Tours of the Ancient Peaks Winery include a drive through the vineyard, where you might see grapes awaiting harvest.

Dude, I hate to break it to you, but Cupid is calling you out again. Yes, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. But don't panic.

This year, you are all over him. Like red velvet on a box of chocolate. You might think he's got your number, but read on, and you'll be the man with the V-Day plan.

February 14 falls on a Monday, so surprise your honey with a three-day Paso Robles wine weekend, complete with vineyard tour, tasting rooms, organic bistro dinner and shopping.

Yes, shopping. You need to dig deep after last year's debacle and make her forget about the wilted grocery store roses and the hurried dinner at a lame chain restaurant.

Paso Robles is the epicenter of the Central Coast wine scene, and downtown Paso is ground zero for your weekend of romance. Book a room at the historic Paso Robles Inn on Spring Street and you'll be within walking distance of almost everything. She'll be impressed by one of the deluxe spa rooms, which feature fireplaces and in-room private hot springs mineral spa tubs either on the curtained balcony or in the bathroom.

One destination not within walking distance - but worth the short drive south to Santa Margarita - is Ancient Peaks Winery. It's a relatively new label, but its story begins 10,000 years ago. So go for the wine, and stay for the tour.

The vineyard is part of the 13,500-acre Rancho Santa Margarita. The land was the site of a Native American trading settlement where the Salinan and Chumash tribes gathered. Divots in the sandstone outcroppings where they ground acorns gathered from the groves of adjacent oaks are still visible.

Nearby, what appears to be a weathered barn actually shelters the remains of a historic building dating to the ranch's days as an asistencia, or outpost of the Mission San Luis Obispo. The existing barn encloses the massive stone and mortar walls of the combination chapel and granary, and serves as a popular event locale. In fact, Rancho Santa Margarita hosted Sunset magazine's 2010 "Savor the Central Coast" food and wine event.

Following a tour of the ranch, which includes a drive through the vineyards that boast 17 different varietals, there is ample time to savor Ancient Peaks' offerings in the tasting room.

Pourings feature highlights of the limited White Label Collection, including the 2007 Oyster Ridge, which Wine Enthusiast awarded 90 points in November. It mixes cabernet, petite sirah, merlot and petit verdot, and is named for a geologic feature that runs through a section of the vineyard and contains fossilized oysters. "This is one of those blends that Paso is becoming famous for," co-owner Doug Filipponi says.

You could spend your day driving through Paso's rolling hill country to winery after winery. But after visiting Ancient Peaks, you may prefer to park the car downtown and walk to more tastings. Ortman Family Vineyards on Park Street is right near We Olive. So you, can sample olive oil, nibble on munchies, then wander down the block and sip some 2007 Petite Sirah, which was awarded a Gold Medal for Best of Class at the 2010 Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

While strolling downtown you'll have ample opportunities to prove your love and devotion by letting her shop. Duck into Firefly at the corner of Park and 13th, and she'll be impressed by your thoughtfulness, taste, and generosity.

The boutique offers an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, books and handmade gifts. Chances are good she'll find something she can't live without, like a teal pea coat, whose purchase will be justified by saying something like, "I said I really wanted a fun jacket this year."

You may pass a charming brick storefront in a small alley off 13th Street. That's Thomas Hill Organics, where you'll be having dinner - but only if you call ahead and make a reservation.

The organic bistro is a labor of love created by Joe and Debbie Thomas in their so-called retirement. It began five years ago with farming their 10-acre spread. When they had more produce than they could give away, they took a friend's suggestion to heart and opened a restaurant.

Julie Simon, the 23-year-old wunderkind chef from France, blends locally sourced produce into a fusion of global flavors. Though the menu changes frequently, try the Asian-influenced cast iron pan-seared sea scallops and braised pork belly if it's available. The open face local rabbit ravioli, served with celery root puree and finished with a blood orange and pecan compound butter, contrasts the earthy flavors of the rabbit with a splash of citrus. Whatever you do, be sure to order a pizza for an appetizer. It's cooked in a stone oven on the patio just steps from your table. And, naturally, an extensive local wine list offers a multitude of pairing opportunities.

End your evening with a delectable dessert and a pot of French press coffee. Soak in the ambience of the heated patio and relish the victory of beating Cupid at his own game.
Eric Harnish was formerly a conscientious objector to Valentine's Day festivities. He has since been re-educated.

Plan Your Valentine's Wine Weekend
Paso Robles Inn
(800) 676-1713
www.pasoroblesinn.com

Ancient Peaks Winery
(805) 365-7045
www.ancientpeaks.com

Thomas Hill Organics
(805) 226-5888
www.thomashillorganics.com

Ortman Family Vineyards
(805) 237-9009
www.ortmanwines.com