Page 98 - SLO Visitors Guide - Summer 2026

98 SUMMER 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
Experience local history in every
glass at Derby Wine Estates
In the early 1920s, Paso Robles
was the heart of a thriving
almond industry, and the historic
Farmers’ Alliance Building, con-
structed in 1922 served as the hub
for the California Almond Grow-
ers Exchange. As the almond
business declined, the building
became a grain brokerage for
nearly four decades until it closed
and remained vacant from 1975
to 1985. In 2010, Ray and Pam
From almonds to
wine, 100 years
of local history
Tasting Derby’s enticing wines in its historic setting is a not-to-be-missed Paso Robles experience.
Derby purchased the building
and spent four years carefully
restoring it, and it became Derby
Wine Estates in 2014.
Once again, this symbol of
Paso Robles' agricultural heritage
is overlooking the entire town,
representing the area's commer-
cial center. Instead of almonds
or grains, it now celebrates wine.
What took a few months to build
a century ago took four years to
restore. Today, it is a place where
you can enjoy Derby wine, tour
the tower, and take in the views of
Paso Robles, the town, hills, and
vineyards that surround the area.
Three estate vineyards yield
25 different varietals
Derby wines are an entic-
ing mix of varietals and terroir
from three estate vineyards, each
growing grapes that reflect the
different terroirs:
• Derbyshire Vineyard, on the
San Simeon Coast, reflects
the cool coastal terroir and
is mainly planted with pinot
noir and pinot gris.
• Derby Vineyard in the
Templeton Gap mainly
grows Rhone Varietals,
as this area experiences large
temperature swings that
are ideal for growing a range
of grapes. Usually, there is
about a 50°F difference be
tween the day’s high and low.
• Laura’s Vineyard, on the 46
East, grows predominantly
warmer-weather varietals,
focusing on Bordeaux
varietals, especially cabernet
sauvignon.
Because of the three vine-
yards, located in different terroirs,
micro-climates, and weather
patterns, Debry has the advantage
of growing about 25 different
varietals. Due to the skill of
winemaker Sean Geoghegan, tast-
ing at Derby Wine Estates is the
opportunity to enjoy your favorite
varietals and be introduced to less
familiar, but enjoyable, wines.
Tasting experiences
Derby wine tasting experi-
ences rotate regularly, ensuring
there’s always something new to
try. Tastings usually include five
different wines selected from each
vineyard. Expect to enjoy wines
from the Rhone, Burgundy, Bor-
deaux, and other notable regions.