Enjoy great wine with playful names in a magical place

—Over a quarter century ago, Michael Dilsaver and Philip Krumal met in Southern California through a shared interest in wine. Their friendship grew and they decided to make wine together. They established Asuncion Ridge, starting with a vineyard of Pinot Noir west of Atascadero and produced their first vintage in 2005. In the years that followed Asuncion Ridge has grown significantly: acquiring new vineyards, sourcing grapes from all around Paso; producing a broad range of varietals; winning awards and accolades from the wine community. Still, Michael and Philip have maintained a boutique, craft style, only producing about 2000 cases per year.

They approach wine with patience and care, believing in keeping wines long in the barrel. The result pays off in exceptional wines with balanced flavor and smooth oakiness. They also have playful senses of humor, naming their Syrah ‘Nefarious’ and their Rhone blends ‘Salacious’ and ‘Lascivious.’ On a less scandalous naming trend, there are also a couple of red blends named after their dogs, Olivia and Benton. No matter the name of the wine, the quality is outstanding.

In 2020, Michael and Philip purchased an 11-acre former winery, located mere minutes from the center of town. After investing substantially in rehabilitating the buildings and improving the grounds, the new property and tasting room opened at the end of 2021.

The tasting building is a repurposed barn filled with chic furnishings. One wall is lined with black and white framed portraits of some of Paso’s most influential winemakers who have been friends and mentors to Michael and Philip, a reminder of the collaborative spirit that infuses the local wine community. The attached patio is just one of several outdoor seating spaces. Massive oak trees magnificently shade other seating clusters. During the warmer months, they host live music and offer charcuterie plates and there is a lawn space that can also host events. They provide the opportunity to stay in the rustic farmhouse on the property in a newly remodeled two-bedroom/ two-bath house.

The feel is very country, with a sense of intimate seclusion amidst the oaks and the vineyard. Yet the location just outside of town makes for an easy trip back to a restaurant for dinner, grab a coffee, or shop for cheeses to go with your newly purchased Asuncion wines. Through this combination of quality wine, relaxed ambiance and convenience, Asuncion Ridge has created a magical space that allows everyone to share in Michael and Philip’s wine country dream.

The newly renovated tasting room is open 7 days a week from 11:00am to 5:00pm, is pet friendly and allows food brought in, though a charcuterie board is available.

Asuncion Ridge Vineyards is located at 1525 Peachy Canyon Road in Paso Robles. Reservations are encouraged. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Closed on major holidays. For more information visit asuncionridge.com or call (805) 237-1425. 

—Katherine McMahon