Page 96 - SLO Visitors Guide - Spring 2026

96 SPRING 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
Wine Tasting
WALK-INS & RESERVATIONS WELCOME • FRI-SUN 11AM-5PM
1266 N. BETHEL RD., TEMPLETON , CA • (805) 434-0319
Paso Robles’ legendary wine
caves and the man behind them
Caves open our imaginations to
adventure and possibilities. In
legends, caves are mystical path-
ways, the lairs of dragons guarding
treasures, and gateways to the
hero's journey. There are caves in
Paso Robles where one can ex-
plore treasured, exquisite wine and
perhaps even a new consciousness,
especially about wine, under the
guidance of Gary Eberle.
There is no dragon in the Eb-
erle caves, and the guardian, Gary,
is pleased to share the treasured
wine he has stored there. He may
even insist on it. Known as the
Godfather of Paso Robles, Gary is
one of the pioneers of Paso Robles
wine country, a co-founder of the
Paso Robles AVA, and the first to
build wine caves in the area.
Thirty years underground
When the Eberle caves opened
in 1996, they were a first for San
Luis Obispo County—a bold
venture carved into the limestone
hillsides. The first request to
excavate the caves was denied by
San Luis Obispo County. No one
had ever asked to do such a thing,
and the county just didn’t know
what do about it. Gary applied to
the U.S. Bureau of Mines and, $10
later, got the permit.
What began as 8,000 square
feet of caves in 1996 more than
doubled that size three years
later. At a depth of 30 feet, with a
temperature around 60 degrees,
every barrel of Eberle wine is aged
underground. The caves have the
capacity to store 2700 barrels.
Experience the
mystery of caves,
great wine, and
conversation at
Eberle Winery
Gary Eberle, Godfather of Paso Robles and Guardian of the Caves.
The caves are also stages for cel-
ebrations. The VIP room hosts small,
intimate tastings or dinners and has
seen many a romantic, candlelit pro-
posal. The Wild Boar Room (Eberle
is German for “boar”) welcomes
larger gatherings and hosts the
famed Guest Chef Dinner Series.
Despite rumors of whispering
spirits drifting through the tunnels,
Gary insists no ghosts linger, and
the only spirits are Eberle’s award-
winning wines. Some visitors claim
you can catch a buzz just breathing
the rich, wine-infused air.
Who is the Godfather of Paso
Robles?
While enjoying a few glasses of
Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon, Gary
shared stories from his past.
After graduating from Penn State
as a football star under the legendary
“Papa” Joe Paterno, Gary was drafted
by the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately,
his football-damaged knees limited
his pro career to less than three
weeks. Gary decided to join the
U.S. Marines. The Vietnam conflict
was heating up, and Gary wanted to
serve his country. His knees betrayed
him again after two different Marine
recruitment centers rejected him.