Page 104 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

104 WINTER 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
Wine Tasting
-VISIT US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY TASTINGEnjoy
our winery grounds, taste our remarkable wines,
picnic, play bocce or just relax in the shade.
GLUNZ FAMILY
WINERY & CELLARS
OPEN DAILY 10AM-5PM ~ LOCATED AT 8331 HIGHWAY 46E
GFWC.COM ~ 805-238-1400
Buddy, the min-pin mix who
was rescued from Los Angeles
railroad tracks 14 years ago, can be
seen trotting along behind Walter.
All the aging Buddy wants is to be
close to Walter. “Please don’t try to
pet Buddy,” warns Sylvia. He’s los-
ing his hearing and vision and may
snap if startled.
The vineyards, the wine, and
sustainability
A vision evolved from Syl-
via’s commitment to her fam-
ily vineyards and Walter’s superb
chef skills, and roots in his family
vineyards. Supported by a talented
Le Vigne team, accolades from the
wine industry kept pouring in.
Recently, Le Vigne Cabernet
Sauvignon 2021 earned five gold
medals from five competitions, in-
cluding the San Diego International
Wine and Spirits Challenge and
the New York International Wine
Competition. Other multiple medal
winners include:
• Le Vigne Nikiara 2021, a
Bordeaux-style blend, was awarded
double gold at Toast of the Coast,
and gold medals from the San Fran-
cisco Chronicle Wine Competition
and the Sunset International Wine
Competition.
• Le Vigne Paso Robles Sauvi-
gnon Blanc won a gold medal each
at the San Antonio Stock Show and
Rodeo Competition and Toast of
the Coast.
These are only three of the
award-winning wines from Le
Vigne. The vineyards, the soil,
climate, vineyard management, and
winemaking practices all determine
the quality and character of the
grapes that are eventually poured
into our wine glasses.
Winemaker Ben Mayo said, “I
am very much involved with every
aspect of the vineyards. From prun-
ing decisions, watering schedules,
fertilizer, and cover crops, as well as
picking decisions.”
Mayo said vine growth and
maturity are monitored consistently
for the best outcomes, ensuring
that the winemaking team receives
the best fruit. Every harvested lot
is monitored to make sure the fer-
mentation is smooth and complete.
Le Vigne currently has 125 acres
planted at two estate vineyards in
the Estrella District AVA. Both
vineyards benefit from alluvial
soil deposited by the Estrella River
and the climate of the Templeton
Gap. The Domenico vineyard is
two sections around the winery.
The Acquarello Vineyard is located
on the south bank of the Estrella
River.
Le Vigne is a member of the
Certified California Sustainable
Winegrowers. The vineyards are
sustainably farmed, supported
by practices that include certified
organic compost supplied on-site
from restaurant, livestock, and
winery waste, 17 species of cover
crops, and incorporating animals
into their farming practices.
An adventure in winetasting,
lunch, and shopping
Tasting flights include the Clas-
sic Wine Tasting or the Signature
Wine + Cheese Tasting. Reserva-
tions are highly recommended for
group tastings.
Lunch features Chef Walter’s
oven-fired pizzas, pastas, and
salads. Lunch is served most week-
ends from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
unless there’s a special event.
The Italian Market + Cheese
Shop offers imported pastas,
sauces, olive oils, salamis, and
more alongside local nuts, fruits,
treasures, and thoughtfully
prepared frozen meals. Artisan
cheeses are expertly sourced from
around the world.
If Paso Robles isn’t on your
itinerary, check out the Los Ange-
les Tasting Room & Italian Market.
There is wine tasting, entertain-
ment, charcuterie-making classes,
and special guest speakers. Reserve
your spot for lunch featuring Chef
Walter’s paninis and shop the
market for a second dessert.
Be sure to join Le Vigne’s wine
club and enjoy several exclusive
member perks.
Le Vigne Winery is located
at 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso
Robles. The Los Angeles tasting
room is located at 2325 E 55th
Street, in Vernon, CA. For hours,
reservations, and more informa-
tion, visit levignewinery.com or
call Paso Robles at (805) 227-4000,
or Los Angeles at (323) 689-7005.
—Jackie Iddings