Boutique winery is known for Rhône blends and signature single varietal offerings.
—Seven Angels Cellars is a family business, owned and operated by Pamela and Greg Martin, a couple with a passion for family, food, and wine. They married in 2008 and launched the winery the following year. The winery, named in honor of their seven children, their “seven angels,” is a passion project for Pamela and Greg. Both have retired so they can focus on the things they enjoy, with wine taking center stage.
Greg grew up in a rural area of California, with neighbors who grew wine grapes. He spent a lot of time learning about the entire vine-to-bottle process from his patient neighbor. His interest in wine expanded when, stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard in the Bay Area, he had easy access to the wineries in Sonoma and Napa. Pamela comes from a family of foodies and wine enthusiasts. She took winemaking courses in college and learned the biology aspect of wine. She worked in catering and on TV as a home economist for a cooking show. Pairing food and wine to create an interesting and delightful balance in a meal has become an obsession for her.
Greg has been friends with Mike Emling, owner of Dark Star Cellars, for over 40 years. They used to sit in the backyard, sipping wine and talking about making wine someday. A few years ago, Mike approached the Martins about an available tasting room space on the Paso Robles 46 West Wineries Trail. The tasting room was adjacent to Dark Star Cellars, and the couple jumped at the opportunity to work with their friend.
“We love our original location on the Paso Back Roads Winery Trail. We enjoyed helping build that brand and working with so many wonderful people. Although we miss being part of that group, we were excited to join the 46 West Wineries,” said Pamela Martin.
“When we first started making wine, it was at Dark Star Cellars when the original owner was there. So many things seem to have come full circle, and we were delighted to be operating from this new location. We are excited about the outdoor space with live music most weekends and the opportunity to launch new events. Working side by side with my friend is a definite perk,” commented Greg.
The Martins plan to keep their production small, with approximately 1,000 cases per year. In addition to chardonnay, mourvèdre, and syrah from their estate vineyard, they source fruit from premium vineyards on the Central Coast. The boutique winery is best known for its Rhône blends and signature single varietal offerings such as syrah and merlot. They also offer chardonnay, grenache blanc, viognier, and a white blend named Unorthodox.
The Seven Angels Cellars tasting room is located at 2985 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles. Open Friday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information visit sevenangelscellars.com or call (805) 835-4054
—Lisa Pretty
