Joebella, a great cup of joe off the 101 in Templeton

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Driving up the 101 to San Francisco? I have the perfect pit stop. It’s in Templeton, just south of Paso Robles. Exit at Vineyard Drive and head west about two minutes toward the local Trader Joe’s. In the same shopping complex is Joebella Coffee Roasters, an independent coffee shop with its own freshly roasted beans, much of it free trade and/or organic -- and free Wi-Fi. Service is not the swiftest, but baristas pull their espresso on a shiny La Marzocco machine. There are a few tables out front on the sidewalk, more inside, and a big comfy sofa that’s tempting for a catnap. The pastries pass muster, too.

And next door is the quite terrific wine shop 15 Degrees C Wineshop & Bar, where you can find the makings of a picnic — Fra’ Mani salumi, well-edited cheeses, baguettes from a local bakery — and a chilled bottle of rosé or white.

On a long drive, finding someplace like Joebella can make all the difference. A few minutes of respite from the road, a good strong cup of joe and you’re all set to go again.

Joebella Coffee Roasters, 1121 Rossi Road, Templeton; (805) 434-2479; www.joebellacoffee.com. Open Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 15 Degrees C Wineshop & Bar, 1121 Rossi Road, Templeton; (805) 434-1554; www.15degreescwines.com. Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.

— S. Irene Virbila