Where sustainable, organic wine is a family affair
Castoro Cellars has been a leader in winegrowing, sustainability, and an integral part of the Paso Robles and Central Coast community for over 40 years. The Udsens have consistently prioritized doing things the right way for both people and the environment, earning SIP Certification in 2008 and CCOF Organic Certification in 2007. In recognition of their decades of dedication, Castoro was honored in 2020 by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance as the Environmental Winery of the Year.
Bimmer and Niels Udsen’s dedication to the environment and sustainable, responsible farming is a practice passed down by Niels’ Danish father. Although Niels was born in Ventura, CA, he often visited Denmark and met Bimmer there. They share the same passion, vision, and commitment to the soil, wine, people, and community.
Castoro Cellars was established in 1983, when fewer than twenty wineries operated in the Paso Robles area; today, that number has grown to over 250. The Udsens began their journey sourcing fruit and making wine, eventually building a winery and tasting room, and purchasing property. By 1990, they were fully involved in the entire operation—and haven’t looked back since, but they do look forward.
Today, over four acres of solar panels offset the power needed to operate the winery and tasting room. Castoro is the largest grower of organic grapes on the Central Coast. The roughly 1400 acres of 100% certified organic vineyards grow 27 different varietals of French, Italian, and Spanish grapes in 14 vineyards.
Sit, sip, and savor
Head winemaker Tom Myers has been producing wines in Paso Robles since 1978, establishing himself as a true pioneer in the wine industry. He joined Castoro in 1990 and has been leading the winemaking team ever since. Besides his various degrees, Tom’s hands-on experience is unmatched, and he creates wines that genuinely showcase the terroir, letting the earth and grapes speak for themselves.
Castoro Cellars winemaker Tom Myers.
Tastings will vary depending on the time of year and availability, but you will always enjoy a selection of single-varietal and blended wines. Sample single varietals like primitivo, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio, albariño, and a range of creative, palate-pleasing blends.
Most of the year, the weather is ideal for sitting outside, surrounded by the pastoral view of Castoro’s vineyards and the landscape beyond. In real estate, there’s a saying: “location, location, location.” Now, add elegant wine and top-notch hospitality to the location, and you’ve just experienced a moment in Shangri-la.
Moved by the spirits
Spending time in Italy, Niels became fascinated with Italian-style grappa, which naturally led to expanding the family legacy. After obtaining the first distilling licenses in the county, Niels began crafting spirits, and Bethel Rd Distillery became a reality in 2013.
Located just across the road from Castoro Cellars and managed by sons Luke and Max Udsen, the distillery marks another chapter in the Udsen family’s legacy of SIP and CCOF certifications. The brothers grow their own organic yeast, compost, produce their own fertilizer, use electric tractors, 100% hand-harvest, and sort the grapes.
Join the legacy at the Dam Fine Club
Join the Dam Fine Club wine club and keep up on new releases, exclusive wine club bottlings, upcoming events, rare library wines, and Castoro Cellar’s “Dam Fine Wine” canned wines.
Check out the website and take advantage of Web Wednesday discounts, make reservations, and learn more about onsite lodging, ebike tours, disc golf, and upcoming events. Mark your calendar for the September 19-20, 2026 Whale Rock Festival.
A visit to Castoro Cellars is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Udsen family’s vision for the future.
Castoro Cellars Vineyards & Winery is located at 1315 N Bethel Rd., Templeton, CA. Tasting room is open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Reserved seating is available until 4:45 p.m., walk-ins are welcome until 5:30 p.m. For reservations or more information, visit castorocellars.com or call (888) 326-3463.
—Don Sonderling
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer, covering California’s unique cultural lifestyle of wine, food, and activities, from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com
