Winery
They say good fences make good neighbors, but it was a love of wine and winemaking that was the connection between Opolo proprietors Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols.
Their two families have lived side-by-side in Camarillo since 1996. As Nichols remembers, “I knew Rick to say hello to, but that was about it. Then one day, he said to me, ‘Hey Dave, I just planted 10,000 grapevines!’” And so began the evolution of Opolo, one of Paso Robles’ premier labels. Quinn and Nichols have been neighbors in two counties since 1997 when Nichols bought vineyard property adjoining Quinn’s. Together they now own and farm nearly 300 acres of vines on the east and westside of Paso Robles.
Opolo’s estate vineyards were established from 1994-1996, with sites on both the west and east side of Paso Robles. The topographically diverse, coastal landscape of the westside vineyards provides for an intense and unique flavor profile. The heat and dryness of the east side vineyard make it an ideal microclimate for growing Bordeaux varietals. Home to a wide range of varietals, the estate vineyards help allow the team at Opolo to create many unique single varietals as well as award winning blends.
SUSTAINABILITY
At Opolo we believe a strong, cooperative relationship with the land and our environment is crucial. We practice sustainable methods in both the winery and vineyard operations in order to preserve our environment, water and local wildlife. Opolo is a “SIP” Certified operation as well as certified organic by “CCOF” in our 64 acre walnut orchard. We continue to be great stewards of the land and invite you to come to our vineyards and see our operations!
Row Crops
We grow barley between the planting rows in order to hold moisture in place and prevent erosion during the winter rains (when there is rain) and instead of cutting and removing the barley, we simply mow it in place to add beneficial nutrients back to the soil.
Owl Boxes
Owl boxes make great homes for nesting owls, as well as provide a natural rodent and pest control in the vineyard.
Constructed Wetlands
Water is recycled at Opolo through our two-tank wetlands’ system, which uses marine plants to filter the water so it can be reused in the vineyard. The wetlands also provide a habitat for beneficial microorganisms, insects, and birds.
A deep and abiding respect for Laetitia’s estate-grown fruit is the mark of Eric Hickey’s winemaking. Beginning his hands-on training in the cellar at the tender age of 16, Eric has lived and breathed Laetitia all the way to the top, where he is now the Head Winemaker and the winery’s President. “I keep it simple,” he says, “and I stay eye-to-eye with Lino because the interplay between us is what determines the wines’ quality. Everything done in the cellar starts with what we do out in the vineyard.” While Eric makes a point of experimenting with small lots each vintage, his style is fundamentally built upon finding balance, finesse, and the essence of the fruit he has come to know for so many years. Read more here: https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/san-luis-obispo/laetitia-vineyards-home-of-diversity
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.
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.
Demeter Family Cellars is a family owned micro winery producing small lots of award winning wines. Listen to music you choose from their collection of over 500 vinyl records. James and Diane will make your visit memorable in their mid-century modern tasting room. 6990 Kingsbury Rd., Templeton, demeterfamilycellars.com, (805) 712-0002
Living the Dream
Pinot Noir is the driving passion of Marc Goldberg and Maggie D’Ambrosia, husband and wife owners of Windward Vineyard. Windward Vineyard is dedicated exclusively to producing Burgundian style Pinot Noir. To make the “Great American Pinot Noir,” one that rivals those produced in Burgundy, is the couple’s passion.
Marc and Maggie purchased and planted the vineyard in 1989 based upon the terroir and microclimate of the Paso Robles Westside. The combination of the cooling Pacific breezes, the calcareous soil and the 50 degree daily drop in temperature produce exemplary Pinot Noir.
With the Burgundian French term, “Monopole” vision of total control over both the vineyard and the winemaking, the 15-acre vineyard is planted to four notable French clones.
Windward Vineyard is dedicated to putting Paso Robles’ Pinot Noir back on the map, following in the footsteps of two significant figures in California wine history. In the late 1960’s, consultant Andre Tchelistcheff supervised the Paso Robles Hoffman Mountain Ranch property of Dr. Stanley Hoffman. In the 1970’s, Hoffman’s Pinot Noirs gained worldwide recognition, and were drinking well over 20 years later.
Since the 1993 debut in 1995, each of Windward’s SOLD OUT vintages have achieved inspiring acclaim, particularly within the community of wine aficionados who appreciate the layered complexity of Burgundian styled Pinot Noir. Marc explains. “We knew we could count on the vineyard to produce formidable fruit. It is living up to our expectations as it matures and continues to develop layered complexity.”
Located in the heart of the Willow Creek district on the westside of Paso Robles, Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery can be found on a cozy corner on Township Road just off Highway 46w in the beautiful foothills of west Paso. The property has a local history dating back to the late 1890’s. The original Farmhouse has been lovingly updated and sits proudly on our estate. The Pelletiere Estate vineyard, rich in limestone soils was planted in 1993-1996, and is family owned & operated with a commitment to the traditions of fine winemaking and responsible stewardship of its vineyard land for future generations to savor and uphold.
Its south-facing sloped terrain, rocky limestone soils, cool coastal breezes, and diurnal fluctuation in temperature create, above all an estate ideal for wine growing. Here we produce exceptional Italian varietals that honor our Italian heritage and those of our predecessor. Today, 100 percent of Pelletiere Estate wines are sourced from its sustainably-farmed estate-grown Italian varieties which include; Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Lagrein, Aglianico, and Primitivo, as well as, our Syrah and Viognier. We are dedicated to meticulous vineyard care, picking at optimum ripeness, and creating elegant Italian-style wines which express the balance and pure flavors of our vineyard terrior.
Distinctive Italian-style wines, stunning tasting room, breathtaking setting, and passionate crew members, make Pelletiere Estate truly worth the visit.
The genesis of the wine story for Pear Valley began in the late 60’s when owner Tom Maas was stationed on an army base in Germany…in the midst of a vineyard. Here he learned to love both wine and the vineyard. Decades later, when the kids were grown and responsibilities waned, he was free to pursue his dream of owning and living in a vineyard. It started with 20 acres in 1999 and now Tom and Kathleen own 113 acres where they dedicate their energy and resources to providing the best environment for growing premium grapes. The vineyards are operated with sustainable farming practices to ensure that the best fruit possible will still be grown there when their grandchildren operate the farm.
The next phase of the dream began in the Spring of 2008 when they broke ground on a 14,000 winery and 5,000 square foot tasting room. Continuing the dedication to providing the best environment possible, the winery and tasting room were designed in partnership with PG&E through their “Savings By Design” program to design buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sound.
In August 2012 Pear Valley officially achieved Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard Certification. Attaining SIP Certification demonstrates dedication to vineyard practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically-viable. To read more go to http://www.vineyardteam.org.
Tasting Room Hours:
11am to 5pm 7 days a week by appointment
Tucked into the hillside east of Paso Robles, along California’s enchanting Central Coast is Robert Hall Winery, where years of hard work and infinite attention to detail are invested into every bottle of wine we make. As farmers first, the goal is to nurture the land and coax from it the finest fruit possible from the vineyards on the Hall Ranch — each with its own personality and each expressing unique nuances that strive to capture the essence of Paso Robles.
An entrepreneur with tremendous business acumen, Robert L. Hall’s past success include ventures in construction, bowling centers, travel agencies, restaurants and champion horse breeding. A native of Minnesota, Robert resided in Arizona prior to finding a home in the Paso Robles AVA. https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/paso-robles/award-winning-wines-hospitality
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.
We are blessed today to have four generations of family contributing to our success. Our vineyards are now located in Paso Robles, Monterey, and Napa Valley and we are proud to be one of the most-awarded wineries in California. We invite you to become part of our family by visiting San Antonio Winery!
RiverStar Vineyards consists of approximately 80 acres and is family owned and operated. Our family has fallen in love with the lifestyle of farming grapes, producing wines and being involved with the community of Paso Robles and is proud to make this our home.
We invite you to become part of this lovely community too by visiting us or staying with us at our lovely Vacation Rental, located steps away from our welcoming Tasting Room.
Award-winning wines, great hospitality and unbelievable sunsets await you at RiverStar Vineyards!
https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/san-miguel/fruit-forward-family-first
Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of San Miguel, California. We are blessed with crisp mornings acquired from the Pacific Ocean influence, and hot days soothed by the cooler afternoon winds. This climate, with the beneficial temperature swings, helps to create superior fruit for our wines.
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
Paso Robles tasting room is open 7 days a week.
10:00am – 5:00pm (winter hours)
Wine Tasting in Paso Robles
What began as a self taught side project for the family’s converted apple barn in 1998, the Arroyo Robles Winery now boasts a renowned tasting room and annual case production of over 3500 cases. Located in Paso Robles, CA the vineyard produces 24 acres of wine grapes including Syrah, Mouredre, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvigon, Grenache Nior, Tannat, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Franc. Opened seven days a week from 11am to 7pm, the Arroyo Robles Winery downtown Paso Robles tasting room offers an eclectic choice of local favorites and exotic wines. Look for us at the Zinfandel Festival, Wine Festival, Harvest Festival, and the San Diego Food & Wine Festival.
Testimonials:
“A group of 9 of us found our way into the Arroyo Robles tasting room last Saturday after a late lunch and couldn’t have been happier about it. Russell was working behind the counter and was incredibly friendly and accommodating which was particularly impressive because we were not the calmest of groups. He was talkative with everyone and very informative. I think we would all return to the tasting room, just for the atmosphere he created.” – Jessica B.
“We asked about the sparkling wines and Russell said he wasn’t pouring them that evening, but would let us taste since we seemed nice and were just going with the flow. We enjoyed all of the wines he poured that night and took home 5 bottles! That’s the most I’ve even bought at one time. My faves included the Almond Sparkling Wine and the Emergency Relief blend and I’m looking forward to enjoying them here at home. We’ll definitely make this tasting room again when we come back in the spring!” – Frances G.
Services Offered:
- Wine Tasting
- Outdoor Garden
- Cellar Club
- Wine Classes
- Gift Shop
- Events
- Handcrafted winemakers
Payment Accepted:
- Cash
- Check
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Discover
- American Express
Parking Situation:
- Street,
- Parking Lot
Halfway between the two main California metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco is Paso Robles Wine Country. Located along California’s famed Central Coast, the Paso Robles winegrape growing region’s climate is perfect for the production of award-winning premium wines. A long growing season of warm days and cool evenings gives rise to vibrantly ripened fruit with dynamic flavor profiles that translate beautifully in your glass of Paso Robles wine.
Bovino Vineyards and Winery is located in beautiful Templeton, California. Our estate vineyards are centrally situated in the Templeton Gap which is nestled between the Paso Robles Willow Creek and the El Pomar Districts. The Templeton Gap consists of a series of mountain passes created by rivers and creeks in the Santa Lucia Range, through which marine air flows into the region.
The Templeton Gap is the coolest climate of the Paso Robles sub-appellations and receives approximately 20 inches of precipitation per year. The water gap allows marine influences to enter the region which moderate the daily temperatures and increase the amount of time that it takes for grapes to ripen. The elevations in the area range from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level with the majority of the wineries located between 800 and 940 feet.
The soils were created by alluvium of the Monterey Formation and are largely made up of silty and clay loams. There are some older soils produced from the Paso Robles Formation that are more cemented and shaly. Grapes produced in this region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Charbono, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier and Zinfandel.