Paicines is a small unincorporated community located in San Benito County, California, USA. It was originally a stagecoach stop known as Tres Pinos. However, when a town nearby took the name Tres Pinos, the town changed its name to Paicines to avoid confusion.
Paicines, which is primarily rural, is located to the east of the Salinas Valley and is nestled near the Pinnacles National Park which is home to volcanic rock formations, caves, and a wide diversity of wildlife. This makes it an area with several outdoor recreational activities.
The area’s warm summer Mediterranean climate makes it a prime location for vineyards with the Paicines AVA being a designated wine grape-growing region. Other industries in the area include farming and ranching. Despite it being largely rural and sparsely populated, it hosts a country store, post office, restaurant and the Paicines Ranch, a popular event venue.
The community is served by Highway 25 and the nearest cities are Hollister and Tres Pinos. In terms of education, it falls within the Hollister School District.
