Featured Winery
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard
Photos by Hayley Thomas
Elegance meets rustic charm at Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery in Paso Robles.
Rustic, elegant, Italian By Hayley Thomas FOR VINO
I
f only the land where Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery sits today could speak. Located in the heart of the Willow Creek District in west Paso Robles, the sloped, limestone-rich terrain was first settled by Mennonite farmers more than a century ago. The winery’s beautifully-restored farmhouse — originally built by those resilient homesteaders — stands as a testament to the property’s rich past. Not only can you request to stay in the refurbished farmhouse quarters, which are surrounded on all sides by stunning vineyard views and the occasional grazing sheep. You can truly taste the land itself, planted to vineyards more than 20 years ago.
16
Spring/Summer 2015
Distinctive, elegant Italian varietals, including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Zinfandel, and Lagrein — as well as Rhones like Syrah and Viognier — tell a story of cool coastal breezes, sustainable farming, and dramatic swings from low to high temperature. In other words, Pelletiere Estate’s offerings speak to why westside Paso Robles is such an incredible wine growing microclimate. Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery owner and native Chicagoan Janis Denner is intent on ensuring that the tasting room experience is as graceful and memorable as the wines. From laminated “tasting placemats” that explain varietal pronunciation and fun food pairing suggestions to a rainbow
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Central Coast Edition VINO