Spring/Summer 2015
Rockstar Winemakers Featured Winery
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard Featured Tasting Room
Broken Earth Winery Groves on 41 Paso Robles
Wine Tasting Map
ies er in on S I N l W cti e eciates S p S No ID
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wine, there is a sense of something—of place, “ ofWith people, of Mother Nature, of soul. In its creation comes a winemaker’s collection of life experiences to guide, nurture and interpret each vintage. —JEFF MEIER, WINEMAKER
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Vineyard-driven. Passionately made. Winemaker Jeff Meier has been with J. Lohr since 1984, guiding the crafting of our wines from vintage to vintage. We invite you to savor the art and experience of Jeff and his team in every
J. Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center 6169 Airport Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Tasting Daily 10am-5pm | (805) 239-8900
© 2015 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA
flavorful bottle of our J. Lohr Vineyard Series wines.
Publisher John Bartlett publisher@pasoroblespress.com
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Editor Brian Williams news@pasoroblespress.com Editorial Contributors Allyson Oken Hayley Thomas Luke Phillips Beth Bolyard Ruth Ann Angus
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Advertising Carmen Burton Sheri Potruch Whitney Shultz Rhianna Sparks Michael Bartlett Arlene Horton-White Graphic Design Veronica Sanders Cover Photo Luke Phillips taken at Alta Colina Winery
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48 Vino Contact information PasoRoblesPress.com 805-237-6060 829 10th Street, Suite B Paso Robles, CA 93446 VINO is published by the Paso Robles Press. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. The Paso Robles Press made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in the magazine, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.
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In This Issue Rock Star Winemakers
Paso Robles AVA Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Mike James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Redwood Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Victor Hugo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Paso Robles Wine Tasting Map . . . 36
Michael Gill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Paso Robles Wine Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Bob Tillman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Trail of Illusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chateau Margene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Caterng by Chef Charlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Seven Quails Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Groves on 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Broken Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Joebella Coffee & Niner Wine . . . . . . . . . . 24
Wineries & Tasting Rooms . . . . . . . . 58
Nichols Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Winemakers For this issue — we give you four more Rock Star winemakers.
MIKE JAMES
of
HIDDEN OAK WINERY
Winemakers
We strive to highlight different winemakers, with different wines and give you a glimpse into their lives; after all, winemakers are people too; they just get to spend their time, and often making their living, with wine. This issue’s Rock Star winemakers are Mike James of Hidden Oak Winery, Victor Hugo Roberts of Victor Hugo Winery, Michael Gill of Michael Gill Cellars, and Bob Tillman of Alta Colina Winery. After you read about our Rock Star winemakers, stop by and check our their wines and tasting rooms; you never know when you’ll get the chance to meet the winemaker in the tasting room.
Victor Hugo RoberTS of
Victor Hugo WINERY
MICHAEL GILL
of
MICHAEL GILL CELLARS
BOB TILLMAN
of
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ALTA COLINA WINERY
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Central Coast Edition VINO
MIKE JAMES
Winemaker
HIDDEN OAK WINERY
E ns u ring that yo u r wine is
‘ready to drink the moment the cork is popped’ By Hayley Thomas FOR VINO
Photos by Hayley Thomas
Winemaker Mike James is the man behind Hidden Oak Winery’s smooth, drinkable offerings. For nearly two decades, the Templeton winery’s 22-acre estate vineyard has produced award-winning wines that are ready to drink the moment they are opened.
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he greatest inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. When Mike and Martha James cleared the almond trees of their 80-acre property in Templeton nearly two decades ago, they found a beautiful, young oak tree, hidden beneath the gnarled brush. Today, that same sapling has grown to heights of more than 50 feet, standing smack dab in the middle of their now legendary 22-acre vineyard. With outstretched branches and rustling leaves, it is the emblem of their life’s passion: Hidden Oak Winery. Since the couple’s first, hard-won harvest in 1997, winemaker Mike James has grown comfortably into his craft. One look around the quaint tasting room reveals ribbon after gold ribbon. With a firm handshake and a genuine smile, James makes everyone feel like a local. The winemaker never charges for a tasting. “They always take home a bottle,” he said. Simple as that. A retired computer tech for NASA, James knew little about winemaking when he began tinkering with barrels and PH levels. A propensity for detail-oriented work and a scientific curiosity worked in his favor. In other words, the winemaker has never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and get down to brass tacks. It’s evident that he truly loves the constant puzzle that comes along with making superb wine. Through classes, seminars and working with other winemakers — including local legend Kenneth Volk and Nat Sherrill of Woodside-based Sherrill Cellars — James honed his skills. The first year out of the starting gate, Hidden Oak Winery won a double gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. “It’s really about experimentation and chemistry,” James said. “You have to balance the wine. The hard part is tasting it, making sure it blends just right. Every barrel does something a little bit different. You never know till you taste.” Vines planted to merlot were quickly joined by petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon, viognier, and zinfandel. Friends and family weren’t the only ones craving Hidden Oak’s
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smooth, single-varietal and blended offerings. Enthusiastic wine club members emerged from the woodwork eagerly anticipating each coming vintage. Critics continue to praise James’ ability to craft luscious, drinkable wines — both for their elegance and accessibility. This is what James calls, “The Hidden Oak Way.” Translation: The wine should be ready to drink the moment the cork is popped. “To achieve this, the wine must barrel age until ready. This could take three, four or even five years before it is deemed ready for bottling,” James said. “I make wine to suit my palate. If I don’t like it, I assume that other people won’t either. I’m very critical. If I don’t like it I won’t release it.” With Martha by his side and daughters Linda, Elizabeth, and Diane helping out with everything from crushing and bottling to organizing wine club events and designing labels, James is proud to call Hidden Oak Winery “a family operation.” With just 1,000 cases produced per year, quality — not quantity — is the overarching mission. “I consider myself a farmer first and winemaker later,” James said, adding that he is continually managing the land’s everchanging nuances. When it comes to pruning, checking water levels, and making down-in-the-dirt decisions, you will find James out in the vineyard connecting with the magical calodo soil. This dirt has been good to Hidden Oak Winery’s mysterious oak tree as well as the long-standing vines. “Without the great soil that we have, I could not make great wines,” James said. “There is an old saying in winemaking. ‘You can make great wine from great grapes, but you cannot make good wine with bad grapes. Bottom line: it’s all in the vineyard.” For more information, visit HiddenOakWinery.com or call 237-9315. Hidden Oak Winery is located at 4671 South El Pomar Road in Templeton. Tasting room hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
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victor hugo roberts
Winemaker
VIctor hugo winery
Striving for harmony
in every bottle By Allyson Oken Of VINO
Photos by Allyson Oken
Victor Hugo Roberts is the outstanding owner and winemaker at Victor Hugo Winery, celebrating 24 years making wine.
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uthor Victor Hugo once wrote, “To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.” This idea encompasses the philosophy of the owner and winemaker at Victor Hugo Winery —Victor Hugo Roberts. He’s been creating wines since the 1980’s with harmony in mind. “There is a richness, an elegant color and flavor to wines that are made with the harmony that comes from experience,” Roberts said. “I have been making my own estate-grown wines since about 1985 and over the years by playing around with different variations I have found my own harmonious method for creating wine with intense flavor and color. I am very hands-on and see each harvest through from picking to bottling this is how we are able to control quality.” Every grape on the property is handpicked and only the best grapes on the vines make it to the fermentation process. In addition to his hands-on approach, Roberts is also committed to sustainable farming practices and utilizes them all over the vineyard. These practices were newly emerging when Roberts graduated from University of California, Davis with a degree in enology in 1979. Only three years later, he was practicing them when he and his wife planted their first 15 acres of grapes on their Templeton property. Today, Victor Hugo boasts 78 acres of amazing grapes all grown in the microclimate of the Templeton Gap. This small-lot, family-owned and operated winery is known for their estate grown fruit. Roberts creates limited lots of Viognier, Chardonnay, Malbec, Zinfandel,
Victor Hugo Winery is planted to 78 acres of wine grapes.
Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Then there are the Les Mis Estate Rose, Estate Opulence, Estate Hunchback and 2009 Quasi, a late-harvest Zinfandel; all named for different Victor Hugo characters and references. “I was actually not named for Victor Hugo but thought it was a fun reference to my name that people could relate to and remember easily,” Roberts said. “So we were a bit puny with our wine names for this reason. Our most recent release with Victor Hugo in mind was the 2009 Quasi that we plan to follow with a 2014 Moto soon. It is really just a bit of fun for the
Victor Hugo Winery has 78 acres of grapes and sources all of the fruit from their property.
VINO Central Coast Edition
customers and then they get the reference.” Roberts is serious when it comes to the science of fermentation. He likes to keep it simple and true to the fruit. He talked about the signature wine Opulence as being brooding, complicated and dark, describing the wine as if it had a personality. “This wine has hidden depth and is rich dark and complicated,” Roberts said. “Like a woman that is alluring but elusive. You can taste the plum, cherries and sage. It is one of our more complicated wines and I really think it illustrates what we are trying to do here.” Over the past 24 years, Roberts’s hands-on approach won him the Double Gold for his 2011 Estate Petite Sirah at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition. All the accolades in the world mean very little to Roberts because he is all about the wine. He said, “If someone likes what I make that is great if not that is great too. It is all part of the experience and why there are so many different types of wines and winemakers to capture to everyone.” Victor Hugo Winery is a hidden gem in the Templeton Gap and well worth the drive to taste these outstanding wines made with harmony in mind. To learn more about the wines, the winemaker or to set up a tasting appointment, visit victorhugowinery. com. Victor Hugo Winery is located at 2850 El Pomar Dr., Templeton.
Victor Hugo Winery features estate-grown wines.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Spring/Summer 2015
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Michael Gill
Winemaker
michael gill cellars
Making wine with no regrets By Beth Bolyard Of VINO
Photos by Beth Bolyard
Michael Gill stands in front of his vineyard with two bottles of his award-winning wine, Syrah and Counoise. Gill started his winegrowing career in 1998 after he put off the idea for several years. He has since won over 40 awards with his wines in less than two years.
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Gill’s Syrah also recently received the 2012 oday is tomorrow’s yesterday.” — It’s Garagiste Shootout Award, a blind judging a quote like this that seems incredibly by 40 winemakers from Santa Barbara to memorable, yet has no specific Monterey who specifically judge quality Syrah beginning. It is simply an age-old truth that from small wineries. The term Garagiste is a either inspires the hearer or gets filed away French word that means garage made wine among other quippy sayings. and refers to small-lot wineries that create For Michael Gill, there never was a perfect high-quality wine. time to start making wine; only the constant Gill’s operations have grown to include reminder that every passing moment was Viognier, Vermentino, Tempranillo, Counoise slipping into tomorrow, and that seizing the and he has received numerous awards since he day meant stepping out and making it happen. began to compete in 2010, though, at the time, With more than 40 awards in just under two he didn’t really know what he was going in with. years, winemaking is a task from which Gill Gill’s 2012 Viogner, a big has never looked back. winner at the International Gill grows grapes on Wine Competition in San a small parcel of land he Diego, took silver in the purchased in 1977, tucked Sommelier’s Challenge. away in the limestone rich The 2013 Vermintino hills that engulf Peachy took Gold at the Orange Canyon Road. County Fair and Double The property wasn’t Gold at the Florida State developed for a vineyard Wine Competition, and until 1998 when Gill decided has more than impressed at it was now or never to start local competitions. his winemaking dream. The 2013 Counoise took The vineyard, completely best of varietals locally and dry-farmed, sits on a bit of took the Chairman’s Award a slope, which contributes and Gold in Orange County. to the complexity of Gill’s The 2013 Tempranillo superb wine. took an impressive number Between pouring his Michael Gill Cellars won the of awards at various award-winning selections for 2015 Garagiste Award for outcompetitions including a visitors in the tasting room, standing Syrah in a blind judgGold at Florida State, a Gill can be found out in the ing with their 2012 Black Tie Gold, Best of Class and Best field tending to his grapes. Syrah. The Black Tie Syrah is of Variety at Jerry D. Mead’s “The wine is made in the one of the winery’s most popular wines. New World International field,” said Gill of his patient Wine Competition. vine pruning practices. “You When asked if he has any regrets taking the don’t hurry with the grapes, you have to give dive into his own winemaking, Gill quickly the grapes and the vines time.” answered “no.” To Gill, quality trumps quantity, and he “It’s fun, people enjoy the wine and we’re regularly settles for one ton of quality grapes being acknowledged by the experts,” said Gill. over four tons he could get off his vines. “We’re doing everything right.” Syrah, Gill’s most prominent grape and the backbone of the winery, goes into making his two most popular wines, Tuxedo Syrah and For more information on Michael Gill Black Tie Syrah, both of which are complex and Cellars visit www.gillcellars.com different in their own way and come from Syrah or visit their tasting room Friday grapes harvested from two different sections of through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the vineyard, a method Gill tried on a hunch that 4125 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles, Ca. produced undeniably positive results. To set up an alternative tasting The two Syrahs have gone on to win appointment call (805) 239-1668. numerous gold medals and best in class in several local competitions.
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Spring/Summer 2015
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BOB TILLMAN
ALTA COLINA WINERY
Winemaker
High hill is where the magic happens Tillman living his dream after retiring from high-tech industry The vineyard is perched high on the hill above the new tasting room on Adelaida Road.
By Brian Williams FOR VINO
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Bob Tillman has been making wine from estate-grown fruit at Alta Colina since 2007.
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ob Tillman spent the majority of his adult life as an engineer for Hewlett-Packard and was pretty good at it, but he longed to engineer something else — world-class wine. Tillman, 67, is tall, and wears glasses. His neatly trimmed black head of hair is graying around the edges. It’s easy to picture him working in the high-tech industry, which is what he did for 35 years, 25 of those with Hewlett-Packard. “When I finally retired from that, I’d had kind of a lifelong desire to do winemaking,” Tillman said. “I knew, I was not going to be a good guy with this retirement thing. I knew, I needed hobbies to keep me busy. So, as soon as I retired we started looking.” Initially, Bob and his wife Lynn, who lived on the Central Coast, scouted land in Washington state, but eventually found the perfect patch of earth closer to home. The dream became reality in 2003 when they bought 131 acres, basically an entire hill, off Adelaida Road in the burgeoning Paso Robles AVA and Alta Colina Vineyard and Winery was born. Alta colina is Spanish for high hill, a perfect description for the vineyard. The vineyard followed in the spring of 2005, when 31 acres were planted with eight Rhone varietals — mostly Syrah — on the top of the hill that sits at 1,750 feet in elevation. The first area of Petite Sirah was named Ann’s Block, in honor of Lynn’s mother Ann Walsh. In 2007, the vineyard produced enough for Tillman, who had been making wine as a hobby in his garage for years, to get his first sips. Alta Colina is planted to four Rhone red varietals — Grenache, Syrah, Mourveder and Petite Sirah
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— and four Rhone whites — Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Tillman’s desire and fondness for wine was sparked after taking a wine appreciation class in 1971 at the “Free University” in the Bay Area. After completing the night class, he “started making wine at home in my garage and always had the plan that I was going to do this someday. So far I have been lucky,” he said. The choice to go Rhone was simply a matter of preference. “It’s mostly driven by what I like to drink to be honest with you,” Tillman said. “But I also think that Paso Robles is a very natural place to grow these vines. If you go to the Rhone Valley of France, you are going to see tremendous similarities in climate and soil.” Tillman consulted with some wellknown Paso Robles winemakers including Scott Hawley and Amy Butler as well as Jeff
Cohn of JC Cellars in Alameda. “Scott Hawley, he basically taught me how to make wine,” Tillman said. “He had at least three vintages with us and helped us establish our general direction. We have stuck to that direction and I have been experimenting and learning more about what the vineyard will give us.” For eight vintages, Tillman leased space to make and sell Alta Colina wine at Villicana Winery, which is just down the road from the hilltop vineyard. That changed in late 2014, with the opening of an 8,500 square foot production facility that houses a tasting room at the bottom of the high hill. His outgoing daughter, Maggie Tillman, is in charge of the tasting room as well as marketing. The new winery is modern and understated, but it gets the job done and allows the estate wines to be the star.
“It’s all about the wine,” Bob Tillman said. “We are not into events and flashy stuff like that, when you come to Alta Colina we are really wanting you to taste our wine and like our wine. That is where we put all of our energy and we are trying to make the best wine that we possibly can. We are only as good as what we are doing on the hill.” Currently, Alta Colina uses roughly half of the fruit from the vineyard for its estate wines and the other half is sold to other wineries. The vineyard and production facility are capable of producing about 5,000 cases. “Our goal is to grow into the vineyard,” Tillman said. “We have been very, very steady. We have been averaging 25 percent growth in the number of bottles we are able to find customers for, our wine club has been growing nicely, so we are on track really.”
Alta Colina opened its 8,500 square foot production facility on Adelaida Road that houses a tasting room in November of 2014.
As the winery has grown so has Tillman’s confidence. He has not worked “officially” with a consultant on the last two vintages. “I have felt like like, ‘OK, now I can do this,’ and we are plunging ahead,” he said. Alta Colina produces four wines year in and year out, a GSM, two Syrahs — the Toasted Slope and the Old 900 — and a Petite Sirah. The wines spend about two years in French oak before bottling. Tillman recently tasted through the 2012s and was impressed. “They are at the one-year point so they are just starting to open up. They are killers, absolute killers,” he said. “All four of those were just knocking our socks off. 2012 was a warm year. The wines are big hedonistic wines, you can tell it was a warm year. They got great color, great flavors and nice
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aromas, too. It’s going to be a good one.” Big wines, “as big as I can get” them, is what Tillman is trying to achieve. He draws inspiration from three “kings of the hill” — Justin Smith at Saxum Vineyards and Stephan Asseo at L’Aventure Winery, both of Paso Robles, and John Alban at Alban Vineyards in Edna Valley. By comparison, Tillman said his wines are all big wines with great color, but generally are a little leaner, which is something he has grown to like. “We are settling in now and have found a flavor profile that the vines deliver and we are just trying to work to enhance that each year,” Tillman said. “I think we have the farming tuned up pretty darn good, we are making really small berries, we have conservative yields, and our colors are awesome. We just keep tweaking it and learning more.”
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The zest to learn and hone the craft is central to Tillman, who has been known to listen to lectures and courses on tape when driving. “This is my retirement gig and I like it,” Tillman said. “Keeps me busy and I figure I am never going to run out of opportunities to learn. I feel like there is so much to learn that I will never get it all figured out.”
Alta Colina Winery is located at 2825 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday or by appointment mid-week. Free tours of the vineyard on the hill are available by appointment only. For more information, call 805-227-4191 or visit AltaColinawine.com.
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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
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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.
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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
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Central Coast Edition VINO
Photos by Hayley Thomas
From left, Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery Vineyard Manager Mindy Stepp, Owner Janis Denner, and Winemaker Amy Butler.
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery features a remodeled Mennonite farmhouse surrounded by 10 acres in westside Paso Robles.
of reclaimed wood adorning the walls, everything at Pelletiere Estate is touched by the dual hands of sophistication and pastoral charm. Wood from the old farmhouse is contrast against a clean color pallet and modern tasting bar. Posh, leather chairs compliment an earthy, country table. Wine glasses are not round; instead, they are uniquely angular. “I call it ‘refined rustic,’” Denner said. “Our wines are incredibly elegant, lower in alcohol. We want to showcase the fruit and terroir. Our winemaker says it’s a magical vineyard.” Looking for jammy, high alcohol zinfandel or a fruit bomb in your glass? This is not the place to find it. Winemaker Amy Butler highlights the estate grown fruit sourced from the 10-acre vineyard with a keen and thoughtful approach. Although on opposite sides of the spectrum taste-wise, Pelletiere’s bright, creamy 2013 Viognier and dark 2013 Montepulciano (a grape rare to Paso Robles but common in central and southern Italy) are equal in balance and restraint. “I’m happy Janis gave me the
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opportunity to come in and create my own style with these incredible varietals — wines that I love to drink,” Butler said. “Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Lagrein: many are new to my winemaking, and it’s exciting and fun to embark on a new challenge.” Speaking of challenges, Denner has experienced a few. She purchased the property in September of 2014, hitting the ground running 100 miles per hour. In the midst of farmhouse restoration, winery upgrades, and tasting room construction, harvest exploded. “We did all that in four month’s time, as well as harvested, crushed, and bottled,” Denner said. “It’s been a whirlwind.” With Denner’s daughter, Morgan Stepp, taking care of the wine club and public relations side of the business and capable vineyard manager Mindy Allen kicking up dirt in the vineyard, the boutique winery boasts a proud all-female team. It may even be the only all-female team in Paso Robles. “With the Italian varietals we feature, we are really bringing diversity to Paso Robles and helping show people that there is always more to discover,” Stepp said. “As a
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team, we want the very best for our vineyard and want to make wines that our delicious and reflect our unique estate that can be enjoyed with friends, family, and food.” The journey may have just begun for the new winery, but the road ahead — and the dynamic land — show true promise of delivering on that dream. “We believe in sustainability, and to us that mean more than in our vineyard. It’s about repurposing what we can and about business sustainability as well,” Denner said. “We are dedicated to creating an environment and a service level for our customers that represents accountability, commitment, integrity, as well as attention to detail.” For more information on Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery, including booking farmhouse stays, visit Pelletiere.com or call 239-9432. The winery and tasting room is located at 3280 Township Road off Highway 46 East in Paso Robles.
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Featured Chef
Catering by Chef Charlie
Purveyor of all the Central Coast has to offer Seasonal fresh, vibrant, and local fare is always on the menu By Hayley Thomas FOR VINO
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hink of the word “prolific” and Chef Charles “Charlie” Wayne springs instantly to mind. With more than 35 years restaurant and hospitality experience, countless weddings happily catered, and more than 100 wine dinners under his belt, Wayne is a tried-and-true renaissance chef with an Energizer bunny-like energy. He keeps going, and going, and going. Wayne started his popular business, Catering by Chef Charlie, about a decade ago and has built it from the ground up thanks to stellar word-of-mouth referrals. As Wayne likes to say, “The community has kept me very busy.” The chef dove into the world of wine more than 13 years ago, entranced — as many food buffs are — by the lush, fertile landscapes, wine pairing options, and passionate clientele. “The wineries gave me a segway out of restaurants, which was always my ultimate goal,” Wayne said,
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adding that he owes much to his years spent at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery and SummerWood Winery and Inn. “By starting my own catering company, I was able to embrace what the entire San Luis Obispo County community had to offer, agriculturally, wine-wise, and hospitality-wise.” The chef’s extensive global travels — including culinary fact-finding trips to Argentina and Peru — earned him a discerning palate and expansive bag of skills, indeed. “When you put that together with my 47 years of cooking, you’ve got something that cannot be found anywhere else, all under one roof,” Wayne said. “It’s all in the variety.” Half Peruvian, half Jewish wedding? No problem. Wayne is no stranger to putting together a creative, culturally-accurate menu that will knock the bride and groom’s socks off. “The family members who had flown in from Peru
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Photos courtesty of Catering by Chef Charlie
were so excited to see that I had done the dishes correctly,” Wayne said. “I love that we were able to bring a great deal of comfort to the event, making the bride and groom’s day that much more special.” The chef’s travels have also brought up a heightened sense of seasonality and sustainability. In Spain, Wayne relished long drives through the country, picking up fresh goods and chatting with local ranchers and farms on the way. “There are no large grocery stores or purveyors where you can get every item,” Wayne said. “In Spain, you go down to the ocean every day or every other day and pick your goods, because that is what’s available. That’s what really got me going.” Wayne began working with wineries like Jack Creek Cellars and Halter Ranch in the early 90s — before the winery count exploded. It was also a time before “farm-to-table” had become an everyday mantra. “We have an incredible palette to draw from here and I exploit it quite often. We call it showing off,” Wayne said with a laugh. “Today, I am proud to say
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I know the farmers, the ranchers, and the fishermen of the region.” It doesn’t matter if the chef is catering an outdoor fundraising event, wedding, or winemaker dinner. Wayne believes first and foremost in bringing unique, fresh, vibrant, and local food to the table each and every time. “We have this great love for what we do with our land here on the Central Coast,” Wayne said. “The more I can pull from that, and emulate that, the better.” Whether serving a portable, fresh wrap to a local soldier or a from-scratch artisanal pizza to a wine club member, Wayne considers himself “a purveyor of what the Central Coast has to offer.” “People come here and get excited about it, and for good reason,” he said. “There are not too many places you can live in the world and have this kind of access to great, healthy food.” For more information and a gallery of the chef’s creations, visit atascaderocatering.com. For booking inquiries, call 975-6313.
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Spring/Summer 2015
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Featured Olive Oil
Groves on 41
The Groves on 41 offers high-quality olive oils
Branching out to host events and offer educational tours By Luke Phillips FOR VINO
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he Groves on 41, a relatively new olive oil producer located just east of Atascadero on Highway 41, has been producing a variety of flavor-infused olive oils for the past few years, but now they’re branching out by hosting elegant events and offering educational tours of their facilities. Owner Karen Tallent said she decided to purchase the property and move to the area after spending time here visiting family. Talent said she fell in love with the region and was eager to leave behind the rat race in Los Angeles. “We decided that we needed to do something here and we weren’t sure what it was, but we really needed a break from Los Angeles,” she said. “We need some better air, a better quality of life.” After doing some research, Tallent said she noticed the olive growing trend in the area
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and decided to go in that direction. “I poked around a couple of olive farms and found these people who were abslutely passionate,” she said. “The more I learned, the more I became hooked. The product, the farming and the opportunity to become part of the whole-food movement.” Tallent began to learn everything she could about growing olives, joining the Central Coast Olive Grower’s Association and picking the brains of other farmers in the area. “They’re a very cohesive group of independent people,” she said. “They’re very helpful. They are your neighboring farmers and we all get together and solve issues. They’ve helped collectively to move our industry forward.” Tallent also learned a lot by doing research at the U.S. Davis Olive Oil Center
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where she discovered the super high density farming techniques used at the Groves on 41. The planting technique allows for crops to be harvested mechanically, not only saving costs on labor, but also helping to maintain the freshness of the fruit, which is of the utmost importance. Getting the olives from the groves to the mill as quickly as possible, before oxidization sets in has a huge effect on the quality and taste of the final product, Tallent said, pointing out that a recent study showed that up to 70 percent of the olive oil commercially available on grocery store shelves was either rancid or wasn’t even olive oil. Olives from the Groves on 41 are taken just down the road to Foxdale Farm, home to the largest public olive oil mill in the state. The mill is run by Astrid Jensen, who also partners with the Groves on 41 to offer
Central Coast Edition VINO
Photos by Luke Phillips
Rows of olive trees are planted closely together to allow for mechanical harvest, which provides the freshest olive oil possible.
educational tours. “We start with a tasting, tour the mill, then caravan back to the groves and dig into the actual farming and what happens with the product before it goes to the mill, and then the product afterwards, which involves pairings and flavors,” Tallent said. The farm grows two different varietals that lend themselves to high-density farming, the Greek Koroneiki and the Spanish Arbequina, which has a different profile depending on when it’s harvested, Tallent said. “We go for a milder and buttery flavor with the Arbequina,” she said. Small amounts of highly concentrated oils are then added to create the different olive oil flavors offered by the Groves on 41, including garlic, praline and raspberry. The lemon olive oil is created by adding lemons to the olives during the milling process, Tallent
VINO Central Coast Edition
said. The company currently offers eight different flavors, but is experimenting with new flavors all of the time. In addition to their farming operation, the Groves on 41 has also recently started to host events and is available as both an indoor or outdoor venue for weddings, corporate meetings, conferences and other types of get togethers. Tallent’s daughter Jennifer left her position as senior manager of conference services at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach in 2013 to help run the private event side of the business. “It’s a great change of pace for people that are used to being stuck in a hotel,” Tallent said. The property features a large, open building complete with a kitchen facility and a spacious patio with a fireplace. There’s also a guesthouse on the property that is available to those getting married at the Groves and is
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also available as a vacation rental. The main event facility can accommodate 150 people and the property features plenty of open lawn space and a variety of beautiful gardens. “People have been very generous with their compliments,” Tallent said, adding that they try to keep the costs for weddings affordable. “We’re targeting people that would rather spend the money on their occaision or on their menu or the details,” she said. “We feel a little under priced and that’s where we want to stay so that they can make that day special.”
The Groves on 41 is located at 4455 Highway 41 East. For more information, visit thegroveson41.com.
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Photos by Luke Phillips
The front lawn at the Groves on 41 is one of the most popular spots for weddings.
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The guesthouse at the Groves on 41 is available as a vacation rental and is also available to those getting married on the property.
Featured Coffee
Joebella Coffee and Niner Wine Barrels
Niner and Joebella collaborate on By Allyson Oken
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hy not?’ has turned into ‘why did we wait so long?’ for a unique partnership between Niner Wine Estates and Joebella Coffee Roasters. The two successful businesses have joined forces to create their own signature barrel-conditioned coffee. Andy Niner, a regular morning visitor at Joebella Coffee in Atascadero, came up with the idea in February. He said that he had been researching this style of coffee making and thought, “Why not?” With that in mind, Joebella Coffee owner Joseph Gerardis jumped at the proposition to join with Niner Wine Estates on the project. “Green coffee beans can be infused with any flavor through osmosis of water and particulate matter,” said Terran Z. Woolley, Roaster at Joebella Coffee Roasters in Atascadero.
Spring/Summer 2015
It seemed to be a simple combination — Joebella has the coffee connection and Niner has the wine. “We have the barrels, the bottling capabilities and the connection with Joe and Terran for the coffee,” Niner said. “So we decided to give it a try. Volume one was aged in an old Cabernet barrel and we could not keep it on the shelves it was selling so fast. Volume two was aged in a Sangiovese barrel. Our barrel guy chose to go with a Nicaragua coffee that he sampled before choosing that barrel. Since we bottle all of our own wine on site, it was a logical move to go ahead and package our new barrel-aged coffee in wine bottles. Now we are on to making volume three and still can’t keep it in stock it is just so popular.” Those that enjoy a great glass of wine know the value of the sobering cup of coffee in the aftermath,
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Central Coast Edition VINO
but pairing the two and giving the coffee the flavor of the wine without the alcohol was unheard of until now on the Central Coast. Gerardis and Woolley are one of very few roasters on the west coast to take on the process of barrel aging coffee and explained the process is part science and part art. “There is a balance when aging coffee in a barrel that contained any kind of liquid,” Woolley said. “The most impacting factor is the water content. You don’t want to leave the green coffee beans in the barrel too long to avoid over saturation and mold. So we found a balance that works. The variables change with each type of coffee and barrel as the water content for both varies from variety to variety.” Gerardis went on to say that the roast — how much they cook the green bean — is pivotal to the flavor and quality as well. He said that the first time out was an experimentation for he and Woolley and they tried roasting the coffee light, medium and dark to see what would bring out the most complementary flavors. “With any green bean it comes down to the quality of the bean and the type of roast to make a great cup of coffee,” Gerardis said. “With our first batch of barrel-aged coffee, we were unsure about what roast would bring out the flavor we had in mind roasting a light, a medium and dark. It was decided that we could go even darker with the roast in this case. With volume two we are aging a Nicaragua Los Delirios, an organic coffee that has more of an earthy butter flavor, to act as a vessel for the wine flavor that will complement it and not over power it.” Woolley said this is a coffee for wine lovers. “We have been offering our customers tastes of the coffee from each batch and have had a mixture of reactions with most people very excited about it,” Woolley said. “Next on our list of ideas is Bourbon barrelaged coffee. We were just given some by
VINO Central Coast Edition
Photos by Allyson Oken
Niner Wine Estates can now boast its own signature barrel-conditioned coffee, roasted in a partnership with Joebella Coffee Roasters in Atascadero. The brains’ behind it all are; Andy Niner (back), Joseph Gerardis, owner of Joebella (left), and Terran Woolley, roaster at Joebella.
Firestone Walker Brewing Company so we will have that to taste soon.” Barrel-conditioned coffee has made its way to the west coast thanks to the spontaneity and creativity of Niner and Joebella. To get a taste of volume three,
Published by the Paso Robles Press
slated for release in the month of May, visit Niner Wine Estates located at 2400 Highway 46 West in Paso Robles. Joebella Coffee Roasters is located at 3168 El Camino Real in Atascadero.
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Featured Label
Nichols Winery
Nichols finds inspiration in the Photos by Allyson Oken
Owner, artist and winemaker Keith Nichols has been making fine wine, creating art for his labels and collecting since 1991.
vines and wines By Allyson Oken Of VINO
In his travels, Keith Nicholas is an avid collector of abstract lacquer art.
The Soleil & Terrior Brand illustrates the abstract nature of winemaking in the art going from grape to glass.
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Central Coast Edition VINO
There are 12 total collectors additions of the Masterpiece Artist Series, featuring everyone from Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee to Jackson Pollock and Franz Marc.
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bstract art, inspired by wine and its history, provides the scope for the creation of the label art at Nichols Winery and Cellars in Atascadero, where the owner, winemaker and artist, Keith Nichols, has created a destination with art and wine in mind. A treasure trove of vibrant, free form and abstract art—be it lacquered, tooled, inlaid, or etched —can be found adorning nearly every inch of the winery’s walls. A person can’t help but be whisked away by the shear volume of art Nicholas discovers and brings back from his many adventures to the Asian continent. Nichols has created three brands, the Nichols Brand, Soleil & Terrior Brand and Silver Fox. All are distributed almost exclusively in Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. On one of his most recent trips, lacquer artists interpreted some of his label art. He also brought a great deal of wonderful art home to the tasting room to sell. As Keith travels all over Asia much of the year he has a large number of amazing works of art for purchase that can’t be found elsewhere. The Nichols Winery Brand depicts all of Keith’s original abstract art, excluding the 2000 Cabernet Franc that features a copy of a Monet painting. This was Nichols’ first brand, released in 1991, and featured limited-production, ultrapremium wines. Under this label, Nichols produces Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage and Zinfandel, some aged for 10 years before being sold. He said that his first label art was an experiment and it was also when he discovered his talent. “I decided that I wanted to create my own label art in the beginning and had an idea that I was not sure how to execute,”
VINO Central Coast Edition
Nicholas said. “I really enjoy abstract art and when I started it was very free form. I tried doing things with structure, but found that if I just let my hand go the results were more fluid and really complemented the wine. Then when I took it to the graphic designer to work with it all came together.”
Keith Nichols’ first brand, The Nichols Winery, depicts this in the label art and is one of his favorite creations because of the stick figures that interact in the art.
Then there is the Soleil & Terrior label, when translated from the French, means ‘sun and soil’. The colorfully illustrated abstract art on the label tells the story of the wine going from vine to bottle, hence the name. Nicholas said that these labels depict some of his favorite artwork. “This is one of my favorite labels because each work of art tells the story of the wine,” he said. “The 1997 Reserve Pinot Noir, for example, was harvested from the LaColline
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Vineyard. Here I did a juxtaposition illustrating the wonderful sunlight and greenery of the vineyard and to counterpoint illustrated the depth of the grape going from the dark blues and purple to an almost magenta pink as it is crushed and deepening into the red tones as it is aged.” He also has collaborated over the years with a graphic artist on the Silver Fox label as well as the addition of a Masterpiece Artist Series created in 1995 and 1996. This features local artist Max Shertz who has created labels depicting 12 of the most notable artists in the world from Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee to Jackson Pollock and Franz Marc. Keith said, “Max Shertz is an amazing artist and when we came up with this concept for label art we ran with it. We did four releases for this special limited edition collection and they have really become collectors items.” Nicholas is a collector and when walking through the doors of the tasting room it is very obvious. He meets all types of people from all walks of life in his travels and has what he calls extended family all over Asia. In fact one of his more recent labels was named for the first-born child of one of his purchasers. At Nichols Winery, it is about the wine and the art and this in turn inspires the artist and a label is born.
Nichols Winery and Cellars is located at 4615 Traffic Way in Atascadero and is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday to Monday. For more information and to order wine, visit NicholsWinery.com.
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San Miguel San Miguel District
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Produces more than 40 wine grape varietals
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Zip line receives
‘Redwood Kings’ treatment
Photos Photos by Luke Phillips
Brothers John, left, and Ron Daniels, stars of the Animal Planet show “Redwood Kings” stand in front of a new structure they helped to build as part of a themed zip line attraction at Margarita Adventures in Santa Margarita.
Daniels Woodland gives attraction a gold mine camp theme By Luke Phillips for VINO
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One of the most popular zip line rides at Santa Margarita Adventures just got a little more exciting thanks to the efforts of John and Ron Daniels, owners of Daniels Woodland in Templeton and stars of the reality TV series “Redwood Kings.” The two brothers, along with their crew from Daniels Woodland, integrated a California gold rush theme into the final zip line attraction on the tour. The attraction is called the P.W. Murphy Mining Company after Patrick Murphy who owned Santa Margarita Ranch in the mid-1800s and sold food and supplies to gold miners during the gold rush. Margarita Adventures managing partner Karl Whittstrom said that he met with artists with Daniels Woodland in November to come up with a concept for the zip line. “We came up with this concept to incorporate California history into this zip lining experience,” he said. “We kind of went through a couple of renditions of what they thought they heard and what we thought we were saying and this is the end result and I think that they’ve done a great job.” The attraction sends zip line riders through a water tower structure and towards the mouth of what looks like an abandoned min shaft. Margarita Adventures co-owner Doug Filipponi also said that he was happy with how the attraction turned out. “The landscape here has changed quite a bit since the Daniels guys showed up and they did a beautiful job here and it kind of relates back to not only the beauty of the ranch, but the history of the Murphys and the owners at the time before the railroad,” he said.
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Published by the Paso Robles Press
Central Coast Edition VINO
Photos by Luke Phillips
A brave soul tries out the 1,800-foot zip line at Margarita Adventures, which was recently themed to look like a gold mining camp.
The Daniels brothers have built similar whimsical structures all over the United States and the world, but this is the first time they’ve built anything so close to home. John Daniel, who handles the artistic direction of the projects, says that he wanted to transform the experience of the zip line. “It just adds a different kind of experience,” he said. “In addition to the zip line itself, you get all of this visual kind of eye candy. And we loved the challenge that we were given to tie in local history. There’s a lot of legends about lost gold mines and things from the San Luis mission, so you can really kind of play on that. The first few people just came off that line grinning from ear to ear.” Daniels added that as far as he knows, this is the only themed zip line anywhere in the world. “So this is kind of new too,” he said. “It hasn’t been done before. I think we’re making history right now.” Daniels Woodland builds a variety of different unique structures all over the world including projects Turkey, the U.K., Florida, Missouri and Alaska. “We really get around all over the world doing what we do, which is building crazy stuff, themed environments, animatronics, shooting galleries, tree houses,” John Daniel said. “It’s almost like we have this identity crisis and can’t
VINO Central Coast Edition
figure out what we want to do so we just do it all. One interesting fact is that we have more units, more tree houses that we’ve built, in Saudi Arabia than we do in this county.” The structure at Margarita Adventures includes items that were scavenged from a variety of local sources, including the Santa Margarita Ranch itself. Two of the largest cross beams were taken from a Santa Margarita bridge that was torn down in the 1970s, but were too large for most uses. Many of the tin pieces were taken from a nearby wild pig trap and the water tank was donated by Filipponi, fitted with fake rivents, rust and crackling paint and emblazed with a retro logo reading “P.W. Murphy Mining Co.” Daniels said that it’s the amount of detail added to every Daniels Woodland project that makes them stand out. “My type of carvings are not things that you would find on the side of the road, they’re things that you’ll find at Disneyland,” he said. “They’re super high-end, super detailed. You can come here three different times and have three different experiences because of the level of detail that we put into things. That’s what makes it so believable.” The project will be featured on a future episode of “Redwood Kings” on Animal Planet when the new season starts this June. For more information, visit animalplanet. com/tv-shows/redwood-kings/.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Spring/Summer 2015
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Ancient Peaks Published by the Paso Robles Press
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More wineries at 33rd annual Paso Robles Wine Festival By Beth Bolyard Of VINO
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he 33rd annual Paso Robles Wine Festival, May 14–17, is gearing up to be the biggest event to date with more wineries, seminars, art at the park and more. The festival, a four-day weekend of wine events in downtown Paso Robles and the surrounding area, features Winemaker Dinners, a Reserve Event and Auction, a Winemaker Seminar, local winery activities and the granddaddy of events, the Grand Tasting, a culmination of over 80 local wineries, food and music from noon to 4 p.m. at Paso Robles Downtown City Park. The park at Saturday’s Grand Tasting will be sectioned into seven specific varietal regions giving festival-goers the opportunity to enjoy wine styles they already like or to explore a new variety.
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The regions within the park include Rhone-style, Zinfandel, Bordeaux-style, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties, other wild wines, and a new Spanish variety addition. The Damon Castillo Band will perform at a new bandstand addition in the picnic section of the park were the band and a variety of gourmet food trucks will dynamically change the festival picnic area to a place where people can move around, dance, relax, and get food. Mini, pop-up tasting seminars will be featured at the gazebo from organizations like the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, the Rhone Rangers and the Paso Robles Cab Collective giving festival goers more opportunities to learn about the wine they love. Wine lovers looking for something new and exciting
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Central Coast Edition VINO
For the Paso Robles Wine Festival the regions within the park include Rhone-style, Zinfandel, Bordeaux-style, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties, other wild wines, and a new Spanish variety addition.
can try wines at the new Garagiste Lounge, where underground, no-rules, cutting-edge wines can be sampled from Paso Robles small-lot producers. Scattered throughout the park will also be bread and cheese tables for those who want a snack, as well as a new traveling art exhibit from Studios on the Park for those with fine visual tastes. For festival-goers that don’t want to worry about food lines, the festival will also offer prepaid, preordered lunches that come with a reusable, sustainable lunch bag. Other events throughout the weekend will give festival-goers a well-rounded experience with Paso Robles wine and food. Saturday morning before the Grand Tasting event, the Winemaker Seminar will give avid wine lovers a taste of the technical side of winemaking as they hear from a panel of five different area winemakers about a specific variety of wine. Each seminar speaker will feature a different variety of wine in order to explore a broad range of wine characteristics classic to Paso Robles. The panel will include Steve Martell of Sextant Wines with Grenache Blanc, Rich Hartenberger of Midnight Cellars with Chardonnay, Jason Joyce of Calcareous Vineyard with Tres Violet, Chris Rougeot of Opolo Vineyards with Reserve Zinfandel, and Matthew Glunz of Glunz Family Winery with Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Thursday night, Thomas Hill Organic and Il Cortile restaurant in downtown Paso Robles will each host a Winemaker Dinner where several local wineries join each table and pair a wine with courses offered by the restaurant. Thomas Hill Organics will offer a sixVINO Central Coast Edition
course meal with at tasting of salmon, quail, veal, wild boar, and will top the whole meal off with a mini olive oil cake. The featured wineries will be Calcareous Vineyard, Halter Ranch Vineyard, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, and Tablas Creek Vineyard. Il Cortile will offer a classic Italian dinner with spaghetti antipasti, duck in prosciutto sauce primi, braised leg of lamb secondi, and a semi freddo amaretti for desert. The featured wineries will be Caliza Winery, J Dusi Wines, and Windward Vineyard. Friday evening, the Reserve Event and Auction will take over Downtown City Park providing an intimate setting where 70 area wineries will offer one wine within the Reserve, Library, White/ Rose or Futures categories. Festival-goers can bid on select wines at the auction that includes cases of wine, magnums and three-year varietals with items going to the top five bidders of each lot, while gourmet foods from local chefs will also be available. Throughout the weekend, over 140 local wineries will participate in different events at their wineries with most events taking place on Sunday, the final festival day. Keep Grand Tasting tickets and receive a variety of special deals at many of the participating wineries. Tickets for each event are available online as well as multiple event tickets and premium tickets for early entry into the tasting events. For more information about events or tickets, visit pasowine.com.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Spring/Summer 2015
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Photos by Allyson Oken
Price has been known to go and touch up his work over time to ensure the vibrancy of the art and to maintain the illusion.
Ready to take the Trail of Illusions challenge? By Allyson Oken
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lank canvases can be found anywhere says master of optical illusion Stephen E. Price, who has been making walls and floors seemingly disappear since 1968. He can transform any open space and has done so on his Trail of Illusions at 14 locations across the North County, including a six wineries. Poalillo Vineyards, Opolo Vineyards, Windward Vineyard, Red Soles Winery, Four Lanterns Winery and Sculpterra Winery, the newest addition to the trail, all saw the value of being part of it. Owners at Windward said when they met Price and saw what he could do they jumped at the chance to incorporate his art into their tasting room environment. Maggie D’Ambrosia said, “We have some illusions of our own with the big wine glass and our spilt wine
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glass, adding Stephens’ art completed the trend. He is really a talented guy and everyone loves the art he made for us. Many times people have tried to pick it up. It is very deceptive.” Trompe l’oeil illusions, fine arts and murals of all shapes and sizes are what Price, 66, is best known for here in the North County. His notoriety stretches beyond the region. He is known as one of only a handful of people in the world, who creates this type of illusionary art. Price hales from Akron, Ohio, and attended the University of Akron and the Akron Art Institute before moving to Laguna Beach in 1971. “I found work as an airbrush artist and then excelled in the competitive field of photo retouching,” Price says. “I have even been a professional musician in another
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Central Coast Edition VINO
Matching wine bottle with the art at Windward Winery in Templeton, Price’s skill creating the trail of illusions becomes apparent.
Finding the cork on the Trail of Illusions can be a challenge.
This sticker is not the typical easy-toremove version, but rather a painting created for the Trail of Illusions.
life. Since moving to the Central Coast, I have created the Trail of Illusions over a period of time and now have 13 illusions to spot on the trail. It is a lot of fun for people to try to find them all and anyone who can will be given a piece of my art.” As part of this exclusive class of artist, Price has found his work on display in the Louvre Museum, in Paris, in connection with an upcoming exhibit of historical and modern verso paintings. He has also been featured in the “New Yorker Magazine” as well as other notable publications for his ability as a painter. Trompe l’oeil is French for “fool the eye.” This style involves the use of extremely realistic imagery that depicts objects that appear three-dimensional, when they are indeed flat. For example, Price’s artist easel cutouts have a long history in trompe l’oeil tradition. His may be one of the first to be painted on both sides, creating the illusion that a painter had just stepped way from the work. When a person happens upon his work it appears as though they could pick it up or walk right into it because it looks so real. Price began his career as a working artist in 1968 with a newly emerging style, painting murals for the day, with a hidden aspect to them. Price says, “When the sun goes down and all the lights are out, the hidden art comes alive under black light, a painting within a painting.” Recently he completed a 6,300 square foot Italian vineyard walk-in mural on the walls of a private estate in California. This included many trompe l’oeil architectural elements that when seen for the first time create the illusion that you could actually walk through a vineyard. Whether the work is large scale or just a small addition to his Trail of Illusions, Price says he feels that no job is too small. In fact much of the hidden art on the Trail of Illusions is depicting objects that are natural to their environment, making them even more difficult to find. Anyone that would like to take the challenge and try to win one of Price’s works of art can visit, TRAILOFILLUSIONS.com. For those that would like to become a part of the “trail,” contact Price by calling 434-9516.
The most recent addition to the Trail of Illusions is what Stephen Price calls his best work yet.
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Published by the Paso Robles Press
Spring/Summer 2015
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Chateau Margene Tasting Room in Morro Bay
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By Ruth Ann Angus for VINO
asting rooms are opening up on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay and tourists and locals welcome them. Chateau Margene’s tasting room at 845 Embarcadero fulfills owner and winemaker Michael Mooney’s desire to re-establish his family’s history in the coastal area. Mooney is a seventh generation Californian and has lived in the tri-county area of the Central Coast all his life. His family line reaches back to 1775 when a soldier named Ignacio Linares traveled with the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition to California. Linares settled in California and ultimately his grandson Victor received two Mexican land grants that encompassed sections of what is now Montana de Oro and extended along the Los Osos valley. Linares was unable to obtain government recognized title to his grant when California became a state in 1850. He and his son Pio, a vaquero, fought to retain the grant, but were unsuccessful causing Pio to become a bandit as a member of the Jack Powers Gang. The story as James Springfield, one of the attendants at the tasting room tells it, is the impetus behind the creation of one of Mooney’s labels, El Pistolero. Mooney and his wife Margene, for whom the winery is named, decided to open their winery in what is now the Creston Appellation east of Paso Robles and
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produced their first wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, in 1997. It is a small boutique winery growing and sourcing quality grapes that are hand-picked and hand-sorted and moved via their gravity flow processing system. Their viticulture practices involve low yields of 100 to 500 cases to obtain more concentrated fruit flavors with an annual production of 2500 cases. Mooney has learned his winemaking skills well. He has three labels going, the Chateau Margene for the Bordeaux blends such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc; the Mooney label that was known for his Rhones, but is now devoted to an exceptional Pinot Noir and for Chardonnay, and El Pistolero that is his select barrel label. El Pistolero is made with the same fruit as the first two labels after the wine for those labels is created. This results in getting a great wine for a great price. Springfield starts a tasting with Mooney 2013 Pinot Noir that is made from grapes grown at the Boekenoogen Vineyard in Monterey County. This is the fourth release of Pinot Noir which garnered 94 points from the Wine Enthusiast in 2012. This first run juice has a depth of flavor and less acidity. It is aged in new French oak barrels and has 15.3% of alcohol. Tasting continues with El Pistolero Blanc de Noir, a sparkling wine, and then Springfield pours a 2013
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Central Coast Edition VINO
Heidi Somers and Marc Burkhart of San Luis Obispo.
James Springfield.
Nina and Raymond Armbrister of Fresno enjoy wine tasting at Chateau Margene.
Grenach Blanc also on the El Pistolero label. “You’ll notice the cloudiness,” he says pointing to the bottle where we can see that is a bit hazy, “this wine is filtered but not cold stabilized. When you cold stabilize the wine you bring the temperature down to freezing and then the tartrates that form in the barrel when aging are filtered out. But then you lose flavor, so we decided to keep the flavor and not cold stabilize so there is a bit of cloudiness.” Spring field goes on to explain that Grenache Blanc is usually aged in stainless steel but Mooney chooses to age two-third
VINO Central Coast Edition
French oak and one-third stainless steel. His advice with this vintage is for people to pop it in the fridge a half-hour before using it instead of chilling it for a longer period of time and this will reduce the tartrates. Chateau Margene Cabernet Sauvignon and El Pistolero Cabernet Sauvignon are tasted next.Then Meritage, a Bordeaux blend of 40% Cabernet Blanc, 35% Merlot, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from four vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles rounds out the tasting prior to trying the dessert wine that is finished in a Port style with old vine brandy.
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The Creston winery is located adjacent to Olivas de Oro that produces a line of olive oil for the Chateau Margene label and this is available at the tasting room in Morro Bay. Visitors from the Central Valley as well as local folks are enjoying the opportunity to taste and purchase these exceptionally produced wines at this waterfront setting daily from noon to seven P.M. Tasting is available at the winery at 4385 La Panza Road in Creston from Friday to Monday from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. (except holidays). For more information visit their web site at www.chateaumargene.com.
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Featured Lodging
Seven quails
Seven Quails Vineyard Bed and Breakfast offers relaxing rooms with views
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By Beth Bolyrard for VINO
rive just 12 minutes west of Paso Robles, and you will soon find yourself in bona fide California country. Not the Old Western style country of Hollywood lore, but the kind of country that parallels rural Tuscany or southern France. Owning a 360-degree view of northern valley expanse and southern rolling vineyards, the Seven Quails Vineyard Bed and Breakfast is perched securely on a hill that pays rent only to the sun. Dave and Karina Brucker, innkeepers at the B&B, say they stumbled into the position when they moved to the Central Coast from Lake Tahoe in 2004 and were looking to do something post-retirement that encapsulated their two passions: people and cooking. “We both love to cook,” Dave said, speaking for Karina and himself. “The bed and breakfast is our way to socialize with people we might not ever get a chance to meet.” Dave, “the egg guy” makes the protein side of breakfast for patrons every morning in their highend kitchen while Karina prepares other portions of the meal, including a sweeter, dessert finish. Dave attributes having separate kitchen duties the keys to a successful marriage. The bed and breakfast offers two suites for visitors to
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choose from; Sunnyside-up, a south facing suite with private sitting room that connects via a shared bathroom and A Room with a View, the north facing suite with a private, walk-out patio and super chic, Casino Royale-style bathtub. The two owners greet visitors with an evening socializing “wine and nibbles” time and a possible rousing game of Mexican Train, if guests are up for the challenge. Most importantly, the owners want to see
guests relax and have a good time, whether socializing amid scenic views, or relaxing alone in their private suite; the guests are king of the roost at Seven Quails. “In our bed and breakfast, we give our guests the best,” Karina said. “Dave knows where to get the best vegetables, the best meats, and the best allergy-free items.” With Dave and Karina’s desire to please, they have become expert chefs in all things allergy related, from taking special glutenfree requests, to creating dairy-free entrees,
there isn’t a request that get’s past the two master pleasers. Seven Quails opened its doors in 2007 after a few years of renovations and planning to the hilltop villa; positive reviews of the couple’s endeavor have not stopped pouring in. “It was never about the reviews,” Dave said. “We just wanted to make sure everyone was leaving happier than when they came.” The Seven Quails Bed & Breakfast
Photos courtesy of Seven Quails Vinyard
Photos by Beth Bolyard
won Trip Advisor’s 2013 Travelers Choice Award and the 2014 Certificate of Excellence. The B&B has seen guests come from all over the world including England, Canada and Croatia and several guests have returned multiple times; the most being an eight-time return guest. “We’ve met a lot of people we wouldn’t meet in our ordinary lives,” said Dave. “It has been very enriching.” Seven Quails resides on 15 acres of natural, scenic California rolling hills, four
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of which are dedicated to wine-producing vineyards. Seven Quails has several award-winning wines, including a Cabernet and Zinfandel, but Dave and Karina aren’t as interested in winning awards as they are in providing a wine that guests might enjoy. The Seven Quails wine is used during “wine and nibbles” social hour and bottles can be purchased by guests if they choose. Being food connoisseurs, Dave and Karina have a pretty good handle on good local wineries and restaurants and will
Published by the Paso Robles Press
make suggestions to guests based on their stated preferences. Not into wine drinking? The couple has other ideas about things to do in the area. So, follow the quails to the end of the road where Dave and Karina will be waiting ready to supply you with whatever you need. For more information, visit sevenquails.com or call 805-712-8574.
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Featured Tasting Room
BROKEN EARTH
Goal at
Broken Earth
fun welcoming is to be
and
Winery offers world-class wines, food and entertainment in laidback atmosphere By Luke Phillips for VINO
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roken Earth Winery on the east side of Paso Robles has been open since 2011, producing 150,000 cases of world-class wine per year, but they’ve recently began to establish a reputation as a destination for gourmet food and entertaining events in a fun and relaxed atmosphere as well. “My goal is for it to be fun and never pretentious,” said tasting room manager Cynthia Kirk. “It’s warm and welcoming, kind of like you’re coming home and we treat everybody like family and friends. I want a fun, relaxed vibe in the tasting room. I want people to come in here and have a great experience and they’ll tell their friends. I don’t think that wine need to be snobby in any way — it needs to be presented to everyone in a fun, exciting way.” The Broken Earth tasting room and production facility is located on a large piece of property at 5625 Highway 46 in Paso Robles, just down the road from their 550 acre vineyard. Broken Earth has been leasing the facility since 2011. A spare room adjacent to the tasting room was completely renovated after Broken Earth took over and now serves as the Cafe Broken Earth, serving paninis, wraps, salads, coffee drinks, desserts and more. Kirk said that the cafe opened late last year and has been well received by wine tasters and even by employees of other nearby wineries. Kirk said that the menu changes often with different specials every week. “We always try to keep it new and inventive,” she said. “And we also like to draw in our neighbors, so someone from another winery or another industry person might come here on their lunch break perhaps. It’s been pretty successful.” The cafe also features different menus for special
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events such as their Mother’s Day High Tea and they welcome call-in orders for those who are too busy to wait. They also offer flights of five gourmet cheeses, each of which is paired with a different Broken Earth wine. Kirk said that the process of tasting wine and cheese together provides another educational element for guests. “So if you have a novice it kind of helps them understand that wine also has purpose with food — and cheese is just a part of that,” she said. “I find that it’s just a neat and different way to interact with the guests. It gets you talking a bit more because now you’re not just explaining the wine, but you’re also explaining the cheese and how those two work together.” Cheeses are rotated every two to three months, with the exception of the most popular pairings, Kirk said. One of the longest-running favorites is a coconutflavored Gouda cheese paired with Broken Earth’s Reserve Chardonnay. “It helps bring out the buttery qualities
VINO Central Coast Edition
and the tropical fruit,” Kirk said. “Those two just interact really well together and customers pick up on that. There’s always one or two pairings that the customers just fall in love with, so we don’t mess with things that work.” Some of the cheeses on the menu are locally sourced from Central Coast Creamery and the rest are a unique selection from all around the world, Kirk said. “They’re unique cheese, so they’re not cheese that you’re going to walk into just any grocery store and find,” she said. In the summer, the cafe offers picnic bags, which consist of cut up salami, cut up cheeses, a baguette, olives, peppers, fruit, nuts and a bottle of red or white wine for $25 to $30 depending on the wine. And the beautiful grounds at Broken Earth offer the perfect place for a picnic. Surrounded by lush rose gardens and acres of rolling vineyards, the big green lawn adjacent to both the tasting room and the production facility is the perfect place to lay out a
Published by the Paso Robles Press
blanket or take advantage of one of the many picnic tables and spend an afternoon. The winery also offers live music every Saturday during the summer from 1 to 4 p.m. and dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas. “It’s all about creating a nice experience for our visitors,” Kirk said. Broken Earth offers weekend tours of the grounds and the production facilities by appointment, which, if requested, can include face time with Broken Earth winemaker Chris Cameron and barrel or tank tastings, which can give visitors a better idea of how wine ages. “It’s a nice experience for the guest to see, potentially, the process of winemaking,” Kirk said. “You can taste it and you can relate that this is what it’s like at six months, at a year, in a bottle. It’s just kind of a way to relate that this is a process and it does take time and you can kind of see the nuances each step of the way.”
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In The News
Mistic Hills Oscar nod
Joel Cox
Mystic Hills owner, Oscar nominee Joel Cox is golden San Miguel local already feels like he’s won thanks to love from competition By Hayley Thomas for VINO
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an Miguel local Joel Cox is no stranger to the limelight. The film editor recently received an Oscar nomination for his work on the Clint Eastwood-directed film “American Sniper,” and if he wins, it won’t be the first time he’s made room on his shelf for a little gold man. The silver screen may be the norm for Cox, but winning silver medals — and gold — for his burgeoning boutique winery, Mystic Hills Vineyard, is a whole new ball of wax. The winery’s first vintage made a bold splash at the recent 2015 San Francisco Wine Competition: Cox’s 2011 Unforgiven red blend won gold; his 2011 Sequel red blend and 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon won silver. Cox admitted that he and his wife, Judy, entered the competition on a lark. As a brand new winery, the pair didn’t
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expect anything — much less to win several accolades. “We were so overwhelmed to get the news that we had won these medals,” Cox said. “We’re just a baby coming out here and nobody knows us, but everywhere we go with the wine, it’s been very well received.” The winning wines did not rise to fame overnight. Each varietal was aged separately for a year-and-a-half before blending. Last May, the wine was bottled. It then spent another six months resting in the cellar. The moment of truth — the first unveiling of the wine to friends and family — arrived about three months ago, at a joyful backyard tasting party at the San Miguel property. “We started with 50 wine club members for that event,” Cox said. “Now, we’re at about 85 members. Things are
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Central Coast Edition VINO
moving forward quickly through word of mouth. We’ve done about four or five tastings now, down in Hollywood and a couple up here, and people are just loving the wines.” Even Eastwood himself, a notoriously staunch white wine drinker, has become a big fan of Mystic Hills Vineyards’ robust Bordeaux offerings. “Clint really loves all three wines, but his favorite is the Cab,” Cox said. “He said it was the best Cabernet Sauvignon he’s ever tasted.” Cox, who retired from Southern California to San Miguel after countless area trips with wife Judy in the 80s and 90s, is a true lover of the local wine culture. However, he didn’t start out with dirt under his nails and the dream of owning a winery. As a youth, Cox gravitated toward photography, and eventually worked his way from mailroom worker to film editor at Warner Bros. Pictures. A long and illustrious career followed. Now, the retiree is more interested in wine grapes than the spotlight, although he appreciates all of the love he has received for his extensive film work. Cox planted his dream vineyard in 2008, calling it “Mystic Hills” for the creeping fog that rolls over the undulating landscape. The unique vineyard location, coupled with the know-how of Mystic Hills Winemaker Keith Roberts, has proved a successful combination for the winery. A longtime local wine grape grower with about 40 years of experience, Roberts truly believes that great wine stems from thoughtful and nuanced farming techniques. “Keith Roberts is the backbone and soul of this winery,” Cox said of the winemaker. “We had the idea, and he had the incredible knowledge to bring the dream to fruition. It has been the most phenomenal collaboration.” Cox also recognized his supportive wife and four children, who he said work tirelessly
VINO Central Coast Edition
Photos courtesy of Mystic Hills Vineyard
Mystic Hills Vineyard’s first vintage made a bold splash at the recent 2015 San Francisco Wine Competition. The winery’s 2011 Unforgiven red blend won gold and the 2011 Sequel red blend and 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon took home a pair of silver medals.
to keep the winery running full steam. “It’s incredible to be nominated by the Academy, and to have the winery find success at our first competition, it just makes us sit back and say, ‘wow,’” Cox said. “Judy and I are so blessed and so honored. We truly have to pinch ourselves.”
Published by the Paso Robles Press
For more information on the winery or to join the wine club, visit Mystichillsvineyard.com. Tasting is by appointment only, and can be scheduled by emailing info@ mystichillsvineyard.com. To purchase wine, call 610-1099.
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In The News
Eberle Lifetime Achievement
State Fair honors Gary Eberle
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Paso Robles pioneer founded the iconic brand Staff Report PASO ROBLES — Gary Eberle, founder of Eberle Winery, was honored with the 2015 Wine Lifetime Achievement Award. Announced Thursday by the California State Fair, this award recognizes an individual or family who are pioneers in the wine industry based on their lifetime contributions to the California wine industry. Each year the California State Fair Winery Advisory Task Force puts forth recommendations and selects an honoree through an open meeting process. Gary Eberle joins the ranks of industry legends Robert Mondavi, Jerry Lohr, Mike Grgich, and Dr. Richard Peterson in receiving this prestigious honor. “I’m honored to receive this recognition. I pursued wine enology because it fascinated me — the vineyard aspect of growing grapes and the technical art of making age-worthy wines. It’s taken me on a journey that I’m still enjoying today,” said Eberle. Eberle, who has worked for 42 years building the acclaim of the Paso Robles region through his brand, is affectionately known as the “Godfather” of the Paso Robles wine industry. Eberle is the chief promoter for the winery and works with customers, distributors and restaurateurs to tout the virtues of the Paso Robles American Viticulture Area, which he help co-found in 1983. Eberle began his academic studies at Penn State College where he played football and earned a bachelor’s of science in biology. He then attended Louisiana State University before heading west to California. Gary received a degree in enology from U.C. Davis in 1971. “I chose Paso Robles based on Dr. Olmo’s recommendation that Paso Robles was the place to grow worldclass Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Eberle, “And I think we’ve achieved that.” Once in Paso Robles, Eberle launched his career as partner and winemaker with Estrella River Winery and Vineyards. In the late 70s, he decided to pursue his
Spring/Summer 2015
Courtesy of Solterra Strategies
Gary Eberle, founder of Eberle Winery, was honored with the 2015 Wine Lifetime Achievement Award by the California State Fair.
own project and acquired nearly 64 acres just down the road from Estrella River Winery. Shortly thereafter, he released his first Eberle wine, the 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon and opened the winery and tasting room in 1983. Eberle’s contributions to the California wine trade are significant. Eberle Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine to place the Paso Robles AVA designation on its label. Gary Eberle was also the first to plant Syrah on the Central Coast and make a 100 percent Syrah varietal wine in the United States. These milestones have proven to be important, as both Syrah and Paso Robles have become significant forces in California’s wine industry. The State Fair awards, which also
Published by the Paso Robles Press
include Winery of the Year, Vineyard of the Year and Agriculturalist of the Year, will be formally awarded at the State Fair Gala on June 25 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The California State Fair takes place July 10 – 26, 2015 in Sacramento. About Eberle Winery Eberle Winery is a pioneer in the Paso Robles wine region with a rich 35-year history. The winery was recognized as Winery of the Year at the 2013 Central Coast Wine Competition, an award given at the California Mid-State Fair. With an annual case production of 25,000, Eberle wines are distributed in 34 states and six countries. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with wine tasting and cave tours. 238-9607, eberlewinery.com.
Central Coast Edition VINO
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Wine Country community recognized Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery for his outstanding contributions toward the success of the Paso Robles wine industry. Asseo was honored as the 2014 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance earlier this year. Asseo, an accomplished winemaker with 17 vintages in Bordeaux, sought to live his creative dream within a new region in the world and in 1998 founded L’Aventure Winery with his wife Beatrice in Paso Robles. He meticulously selected and planted on a 127-acre property in the western hills of Paso Robles with the vision to create world-class wines of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. As an experienced vigneron, his farming techniques and philosophies were quickly recognized by the local grape growing community, spurring a renaissance of creative ideas for many of the new vineyards at the time. “Stephan’s influence on the appellation, beyond the national and international notoriety he has drawn with L’Aventure wines, has been exiting” said Marc Goldberg, Winemaker/Proprietor, Windward Vineyard. “Prior to his estate vineyard maturing, he sourced grapes locally and influenced how growers and winemakers could work together to
produce high quality wines. Stephan is the embodiment of the maverick spirit that is Paso Robles, which is evident in the unique and inspired wines he creates.” Asseo’s winemaking has resulted in wines which have earned high scores and critical acclaim, bringing media, trade and consumer attention to Paso Robles Wine Country. Stephan travels the world to promote his wines and in hand promotes the region by referring
In The News
Submitted Article
ASSEO WINE PERSON OF THE YEAR
Stephan Asseo named 2014 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year
to L’Aventure wines as his best expression of the Paso Robles terroir. Along with being a well-respected local businessman with donations to local causes, Asseo was awarded as the 2007 San Luis Obispo County Winemaker of the Year, a past board member of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, has the respect and admiration of wine community colleagues, and is a consistent voice in the local industry.
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1102 Pine St., Paso Robles (Next to Park Cinemas Theatre) Phone (805) 237-1780 Fax (805) 237-1794 Deli that Delivers www.redscooterdeli.com
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Wine…Pizza…Fun… Wine…Pizza…Fun…
Join us at J&J Cellars this Summer for our
Weekend Kickoff JJCELLARS.COM 805.467.2891 2850 Ranchita Canyon Rd. San Miguel, CA 93451
Fridays 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm Tasting Room Hours Mon 11-4 | Fri 11-7:30 Sat & Sun 11-5
1140 Pine Street downtown Paso Robles www.andbeboutique.com 805.238.0787 Sun-Thurs 11-5, Fri & Sat 11-6, Tues closed
REALTY NORTH COUNTY 1314 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446
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Adelaida Cellars
5805 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-8980. www.adelaida.com Located in the west hills of Paso Robles, Adelaida Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery established in 1981. They specialize in estate-grown Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Rhones and specialty Cabernet Sauvignon from their Viking Vineyard. Their tasting room also offers a unique open viewing of the day’s winemaking process. Featured Wine: 2011 Syrah Block 5 Reserve. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Alta Colina
2825 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-4191. www.altacolinewine.com Producing world-class estate wines exclusively from Rhone varietals, Alta Colina grows every grape on the Westside of Paso Robles. They savor the journey and remain committed to maintaining their core values of integrity and respect for the people, partners, patrons and natural environment. Featured Wine: Toasted Slope Estate Syrah. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
AmByth Estate
510 Sequoia Lane, Templeton. 805-319-6967. www.ambythestate.com One of the few Demeter certified wineries in the county, AmByth Estates offers 100% biodynamic wines that are unfiltered, unfined, dry-farmed and aged in Amphora using native yeasts. Love of the Land is the estate’s philosophy and it is reflected in holistic, natural farming approach that emphasizes conservation, animal and plant integration, biodiversity and prohibition of chemicals and pesticides. Featured Wine: Priscus Blend, culmination of estate white wine, Grenache Blanc 63%, Marsanne 16%, Viognier 14%, Roussanne 7%. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Ancient Peaks
22720 “B” El Camino Real, Santa Margarita. 805-365-7045. www.ancientpeaks.com Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, Ancient Peak’s estate Margarita Vineyard is the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles wine region. Their wines are natural in character and complexity because of the five distinct soil zones in which the vines are grown. The family-owned and operated winery also offers winery tours and a zipline canopy tour through their affiliated Margarita Adventures.
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Featured Wine: 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:___________________________________ ________________________________________
Featured Wine: Pinot Noir. Notes:____________________________________ __________________________________________
Anglim Winery
August Ridge
Located in the historic downtown Paso Robles train depot, the Anglim Winery tasting room casually showcases their selection of elegant, balanced wines. Producing only up to 2,000 cases each year, the family-owned winery focuses on handcrafting their vineyard-designate Rhone varietals and blends as well as a limited release Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Featured Wine: 2012 Grenache. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
August Ridge produces wines that combine the robust styling of California wines with the restrained elegance of Italian classic wines. John and Jill Backer’s passion for cooking, eating and sharing meals with friends inspires the August Ridge wine style. Located inside the winery, their tasting area affords visitors views of the winemaking process. Featured Wine: Sangiovese. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
AronHill Vineyards
10000 Creston Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-4815. www.bevineyard.com
740 Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-227-6819. www.anglimwinery.com
3745 West Highway 46, Templeton. 805-434-3333. www.aronhillvineyards.com
8790 East Highway 41, Creston. 805-239-2455. www.augustridge.com
B&E Vineyard and Winery
Located in the Templeton Gap, AronHill Vineyards offers wines that are 100% dry farmed, 100% varietal and low yield, including a recent gold winning 2007 vintage varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruitforward, full bodied, and rich in color, AronHill totes an award-winning Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and three Best of Class vintages. Featured Wine: 100% Varietal Primitivo. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Growing since 1984, B&E Vineyards is a small familyowned vineyard and winery featuring estate wines of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and some red blends. Their wines are carefully handcrafted for 20 months in French oak barrels and they produce up to 2,500 cases. They offer a taste of several award-winning wines at their dog-friendly tasting room. Featured Wine: 2010 Red Rhythm Bordeaux blend, 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Arroyo Robles Winery
Barr Estate Wines
As a family operated Paso Robles Winery, Arroyo Robles Winery is committed to making your wine tasting experience a memorable one. Their passion is to create the best expression of an exceptional vineyard, using intensive growing practices and handcrafted winemaking. Arroyo Robles invites visitors to come taste the lush flavors of Arroyo Robles Winery. Featured Wine: La Roja Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Barr Estate Wines has been growing vines making wine with the guidance of legendary winemaker Signe Zoller since 2007. Family-owned and operated, family members pour in the tasting room — a more personal experience. The winery also offers a scenic area to picnic with a view of their hand-grown vineyards. Featured Wine: 2010 Estate Malbec. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Asuncion Ridge Winery
1850 Templeton Rd., Templeton. 805-434-5477. www.bellalunawine.com
1317 Park St., Paso Robles. 877-759-9463. www.arroyorobles.com
725 12th St., Paso Robles. 805-237-1425. www.AsuncionRidge.com Asuncion Ridge Vineyards is a boutique Westside Paso Robles winery specializing in hand-crafted estate Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and red blends made with Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. Located at an elevation of 2,000 ft. just a few miles from the ocean, our cool climate is perfect for growing Pinot Noir as well as other varietals.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
6950 Union Rd., Paso Robles. 805-286-5835. www.barrestatewines.com
Bella Luna Estate Winery
With 35 years of experience producing dry-farmed, ultra-premium red wine, Bella Luna Estate produces less than 2,000 cases including their rare dry-farmed Sangiovese. Their wild yeast fermentation style yields unfined and unfiltered wine of immense character and boldness including handcrafted estate super-Tuscan blend, Tempranillo, Barbera, Estate Sangiovese, and world-famous “Fighter Pilot Red” Zinfandel.
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms Featured Wine: Estate Riserva, 68% Cabernet Sauvignon & 32% Sangiovese. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Bianchi Winery
338 Branch Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-9922. www.BianchiWine.com Producing wines in Paso Robles since 2000, the Bianchi family has been producing California wines since 1974. Bianchi Winery’s estate vineyards produce varietal grapes that are best suited for Paso Roble’s rolling hills and dissected uplands such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel and popular wines from high-quality sourced grapes along California’s Central Coast. Featured Wine: Best in State 2011 Zen Ranch Zinfandel. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Black Hand Cellars
766 Main St., Ste. B, Cambria. 805-927-9463. www.blackhandcellars.com Our vineyard, Torie Ranch is located on the Westside of San Miguel with nearly three acres planted in the Estrella River with French clones of Syrah. We farm our vineyard by hand, using the latest vineyard practices to produce quality grapes for our Syrah. Tom is our winemaker, whose background includes over 15 years experience with the Central Coast’s most prestigious wineries, such as JUSTIN, Treana, Zenaida and Paso Robles Wine Services. Featured Wine: The Flapper. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Bodegas Paso Robles
729 13th St., Paso Robles. 805-237-3780. www.bodegaspasorobles.com Bodegas Paso Robles makes wine using grapes native to Spain and Portugal and grapes that have been used for centuries in Iberian winemaking. All Bodegas wines are handcrafted and aged in premium French and American barrels. Featured Wine: Iberia. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Bon Niche Cellars
2627 Golden Eagle Way, San Miguel. 805-286-7798. www.Bonniche.com Meaning a good niche, Bon Niche has found a good niche in wine making and produces single varietals of outrageously good Malbec, and Petit Verdot along with traditional Bordeaux-style blends. The rich soiled hills, and the hot days and brisk nights are perfect for the French varietals that grow so well in the Paso Robles terroir. Featured Wine: 2010 L’Entrée Malbec. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
VINO Central Coast Edition
Booker Vineyard and Winery
Burbank Ranch Vineyard and Winery
Different, minimalist and a bit funky, Booker Vineyard and Winery has been creating unique, inspired red and white wine since 2005 and has been growing fruit for top local wineries since 2001. Now a biodynamic operation, Booker Winery and Vineyard constantly seeks to create the most unique wine in the region. Featured Wine: Oublie’ Red Blend. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Burbank Ranch produces handcrafted, high-end wines
2640 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-7367. www.bookerwines.com
Brecon Estate
7450 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-239-2200. www.breconestate.com Brecon Estate is an award-winning boutique estate winery nestled in the rolling hills outside of Paso Robles. With an internationally acclaimed winemaker, they strive to produce exquisite and inviting wines that are small-batch ferments. Each wine has an individual story to tell and sold exclusively through the tasting room. Featured Wine: Petite Sirah. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Brian Bensen Cellars
Tasting room is at Darkstar Cellars Run exclusively by owner and winemaker Brian Benson, Brian Benson Cellars is truly a one-man army focused on making intense, unique and extremely high-quality custom wines. Benson, also an avid lover of custom cars and hot rods, released the first of his Kustom series and designed it to match his custom, pinstriped ’35 Ford. Featured Wine: Shop Truck Red 10 Year Anniversary Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Brochelle Vineyards
6996 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-4410. www.brochelle.com Brochelle is a small family-owned vineyard and winery featuring estate wines of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and some red blends. Their wines are carefully handcrafted for 20 months in French oak barrels and reflect the proprietor’s desire to express their artistic voices and provide wines that share a part in life’s simple pleasures. Featured Wine: Zinfandel. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Broken Earth Winery
5685 El Pomar Dr., Templeton. 805-227-4538. www.burbankranch.com
that are clone and block specific. All fruit is meticulously hand harvested, hand sorted in the vineyard, and then hand sorted twice again in the winery prior to press. All wines are available to taste at their Downtown tasting room and restaurant in Paso Robles. Featured Wine: 2012 Grenache “Morning Fog”. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Calcareous Vineyard
3430 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-0289. www.calcareous.com Named as a tribute to the limestone soil and varied microclimates, Calcareous Vineyard believes in letting the soil speak. Striving to bring the best out of the soil profiles and cool ocean breezes, they produce Bordeaux and Rhone varietals simultaneously. Their wines are rich in herbal and fruit aromas, perfectly balanced and elegantly refined. Featured Wine: Tres Violet. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
CaliPaso Winery
4230 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles. 805-226-9296. www.calipasowinery.com A luxurious private inn and winery nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of Paso Robles, CaliPaso Winery produces wine for every taste and occasion. CaliPaso’s goal is to deliver superior value and experience to consumers each and every time they enjoy their wine and they are committed to constantly improving their products. Featured Wine: Y Line Merlot Reserve. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Caliza Winery
2570 Anderson Road. 805-237-1480. www.calizawinery.com The rocky limestone soil of west Paso Robles is a key component to Caliza’s unique wines. Caliza, Spanish for limestone, specializes in the Rhone varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Viognier along with non-Rhone varieties such as Tempranillo and Primitivo, all of which are grown onsite in their hillside vineyard. Featured Wine: Syrah. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
5625 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. 805-239-2562. www.brokenearthwinery.com
Caparone Winery
Rancho Tierra Rejada, Spanish for “land of worked earth,” is the original name of the 2,500-acre ranch that is now home to the vineyards of Broken Earth Winery. The wines reflect winemaker Chris Cameron’s passionate approach to winemaking. Each unique, estate-grown wine is harvested and bottled in Paso Robles. Featured Wine: 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Recognized as an American pioneer of the production of Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Aglianico as varietals, Caparone Winery has developed a reputation for rich, long-lived reds. The unfined and unfiltered, intensely elegant big reds have established a cult-like following over the years and most tastings and tours are given by the winemakers.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
2280 San Marcos Rd., Paso Robles. 805-467-3827. www.caparone.com
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Wineries & Tasting Rooms Featured Wine: 2011 Aglianico. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Carina Cellars
3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-325-9461. www.carinacellars.com Carina Cellars strives to produce wines worthy of being placed among the stars. Their goal is to grow some of the best Rhone grapes available on the Central Coast. Crisp Viogniers full of tropical fruit and spring flowers, dark Syrahs loaded with spice and lush fruit, earthy Mourvedres and bright and fruity Grenaches. Featured Wine: Iconoclast, blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Cass Winery
7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-1730. www.casswines.com Situated along Paso Robles’ beautiful “Back Roads” countryside, Cass Winery features award-winning estate grown Rhone wines. Cass Winery specializes in Rhone varieties such as Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne and all of which are ENTAV clones. Cass’ also offers a variety of food parings to accompany wine tasting seven days a week. Featured Wine: Viognier. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Castoro Cellars
1315 North Bethel Rd., Templeton. 805-326-3463. www.castorocellars.com Offering a spectacular array of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rhone varietals, special blends and dessert wines, Castoro Cellars, has been family-owned with the same gold medal winemaking team for over 30 years. Enjoy a stroll up their grape arbor, beautiful vineyard views, gourmet foods, wine-related gifts and find out why they make “Dam fine Wine.” Featured Wine: 2012 Reserve Zinfusion. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Cayucos Cellars
131 North Ocean Ave., Cayucos. 805-995-3036. www.cayucoscellars.com History, tradition and curiosity have always been an important inspiration to Cayucos native Stuart Selkirk, owner of Cayucos Cellars. Mostly self-taught, Stuart loosely follows an inspired benign winemaking style, (“let the grapes make the wine”), that uses wild yeast, neutral oak barrels and little intercession with the natural process of wine development. Featured Wine: Pinot Noir. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Chateau Lettau
840 13th St., Suite G, Paso Robles. 805-238-6800. www.chateaulettau.com
wine region, the family-owned boutique winery Chateau Lettau is committed to making exceptional, hand-crafted wines like delicious Albariño, Stiletto Tempranillo, their flagship Rockstar and more using premium grapes from the Paso Robles area — including Rhône, Bordeaux and Spanish varietals. Featured Wine: Rockstar. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Chateau Margene
4385 La Panza Rd., Creston. 805-238-2321. www.chateaumargene.com Chateau Margene is a boutique, micro-winery that uses extreme viticulture practices to grow superior quality grapes that are hand picked, hand sorted and then gently moved through a gravity flow processing system. Chateau Margene produced their first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1997 and now produces small lots of luxury wines that exhibit intense varietal character. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Christian Lazo
7235 Non Pariel Rd., Paso Robles. 805-727-1803. www.christianlazowines.com Our small family-owned and operated label focus is red wine varietals that thrive from our estate vineyard, west of the Salinas River. We appreciate that the best wines are made in the vineyard. We let our wines express flavors of the Earth, Sun, wind, rain and the care our grapes receive. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Chronic Cellars Winery
2020 Nacimiento Lake Dr., Paso Robles. 805-237-7848. www.chroniccellars.com Aiming to target a casual lifestyle, Chronic Cellars provides a tasting room and tasting experience quite unlike any other with an emphasis on unique blends. Used to describe anything likable, the name Chronic is the brainchild of winery owners Josh and Jake Beckett, Paso Robles Wine Country natives. Featured Wine: Sofa King Bueno. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Cinquain Cellars
6404 Independence Ranch Rd., San Miguel. 805-400-5978. www.cinquaincellars.com Cinquain Cellars creates poetic wines from 100% estategrown Bordeaux, Rhone and Port varieties. Located just minutes off Highway 46 East, a complimentary, private tasting can be reserved with winemaker and owner, David Nagengast. The Nagengast estate vineyard was planted in 2002 with nine varieties including traditional Bordeaux, Syrah and Port. Featured Wine: Estate Reserve Malbec. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Founded in 2001 in California’s bountiful Paso Robles
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Published by the Paso Robles Press
Clautiere Vineyard
1340 Penman Springs Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-3789. www.clautiere.com Clautiere Vineyard creates wines that showcase the fun side of wine. The liveliness of the vineyard is reflected in wines made from Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Counoise vines as well as Portuguese varietals used for vintage-style Port. To the owners, the winery reflects the motto “Live the best life you can.” Featured Wine: Estate Malbec Reserve. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Clavo Cellars
315 S. Main St., Templeton. 805-226-0174. www.clavocellars.com Created with the intent to showcase the qualities of the Paso Robles appellation, Clavo Cellars specialized in terroir-driven, single-varietal wines that are thoughtfully and carefully handmade. Owner Neil Roberts, one of the area’s premier viticulturists, creates wines that are lightly pressed allowing fruit to shine in the finished wine. Featured Wine: Malbec. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Clayhouse Wines
Paso Robles. 805-238-7055. www.clayhousewines.com Inspired by their estate Red Cedar Vineyard and the historic, clay adobe on the property, Clayhouse Wines carefully pursues a time-honored, traditional approach to winemaking. They offer three wine series, Estate, Vineyard and Adobe. Featured Wine: Estate Fume Blanc. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Clos Solene
3050 Limestone Way, Paso Robles. 805-296-0027. www.clossene.com Winemaker and owner of Clos Solene, Guillaume Fabre is a small-lot vintner who is challenging the traditional winemaking style. Driven by energy to seek out better terroirs, fruit, and barrels, Guillaume makes the best possible blends under the successful boutique label, named for his love, his wife, Solène. Featured Wine: Hommage Blanc. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Croad Vineyards
3550 Vinedo Robles Lane, Paso Robles. 805-226-9899. www.croadvineyards.com Focusing on Estate Zinfandel and Rhone blends, Croad Vineyards offers a winetasting experience at their mission-styled tasting room and inn. At Croads, “Come on up for a Downunder experience”, where you will find a blend of California wines, Spanish architecture, and Kiwi hospitality. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms Cypher Winery
Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Evolutionary, sophisticated and a little bit mad, Cypher is extreme regarding vineyards and wines and specializing in Rhône and Spanish varietals, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. They offer “Freakshow” line of wines: Heretic, Anarchy, Monarchy, Loco and Peasant. Featured Wine: Zinbitch. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Derby Wine Estates
3750 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. 805-237-0055. www.cypherwinery.com
D’Anbino Vineyards and Cellars 710 Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-227-6800. www.danbino.com
Founded by a family of professional musicians, D’Anbino Vineyards and Cellars strive to blend wine with live music. Their tasting room doubles as a livemusic venue that features the “Family Band” as well as other jazz musicians. The tasting room also features music memorabilia, gold records, Emmy statuettes, and a bar built out of pianos. Featured Wine: Portamento. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
DAOU Vineyard
2777 Hidden Mountain Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-5460. www.daouvineyards.com Founded in 2007 by brothers Daniel and Georges Daou, DAOU Vineyards primarily focuses on Bordeaux varieties and also features Zinfandel and Rhone blends. DAOU Vineyards exquisite terroir with its calcareous, high percentage limestone soils, maritime influence and unique climate represent the perfect storm for creating classic wines that can rival the world’s best. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Dark Star Cellars
2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-2389. www.darkstarcellars.com The focus of Dark Star Cellars is producing small lots of ultra-premium handcrafted red wines. Their dedication to “synthetic gravity” and non-intrusive style of winemaking is essential to their success. With microscopic production levels, every bottle of wine becomes an extension of their small family winery. Featured Wine: Ricordati. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Denner Vineyards
5414 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-2394287. www.dennervineyards.com Denner Vineyards features a gravity flow winery nestled in the rolling hills of west Paso Robles. A 156acre estate vineyard, with rocky calcareous soils and cooling Pacific breezes, the winery yields Rhone-style wines: Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Theresa (Viognier and Roussanne), and The Ditch Digger (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre). Featured Wine: Dirt Worshipper.
VINO Central Coast Edition
525 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles. 805-238-6300. www.derbywineestates.com Established by long-time farmers Ray and Pam Derby, Derby Wine Estates creates fine wine using 20 select acres from their four estate vineyards. The diversity of the grapes is essential to the making of Derby wines. Their tasting room is located in the renovated historic Paso Robles Almond Growers Building. Featured Wine: FIFTEEN 10. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Doce Robles Winery
2023 Twelve Oaks Dr., Paso Robles. 805-227-4766. www.docerobles.com Meaning 12 oaks in Spanish representing the 12 oaks on the property, Doce Robles began as the first winery on Highway 46 West. Harvesting grapes and making wines since 1998, Doce Robles produces small batches of Barbera, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc as well as Primitivo, Petite Sirah, and Malbec. Featured Wine: Zinfandel. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Domaine Degher Wines
8650 Centra Rd., Paso Robles. 805-296-2562. www.mojocellars.com Using minimalist intervention, vinification in small lots and sustainable farming practices, Domaine Degher Wines strives to shape the raw life force of everchanging vintages into graceful, beautiful wines. Owner and winemaker Dennis Degher uses the love of music as an inspiration for his red Rhone blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. Featured Wine: Mojo Estate. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Donati Family Vineyard
2720 Oak View Rd., Templeton. 877-511-9463. www.donatifamilyvineyard.com With an ingrained Italian love for wine, Ron Donati and son Matt set out to make fine wines from the 9th oldest California AVA, the Paicines. The vineyard is planted to various select clones of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Petite Verdot. Donati Family Vineyard now serves their wine at their tasting room in Templeton where they can better serve their faithful customers. Featured Wine: Naughty Donati Red Wine Jug Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Donatoni Winery
Sangiovese, Viognier, two Zinfandels including Richard Sauret Vineyard Zinfandel. Featured Wine: Estate Zinfandel. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Dover Canyon Winery
4520 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-237-0101. www.dovercanyon.com Named for the canyon in the northwest corner of the appellation, Dover Canyon Winery has been producing wine in Paso Robles for 15 years. Producing Zinfandel and Rhone wines from specific microclimates, winemaker Don Panico creates small batches of wine topping at 2,500 cases per year. Featured Winery: Cujo. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Dubost Winery
9988 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-8463. www.dubostwine.com Family-owned and operated, Dubost Winery is dedicated to the production of premium, limited quantity wines handcrafted from grapes grown locally and in their own vineyards. Their tasting room and straw bale winery, a model for sustainable production, are situated on the Dubost Ranch in the historic Adelaida area west of Paso Robles. Featured Wine: Alexandrine, Rhone white blend Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery
1953 Niderer Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-4763. www.dunningvineyards.com Inhabiting the “Willow Creek” AVA District located on the Westside of Paso Robles, Dunning Vineyards produces an array of award-winning, privatereserve estate wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Meritage, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Paso-style red blend Vin De Casa. The winery produces in small batches to ensure closeness with visitors and wine members. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Eberle Winery
3810 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles. 805-238-9607. www.eberlewinery.com Gary Eberle, founder of Eberle Winery, has been a pioneer of Paso Robles appellation wine since 1979. As “The Godfather” of Paso Robles wine, Eberle helped create the AVA as well as plant the first Syrah vines. The winery continues to produce ultra-premium wines and remains in the top 10 of gold-medal winning wineries in the country. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
After relocating the winery from just outside LAX to Paso Robles, Donatoni Winery has been making and pouring Paso Robles wine since 1978. Their varietals include Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah,
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Spring/Summer 2015
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Wineries & Tasting Rooms Ecluse Wines
Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Named for French canal locks and also for the last name of owners Steve and Pam Lock, Ecluse is a boutique winery that oversees growing from their 30-acre Estate Lock Vineyard to the bottling of Ecluse Wines. The on-site Lock Vineyard allows the winemakers to pick and crush peak fruit in small lots ensuring highest quality in the wines. Featured Wine: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Falcon Nest Vineyard & Winery
1520 Kiler Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-4999. www.eclusewines.com
Edmond August
1140 Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-712-4363. www.edmondaugust.com Edmond August specializes in Rhone varietals and produces rich, flavorful wines from low-yield, intensequality grapes sourced from west Paso Robles. Founded by Paso native Edmond August Sauret, Edmond believes Paso Robles is best at growing Rhone varietals and he hopes to please wine tasters with the help of winemaker Jacob Toft. Featured Wine: Implication. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
ENFOLD WINES
805-239-2856. www.enfoldwines.com Made for the wine aficionado, ENFOLD WINES is a small, family-owned, sustainably farmed vineyard in Paso Robles. They produce between 300-400 cases of wine a year and each bottle is handcrafted, blended and sophisticated. The wines are made to be paired with food and are drinkable now but will improve with age. Call ahead for a free tasting and vineyard tour. Featured Wine: Anita’s Blend Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Eos Winery
2300 Airport Rd., Paso Robles. 805-591-8050. www.eosvintage.com Be Seduced! Eos, the Greek Goddess of Dawn, was cursed by Aphrodite for having an affair with Ares. Her punishment was an insatiable appetite for young men. At Eos — the winery — they are just as passionate as their namesake, but their insatiable appetite is more wholesomely geared toward the production of dense reds, complex whites and luscious dessert wines. Featured Wine: Petite Sirah. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Epoch Estate Wines
5185 Union Road, Paso Robles. 805-266-0227. www.falconnestwinery.com Family-owned and operated, Falcon Nest Vineyard & Winery is proud of the land from which their grapes are grown. Owning 149 acres of prime viticulture land, of which 55.5 acres are planted in grapevines, importance is placed on meticulous vineyard management. Vines are managed to produce small yields, small berries and intense flavors to make wines of distinction. Featured Wine: 2003 Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Field Recording
460 Marquita Ave., Paso Robles. 805-503-9660. www.fieldrecordingswine.com Developing a knack for finding unknown and under-appreciated vineyard sites, Field Recordings winemaker Andrew Jones creates wines from places he values most. Working as a vine nursery fieldman by day, Jones has an eye for great grape potential and creates small quantities of soulful wines from unusual, quiet vineyards. Featured Wine: Fiction. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
winning, world-class premium Paso wines. Featured Wine: Serena’s Vineyard Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Fratelli Perata
1595 Arbor Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-2809. www.fratelliperata.com Meaning Perata Brothers in Itallian, Fratelli Perata was started by brother Gino and Joe Perata with the establishment of their vineyard in 1980. The brothers specialize in growing small fruit that produces more flavorful wines and they produce up to 2,000 cases of estate wine annually. The winery includes 10 different red varietals, three red blends, and a rosé. Featured Wine: Tre Sorelle. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Frolicking Frog Cellars
739 12th St., Paso Robles. 805-235-8264. www.frolickingfrogwine.com With a tasting room location in downtown Paso Robles, Frolicking Frog Cellars offers a taste of their wines in a central location while the Frolicking Frog vineyard and wine production site is located on scenic Highway 41 West in Atascadero. Founded in 2003, Frolicking Frog only produces 450 cases of savory reds and crisp whites. Featured Wines: 2010 Frogmen. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
First Crush Cellars
Gelfand Vineyards
Offering a different kind of wine club experience, First Crush Cellars offers educational winemaking experiences, tasting classes and tours as well as a fall harvest crush experience that includes custom wines. Along with the inside, winemaking experiences, First Crush also produces and bottles their own wine available for tasting and purchase. Featured Wine: Custom Wine. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
A small and family-operated boutique vineyard and winery, Gelfand Vineyards specializes in awardwinning Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah. Located in Paso Robles’ limestone-rich hills, they produce some of the richest, darkest wines in the area. They are only open for tasting during the Zinfandel Festival, Harvest Festival and Wine Festival. Featured Wine: Lajur. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Four Lanterns Winery
Giornata
Specializing in Rhone varietals, Four Lanterns Winery is a family-owned boutique winery whose wines are made to highlight the unique flavor of the grapes while complementing food pairings. Featured Wine: Picpoul Blanc. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
With an Enphasis on Italian-style winemaking, Giornata makes wines that are balanced and subtle with grapes that are picked at lower sugar levels. Using clone material grape vines of the best producers in Italy, Giornata wines are ample in acidity and tannin and perfectly pair with Italian food. Featured Wine: Angelico Luna Matta Vineyard. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
2975 Limestone Way, Paso Robles. 805-434-2772. www.firstcrushcellars.com
2485 West Highway 46, Paso Robles. 949-300-5437. www.fourlanternswinery.com
5530 Dresser Ranch Place, Paso Robles. 805-239-5808. www.gelfandvineyards.com
470 Marguita Ave., Paso Robles. 805-434-3075. www.giornatawines.com
7505 York Mountain Rd., Templeton. 805-237-7575. www.epochwines.com
Four Sisters Ranch
Founded in 2004, Epoch Estate Wines creates smallproduction, handcrafted, artisanal wines with big personalities. Epoch strives to make wines that are deliciously complex, memorable and seriously fun to drink while also being “interestingly iconoclastic, seductively hedonistic and thought provoking.” Featured Wine: Rosé.
2995 Pleasant Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-2417. www.foursistersranch.com
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars
Located on the hills hugging the Estrella River bed, Four Sisters Ranch enthusiastically planted Syrah and Cabernet grapes using sustainable farming techniques. Four Sisters is hands-on in the vineyard and they work with their winemakers to produce outstanding, award-
Started by third- and fourth-generation descendants of an immigrant wine, beer and spirit merchant in Chicago, Glunz Family Winery and Cellar has been in
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Published by the Paso Robles Press
8331 East Highway 46, Paso Robles. 805-238-1400. www.glunzfamilywinery.com
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms the wine business since 1888. With the establishment of their 20-acre winery in 1992, the Glunz family specializes in making small-batch, fortified wine. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Graveyard Vineyards
6994 Estrella Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-2043. www.graveyardvineyards.com Named for the historic Pleasant Valley Cemetery near the site of the vineyard, Graveyard Vineyards is a testament to all who came and worked the land before them. Owners Ron and Paula Campbell-Taylor bought the vineyard in 2003 and started bottling their own wine in 2006. Their winery offers a picnicking area, a dock on the pond and events year-round. Featured Wine: Paso Tombstone Red. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
GreMarK Vineyards
5325 Rancho La Loma Linda Dr., Paso Robles. 805-237-0154. www.gremarkwine.com Greg and Marina Keezer, owners of boutique winery GreMarK Vineyards, create wines from a passion for having a hand in the entire process of their winemaking. Greg started planting the vineyard in 2000 and creates Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux-style blends as well as Zinfandel. Featured Wine: Viognier. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Grey Wolf Cellars
2174 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. 805-237-0771. www.greywolfcellars.com A family affair from the beginning, Grey Wolf Cellars has been creating quality wine since 1994. In 1998, with their son Joseph’s help, Joe and Shirlene Barton, owners of Grey Wolf, planted their first vineyard. Now two more brands come from the Bartons, the eclectic Barton Family Reserve and the experimental and fun Occasional. Featured Wine: 2010 The Dance. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Grizzly Republic Wines
840 13th St., Suite F, Paso Robles. 559-696-5078. www.grizzlyrepublicwines.com With a tasting room in downtown Paso Robles, Grizzly Republic showcases their award-winning wine from around the state, including their Paso Robles Petite Sirah and 18-month barrel-aged Zinfandel. Featured Wine: 2010 Zinfandel. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Guyomar Wine Cellars
1825 Las Tablas Road, Templeton. 805-400-1616. www.guyomarwine.com Established in 1998, St. Peter of Alcantara, Guyomar Wine Cellar’s Estate vineyard, sits in western Paso
VINO Central Coast Edition
Robles in the Templeton Gap. New to winemaking, but intimately familiar with farming, the proprietors of the estate believe that complex, age-worthy wines start in vineyards with character and integrity. The vineyard is dry-farmed to produce these vines of great character and depth. Featured Wine: Petite Sirah. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Halter Ranch
8910 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-9455. www.halterranch.com A 250-acre vineyard with a past rooted deep in the Paso Robles community, Halter Ranch stands as a tribute to the Paso Robles wine-growing region. Fervently committed to quality, boasting over 20 varietals, and sustainably farmed, Halter Ranch crafts quality estate wine with rich flavors and bright acidity. Featured Wine: Cotes De Paso. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
HammerSky Vineyard and Inn
7725 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-239-0930. www.hammersky.com Uncompromising sustainability in viticulture practices, purposeful low-yields, and vineyard location contribute to HammerSky’s distinct, estate-grown Cabernet, Merlot, and Zinfandel grapes that make up the “Bordeaux Centric” wines. Believing that quality over quantity is the best avenue to winemaking, HammerSky’s quality wines have been featured in top publications such as the NY Times. Featured Wine: Red Handed. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Hansen Vineyards & Winery
5575 El Pomar Rd., Templeton. 805-239-8412. www.hansenwines.com A small boutique winery, Hansen Vineyard & Winery is dedicated to aging their handcrafted wines for long periods to produce wines that are deep, rich and elegant. Only producing up to 2,500 cases per year, Hansen processes everything by hand with no filtering or blending. Serious about wine, but laid back about life, Hansen Winery believes in having serious fun. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Harmony Cellars
3255 Harmony Valley Rd., Harmony. 805-927-1625. www.harmonycellars.com Nestled in the quaint town of Harmony, population 18, Harmony Cellars produces buttery Chardonnays, crisp Rieslings, spicy Zins and voluptuous Cabs that reflect the serene and unpretentious beauty of Harmony. Harmony Cellars, established in 1989, sits on the land that has belonged to the family since 1910. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Hearst Ranch Winery
442 SLO San Simeon Rd., San Simeon. 805-467-2241. www.hearstranchwinery.com Producing fine wines from the Central Coast’s finest vineyards, Hearst Ranch Winery upholds a “Legacy of Quality.” With zebras and elephant seals for neighbors, Hearst Ranch Winery has a unique location to produce their many fine wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Late Harvest Zinfandel, and a Barrel Select Cuvée “The Point”! Featured Wine: Randolph Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery
5070 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-238-2544. www.hearthstonevineyard.com Established in 1999, Hearthstone Vineyard & Winery specializes in refined Rhone, super Tuscan and Meritage blends. They also craft Pinot Noir, Italian varietals, and Zinfandel, and other original blends. From their 40-acre vineyard in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, Hearthstone produces handcrafted, expressive wines. Featured Wine: Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Herman Story Winery
1227 Paso Robles St., Paso Robles. 805-237-2400. www.hermanstorywines.com Located in downtown Paso Robles, Herman Story Winery produces eclectic wines from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara vineyards. Produced in small batches, tasting and club membership are only available at the downtown tasting room. Created by winemaker and proprietor Russell Form, Herman Story wines are fun and unique. Featured Wine: White Hawk Vineyard Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Hidden Oak Winery
4671 South El Pomar Rd., Templeton. 805-237-9315. www.hiddenoakwinery.com Growing grapes since 1995 and making wine since 2009, Hidden Oak Winery has remained a family operation since its founding. Specializing in highquality estate wines, their location offers great views and picnic and dog areas. Featured Wine: Merlot Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Hoyt Family Vineyards
2015 Township Rd., Paso Robles. 310-457-3832. www.hoytfamilyvineyards.com Initially establishing a vineyard and winery in Malibu, it wasn’t long before Hoyt Family Vineyards started producing Paso Robles sourced wines. Now, with a 30-acre vineyard on Paso’s Westside, Hoyt offers a variety including Tempranillo, Cabernet, Viognier, Grenache and Petit Verdot as well as their awardwinning Chardonnay.
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Wineries & Tasting Rooms Featured Wine: Decoupage Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Hug Cellars
2323 Tuley Rd., Suite 120, Paso Robles. 805-226-8022. www.hugcellars.com Specializing in crafting small lots of ultra-premium wine, Hug Cellars believes in allowing each vineyard to express its own virtue through low manipulation, the use of whole clusters and indigenous yeast in fermentation and by using a measured hand in winemaking. Hug produces 2,000 cases annually and they are proud to be in Paso Robles “Rhone Zone.” Featured Wine: Booker Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Hunt Cellars
2875 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-1600. www.huntcellars.com At Hunt Cellars, their goal is to create “memorable wines” that help one remember the wine, the meal and the great company one was with when drinking their wine. An optimal place for growing, Hunt’s 550-acre estate vineyard boasts a variety of terrain and soil types and multiple microclimates. Handcrafted in small lots, the winemakers are ardently committed to quality. Featured Wine: Bon Vivant Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
J Dusi Wines
1401 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. 805-226-2034. www.jdusiwines.com With a local Zinfandel planting history dating back to the 1920’s, J Dusi Wines focuses on quality established by their Northern Italian great-grandparents. Specializing mainly in Zinfandel and Zinfandel blends, J Dusi Wines is a family tradition with a new perspective. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
J&J Cellars
2850 Ranchita Canyon Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-2891. www.jjcellars.com From Estate wines from the Paso Robles region, to other wine offerings from central coast vineyards, J&J Cellars is a family winery with a bit of something for everybody. From fine to affordable, J&J also has four other brand labels: Julie Fiero, James Judd & Son Vineyards, Autumn Flight, Vintage Flight and A Cellar Full Of Noise. At J&J Cellars, “wine is a way of life.” Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
J Lohr Vineyards & Wines
6169 Airport Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-8900. www.jlohr.com Founded more than four decades ago by Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines crafts an array of
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internationally recognized, award-winning wines from their estate vineyards. Bring a picnic lunch, sit on our patio and enjoy the vineyard views. Featured Wine: Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Jack Creek Cellars
5265 Jack Creek Rd., Templeton. 805-226-8283. www.jackcreekcellars.com Quality and close personal attention are what distinguish Jack Creek Cellars from small, family-owned wineries. Winemaking is a labor of love for proprietors Doug and Sabrina Kruse and the family loves working together to develop their world-class wines. Located in the Templeton Gap, the 40-acre Estate Kruse Vineyard sits in a unique microclimate perfect for their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Grenache. Featured Wine: Estate Pinot Noir Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Jacob Toft
P.O. Box 799 Cayucos. 805-550-8007. www.jacobtoft.com Specializing in Rhone-style blends, Jacob Toft limited availability wines can be purchased through their online ordering form. Private tastings available by appointment. Featured Wine: Mary Jane Cuvée Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Jada Vineyard & Winery
5620 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-226-4200. www.jadavineyard.com Located in an incredible pocket of the Templeton Gap, Jada Vineyard & Winery produces exquisite, handcrafted Rhone and Bordeaux style wines. The full tasting experience is offered with wine and cheese pairing, top-notch customer service, and a breathtaking view. Get a taste of the good life! Featured Wine: 1149 Rosé Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
11680 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-6932. www.justinwine.com Ideally suited in fossilized limestone to create big, Bordeaux-style reds, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery combines Old World practices with new innovative designs to produce excellent wines. Dreaming up such innovative methods as the “Air Knife,” JUSTIN winemakers are on the leading edge of creating processes that boost grape quality and efficiency. Featured Wine: Isosceles Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
operated winery and vineyard. Nestled in the Templeton Gap of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Paso Robles, the vineyard sits atop two south facing slopes. The winery and vineyard were established with the mission of producing the finest premium handcrafted wines. Featured Wine: Morpheus Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Kenneth Volk Vineyards
2485 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. 805-237-7896. www.volkwines.com Veteran winemaker Ken Volk has returned to Paso Robles with a second tasting room in the same building with Four Lanterns. Come and enjoy Ken’s diverse portfolio of wines in a beautiful garden setting. Featuring Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and many rare varieties seldom encountered elsewhere. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Kiamie Winery
9750 Adelaide Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-8333. www.kiamiewines.com Blending grapes from distinctive Westside Paso Robles mountain vineyards into wines of expression and uncompromising quality, Kiamie’s proprietors, Aram and Greg, have grown fond of the Adelaida and Templeton gap sub-appellations, which they feel, makes the best and most award-winning wines. Featured Wines: Kiamie Kuvee Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Kukkula
9515 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-0111. www.kukkulawine.com Rhone focused, dry-farmed, and organic, kukkula, Finnish for “high place,” sits in the Westside hills of Paso Robles overlooking Adelaida and Adelaida schoolhouse. Offering estate wines and artisanal blends, awardwinning winery and tasting room architecture and Friday thru Sunday lunch, kukkula has much to offer. Featured Wine: sisu Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
L’Aventure
2815 Live Oak Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-1588. www.aventurewine.com After starting and managing vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France for a number of years, Stephan Asseo, Proprietor of L’Aventure, brought his winemaking skills to Paso Robles. Now L’Aventure makes small quantities of high quality wine with their blended varietals the cornerstone of their work. Featured Wine: Optimus Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Kaleidos
Law Estate Wines
Established in 2004, Kaleidos is a family-owned and
Located in West Paso Robles at top of Peachy Canyon,
3770 Willow Creek Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-0828. www.kaleidoswine.com
Published by the Paso Robles Press
3885 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-9200. www.lawestatewines.com
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms Law Estate Wines has a sharp focus on producing ultrapremium Rhone-style blends using sustainably farmed, hand-picked and hand sorted estate grapes. Their vineyard was designed with minimal intervention in order to honor the distinct microclimates that embody the elevated terroir. Featured Wine: Audacious Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
LDT Cellars
831 13th Street, Paso Robles. 805-704-8205. www.ldtcellars.com Inspired by a historic Italian winemaking family and tradition, Lusso Della Terra which means “Luxury of the Land” was created to express a true love and passion for the complexity of the grape and the art of the winemaking process. We specialize in high quality, handcrafted, ultra premium wines that come in very limited quantities that are meant to be shared with those you love. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Le Vigne Winery
5115 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles. 805-227-4000. www.levignewinery.com Le Vigne Winery offers warm hospitality & handcrafted French & Italian varietal wines and reserve lots and Ports are produced in limited quantities. The tasting room doubles as a gourmet food shop, housing a large selection of gourmet meats and cheeses along with many unique gift items. Explore their classic Pullman rail cars plus amphitheater and park for weddings. Featured Wine: Della Ranchita Vista Petite Sirah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Locatelli Vineyard & Winery
8585 Cross Canyon Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-0067. www.locatelliwinery.com Family-owned and operated, Locatelli Vineyards & Winery specializes in handcrafted full-bodied estate wines including wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and others. Paso Robles’ northern most winery, Locatelli overlooks the peaceful Salinas River Valley and historic Old Mission San Miguel. Come and “Experience the Taste of Tradition.” Featured Wine: Luna Piena Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Lone Madrone
5800 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-0845. www.lonemadrone.com Founded in 1996, this family-owned and operated winery works to be a distinct winery. Lone Madrone wines are produced predominantly from small, westside Paso Robles vineyards. their primary focus is sourcing high-quality, dry farmed, head trained varietals that translate well in a hands-off winemaking style. Featured Wine: Tannat Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
VINO Central Coast Edition
LXV Wine
1306 B Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-296-1902. www.lxvwines.com LXV is a premium California wine inspired by the 64 arts of Kama Sutra. Crafted by astute winemaker, Amy Butler, the style of the winemaking is rooted in Old World philosophy expressed through contemporary blends, showcasing the uniqueness of Paso Robles AVA. Every release of LXV showcases a small-lot, handcrafted, luxury wine. Featured Wine: Summer Satine Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
McClean X Vineyards
4491 South El Pomar Rd., Templeton. 805-441-7514. www.mccleanxvineyards.com Focused on providing quality, McClean X Vineyards offers a small selection of fascinatingly fun blends; Clemence, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend, Simone, a Zinfandel and Petite Sirah blend, and the 100% Syrah, One Last Syrah. Owner Steve McClean can often be found bouncing off the walls at work or lamenting the need to wear shoes in the office, but he is determined to provide his clients with smiles, laughs and great wine. Featured Wine: One Last Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
McPrice Myers
3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-1245. www.barrel27-mcpricemyers.com With a focus on Rhone varietals, McPrice Meyers, Barrel 27’s small lot, reserve label, purchases fruit from select vineyards throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Owner/Winemaker Mac Myers makes wines for McPrice Myers and Barrel 27 with the goal to make Rhone wines that work hard at helping hardworking America relax for a minute. Stop in, relax for a minute, taste through the line up and remove your nose from the grindstone. Featured Wine: Head Honcho Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
MVC Wines
845 Embarcadero Suite H, Morro Bay. 805-712-4647. www.mcvwines.com Established in 2011, MCV Wines strives to produce the highest quality, boutique wines available. Their focus is on Petite Sirah, especially used to create uniquely fascinating, highly acclaimed blends including multiple 90+ scoring wines in major magazines. Featured Wine: Petite Sirah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Michael Gill Cellars
4125 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-1668. www.gillcellars.com
mountainous terroir is known for its rocky, calcareous soil, and differing levels of hillside sun exposure allow vineyards to be specifically suited for each varietal. This gives founding vintner, Michael Gill, the opportunity to cultivate luxurious wines unmatched in quality. Featured Wine: Counoise Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Midnight Cellars
2925 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. www.midnightcellars.com Family-owned and operated, Midnight Cellars’ awardwinning wines include exemplary Syrah, Zinfandel, extraordinary red blends, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Picnic in the backyard and enjoy a moment with Midnight’s friendly hosts. You may even run into their superlunary winemaker! Featured Wine: Merlot Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Minassian-Young Vineyards
4045 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-7571. www.m-yv.com With a philosophy to “produce wines in a consistent manner,” Minassian-Young Vineyards takes a minimalistic, scientific approach to winemaking. Wines from the vineyard are produced without blending fruit from multiple vineyards ensuring each vintage is representative of the vineyard’s terroir. Featured Wine: Estate Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Mitchella Vineyard & Winery
2525 Mitchell Ranch Way, Paso Robles. 805-239-8555. www.mitchella.com Founded in 1997, Mitchella Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned estate committed to making small lots of premium handcrafted Paso Robles wines. Their 20acre vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Port varietals Tinta and Touriga. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Moonstone Cellars
801 Main St., Cambria. 805-927-9466. www.moonstonecellars.com Conceived in a basement overlooking Moonstone Beach, Todd Clift and dad, Muril began making wine in 1998. The hobby quickly got out of control, and blossomed into a full-time passion which Todd quickly left his corporate job to pursue. Todd now proudly introduces his wines made from Central Coast grapes. Featured Wine: Pink Elephineaux Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Nestled among century oaks, Michael Gill Cellars’ west side Paso Robles coastal estate vineyard takes full advantage of the excellent natural conditions: the
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Spring/Summer 2015
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Wineries & Tasting Rooms Nadeau Family Vintners
3860 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-3574. www.nadeaufamilyvintners.com Nadeau Family Vintners is a micro-winery specializing in huge, mountain-grown Zinfandels and intriguing Rhone varietals. Handmade to taste, Nadeau takes pride in picking the best fruit to create the best wine. Featured Wine: Critical Mass Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Nichols Winery & Cellars
4615 Traffic Way, Atascadero. 805-466-7278. www.nicholswinery.com Established in 1991, Nichols Winery & Cellars are awardwinning, world renowned with international acclaim including their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Meritage. Soleil & Terroir, Silver Fox and Paso de Vinas are also Nichols brands. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir are well rounded while the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel are soft and round out their tannins. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Niner Wine Estates
2400 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. 802-239-2233. www.ninerwine.com As a family company built on three unique vineyards, Niner Wine Estates prides themselves on world-class winemaking and hospitality facilities. Niner Wine farms three separate estate vineyards: Bootjack Ranch on the eastern side of the Paso AVA, Heart Hill Vineyard on the western side, and Jespersen Vineyard nestled in the Edna Valley AVA to the south. Each vineyard has very different soil profiles and climates resulting in three very unique representations of terrior. Featured Wine: Sangiovese Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
ONX Wines
1200 Paseo Excelsus, Templeton. 805-434-5607. www.onxwines.com Driven toward creating avant-garde wines that express a sense of place, ONX Wines is a collective with the shared vision of respect for the land and an unwavering attention to detail. ONX utilizes all 13 varieties on their Estate to craft a portfolio of blends that are a bold yet pure expression of Westside Paso Robles. Located in the heart of the Templeton Gap District AVA, ONX estate is one of the coolest locales in Paso Robles. Featured Wine: Praetorian Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Opolo Vineyards
7110 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-238-9593. www.opolo.com
entrée between Opolo owners Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols. Discovering Opolo Vineyards is to uncover a place where the passion to create an unforgettable experience and offer outstanding customer service is equally important as crafting award-winning wines. Featured Wine: Mountain Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Oso Libre Winery
7383 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-238-3378. www.osolibre.com Unique, progressive and delicious, Oso Libre Winery specializes in distinct and sustainable wine growing practices that make for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Established in 1996, Oso Libre, meaning “Free Bear” in Spanish, represents the spirit of the early California pioneers and their estate labels include limited production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Mourvedre as well as distinctive red blends and rare late harvest dessert wines. Featured Wine: Quixotic Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Parrish Family Vineyard
1220 Park St., Paso Robles. 805-286-4028. www.parrishfamilyvineyard.com With a deep-rooted family history in Paso Robles and Atascadero, Parrish Family Vineyard has an appreciation for history and tradition. Specializing in Bordeaux, Burgundian and Rhone varietals, their new tasting room in downtown Paso Robles offers a taste of their rich, family tradition. Feature Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Paso Port/Per Cazo Cellars
95 Booker Rd., Templeton. 805-239-2229. www.pasoportwine.com A small, family-owned winery dedicated to producing the finest table wines and fortified dessert wines, Paso Port is driven by their passion and commitment to express the potential of the region to produce port wines with particular distinction and unparalleled quality. Featured Wine: Ruby California Style Dessert Wine Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Peachy Canyon Winery
1480 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton. 805-239-1918. www.peachycanyon.com With nearly 100 acres of Estate vineyards while still remaining a family affair, Peachy Canyon Winery specializes in Zinfandel and other award-winning handcrafted small-batch wines, including: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Sirah. Featured Wine: Mustang Springs Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
They say good fences make good neighbors, but it was a love of wine and winemaking that was the
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Published by the Paso Robles Press
Pear Valley Vineyard & Winery
4900 Union Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-2861. www.pearvalley.com Creating unique vintages that reflect vibrant fruit nourished by ancient soils under ideal climate conditions while leaving little impact on the environment is the impetus behind Pear Valley. The Maas family cordially offers novice wine drinkers, enthusiasts and connoisseurs a taste of the naturally good life captured in each bottle of Pear Valley wine. Featured Wine: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery 3280 Township Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-9432. www.pelletiere.com
Janis Denner and the entire Pelletiere Family share a love and respect for wine, especially italian varietals, and they believe wine should be delicious and representative of its origin. Distinctive wines, relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking setting, and passionate crewmembers, make Pelletiere Estate truly worth the visit. Featured Wine: Montepulciano Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Penman Springs Vineyard
1985 Penman Springs Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-7959. www.penmansprings.com An artisan wine farm, Penman Springs Vineyard offers estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Muscat Blanc handcrafted into varietals, blends and dessert wines. “Taste the art” and enjoy the hospitable and relaxing tasting room with picnic tables and spectacular views of Paso Robles. Featured Wine: Estate Petite Sirah Notes:_____________________________________ _________________________________________
Pianetta Winery
829 13th St., Paso Robles. 805-226-4005. www.pianettawinery.com Locally sourced, family made and fruit forward, Pianetta Winery delivers balanced wines that have a lasting smooth finish. Not easily found in other places, Pianetta produces only 2500 cases produced annually including flagship Estate Cabernet, and award-winning estate Syrah and Petite Sirah. Featured Wine: Estate Petite Sirah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Pipestone Vineyards
2040 Niderer Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-6385. www.pipestonevineyards.com Tucked into a secluded peaceful valley in the coastal ranges, Pipestone Vineyards is dedicated to handmade estate grown Rhone-style wines including Syrah, Viognier and Grenache blend. Family-run, sustainably farmed, and managed according to the ancient principles of Feng Shui! Relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings or picnic on the patio. Featured Wine: Reserve Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms Pomar Junction Vineyard and Winery
Ranchita Canyon Vineyard
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is a family-run winery featuring wines from the Merrill family’s estate vineyard in Templeton and sits at the “junction” of El Pomar and South El Pomar Drives. Pomar Junction Estate wines are bottled from the finest blocks of fruit grown on our own vineyards and all have signature softness to the palate. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Overlooking beautiful Pleasant Valley, the Ranchita Canyon Vineyard and boutique winery is family-owned and operated and produces rich, concentrated, bold fruit for our estate wines. The vineyard is hand pruned and hand harvested, and their farm plan emphasizes sustainable practices. At Ranchita Vineyard, they are “taking wine to greater heights.” Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
5036 South El Pomar Rd., Templeton. 805-238-9940. www.pmarjunction.com
Powel Mountain Cellars
3050 Blue Rock Rd., Paso Robles. www.powellmountaincellars.com A small, handcrafted wine production, Powell Mountain Cellars is a unique brand producing Zinfandel as well as Rhone and Bordeaux blends that display varietal character and sense of place. Wine lovers will appreciate the handcrafted wines produced by meticulous winemakers and farmers who work together taking pride in honing their craft. Featured Wine: Rhone and Bordeaux Blends Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Pozzouli Vineyard & Winery
15481 Red Hill Ave., Ste C, Tustin. 714-258-8817. www.pozzouliwinery.com Pozzouli Vineyard and Winery is a family owned and operated boutique winery with a vineyard and winery in Paso Robles and a tasting room/bottling facility in Tustin. Producing about 500 cases/year specializing in red varietal blends, Rosato & white wines, Pozzouli offers a wine club and can also host your small wine event. Featured Wine: 2012 Sangiovese Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Proulx
5424 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-706-0425. www.proulxwines.com From the vineyard to the bottle, Proulx Wines is a family operation that has been carefully tended and nurtured by owners, Genoa and Kevin Riley, since the beginning. Proulx Wines produces 1500 cases yearly with a tight focus on creating high-quality, approachable wines that are ready to drink at an early age. Featured Wine: Dimples Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Rabbit Ridge Winery — The Rabbit Hole 1172 San Marcos Rd., Paso Robles. 805-467-3331. www.rabbitridgewinery.com
Founded in 1981 by Erich Russell in Healdsburg, Rabbit Ridge Winery and Vineyards and Russell Family Wines quickly became known for some of the best value wines, as well as many highly acclaimed luxury wines in California. Rabbit Ridge established a vineyard in Paso Robles in 2001 and also owns The Rabbit Hole tasting room in downtown. Featured Wine: Allure de Robles Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
VINO Central Coast Edition
3439 Ranchita Canyon Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-9448. www.ranchitacanyonvineyard.com
Rangeland Wines
10425 Klau Mine Rd., Paso Robles. 805-674-9232. www.rangelandwines.com Offering a bit more than the average winery, Rangeland Wines offers handcrafted wines, vineyard tours, ranch tours and grass-fed beef and lamb clubs. Set in the limestone hills of west Paso Robles, the 1,500 acre Adelaida Springs Ranch estate offers sweeping views and quiet landscapes. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Rasmussen Vineyard & Winery
100 Harvest Ridge Way, Paso Robles. 805-648-1234. www.rasmussenvineyards.com Growing in Paso Robles for over 17 years, Rasmussen Vineyard and Winery now offers a tasting of their own highly acclaimed wine including a three year vertical Syrah 2002 vintage exhibiting soft rounded tannins. Rasmussen provides a rare opportunity to taste and purchase a 10-year-old wine that has been carefully aged in a tightly controlled environment. Featured Wine: Bang Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Red Soles Winery & Stillhouse
3230 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-9898. www.redsoleswinery.com A small, family-owned and operated winery on California’s beautiful, Central Coast, Red Soles Winery offers an experimental turned successful take on wines. The founding owners, Randy and Cheryl Phillips, crushed their first batch with their own feet and winery has proven a natural extension of the farming company that the two have owned since 1991 when they first began growing wine grapes. Featured Wine: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Featured Wine: The Rocker Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
RIO SECO Vineyard & Winery
4295 Union Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-8884. www.riosecowine.com Family-owned vineyard grows award-winning Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Viognier! Join us here for wines, friendly people, smoked olives, barbecue and, of course, a memorable experience on your next wine country adventure! Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
RiverStar Vineyards
7450 Estrella Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-0086. www.riverstarvineyards.com Family owned and operated, RiverStar Vineyards was established with family members in 2003 after having raised wine grapes in the Paso Robles area since 1986. RiverStar grows Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon on 75 acres located on the eastside of Airport and Estrella roads. Featured Wine: Twilight Vintner’s Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
RN Estate Vineyard & Winery
7986 North River Rd., Paso Robles. 805-610-9802. www.rnestate.com Dream of a former restauranture, RN Estate strives to create “food friendly” wine. Specializing in red Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, estate-grown on a small hilltop vineyard, RN’s limited production allows them to meticulously hand craft premium boutique wines with a subtle harmony of flavors. Featured Wine: Cuvée des Artistes Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Robert Hall Winery
3443 Mill Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-1616. www.roberthallwinry.com Tucked into the hillsides east of Paso Robles, Robert Hall Winery is a dream 40 years in the making. Years of hard work and infinite attention to detail are invested into every bottle of wine and, as farmers first, they strive to nurture the land and coax from it the finest fruit possible from the sustainably farmed vineyards on the Hall Ranch. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Rendarrio Vineyards
Rocky Creek Cellars
Committed to producing wines of quality and distinction, Rendarrio Vineyards creates small production wines that are handcrafted to demonstrate true quality. Rendarrio wines can be found in various restaurants in Paso Robles and Morro Bay as well as at The Jefferson in Washington D.C. and Union Square Café in New York.
Residing on the west side of York Mountain, Rocky Creek Cellars is a small family-owned and operated winery established in 1999. Rocky Creek’s handcrafted premium red wines are barrel aged for 3 years resulting in a smooth and delicious drinkable wine.
2323 Tuley Court, Suite 110, Paso Robles. www.rendarrio.com
Published by the Paso Robles Press
8687 Apple Rd. Highway 46 West, Templeton. 805-238-1919. www.rockycreekcellars.com
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Wineries & Tasting Rooms Featured Wine: Estate Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
ROTTA Winery
250 Winery Rd., Templeton. 805-237-0510. www.rottawinery.com ROTTA Winery, founded in 1908, is the oldest originally family-owned winery in San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini and Mark Caporale have combined their talents to bring the historic and rustic winery back to life. In doing so, ROTTA Winery has won several gold medals, including old vine Zinfandel and Dessert Sherry. Featured Wine: Black Monukka Dessert Wine Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Roxo Port Cellars
Saxum Vineyards
Paso Robles. 805-610-0363 Saxum Vineyards focuses on producing Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre based blends from the Templeton Gap/Willow Creek area of Paso Robles. Production is kept at 3000-4000 cases a year divided between seven different Cuvées, Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock, Booker Vineyards, Paderewski Vineyard, Heart Stone Vineyard and Terry Hoage Vineyard. Featured Wine: James Berry Vineyard Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Sculpterra Winery
5015 Linne Rd., Paso Robles. 805-302-8881. www.sculpterra.com
Featured Wine: Ku Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Sharp’s Hill
1085 Ambush Trail, Paso Robles. 805-237-2005. www.sharpshill.com Located high in elevation above the renowned Highway 46 West near the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in the Templeton Gap, Sharp’s Hill’s landmark property is an ideal site for growing exceptional wine grapes. Enjoying maritime weather influences and prime calcareous soil, this family owned vineyard produces, classic, award winning wines Featured Wine: Reserve Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Roxo Port Cellars is a family-owned winery specializing in ultra-premium Port-style wines. Roxo makes Portstyle wine using only traditional methods with minimal interference and their grapes are exclusively handpicked and sourced from esteemed Paso Robles and Cienega Valley vineyards in California. Featured Wine: Magia Preta Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden offers a wine tasting and art viewing experience in the hills of Paso Robles. Sculpterra offers a variety of services including five distinct wine club options for a variety of wine aficionado. They also display the works of numerous artists including world-renowned sculptor John Jagger. With such a large pool of local talent, Sculpterra Winery has truly brought the concept of art and wine full circle. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
San Antonio Winery
Sextant Wines
Stacked Stone Cellars
With a proprietary relationship with the French, Portuguese and Spanish governments, Sextant Wines imports certified rootstock that can be traced back to the original mother block in those countries. These certified clones planted throughout three vineyards, along with a charismatic blending style put Sextant on the cutting edge of winemaking practices. Featured Wine: Holystone Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Stacked Stone Cellars began in 1998 when owner, Donald Thiessen, united his love of fine craftsmanship with a love of wine. Stacked Stone Cellars produces small quantities of handcrafted wine. Donald named his “liquid assets” after the elaborate stacked stone landscaping adorning the winery grounds and estate vineyard. The winery also rocks the canyon with live concerts every summer. Featured Wine: Zin Stone Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
6996 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-1600. www.roxocellars.com
2610 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles. 805-226-2600. www.sanantoniowinery.com With 98 years of rich family tradition, San Antonio Winery continues to create award-winning wines from select area vineyards. From downtown Los Angeles to spacious Paso Robles, San Antonio Winery is “Your Urban Winery.” Featured Wine: Opaque Malbec Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
San Marcos Creek Vineyard
7750 North Highway 101, Paso Robles. 805-467-9260. www.sanmarcoscreek.com Specializing in small lots of finely-crafted, singlevineyard, estate-grown and produced varietals, San Marcos Creek Vineyard is family-owned and operated “where fine wines begin at the vines.” Featured Wine: Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Sarzotti Winery
180 Bella Ranch Rd., Templeton. 805-226-2022. www.sarzottiwinery.com A fourth-generation Italian winemaking family, Sarzotti Winery is a completely hands-on operation. Sarzotti manages all aspects of their vineyard and winery production and their family has a commitment to crafting wines that are consistently high in quality at an exceptional value and they hope visitors become a part of their family of friends. Featured Wine: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
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2324 West Highway 46, Paso Robles. 805-542-0133. www.sextantwines.com
Shadow Run
2720 La Panza Rd., Creston. 805-227-0554. www.shadowrunvineyards.com Shadow Run is a 150-acre ranch and vineyard offering varietals of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Viognier and Malbec. Much of the ranch is home to wildlife and will remain in its natural state, conserving the rugged beauty of this part of California’s Central Coast. Featured Wine: Cellar Door Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Shale Oak Winery
3235 Oakdale Rd., Paso Robles. www.shaleoakwinery.com With a keen eye on sustainability in every facet, Shale Oak Winery was created out of careful respect for the natural resources on the west side of Paso Robles and they are proud to present their limited-production wines, the result of a holistic vision.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Silver Horse Winery
805-467-9463. www.silverhorse.com Taste exceptional Bordeaux and Spanish varietal wines from family-run Silver Horse Winery. Sitting atop a hill in the Pleasant Valley, Silver Horse is a tasting experience unique to the central coast. With three patios, bocce courts and horseshoe pits, you’re sure to have a memorable time. Featured Wine: The Main Thing Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
1525 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-7872. www.stackedstone.com
Stanger
5225 Highway 41, Paso Robles. 630-461-8602. www.stangervineyards.com Never releasing a wine prematurely, Stanger waits up to 4 years after bottling to release wine at the proper time. Major wine critics have stated that Stanger wines will peak in 7 to 9 year, therefore the STANGER Reserve wines are released after they have sufficiently matured in the bottle. STANGER UltraPremium Reserve wines can be tasted at our original “Old World style” tasting room. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Starr Ranch Vineyards and Winery 9320 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-0144. www.starr-ranch.com
A stunning, crooked road leads to the secluded Starr Ranch winery where the adjacent vineyard basks on
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms the slopes of the Adelaida Hills, backed by the Santa Lucia Range. From the vineyard, our raison d’être, we retain the pick of the crop for our winemaking artistry, producing very small lots of Bordeaux-style, Rhone and Tempranillo wines. Featured Wine: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Steinbeck Vineyards
5940 Union Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-1854. www.steinbeckwines.com Specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier and Zinfandel, Steinbeck Winery meticulously crafts 1,000 cases of premium wine. The varietals are blended into The Crash, better known as “Steinbeck in a Glass.” Their second blend, The Voice, reflects the voice of Steinbeck Vineyards. Featured Wine: The Crash Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Still Waters Vineyards
2750 Old Grove Land, Paso Robles. 805-237-9231. www.stillwatersvineyards.com A family-owned and run vineyard dedicated to producing small lots of premium estate wines, Still Water Vineyards produces 14 different 100% estate varietals including Bordeaux, Rhone, Zinfandel and Primitivo. Estate olive oil is also available. Featured Wine: Reflections Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Stolo Family Winery
3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria. 805-924-3131. www.stolofamilywinery.com Stolo Family Vineyards and Winery is a welcomed addition to the hidden gem, Cambria. With the addition of the new rustic tasting room and winery, visitors are treated with the full winery experience. Planted in 1998 and less than three miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyards thrive in Cambria’s unique microclimate. The beautiful location produces unmatched coastal style Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. These award winning boutique wines capture the coast in a bottle. Featured Wine: Pinot Noir Hillside Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
SummerWood Winery
2175 Arbor Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-1365. www.summerwoodwine.com SummerWood invites you to drop by and discover their artisan crafted Rhone and Bordeaux wines, including the proprietary blends Diosa Blanc, Diosa and Sentio. Reserve a tour with winemaker Mauricio Marchant, where he will take you through his winemaking process, including a peek at the winery’s use of concrete for some white wines, and the Solera method used for the non-vintage Zinfandel Port. Featured Wine: Private Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
VINO Central Coast Edition
Tablas Creek
The Rabbit Hole
Founded by the Perrins (Chateau de Beaucastel) and importer Robert Haas, Tablas Creek produces estategrown, internationally recognized Rhone varietals and Chateauneuf-du-Pape style blends from grapes including Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier and Roussanne. A unique tour showcases the on-site grapevine nursery, organic vineyard, winery and tasting room with Provencal gifts. Featured Wine: Roussanne Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Home to the only Bubbly Bar in Paso Robles, The Rabbit Hole is a wine bar and gift shop experience that is sure to ignite the imagination. Serving wine from their parent winery, Rabbit Ridge, The Rabbit Hole is a whole lot more that a simple tasting room experience. Go in and get lost at The Rabbit Hole where “We’re all mad here.” Featured Wine: Bling Sparkling Brut Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Tackitt Family Vineyards
8950 Union Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-2204. www.tobinjames.com
9339 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-1231. www.tablascreek.com
6640 Von Dollen Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-9490. www.tackittfamilyvineyards.com A small family venture dedicated to high quality wines for all to enjoy, Tackitt Family Vineyard’s love of wine is apparent in their pursuit creating truly wonderful wines. Featured Wine: Sauvignon Blanc Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Terry Hoage Vineyards
870 Arbor Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-2083. www.terryhoagevineyards.com TH Vineyards is a small, family-owned vineyard and boutique winery located off Highway 46 West in Paso Robles. Our special climate, terroir and dedication to fastidious, sustainable farming practice produce exceptional fruit that is forward and focused. Terry and Jennifer Hoage’s winemaking approach is to produce minimally processed wines that show intense fruit and complexity showcasing their passion for excellence. Featured Wine: The Edge Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Thacher Winery
8355 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-237-0087. www.thacherwinery.com Since 2004 Thacher Winery with the grasshopper label, has been handcrafting wines from superb vineyards found on the Westside of Paso Robles and in Southern Monterey County. Our boutique production of Rhone blends and Zinfandels demonstrate local subtleties and true Westside terroir. Featured Wine: Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
The Farm Winery
10920 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles. 805-400-3276. www.thefarmwinery.com The Farm Winery seeks to make wines that best express the character of Westside Paso Robles. Admiring and respecting what has been done here before, they wish to bring a nuance — the same intensity along with greater elegance. Featured Wine: The Big Game Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Published by the Paso Robles Press
1244 Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-286-4692. www.therabbitholepasorobles.com
Tobin James Cellars
A visit to Tobin James Cellars Winery and Tasting Room has enthusiastic tasters enjoying unforgettable “Paso Robles in a Glass” wines at the notorious, grand, 150-year-old bar. Tobin James creates fruit-driven wines that include Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot, “Liquid Love” Dessert Zinfandel, and many others. Bring your picnic. Join the legendary James Gang! Featured Wine: Ballistic Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Tolo Cellars
9750 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-226-2282. www.tolocellars.com Way out along Adelaida Road stands a little red farmhouse, home to Tolo Cellars. Josh Gibson, proprietor and winemaker, offers a sumptuous array of wines — Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and exotic Rhone blends — all sourced from vineyards tucked away in the rustic hills, where once frolicked the pioneers of the Adelaida township. Featured Wine: Chardonnay Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Tooth & Nail Winery
3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. 805-369-6100. www.toothandnailwinery.com Established in 2009, Tooth and Nail Winery proudly pours four labels: blends under Tooth & Nail; Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under Amor Fati; Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempernillo, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay under Force of Nature; and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under Stasis. Featured wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Torrin Vineyard
2945 Limestone Way, Templeton. 805-550-2058. www.torrinwine.com Meaning “of the hills,” Torrin Vineyard is aptly located in the hills of Santa Lucia. With 10 acres planted on rugged hillsides of high lime calcareous shale and siliceous shale, they are located a prime, growing sweet spot. The vineyard is planted with multiple clones of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre with small
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Wineries & Tasting Rooms blocks of Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. Not made the right way or the wrong way, Torrin wines are simply made their way. Featured Wine: The Vineyard Series Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Featured Wine: Estate Syrah Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Turley
A small family-owned and operated winery in a renovated 100-year-old redwood barn in Templeton, Victor Hugo produces award-winning wines focusing on intense hand-crafted reds including Petite Sirah and Opulence. Featured Wine: Opulence Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
2900 Vineyard Dr., Templeton. 805-434-1030. www.turleywincellars.com Turley Wine Cellars was founded by former emergency room physician Larry Turley in 1993. Because Larry has never met an old vine vineyard he didn’t like, Turley now makes 28 separate wines from 35 different vineyards, mostly Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, with many vineyards dating back to the late 1800’s. By focusing on old vine vineyards in particular, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Twin Coyotes Winery
2020 Main St., Cambria. 805-927-9800. www.twincoyotes.com “Come Howl with us!” Proudly using only sustainably farmed grapes, twin brothers Steve and Stu started Twin Coyotes Winery with the idea that wines should be fun and environmentally sound. Protecting the land, employees and economic viability of the vineyard is a priority and the brothers look at the vineyard as a long-term investment that must be treated right. Featured Wine: Vermentino Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Vantage Vineyards & Winery
1111 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles. 805-238-2720. www.vantagewines.com Vantage Vineyards & Winery occupies a unique niche in California wine history. Begun as a dream in the soul of a European immigrant in the 1930’s, it has matured into one of the largest and most significant wineries in the state. In the decades since the establishment of this wine country landmark it has consistently produced award-winning wines and become a favorite destination for visitors from all over the world. Featured Wine: Beau Vantage Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Venteux Vineyards
Victor Hugo Winery
2850 El Pomar, Templeton. 805-434-1128. www.victorhugowinery.com
Villa Creek Cellars
5995 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles. 805-238-7145. www.villacreekwine.com In the spirit of the great wine producers of the southern Rhone and the bodegas of Rioja and Priorat, blending is what Villa Creek does best. The area’s finest Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Tempranillo Vineyards are just a stone’s throw from the west Paso Robles winery where these blends are lovingly produced by winemaker Cris Cherry and his wife JoAnn. Featured Wine: Damas Noir Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Villa San-Juliette Winery
6385 Cross Canyon Rd., San Miguel. 805-467-0014. www.villasanjuliette.com Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery is a luxurious destination, offering premium wines and scenic views enhanced by a Tuscan-style setting on the 168-acre estate. Featured Wine: Chorum White Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Villicana Winery
2725 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-9456. www.villicanawiery.com Villicana winery was created as the result of a culinary school pursuit when Alex Villicana decided to pursue his love of food and wine and enrolled in a culinary program in Los Angeles. There his love for food and wine pairings led him to create his own wine. Villicana Winery is also home to RE:FIND Distillery, Paso Robles’ first craft distillery. Featured Wine: Estate Grown Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
1795 Las Tablas Rd., Templeton. 805-369-0127. www.venteuxvineyards.com
Vina Robles
Venteux Vineyards is suitably named as this exceptional estate is perfectly sited in the renowned “windy” Templeton Gap. The dry-farmed, headtrained vines are planted exclusively to Rhone varietals. From soil to bottle, their sustainable handson approach allows them to uphold the highest level of care in the winemaking process.
Vina Robles crafts wines that represent a stylistic bridge between the Old and New worlds. Specializing in varieties that excel in the complex soils and nuanced microclimates of Paso Robles, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, Vina Robles also embraces
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3700 Mill Rd., Paso Robles. 805-227-4812. www.vinarobles.com
Published by the Paso Robles Press
unconventional blends as an opportunity to create wines of distinctive quality and character. Featured Wine: Signature Estate Cuvée Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
VinAlegre Winery
Paso Robles. 805-400-8829. www.vinalegre.com With a belief that the land is everything and that keeping vines happy makes for the best wine, VinAlegre creates100% Cabernet, a 100% Merlot, and a 100% Primitivo. For the white/light red enthusiasts, they make a dry Bordeaux-style Rosé from the Cabernet and Merlot with a little Primitivo using the saigneé method of extracting the rosé juice. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Vines on the Maycrest
5076 Mustard Creek Rd., Paso Robles. 805-237-0378. www.vinesonthemaycrest.com Vines on the Marycrest is the name behind Rhone blends such as “Heart of Glass”,”’Round Midnight”, “Satin Doll” and their multiple Gold Medal winning Zinfandel blend, “My Generation”. Varietal releases include Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Zinfandel from the Remo Belli Vineyard, and ultra small lots of Barbera, Tempranillo, Grenache and Late Harvest Syrah dessert wine. Featured Wine: ‘Round Midnight Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Vista Del Ray Vineyards
7340 Drake Rd., Paso Robles. 805-467-2138. www.vdrvineyards.com Meaning King’s View in Spanish, Vista Del Rey Vineyards is named for the panoramic view of the Santa Lucia Mountains and founder Dave King. Experience the many styles of Zinfandel, Barbera and more, from this acclaimed dry-farmed vineyard. Gourmet food products, local wine country art items and Zinfandel educational materials are available. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
WCP Cellars
Paso Robles. www.wcpcellars.com Specializing in rich, bold wines, WCP Cellars create handcrafted, artisanal style wines that are enjoyable paired with food or sipping with friends, many varietals being Spanish and Italian favorites. Private tasting can be arranged while their new tasting room is being set up in Templeton. At WCP Cellars they believe in “Passionate wines from dynamic vines.” Featured Wine: The 46 Cabernet Blend Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Central Coast Edition VINO
Wineries & Tasting Rooms Whalebone Winery
Wild Horse Winery & Vineyard
Zenadia Cellars
Whalebone Vineyard is a family owned and operated winery on the Vineyard Drive wine trail in Paso Robles. Specializing primarily in red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, the vineyard is 100% dryfarmed in limestone and calcareous soil laden with fossilized whalebones and seashells. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Founded in 1981, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards is named after the mustangs that once roamed the hills east of the vineyard estate. The mustangs represent the free and noble spirit that embodies their winemaking and wines. They source Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the best vineyards throughout the Central Coast — from Santa Barbara to Monterey. Featured Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Zenaida Cellars wines are made using only the highest quality fruit from our estate vineyard and our small group of Paso Robles AVA growers. The winery occupies the original homestead of the property, dating back over 100 years and utilizes the same lowimpact philosophy in the vineyard and in the winery, that farming and living sustainably will produce higher quality wines and leave the land in better condition. Featured Wine: Wanderlust Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Windward Vineyard
ZinAlley
Named for the cool ocean winds that breeze through the Templeton Gap, Windward Vineyard Pinot Noir is a testimony to the area’s unique microclimate and terroir. Windward Vineyard has been producing exclusive 100% Estate-grown, Burgundian-style Pinot Noir for over 20 years. Their tasting room offers daily vertical tasting of four vintages. Featured Wine: 100% Estate-grown and produced Burgundian-style, handcrafted Pinot Noir. Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
Planted in 1996, Zinalley is dry-farmed and uses no sprays, pesticides or fertilizer. 500 out of their annual 950 case production is dedicated to Zinfandel. Featured Wine: Cellar Dreams, 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Zinfandel Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
8325 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. 805-239-9020. www.whalebonevineyard.com
1437 Wild Horse Winery Court, Templeton. 805-788-6310. www.wildhorsewinery.com
Wild Coyote Estate Winery
3775 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles. 805-610-1311. www.wildcoyote.biz Family owned and operated since 1995, Wild Coyote Estate Winery was one of the first 20 wineries in the region. Known as the “House of Reds” for their big, bold, unfiltered wines, Wild Coyote is limited estate grown, dry-farmed and one of the few 100% pure varietal regional producers. Featured Wine: Zinfandel Port Notes:_____________________________________ __________________________________________
of Rockstar Winemakers Featured Winery
Pelletiere Estate Vineyard Featured tasting room
Broken Earth Winery
Paso robles
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1380 Live Oak Rd., Paso Robles. 805-239-2565. www.windwardvineyard.com
3730 Highway 46 West, Templeton. 805-238-0959. www.zinalley.com
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1550 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles. 805-227-0382. www.zenadiacellars.com
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May 2015
Calendar of Events
Paso Robles Wine Festival
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Spring/Summer 2015
The 33rd annual Wine Festival will be held May 14-17 with the downtown wine tasting event taking place on Saturday, May 16 in Downtown City Park. The 33rd Annual Wine Festival kicks off Thursday, May 14 with a selection of Winemaker Dinners. On Friday, May 15, select wineries feature their library, reserve, white/ rosé, and futures complemented by fresh and local gourmet bites at the Reserve event. On Saturday, May 16, more than 70 wineries come together in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park to showcase their wines alongside culinary samplings, special tastings and seminars during the Grand Tasting. Wineries at the Grand Tasting will be arranged by “regions” for a seamless and focused tasting experience: Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines. For more information, call 805-239-8463 or visit www. pasowine.com.
J Street Slim in concert
Local musician J Street Slim will sing and play his guitar and harmonica at Asuncion Ridge Vineyards tasting room in downtown Paso Robles from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday May 28. For more information, call 805-237-1425 or visit www.AsuncionRidge.com.
Studios on the Park Artmaker Dinner
A one-of-a-kind evening celebrating the start of Paso Artsfest. Dine alongside invited artists and get a first look at their exclusive works, take part in an inspired lecture and enjoy an artfully prepared wine country dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on May 22 at the Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., Paso Robles. Then kick up your heels at the afterparty. Price $85 per person. For more information, call 805-238-9800 or visit www. studiosonthepark.org.
Sip Swirlin’ Saturday
Venture out to Creston on the fourth Saturday of May, June, July, and August for Sip Swirlin’ from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at August Ridge, 8790 East Highway 41. Sit back and relax with lunch and wine for only $10! There will be musical performances and local vendors selling their products.
Memorial Day BBQ at Oso Libre
Oso Libre estate beef burgers on the oak pit barbecue from noon to 3 p.m. on May 23 at Oso Libre tasting room. Price $13 per burger. For more information, call 805-238-3378 or visit www.osolibre.com.
Hearst Castle Sunset Reception and Art Tour
This new, exclusive Paso Robles Artsfest special event honors the art collection of Hearst Castle. It includes a gourmet outdoor reception with
Published by the Paso Robles Press
premium Paso Robles wines and live music as well as special art-focused tours of the Castle’s most notable works. Price $125 per person. For more information, call 805-238-9800 or visit pasoartsfest.com.
Memorial Day Santa Maria BBQ
Cass Winery will be grilling tri-tip and offering a Santa Maria barbecue plate on the café menu for $15 per person (includes wine tasting) on May 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 805-239-1730 or visit www.casswines.com.
Asuncion Ridge Vineyard Eric Brittain in Concert
Eric Brittain will be in concert at Asuncion Ridge Vineyard from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 24 at the ARV downtown tasting room, 725 12th St, Paso Robles. No cover; tasting fees apply. For more information, call 805-237-1425.
Asuncion Ridge Vineyard Holly Ann Phillips in Concert
Holly Ann Phillips will be in concert at Asuncion Ridge Vineyard from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 30 at the ARV downtown tasting room, 725 12th St, Paso Robles. No cover; tasting fees apply. For more information, call 805-237-1425.
Asuncion Ridge Vineyard Steve Tracy in Concert
Steve Tracy will be in concert at Asuncion Ridge Vineyard from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 29 at the ARV downtown tasting room, 725 12th St, Paso Robles. No cover; tasting fees apply. For more information, call 805-237-1425.
Vina Robles Saturday Live Featuring Dulcie Taylor
Everyother Saturday Vina Robles invites the public to enjoy live music and wine; this week featuring local singer and songwriter Dulcie Taylor from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Vina Robles Hospitality Center. For more information, call 805-227-4812 or visit www.vinarobles.com.
June 2015 Wine Down Wednesdays at Calcareous
Join us on Wednesdays as we keep our Tasting Room doors open from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 3. Our gourmet wood fired pizza pairing menu is available for purchase, $14. Music by Tom Rigby. For more information, call 805-239-0289 or visit www.calcareous.com.
Creston Wine Trail First Fridays
Celebrate summer with wineries on the Creston Wine Trail on the first Friday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. Participating wineries will offer barrel tastings, new releases and summer snacks. For more information, visit www.crestonwinetrail.com.
Central Coast Edition VINO
Art After Dark Paso
Oso Libre Winery Estate Angus BBQ Burgers with Chef Jeff Scott
The first Saturday of each month, downtown businesses and wineries hold artists receptions with live music and wine tasting as part of ARTS Obispo/San Luis Obispo County Arts Council. Many wineries offer free snacks and some offer free wine tasting. In June, it will be held on June 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 805-544-9251 or go to www.artsobispo.org.
Oso Libre Estate Beef Burgers cooked on an oak pit barbecue will be served from noon to 3 p.m. on June 20. Reservations are not required. The cost is $13 per person; wine additional. Located at 7383 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles. For more information, call 805-238-3378 or visit www. osolibre.com.
Pinot and Paella Festival
Creston Wine Trail Passport Weekend
Join The Beaune Rangers of Paso Robles, their Pinot Noir and 20 great chefs from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 7 at the Templeton City Park for an afternoon of great wine, creative Paella dishes, live Latin guitar world fusion beats of Incendio! 100 percent of proceeds benefit local youth arts programs. Get your tickets early, it will sell out! Price $75 per person. For more information, call 805-239-2565 or visit www.pinotandpaella.com.
The Creston Wine Trail Passport Weekend will be held on June 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For $30, participants will explore the rolling hills of Creston and visit five diverse wineries and an olive oil producer. Stop in and meet the owners/ winemakers, sample fine wines, olive oils, tapas, entertainment and have a barrel room experience. For more information, call 805-2382321 or go to www.crestonwinetrail.com.
Pizza on the Patio at Mitchella Winery
Summer Solstice Wine and Dinner Party
Come enjoy our new releases, the linguistic and master guitar harmonies of Jon Stephens, and fresh pizza from our Italian pizza oven from noon to 2 p.m. on June 6. Price $15 per person includes select wine tasting and artisan cheese pairing; $10 per person for Wine Club Members includes a special sampling and a glass of wine. For more information, call 805-239-8555 or visit www.mitchella.com.
Join Thacher for an al fresco winemaker dinner on the longest Saturday of the year. Eat, drink and sit by the camp fire under the stars. Menu and details at www.thacherwinery.com. Call the tasting room to save yourself a seat at the table, 805-237-0087.
Wine Down Wednesdays at Calcareous
Be a winemaker for a day as Hearthstone winemaker Paul Ayers guides you through his blending secrets from noon to 2 p.m. on June 20. He will be featuring three barrel samples at each event for you to mix and match from. Make your own blend on site, design your label, then bring your bottle home. Be sure to RSVP. Price $40 per person; $30 for wine club members. For more information, call 805-238-2544 or visit www.hearthstonevineyard.com.
Join us on Wednesdays as we keep our Tasting Room doors open from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 10. Our gourmet wood fired pizza pairing menu is available for purchase, $14. Music by Tom Rigby. For more information, call 805-239-0289 or visit www.calcareous.com.
Picture Perfect Sunday featuring Soul Sauce
Still Waters’ second Picture Perfect Sunday. Music from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 14 in the olive grove at Still Waters. We’ll have barbecue for $5 and wine tasting, by the glass, or by the bottle. Feel free to bring out a few chairs or blankets and sit in the shade to relax the afternoon away. For more information, call 805-237-9231 or visit www.stillwatersvineyards.com.
Wine Down Wednesdays at Calcareous
Join us on Wednesdays as we keep our Tasting Room doors open from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 17. Our gourmet wood fired pizza pairing menu is available for purchase, $14. Music by Tom Rigby. For more information, call 805-239-0289 or visit www.calcareous.com.
VINO Central Coast Edition
Wine Blending Seminar at Hearthstone Vineyard and Winery
Father’s Day Smoke Out at Vine Robles
This Father’s Day, June 21 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., bring the whole family out to celebrate dad. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch by Stein’s BBQ with a glass of Vina Robles wine, live music and one complimentary cigar from Boyd’s. Additional wine and cigars will be available for purchase. Price $65 per person; $55 for wine club members. For more information, call 805227-4812 or visit www.vinarobles.com.
Lazy Locals Concert featuring Martin Paris Band
Martin Paris and his band take the stage in front of the Castoro Cellars tasting room to put on a Father’s Day celebration concert from 1 to 4 p.m. June 21. No cover charge. For more information, call 805-238-0725 or visit www.castorocellars.com.
Published by the Paso Robles Press
Father’s Day BBQ at Hansen Vineyards and Winery
Enjoy Vine Wood BBQ with the special dad in your life at Hansen Vineyards and Winery from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 21. Price $10 per person. For more information, call 805-239-8412.
Father’s Day Vineyard Tour and Live Music at Cass
Bring dad and the family out to Cass Winery for a complimentary vineyard tour at 11 a.m. Then enjoy live music by The Crisptones Band from 1 to 4 p.m. under the oak tree. Café menu items and wine available for purchase. For more information, call 805-239-1730 or visit www.casswines.com.
Father’s Day at Robert Hall Winery
Free wine tasting for all dads today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 21, at Robert Hall Winery. For more information, call 805-239-1616 or visit www. roberthallwinery.com.
Wine Down Wednesdays at Calcareous
Join us on Wednesdays as we keep our Tasting Room doors open from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 24. Our gourmet wood fired pizza pairing menu is available for purchase, $14. Music by Tom Rigby. For more information, call 805-239-0289 or visit www.calcareous.com.
Atascadero Mayor’s Winemaker Dinner
This event, 5 p.m. on June 26 at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion, supports many service projects in Atascadero and is the kickoff for the Atascadero Wine Festival. Cost is $100 per person. For more information, call 805-470-3178 or visit www. atascadero.org.
Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival
The Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival, 4 to 8 p.m. on June 27 at the Atascadero Lakeside Park, is brought to you by the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Committee to promote world-class wine, food and artistic talents from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Atascadero Lakeside Park. For more information, call 805-238-1600.
October 2015 Harvest Wine Weekend, Oct. 16-18
Harvest is a colorful time of year in Paso Robles Wine Country. Held the third weekend in October, wineries celebrate the beginning of the vintage by hosting individual events that are as diverse as the wineries themselves. There is no marquee ticketed event for Harvest Wine Weekend. Costs to participate vary by winery and are often listed in their event descriptions. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com.
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805-434-6084
centralcoasttent.com
The most picturesque vineyard on the Central Coast Estate grown award winning fine wines Open Thurs - Sun or by Appointment
7725 Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles | 805.239.0930 www.HammerSky.com
YOUR ONE STOP WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE
Open Daily 10a.m. - 5p.m. Take your wine country experience to the next level with seated wine & food pairings. Explore a wide range of wine flights to satisfy your curiosity and thirst and choose from our tempting menu items. We aim to highlight the extraordinary affinity between wine and food.
Café at Broken Earth Winery Come enjoy our beautiful Café and General Store.We offer a variety of Panini and salads fresh to serve; along with unique gifts, décor and food.We also offer a full espresso bar, featuring traditional Italian espresso drinks, courtesy of Mr. Espresso; the best coffee in town.
Live Music every Saturday 1 to 4pm 7 GOLD Medals
March 21 (Zin Fest) Old Time Fiddle & Banjo Show Bluegrass) 11:30-1:30 Steve Sturgis & Roadhouse (Country) 2:30-4:30 March 28 Natalie Haskins (Folk) April 4 James Rivers (Folk, soft rock) April 11 Liv & Rob (Soft rock) April 18 Robi Duganne (Original folk/soft rock) April 25 Rewined (Folk, soft rock) May 2 Jan & Ted (Soft rock)
5625 Highway 46 East • Paso Robles, CA • 805.239.2562 • www.brokenearthwinery.com
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Published by the Paso Robles Press
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