37 am, October 28, 2015 by Editor Skye Pratt

Members of the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, members of the Paso Robles City Council, and those who were instrumental in completing the extensive project gathered around Douglas Ayres as he cut the ribbon. Photos by Skye Ravy.

–A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Ayres Allegretto Vineyard Resort was held Tuesday. Members of the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, members of the Paso Robles City Council, and those who were instrumental in completing the extensive project gathered around Douglas Ayres as he cut the ribbon.

Drawing inspiration from the beauty of the Paso Robles wine country that enchanted him decades ago, as well as his own extensive travels, Ayres said that he designed and built the Allegretto in the style of an Italian vineyard estate, filling the corridors and spaces with art and artifacts from his travels. The villa-style resort was appointed with dozens of pieces of original art, as well as statues, doorways, and other architectural elements from around the world.

A modern fountain in the resort’s Piazza.

“It is exceptionally gratifying to see a vision and dream become a reality. We look forward to hosting our Central Coast neighbors and guests from afar, making the Allegretto a place of joy and inspiration,” said Ayres.

The resort is situated on 20 acres that include wine-grapes, olives and fruit trees, 171 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant with chef’s garden, wine bar, 12,000-square-foot courtyard, pool and cabanas, spa, chapel, ballroom, indoor and outdoor event space, walking paths, manicured Mediterranean gardens, specially crafted vignettes, and arts and artifacts that invoke, “the luxury, warmth, and beauty of la dolce vita.”

Mayor Steve Martin said that he was happy to welcome the new resort to Paso Robles, and thinks that it will be a great asset. The resort was, “something that Paso was looking for,” he said.

The villa-style resort was appointed with dozens of pieces of original art, such as this Erin Hansen painting.

Opens Cello Ristorante & Bar

The Allegretto Vineyard Resort also announced the official opening of Cello Ristorante & Bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day, under the direction of Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director Eric Olson. Cello is aimed to be an upscale, casual Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that welcomes locals and visitors alike.

“Allegretto is a joyful place,” said General Manager Anna Olson. “Nowhere is that more evident than in the act of breaking bread together here at Cello, among an abundance of fresh flavors, good company, and the beauty of our surroundings here in Paso Robles.”

The outdoor dining area at Cello.

Cello features a menu that skews rustic Northern Italian, along with spices from Allegretto Owner Douglas Ayres’ global travels. Guests can enjoy dining by candlelight at intimate tables or join the communal tables, sit fireside at the outdoor fire bowls or take on a game of bocce ball on the restaurant’s comfortable heated patio. Whether in designer jeans and cowboys boots or elegant dress, guests are encouraged to escape from it all and come just as they are.

Most recently serving as Executive Chef at Centrally Grown in Cambria and the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Olson says he prides himself on deep relationships and knowledge of the local farmers and purveyors with whom he works on a daily basis, as well as a knack and passion for foraging indigenous ingredients.

The resort has a small, outdoor chapel on the property, complete with exposed wooden beams and stained glass.

The resort has a small, outdoor chapel on the property, complete with stained glass.

Cello offers bottles from its proprietary wine label, sourced from a vineyard in Willow Creek District owned and operated by the resort. Additionally, Cello offers several craft beers on tap and a menu of signature cocktails sourced from top-shelf spirits and ingredients from the chef’s garden.

The Allegretto Vineyard Resort is located at 2700 Buena Vista Drive in Paso Robles. For more information, visit AllegrettoResort.com or call (805) 369-2500, or for reservations call 1-800-764-4614.