Wine Tasting
As native New Orleanians, Tealy and Greg grew up in a culture of great jazz and good food. French wine was the principal accompliment to New Orleans cuisine at the time. Living in Europe during the 70’s and 80’s, enhanced our wine experience and appreciation of European wines. In the 90’s we returned to California and developed a greater appreciation of California wines.
After working for an international company for thirty years, we decided to start a second career dedicated to growing grapes and making great wines at affordable prices that enhance the culinary experience. After searching for a vineyard, we settled on the Central Coast of California in Paso Robles in 2007. It is still a place where the vineyard farmer and the wine maker are the same person and winemaking starts in the vineyard.
Ray and Pam Derby moved to the Central Coast area in the early 1990’s with the intention of retiring. In 1998, they purchased their first vineyard property, now known as Derbyshire Vineyard and their thoughts of retirement were replaced by the inspiration of being a part of the wine world. In the years following, Ray next acquired the historic Laura’s Vineyard (in east Paso) and then the Westside property, now called the Derby Vineyard. Needless to say, their plans of retirement never came to fruition.
After experiencing nearly a decade as a grape grower, the potential strengths of each property became apparent and in 2008, Ray and Pam launched Derby Wine Estates. They are extremely selective in terms of what goes into the bottle under the Derby label. The commitment to the land is appreciable, with only 20 hand-selected acres being used to provide fruit for their own brand. Grapes from the remainder (some 90%of their total acreage) are sold to some of the finest wine producers in California.
Claiborne & Churchill is a small, family owned and operated winery, founded in 1983 and located in the heart of the Edna Valley, just outside San Luis Obispo, California. Inspired by the wines of Alsace, we specialize in premium dry wines made from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris grapes, as well as handcrafted Pinot Noir from several nearby vineyards. We also produce small lots of other wines, including a Dry Muscat, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Brut Rose, and a Port-style wine.
The distinctive tasting room at Clautiere Vineyard is known to wine-lovers everywhere as a Paso Robles destination to relax, let your hair down and have a little fun with the wine-tasting experience. The tasting room has vibrant colors and patterns, winding garden paths, rock circles, metal sculptures, magical mosaic cubes and spheres. Visitors are encouraged to join the fun by selecting a brightly colored wig or hat to wear while experiencing the equally bold and beautiful current release wines. Experience the fun side of Wine. Visit Clautiere for a wine & gourmet cheese pairing plus excellent customer service in a fun atmosphere. The colorful décor and famous “Playroom” has a magical way of bringing out the “Child Heart” in everyone.
The concept of Chronic Cellars came about in the midst of harvest in 2004. We had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but we had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine. We sat alongside the crush pad one evening in our wine stained clothes and wet boots laughing about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle.
Jake and I were raised in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. Wine and the art of wine making have been apart of our lives since the early 80’s. After graduating from college we both returned to Paso Robles and joined the team at Peachy Canyon Winery. After a decade each of immersing ourselves in all aspects of the wine industry we decided to do our own project. We wanted to try something new and put the tools we have gathered to work on our dream. We had a vision and a desire to make our statement in the wine industry that we could not deny. After four years we took our first step toward Chronic Cellars.
We are a tiny winery located on a Westside hilltop in Paso Robles. We craft wines that are a fascinating marriage of power and elegance. We take what comes from the vineyard and keep it simple and pure. Our grapes are always encouraged to speak for themselves, and if you treat them with the utmost of care, they will always quietly reveal from where they came. We follow old-world farming and winemaking techniques and our boutique vineyard is purposely geared to produce tiny yields of highly flavoured fruit. We use minimal intervention during the winemaking process, and let the fruit expose its story within the glass.
There are only two of us, and we personally handcraft all of our wines in extremely small lots. Production is low in quantity, and large on quality. Wine is our artistry; one of our greatest creative pleasures. You will discover our attention to detail and exclusive signature within each and every wine; flavours that are deeply intense, velvety rich, and thoroughly elegant. We strive to make the kind of wines that leave an enduring memory on your palate.
We believe that you will find something different about our wines. Something tangible, unique. We think it is because you’ll discover a little bit of love in every glass.
We truly appreciate you – thank you for your enthusiasm for our wines,
~Proprietors Brock & Michelle Waterman
Open Thur-Sun 11am-5pm
Peachy Canyon Winery is a small family owned winery in the beautiful wine country of Westside Paso Robles on the Central Coast of California; near Hearst Castle and Big Sur. Peachy Canyon Winery specializes in estate Zinfandels and has been family owned and operated by the Beckett Family since 1988. Experience the best the Paso Robles Westside has to offer. Come by and sample our award-winning Zinfandels and other acclaimed varietals in our Old School House tasting room. We look forward to seeing you soon!
PISMODISE…the Lifestyle of Pismo Beach! Come experience the passion of Pismo by walking our beaches, enjoying our shops and restaurants, and exploring the history of this beautiful beach community. Relax and experience the surf, sand and sunshine of our special central California beach getaway. PISMODISE is a timeless name, that embraces a unique feeling of “being in paradise”. Close your eyes, feel the ocean breeze, and listen to the surf roll in. YOU are in PISMODISE, where Pismo Beach meets paradise!
We craft wines that represent a stylistic bridge between the Old and New worlds, capturing the finesse associated with European wines while celebrating the bold natural flavors of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles.
The history behind Donatoni Winery is apparent to any visitor to this Westside Paso Robles winery. Memorabilia and photographs from the owners’ history in the airline industry cover the walls and adorn the tasting bar. And, owners Hank Donatoni and Sandi Baird are happy to elaborate on the story that the tasting room theme tells. Though they are retired now, Hank and Sandi’s connection to the airline business is still strong. Many of their friends were once co-workers, and even members of the aviation community they have never met find their way to Donatoni through their shared histories. Read more about Donatoni Winery here: http://pasoroblesdailynews.com/donatoni-wines-take-flight/1305/
The Hope family arrived in Paso Robles in 1978 in search of land and new opportunity. As they’ve planted vineyards, grown grapes and made wine over the past 30 years, Paso Robles has become a viticulture region of significance, capable of producing world-class wines. As one of the pioneering families of this distinctive wine community, the Hope family is dedicated to sustainable farming and making wines that are delicious, accessible and memorable. Still family-owned and operated, Hope Family Wines now makes five individual brands: Liberty School, Treana, Candor, Troublemaker and Austin Hope. Read more here: https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/paso-wine-country/hope-family-wines-2
As you enter The Hunt Cellars Tasting room, the fun wine experience begins, as you are greeted with either live music or our white grand player piano. Stroll up to our Cabernet Bar, where our warm and friendly staff are eager to lead you through a lighthearted and fun sampling of our wines. You may also choose to sip your wines on our spacious 1200 foot veranda, smoke your favorite cigar under our pavilion or simply stroll through our lush inviting landscaped lawns. We want you and your guest to simply have a wonderful time at Hunt Cellars and bring your friends and family back on your next visit to the Paso Robles Wine Country.
In 1982 the Eberle Winery production facility and tasting room were open for business and in 1994 Gary expanded underground, building the first wine caves in Paso Robles. Now, over 30 years later, Gary Eberle and his wife Marcy still greet guests daily with complimentary wine tastings, public tours of the production facility and 16,000 square feet of underground caves. They also play host to a variety of delicious and entertaining events held at the winery throughout the year.
Our vineyards are located six miles north of Paso Robles, CA, near the eastern slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The mainly southern-facing, rolling hill vineyards are planted on well-drained, moderately deep, silty clay loam soils. Hot summer days and cool nights provide ideal growing conditions for the vines. Read more about Vista Del Rey Vineyards:
https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/paso-robles/get-off-the-beaten-path
Lago Giuseppe is a new family owned – and run – winery and event site situated along the rolling hills of Highway 46 West. We are nestled in the heart of the Paso Robles wine country, between Highway 101 and Pacific Coast Highway 1.
A truly unique location, Lago Giuseppe Event Site, La Piana, offers a private, natural setting for your special event. Our picturesque event site is hidden on the banks of a small lake, surrounded by the tranquility of a waterfall, mature oak trees and our estate vineyard. Lovingly called “Middle Earth” by the locals, it feels like you are in another world amidst the lush foliage, surrounded by natural beauty.
Lago Giuseppe is a photographer’s dream. With so many interesting and beautiful settings for photos, your album will be a unique representation of your personalities. The natural beauty of the location provides an exquisite backdrop for events large and small.
Visit us in the tasting room Thursday thru Monday 11am-5:00pm to enjoy our incredible handcrafted wines.
We Olive was born from passion; a passion for locally sourced, healthy, delicious, artisan extra virgin olive oil! It was nearly a decade ago when we first noticed an increase in the consumer’s demand for this type of product; so, coupled with this knowledge and our own passion, the first We Olive store was opened.
Opening that first store was a dream come true for us. We had officially created a place where local growers, chefs, and guests alike could experience, learn about, and purchase the California-made olive oil we’d come to know and love. Of course, having a wonderful product isn’t the only key to success. From the very beginning we’ve been committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations in product quality, customer service, and providing an unparalleled educational & culinary experience. The combination of our educational “Olive Oil Experience” and a tasting-oriented wine bar make We Olive a unique destination for foodies everywhere.
When a guest walks through our doors, it is our goal to ignite the flame of culinary imagination within them; to instill the excitement and celebration of fresh, healthy foods made with ingredients from local artisans. It is our passion, our dedication, and the unique experience we provide that keeps guests coming back day after day.
Nestled in the heart of Edna Valley, overlooking rows of vineyards and a 40-mile stretch of the Santa Lucia mountain range is Autry Cellars. Owner and artisan winemaker Steve Autry and his tasting room staff pour wine varietals, brandy, and grappa borne from some of the best grapes selected from across the region, along with his signature apple brandy.
Autry Cellars’ informal, unpretentious tasting room is, “decorated in early American warehouse” style, jokes Autry. However, don’t be deceived by the modest décor. In this tasting room visitors can experience superb wine varietals ranging from best selling Petite Sirah to Malbec and Viognier. In addition, you can taste gold medal best-in-class grappa and silver medal winning American oak and Hungarian oak brandies, awarded by the California Mid-State Fair.
With over 18 years of winemaking experience, Autry became a commercial winemaker 10 years ago and a fully licensed brandy distiller in 2012. A visit to Autry Cellars is about discovery. He says people who visit his tasting room, “come for the wine and discover the brandy.” At Autry Cellars, visitors gain access to impressive wines and brandies that are available exclusively in the tasting room. Every wine is unique, and each is produced only in small quantities.
Visit Autry Cellars tasting room at 5450 Edna Road in San Luis Obispo; open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (805) 546-8669 or see autrycellars.com.