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.

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/

Established in 1991…Dunning Vineyards is family owned and operated. Located on the Westside of Paso Robles in the “Willow Creek” AVA District. We are well known for producing Premium Quality highly rated Estate wines featuring Estate Zinfandel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Meritage, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah and Grenache.

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.

In Italian, Fratelli Perata means Perata Brothers. Maternal Grandparents Brothers, Gino and Joe Perata, rekindled the winemaking history of their father, grandfather and great-uncle when they established their winery using grapes grown on their 31 acre vineyard. Sons of Italian immigrants, Gino and Joe learned winemaking at the knees of their father and great-uncle who produced hundreds of gallons of wine for family and friends while living in Camarillo located in Ventura County, California. Gino and Joe were taught from the very beginning about the need for hands-on work to produce top quality wines. Read more here: http://pasoroblesdailynews.com/find-bold-italian-styled-wines-at-fratelli-perata/5777/

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

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is dedicated to producing flavorful wines that are the finest examples of quality and flavor from our given appellations. We are committed to honesty, excellence and service, with a respect for our employees, suppliers, customers, and the long-term health of our company and the environment.

August Ridge was established by John Backer and Jill Zamborelli Backer in the spring of 2001 with the purchase of 40 acres of rolling hills in Creston. From the beginning their goal was to produce wines that combine the robust styling of the best California wines with the restrained elegance of the classic wines from northern and central Italy. Their passion for the project comes from a love of cooking, eating and sharing meals with friends which leads directly to August Ridge wine style. This dream is a natural extension of both the Backer and Zamborelli families. John’s family has been growing grapes for four generations dating back to the 1800’s while Jill’s family brings the robust Italian food and traditions from a small town just outside of Rome, Italy.

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.

The classically elegant wines you’ll taste at Bianchi Winery and Tasting Room in Paso Robles are the culmination of the dreams of three generations of one California family spanning four decades. The late Joseph Bianchi was an innovator and renaissance man who experimented with wine-in-a-can and wine coolers, well… before they were cool.

Glenn Bianchi held strong to a vision of producing ultra-premium varietal wines that delivered finesse and complexity. The Paso Robles terroir helped him realize that mission when he purchased the 40 acres that you will see on your next visit. State-of-the art winery, fireplace-equipped wine tasting room and the Koi-stocked Lake helped him complete the picture and translate his dream into your experience. Today it is considered one of the best Paso Robles wineries to visit. Read more here: https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/paso-robles/tom-lane-makes-wine-with-character

Father and daughter Lloyd Messer and Dana Brown realized their dream of finding a place to express their passion for wine in 2000, when they established Calcareous Vineyards on one of the highest limestone plateaus on Paso Robles’ west side. Both Lloyd and Dana, experienced wine distributors in their native Iowa, recognized that the west side of Paso Robles had potential to produce world class wines. Their acquisition of 342 acres atop solid calcareous rock reaching 1,800 feet above sea level confirmed their dedication to producing the highest quality, terroir driven wines possible. It is a labor of love to cultivate fruit on this challenging land, but the reward is immediately apparent when tasting the wines. Calcareous has for over a decdade now, produced a collection of world–class blends and varietal wines that exhibit Paso Robles’ claim to being “distinct, different”. Lloyd passed on in 2006, and Dana advances their vision with the help of her sister Erika.

Castoro Cellars, which has been making wine in Paso Robles since 1983, was started by husband and wife Niels and Bimmer Udsen. Niels studied Ag Business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. According to Bimmer, “When Niels graduated he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do but the wine industry seemed appealing.” He started working at Paso Robles winery Estrella River Winery, and says Bimmer, “immediately fell in love with the wine business.”

Niels began making his own wine, which he and Bimmer would sell to friends and family. This eventually led to Niels and Bimmer starting Castoro Cellars, which now produces around 30,000 cases annually. Bimmer says of Paso Robles, “Ending up in Paso Robles was truly a blessing as the region has grown immensely since Castoro Cellars began making wines.” Read more here: https://www.slovisitorsguide.com/paso-robles/30-years-of-family-winemaking-at-castoro-cellars