🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷
In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two winemakers that have stepped into new chapters: Aaron Hunt of Shadow Run Vineyards and Michael Barretto of Oso Libre Winery.

The conversation uncorks harvest reflections, the transition from family stewardship to full ownership, and what it means to go from the cellar to the boardroom. Aaron shares how taking over Shadow Run has reshaped his vision, while Michael opens up about becoming a partner at Oso Libre after years of hands-on hustle.

Later, we spotlight Allegretto Vineyard Resort and their upcoming 12 Days of Festive Celebration, a magical holiday experience wrapped in wine country luxury.

GUEST LINKS
• Shadow Run Vineyards: shadowrunvineyards.com
• IG: @shadowrunvineyards
• Oso Libre Winery: osolibre.com
• IG: @osolibrewinery

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT
• Allegretto Vineyard Resort: allegrettovineyardresort.com
• IG: @allegrettoresort

PASO WINE WIRE SOURCES
• Thomas Hill Organics / Chef Mike Espy: GoFundMe – Support the Espy Family
• Wine Country Christmas Market (Dec 7 @ McPrice Myers): Event Info
• Caliza Winery’s New Location: Paso Robles Daily News

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow
If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

📱 Download the free Paso Wine App — your ultimate guide to wine country.
For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine

Follow Adam on IG → @AdamOnTheAir
Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine, travel, culture)
Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective
If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!
©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with three bold names shaking up Paso Robles: Tommy Booth of Wine Boss, and Dina & Jeff Hevert of Vinyl Vineyards. From Hollywood reality TV to rockstar collabs, this episode is a journey through reinvention, hustle, and the kind of creativity that makes Paso wine country unlike anywhere else.

Recorded live at Lobro, the conversation dives into Tommy’s wild ride from Cal Poly viticulture student to crafting wine for Kevin Hart and Pepper, and how Jeff & Dina turned their passion for vintage trailers and music into a soulful, boutique vineyard experience.

Later, we spotlight Tin City with Bri Brighlane, who shares what’s in store for the holidays at Paso’s urban wine collective with 44 creative producers packed into one unforgettable block.

GUEST LINKS
• Wine Boss: winebosspasorobles.com
• IG: @wineboss_pasorobles
• Vinyl Vineyards: vinylvin.com
• IG: @vinylvineyards

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT
• Tin City: tincitypasorobles.com

PASO WINE WIRE SOURCES
• Jenny Heinzen Real Estate Feature: Paso Market Outlook 2025
• Grey Wolf Earthquake Story: The Tribune – SLO Earthquake

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

📱 Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Joining Adam are the dream team from SummerWood Winery & Inn: Winemaker Mauricio Marchant, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager Margaret Shirley, and Inn Manager Angie Vazquez – alongside Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina Winery and the one-of-a-kind Trailer Pond glamping experience.

This episode is a deep dive into how you sip and how you feel hospitality, and why the full wine country experience is worth getting right. It’s wine-story, and soulful-stay… straight from the source.

🍷 This episode features:

• Mauricio Marchant, Winemaker, SummerWood Winery
  • Margaret Shirley, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager, SummerWood
  • Angie Vazquez, Inn Manager, SummerWood Inn
  • Maggie Tillman, HBIC, Alta Colina Winery & The Trailer Pond

🔗 Links

• SummerWood Winery & Inn
  • Alta Colina Winery
  • The Trailer Pond
  • Paso Robles Vacation Rentals – PasoStay
  • TravelPaso.com

📲 Follow on Instagram

• @summerwoodwinery
  • @altacolina
  • @thetrailerpond
  • @pasoroblesvacationrentals
  • @travelpaso

🧭 Travel Paso Spotlight

Later in the episode, we spotlight Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, aka PasoStay.com, a locally owned service helping visitors book thoughtfully curated stays throughout Paso, from vineyard estates to charming downtown hideaways. Adam chats with Sandy Oneal about how the right place to stay can transform your trip. Originally founded by Kathy Bonelli with just a handful of properties over 20 years ago, Paso Robles Vacation Rentals now features more than 100 unique homes. The team partners with local property owners and works closely with community leaders and task forces to support the evolving landscape of vacation rentals in the region.

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine and travel junkies.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

📱 Download the free Paso Wine App
🔗 PasoWine.com
📸 Follow: @PasoWine, @AdamOnTheAir
🎙 Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up+Adam and The Pour
💻 Connect or reach out at AdamMontiel.com – Learn about Adam’s Breaking & Entering Christmas

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective
©2025 Where Wine Takes You. All Rights Reserved.

 Episode 150 turns a new page in Paso Robles. Adam sits down with the founders of Gravesend Paso, Matt Reese and Keith Robinson (also of Saint K Wines) along with Chef Amy Baer and rising winemaker Andy Neja of Cairjn Wine Cellars. We dig into why a name like Gravesend matters, how a kitchen is built entirely by women, how small lot winemaking finds new voice in Paso, and why hospitality is getting reimagined up and down Spring Street. Recorded at LoBro Studios in downtown Paso Robles.

This episode features:
• Matt Reese, Co-owner, Gravesend and Saint K Wines
• Keith Robinson, Co-owner, Gravesend and Saint K Wines
• Chef Amy Baer, Founder and Owner of Epicurean Santa Barbara and Executive Chef at Gravesend
• Andy Neja, Owner and Winemaker at Cairjn Wine Cellars

Links
• Gravesend Paso
• Saint K Wines
• Cairjn Wine Cellars

Follow on Instagram:

Cairjn Wine Cellars → @cairjnwines
Gravesend Wine Merchant & Eatery → @gravesendpaso
Saint K Wines → @saintkwines 

We also spotlight our unique partnership with Engelbert Strauss, the official workwear partner of Paso Robles Wine Country, and why it matters in the vineyard, the cellar, and beyond. I picked up the phone and spoke with Cris Cherry of Villa Creek & MAHA Estate and Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines – two makers who know that craft isn’t just what happens in the glass, but who shows up in the fields, in the hands, in the gear. Their insights on harvest, community, and what it takes to make it count in Paso bring context to a partnership that’s built for the people doing the work.

Paso Wine Wire
• Garagiste Wine Festival returns Nov 7-8, in Paso Robles for its 15th anniversary → garagistefestival.com
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company unveils a new CO2 recovery system in Paso Robles, expected to save four million pounds of emissions annually → firestonewalker.com
• Ancient Peaks Winery hosted the 4th Annual Walk for Cancer at Santa Margarita Ranch → pasoroblespress.com

Travel Paso Spotlight
Later in the show we spotlight Taste! Craft Eatery in downtown Paso Robles, the same concept featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. They offer over 60 mini dishes, sliders, mac and cheese, big flavor, and local wine pairing energy.
• tastepasorobles.com

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

📱 Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Recorded at Timbre LoBro Studios, this episode features:
• Marc Caparone — Owner/Winemaker, Caparone Winery
• Roger Nicolas — Owner/Winemaker, RN Estate Vineyard & Winery

We explore Caparone’s father-and-son “simple winery, complex wines” ethos and their pioneering work with Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Aglianico. Then we head to RN Estate’s hilltop lens on Paso: Bordeaux-inspired reds, finesse-first blending, and SRH Pinot Noir when the coast calls. If you’re chasing origin stories in the glass, start here.

Paso Wine Wire

• Dream Big Darling opens 2026 FLOurish leadership track — six months of coaching, peer mentoring, and skill-building → https://dreambigdarling.org/flourish
  • Cambria Hotel Templeton–Paso Robles is now open at 1000 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton → https://www.choicehotels.com/cambria
  • National love for locals: Yes Cocktail Co. named #1 Best Craft Mixer Brand in USA TODAY 10Best; Allegretto Vineyard Resort ranked #3 Best Wine Country Hotel → https://www.yescocktailco.com • https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com

Travel Paso Spotlight

We check in with Stewart McLennan, co-founder of the Garagiste Wine Festival, celebrating 15 years of discovery in Paso — small-lot producers, first-name energy, and the best place to stumble into your new favorite label.
• Festival info & schedule → https://www.garagistefestival.com/paso-robles
• Plan your trip → https://travelpaso.com

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

Links & Follow

Wineries
• Cparone Winery (est. 1979) → https://www.caparone.com
• RN Estate Vineyard & Winery (est. 2000) → https://www.rnestate.com

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

📱 Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

 This week we saddle up with the Canopy Cowboys of Alterra Solutions — a vineyard management supergroup shaping some of the most coveted sites in Paso. We’re talking legacy, precision farming, and how to ride ripeness like a pro, and what Paso is learning from Harvest 2025, from the brightest minds farming it.

Recorded at LoBro Studios in Paso Robles, this ep features:
• Kevin Wilkinson (the thinker), founder & vineyard strategist
• Lucas Pope (the kind & sensitive one), VP, sparkling evangelist, and co-founder of Haliotide Wines
• Chris Hammell (token bad boy), vineyard whisperer (formerly Bien Nacido)

We dig into Alterra’s 2025 rebrand from Coastal Vineyard Services and why it signals more than just a name change. It’s a full-circle moment for founder Kevin Wilkinson, who has spent decades shaping the region from behind the scenes. Lucas Pope shares his wild entry into farming, managing vineyards for Silicon Valley’s elite in the hills of Santa Cruz, and how that path eventually led to launching Haliotide, a sparkling wine project with his wife Nicole. Chris Hammell reflects on his years managing Bien Nacido Vineyard, and why his quiet, humble demeanor masks one of the most accomplished vineyard résumés on the West Coast.

Paso Wine Wire
• New Decemil Wine Lounge brings micro-estate Rhône energy to downtown Paso inside the 1888 Grangers Union Building → decemilwines.com
• Garagiste Wine Festival turns 15 — Nov 7–8 at Paso Robles Event Center → garagistefestival.com
• Opolo’s Harvest Grape Stomp Dinner is back Oct 17 — lamb roast, Balkan beats, and stomping galore → opolo.com

Travel Paso Spotlight
This week we check in to Hotel Cheval, the boutique gem of downtown Paso. GM Jayne Christman joins us to talk about warm service, world-class comfort, and what makes Cheval one of Paso’s most beloved places to stay.
• Learn more: hotelcheval.com
• Plan your trip: TravelPaso.com

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

📱 Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

This week we go inside the new life breathed into Paso’s ‘first castle on the right’, the newest hospitality power duo: Fortress Custom Crush (production, collaboration, small-lot craft) and The Anderson Paso (flexible hospitality and events next door). I’m joined by Jeremy Leffert (Fortress), Azurae Shults (The Anderson Paso), and Jeff Kandarian of Serial Wines to talk about harvest 2025, how resident winemakers sharpen each other, and all what we can expect when all the curtains are pulled back. We taste through Serial’s current lineup and dig into the drawbridge between craft and collaboration.

Paso Wine Wire

• Linne Calodo stays “all in on Zin,” highlighting heritage sites and Willow Creek spice with 2023 releases Problem Child and Cherry Red. → linnecalodo.com
• Booker achieves CCOF organic certification in the winery, completing vine-to-bottle organic status. → Read: Paso Robles Daily News • Visit: bookerwines.com
• Robb Report spotlights Libretto as a downtown Paso jazz magnet built around a rare 2012 Steinway Model D. → Read: Robb Report • Visit: librettopaso.com

Travel Paso Spotlight

We’re shining the light on the Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles, November 6–9, 2025, a multi-day celebration of music and legacy. Build your weekend around the concerts, the wine, and the vibe.
• Learn more: paderewskifest.com
• Plan your trip: TravelPaso.com

Special Mini-Segment

A quick recognition of our partnership with Strauss, including a short chat with Henning Strauss on why supporting local storytelling matters to makers and travelers alike.

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

This week on Where Wine Takes You, we’re going Where the Wild Wines Are with three winemakers who represent the energy and evolution of Paso: Ryan Pease of Paix Sur Terre, Alex Kemp of Brecon Estate, and Ryker Wall of Cordant Winery.

Ryan has carved out a cult following with Paix Sur Terre, crafting Rhône-driven wines that overdeliver in character and soul. Alex is leading the charge at Brecon, one of Paso’s most acclaimed tasting rooms, while also exploring his Grenache obsession through Terranean Wines. And Ryker is steering winemaking at Cordant, continuing its legacy of thoughtful, vineyard-driven blends, while building his personal project Idola Wines into something truly exciting.

Together, we dig into what it means to make wine in Paso right now — the harvest surprises, the challenges, the camaraderie, and the creativity. You’ll hear stories that connect the dots between established brands and the next generation of labels that are quietly rising up in Paso.

Paso Wine Wire

• Paso featured in Forbes: “Outstanding Cabernet Year” for 2025 — cooler weather + drought conditions could deliver one of Paso’s most exciting vintages yet.
• Sensorio issues global open call for new immersive art installations — artists, designers, and creators invited to light up Paso in new ways.
• California Wine Month — celebrating the $2.8 billion impact of wine and tourism on Paso and the many events happening across the state wrapping up September.

Travel Paso Spotlight

This week we’re shining the light on The Bovine Classic, Paso’s gravel cycling adventure happening October 25, 2025, that mixes endurance with pure SLO CAL beauty. Riders take on rugged vineyard trails, rolling hills, and backcountry routes that show off Paso in a whole new way. Last year I even got to call riders across the finish line, and the vibe was unreal, more a fun and memorable community festival than race.

This year promises the same: world-class cycling, live music, food, and plenty of Paso wine and beer to keep the celebration rolling. Whether you’re a cyclist or just want to be part of the scene, it’s a can’t-miss weekend.

👉 Learn more and register: The Bovine Classic

Featured Wineries this episode:

• Paix Sur Terre
• Brecon Estate
• Cordant Winery
• Terranean Wines
• Idola Wines

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

This week we’re celebrating a Paso institution: Opolo Vineyards. Co-founder Rick Quinn joins me for a one-on-one conversation about 25 years of Opolo, how Paso has grown alongside them, and the historic debut of Vranac — a Balkan grape now officially recognized and bottled in the U.S. for the first time.

We also check in with the latest Paso Wine Wire headlines, and in our Travel Paso Spotlight we turn the love toward Thomas Hill Organics, a restaurant and community hub that needs our support right now.

Paso Wine Wire

• Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction is live Sept. 15–20, with proceeds funding local student scholarships. Join the auction
• Alterra Solutions rebrands and expands: Kevin Wilkinson’s vineyard management firm takes on a new name and new horizons. Read more
• ONX Wines launches Sunprint, their first mentorship-driven chillable red. Learn more

Travel Paso Spotlight

This week we shine the light on Thomas Hill Organics, owned by Chefs Lisa and Mike. Mike is in the fight of his life against cancer, and Lisa is back in the kitchen while still holding everything together. Paso takes care of its own, so if you know them, love them, or just love good food, please show them support with a visit, a kind message, or by sharing their story. Visit Thomas Hill Organics

Links + Resources

• Opolo Vineyards
• Paso Wine Virtual Auction
• Thomas Hill Organics

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, Adam sits down with two of Paso’s freshest big winners — Winemaker of the Year and Wine Grape Grower of the Year — for a deep, soulful convo about hustle, heartbreak, harvest, and hope.

• Molly Bohlman, longtime winemaker at Niner Wine Estates, shares her journey from Midwest roots to SLO Coast Pinot royalty.
• Aron Nevarez, a fourth-generation land steward and head of viticulture at McPrice Myers, reflects on arriving in California at 15, learning English while working the vines, and becoming one of the most respected growers in Paso.

This conversation, recorded at LoBro Studios in downtown Paso, honors legacy, labor, and the beautiful alchemy that happens between vine and wine.

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE — This Week’s Headlines:

1️⃣ JUSTIN Winery Powers Youth Basketball with 3Ball Academy
JUSTIN Vineyards sponsors a free multi-week basketball training program for local youth athletes, led by Cal Poly Hall of Famer Mike Wozniak.
Full Story »

2️⃣ Hope Family Wines Launches Game-Changing One-Liter Bottle
Austin Hope’s flagship Cabernet is now in an innovative 1L format — perfect for restaurant pours and built for value.
Read More »

3️⃣ Serial Wines Celebrates Fall with a National Sweepstakes + Harvest Events
Big scores, big flavors, and their iconic Masquerade returns November 8.
Explore Events & Sweepstakes »

4️⃣ Paso Wine Tasting Tour Heads to Fresno & Bakersfield
Taste Paso from 50+ producers at two upcoming Central Valley events:

• Sept 5 – Bakersfield Tasting Tour »
• Sept 19 – Fresno Tasting Tour »

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT:

Meet Kimberly Walker, the vision behind two of Paso’s most stylish boutique stays — The Farmhouse and River Lodge. From curated design to next-level vibes, she’s redefining what it means to stay in Paso.

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Four women. One region. A future uncorked.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with four trailblazing Central Coast women named to Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious Future 40 list for 2025:

• Nancy Ulloa, the spiritual force behind Ulloa Cellars, whose winemaking blends energy, heritage, and healing intention
  • Neeta Mittal, co-founder of LXV Wine, redefining elegance through the sensual pairing of wine and spice
  • Katy Rogers & Tamara Bingham, the brand architects of Likely Story Strategies, helping wineries craft their voice and stand out in a crowded market

Together in the studio, these innovators talk entrepreneurship, representation, identity, and what it means to shape the wine world on their own terms with Paso Robles as both canvas and catalyst.

Paso Wine Wire Stories:

1. Martinelli Vineyard Hits the Market
   Read the article
2. McPrice Myers Opens New Estate Tasting Room in Adelaida
   Read more at mcpricemyers.com
3. Autumn Soirée at Hotel SLO Set for October 12
   More details here

Travel Paso Spotlight:
Discover the elevated charm of Hotel Ava, Paso’s newest luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. With rooftop views, a saltwater pool, and culinary experiences led by Chef Julien Asseo and Beverage Director Lannon Rust, this is Paso from the top.
hotelava.com

Other Mentions:
• LXV Wine – lxvwine.com
• Ulloa Cellars – ullloacellars.com
• Likely Story Strategies – likelystorystrategies.com

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel brings together two voices that showcase the heart and soul of Paso Robles wine country in very different ways.

First, Mike Adams, the founder of the Facebook group Paso Robles Wine Fanatics, joins the conversation. What started as a small place to swap tasting notes has grown into a digital community of nearly 25,000 members who share their Paso bottles, adventures, and recommendations every day.

Also in studio is Josh Beckett, a name synonymous with Paso. His family launched Peachy Canyon back in the 1980s, he and his brother created Chronic Cellars, and now with his wife Gibsey, Josh is crafting estate wines at Thibido. Most recently, the couple took over one of Paso’s heritage brands, Ecluse Winery, continuing a story of legacy and reinvention that reflects Paso itself.

Later in the show, our Travel Paso Spotlight shines on the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival. Adam chats with Luke Udsen of Castoro Cellars about how this annual September celebration has grown into one of Paso’s most beloved events, blending music, art, food, wine, and community in a way only Paso can.

In this week’s Paso Wine Wire, Adam shares some of the latest headlines from around the region:

1. Tobin James Cellars – 30th Annual James Gang Festival
   March 20–21, 2026 — a milestone weekend of live music, dancing, Tobin James wines, barrel samples, and food from more than 20 chefs, all under 30,000 square feet of tented space.
2. Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation Awards $18,000 in Scholarships
   Twelve local high school seniors received scholarships funded through the Paso Wine Virtual Auction, which returns September 15–20, 2025.
3. LXV Wine + Ulloa Cellars Named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40
   Neeta & Kunal Mittal of LXV and Nancy Gonzales of Ulloa Cellars were recognized among innovators shaping the future of wine in America. Stay tuned for a full episode featuring these Paso tastemakers.

Whether it’s online communities, family wineries, or festivals that bring thousands together, this episode is all about connection — and how Paso keeps finding new ways to share its story.

Links from this episode:

• Paso Robles Wine Fanatics (Facebook Group)
• Thibido Wines
• Ecluse Winery
• Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival
• Travel Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

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If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

This one’s not recorded in studio… or even in Paso. It’s recorded on a riverboat in Bordeaux, France – but don’t let the setting fool you. The soul of this episode is 100% Paso Robles.

I sat down with two of the most influential winemakers in our region: Eric Jensen of Booker Wines and Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery. Stephan left Bordeaux to escape the rules. Eric? He never followed them to begin with. Together, they’ve shaped not just vineyards, but a movement, redefining what’s possible in Paso and proving you don’t need permission to make great wine, just vision.

We talk legacy, freedom, and what it feels like to sip wine in the place one of them left, and both outgrew.

Plus: I catch up with Stacie Jacob of Travel Paso on how Paso wine is showing up in a major way in LA this summer, turning casual sippers into true believers. Let’s go. This… is Where Wine Takes You.

🎙️ GUESTS:

• Eric Jensen, Founder – Booker Wines
• Stephan Asseo, Founder – L’Aventure Winery
• Stacie Jacob, Executive Director – Travel Paso

🔗 RESOURCES & MENTIONS:

• Cork & Cruise – Paso River Cruise Info
  https://www.corkandcruise.com
• Paso in LA – Farmers Market Pop-up Series
  https://www.travelpaso.com/articles/post/paso-robles-invites-you-to-experience-a-taste-of-wine-country-in-the-heart-of-los-angeles/
• Hope Family Wines acquires Tufera Farms
  https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/hope-family-wines-adds-vineyard-and-truffle-orchard-in-paso-robles/213536/
• Gifford Fire + Ancient Peaks community response
  https://www.sfgate.com/centralcalifornia/article/megafire-san-luis-obispo-county-20813014.php

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

What happens when the voice of Paso’s future sits down with the keeper of its past?

In this episode, Adam welcomes two legends who’ve shaped how Paso Robles is seen, celebrated, and remembered:

• Chris Taranto, Communications Director for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance – recently named the 2025 Wine Industry Person of the Year.
  • Libbie Agran, Director of the SLO County Wine History Project – this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Together, they dive into the roots of SLO County’s wine culture led by Paso, from early French plantings and Gold Rush refugees to modern multi-generational legacies and the new wave of young winemakers taking over historic vineyards.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance → www.pasowine.com
  • SLO County Wine History Project → www.winehistoryproject.org
  • Libbie Agran’s Lifetime Achievement Award → Read more
  • 2025 Industry Honorees via Paso Wine → View Full List
  • Paso Robles Daily News Coverage → Industry Awards Article
  • Wine Business Feature → Read Here

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Today’s episode explores The Bottle Shop, Paso Robles’ newest shared tasting room space that’s shaking up downtown with wine, food, and community all under one roof.
Adam sits down with two fresh faces to the Paso wine scene: Bill Lap, co-founder of mid•point, and Fiorella “Fio” DeRodeff, the founder and winemaker at Rockbound Cellars. They each bring a distinct voice, a different path, and a shared passion for building something meaningful.

This episode digs into the journey behind the wines, the rebirth of the historic Rotta property, and the importance of making wine that reflects who you are.

Stick around to the end for something wild, Bill opens the oldest bottle Adam has ever tasted / seen in his life. You won’t believe the vintage. 

📰 PASO WINE WIRE

• Hope Family Wines Golf Invitational Raises $160K for must! Charities
  • 26th Annual Winemakers’ Cookoff Raises Over $1.1M for Scholarships
  • Alternative Tastes Wine Festival Returns Aug. 1–2

🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

This week’s spotlight takes you to The Lofts at the Market — a boutique stay right above the bustling Paso Market Walk.
Learn more at:
• The Lofts at the Market
• Paso Market Walk
• TravelPaso.com

🍷 TODAY’S GUESTS

Bill Lap — Co-Founder, mid•point Winery
Fiorella DeRodeff — Winemaker/Owner, Rockbound Cellars

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Episode Title: Small Lot, Big Soul: Paso’s Newest, Best-Kept Secrets

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on three Paso winemakers and vineyard owners who are putting everything into the bottle — and nothing into the hype. These are the small-lot producers who quietly shape what makes Paso Robles such a powerful, soulful, and personal wine region.

You’ll meet:

• Eric Morley of Red Door Ranch Vineyards — alongside his wife Holly, Eric is building a boutique estate in the Templeton Gap focused on organic farming and site-driven wines with purpose.
  • Anthony Yount of Royal Nonesuch Farm and Kinero Cellars — Anthony and his wife Hillary farm their York Mountain estate by hand, crafting Rhône-style blends and crisp whites with depth and soul.
  • Paul “P‑Lo” Lopez of Lopai Cellars — a sixth-generation Paso farmer who makes powerful estate wines from Willow Creek fruit with his son Brian.

They’re not chasing trends. They’re making wine on their own terms — with heart, hustle, and heritage.
This is small-lot winemaking with big soul.
This is Paso at its most personal.

📰 PASO WINE WIRE HIGHLIGHTS

• Paso Robles Named Among World’s Smartest Wine Regions
  Tech, climate, and culture converge in this feature from The Buyer that puts Paso on a global innovation map.
  → Read the story
• J. Lohr Launches “Share The Lohr” Podcast
  A new behind-the-scenes podcast from one of Paso’s most iconic wine families.
  → Read the story
• Templeton Feed & Grain Silos Lost to Fireworks Fire
  An accidental blaze takes down a piece of the Templeton skyline — and part of its history.
  → Read the story

🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

This episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight features Becky Gray, Executive Director of Must! Charities. Becky joins us to talk about long-term community investment and how Must! helps Paso grow with purpose — one story, one family, and one partnership at a time.

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

Guests & Wineries
• Red Door Ranch Vineyards
• Royal Nonesuch Farm
• Kinero Cellars
• Lopai Cellars

Featured Organization
• Must! Charities

More from Travel Paso
• TravelPaso.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

📰 PASO WINE WIRE HIGHLIGHTS
• Il Cortile Ristorante earns its 11th consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Sister-spot Parchetto wins its first. Four Paso favorites land on the 2025 list including Les Petites Canailles and The Pony Club at Hotel Cheval
→ Read about it HERE

• Vina Robles opens The Eatery in its new Ramada Drive tasting room, led by Chef Nicola Allegretta (Mama’s Meatball, Mistura)
  → Vina Robles
• Paso Wine Country Alliance honors 2025 industry standouts

• Aron Nevarez – Grape Grower of the Year
• Molly Bohlman (Niner Wine Estates) – Winemaker of the Year
• Christopher Taranto – Wine Industry Person of the Year
• Libbie Agran – Lifetime Achievement Award
  → Paso Robles Daily News

🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT
Featuring Monica Villicana of Re:Find Distillery and the Paso Robles Distillery Trail, including the Copper Card and the Distillery Trail Weekend this August.

Plan your next Paso getaway at TravelPaso.com

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• Destination Paso
• Somm’s Kitchen
• VinLumia
• Ancient Peaks
• Margarita Adventures
• Paso Robles Distillery Trail
• Re:Find Distillery

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.
Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel.
Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour.

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more about reaching our audience, visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.
Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

🎵 Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

This episode features two Paso newcomers turning heads for all the right reasons. Cliff Cate of Zobèto Wines left his old life behind to create soulful Rhône-style blends on Paso’s westside, learning the ropes hands-on with some of the region’s most respected winemakers. Kyle Jury of Truss Wines brings an architect’s eye to his minimalist, design-forward wines, building his brand with intention, family, and structure at the core. Both are doing it their way on Arbor Road, and both are names to watch.

📰 Paso Wine Wire Highlights
• Community Wine Awards – 2025 Winners Announced

• Master Marketer: Justin Rapolas (Aaron Wines)
• Unsung Hero: Ryan Kemp (Adelaida Cellars)
• Good Neighbors: Lars & Kristina (Toast Tours)

• Le Vigne Winery wins big — TWICE in a week!

• Central Coast Wine Comp + New York Int’l Wine Comp
• Double Golds, 96-pt Cab, and Paso pride

• ONX “Mad Crush” & Pear Valley Albariño sweep the OC Wine Comp

• Best in Show (ONX) + Best White (Pear Valley)

Travel Paso Spotlight:
Freda Berman from the City of Paso shares details on Paso’s legendary Fourth of July celebration –  where to park, what to bring, and why it’s a can’t-miss.

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

🔗 LINKS + RESOURCES:
• Zobèto Wines
• Truss Wines
• Travel Paso – Plan Your Trip
• Paso Wine – Latest Happenings
• Le Vigne Winery
• ONX + Pear Valley in New Times SLO
• MoonshinerCollective.com

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.
Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel.
Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour.

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more about reaching our audience, visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.
Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

🎵 Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Today, we uncork a milestone decades in the making.

Paso’s own Tablas Creek Vineyard just became the first winery in the U.S. to bottle all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties as single-varietal wines. And we’ve got the full dream team in the room:

 • Jason Haas, Partner & General Manager
• Neil Collins, Director of Winemaking
• Chelsea Franchi, Senior Assistant Winemaker

They share how this decades-long vision came together, what each grape reveals on its own, and how their work continues to shape the Rhône movement in California.

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
• Paso Wine Wire:

• JUSTIN Vineyards Awards $350K to Local Nonprofits & Classrooms

   

• Paso Wine Industry Generates $2.8 Billion in Economic Impact

   

• Tablas Creek Completes All 14 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Varietals

   

• Travel Paso Spotlight: Angela McGee of the Best Western Plus Black Oak shares the  family’s history and hospitality legacy

🔗 LINKS + RESOURCES:
• Tablas Creek Vineyard
• Decanter Coverage on Tablas’ 14-Grape Milestone
• JUSTIN Community Grants Program
• Travel Paso – Plan Your Trip
• Best Western Plus Black Oak
• The Pour – White Wine Invitational Episode

📰 Paso Wine Wire Highlights

• RIDGE Vineyards Opens New Tasting Room in Paso Robles
One of California’s most iconic producers has officially landed in Paso. RIDGE opens its brand-new tasting room on Ramada Drive, deepening its historic ties to the region and giving Zin lovers a fresh reason to visit.

• Tablas Creek Completes Full Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lineup
A first for any U.S. winery—Tablas Creek has now bottled all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape varietals. A decades-long project paying off with limited releases, Rhône passion, and Paso pride.

• White Wine Invitational – Tickets via ExploreTock
It’s back! The 2nd Annual White Wine Invitational returns to Rava Wines on June 20. Expect crisp whites, summertime bubbles, and community vibes—all to support Must! Charities.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Christina Turley, the eldest daughter of legendary winemaker Larry Turley, and a powerhouse in her own right. From summers spent working alongside her father to building a serious wine résumé in New York City, Christina’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling.

We explore how she’s shaping the next chapter at Turley Wine Cellars, blending heritage with her own sharp perspective. From becoming a Certified Sommelier to leading the voice of one of California’s most iconic Zinfandel producers, Christina shares what it means to carry a legacy—and still make it her own. This is a conversation about voice, values, and vineyards… and yes, we get into why Paso Robles plays a vital role in Turley’s story.

Plus, in our Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam chats with John Arnold, GM of the Holiday Inn Express Paso Robles and local community leader, about the return of Paso’s official 4th of July celebration and how the lodging scene is evolving with the town’s growth.

🔗 Links from the Show

Christina Turley & Turley Wine Cellars
Website: turleywinecellars.com
Instagram: @turleywine

John Arnold – Travel Paso Spotlight
Holiday Inn Express Paso Robles: hotel website

📰 Paso Wine Wire Highlights

• RIDGE Vineyards Opens New Tasting Room in Paso Robles
One of California’s most iconic producers has officially landed in Paso. RIDGE opens its brand-new tasting room on Ramada Drive, deepening its historic ties to the region and giving Zin lovers a fresh reason to visit.

• Tablas Creek Completes Full Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lineup
A first for any U.S. winery—Tablas Creek has now bottled all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape varietals. A decades-long project paying off with limited releases, Rhône passion, and Paso pride.

• White Wine Invitational – Tickets via ExploreTock
It’s back! The 2nd Annual White Wine Invitational returns to Rava Wines on June 20. Expect crisp whites, summertime bubbles, and community vibes—all to support Must! Charities.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this special episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel takes you behind the scenes of Paso Robles’ vibrant tourism industry. Recorded during National Travel and Tourism Week and California Tourism Month, this episode shines a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that make Paso Robles a premier destination.

You’ll hear from:

• Richard Verruni, General Manager of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, who shares insights into creating exceptional lodging experiences.

   

• Carole MacDonal, proprietor of Il Cortile Ristorante and Parchetto, discussing the art of fine dining in Paso Robles.

   

• Dr. Chris Thornberg, a leading economist from Beacon Economics, providing a data-driven perspective on the economic impact of tourism in the region.

   

• Jo Armstrong, recognized for her work at Hope Family Wines and her role in delivering top-tier wine experiences.

   

• Pati Coelho, co-founder of Criú Hospitality, spotlighting excellence in Paso’s hospitality sector.

   

• Stacie Jacob, President & CEO of Travel Paso, offering a heartfelt message about the people who make Paso Robles special.

   

This episode is a celebration of the passion, dedication, and community spirit that drive Paso Robles’ tourism industry.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Allegretto Vineyard Resort: Website | Instagram 

• Il Cortile Ristorante: Website | Instagram

   

• Parchetto: Website | Instagram

   

• Jo Armstrong – Hope Family Wines: Website | Instagram

   

• Pati Coelho – Criú Hospitality: Website | Instagram

   

• Travel Paso: Website | Instagram

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

There’s Paso… and then there’s Paso during Wine Fest weekend. This episode captures it all — the energy, the people, and the pulse of a region at its most electric.

Recorded from the Ponderosa at the Paso Robles Event Center — nestled between In Bloom and Il Cortile — Adam sat down with a lineup of Paso’s most vibrant voices. In three stacked segments, we dive into what makes this festival weekend so special, and why Paso continues to punch above its weight in wine, food, and soul.

Segment 1 brings us Nicole Haisma of In Bloom and Nix Cellars, Anthony Yount of Royal Nonesuch Farm, and a surprise drop-in from Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly, fresh off leading her Paso 101 seminar.

Segment 2 turns up the heat with Riley Roddick of Hubba Wines, Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina, and Maggie Cameron — the firestarter behind both The Hatch and Della’s.

Segment 3 brings the closer with Cris Cherry of Villa Creek / MAHA Estate, Mary Ann Erdos of Cork & Cruise, Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, and Don Burns of Turtle Rock Vineyards — as they talk about their upcoming wine cruise to Portugal and Bordeaux (with two cabins left!).

🛵 Travel Paso Spotlight
We also meet Jaydy Gonzales, co-owner of Third Wheel Tours, offering one-of-a-kind motorcycle sidecar wine tours through the backroads of Paso — easily one of the coolest ways to sip, cruise, and experience wine country.

🎟️ Looking to explore Paso Wine Country?
Plan your trip, book your stay, and start your story at TravelPaso.com

🔗 Featured Guests + Links

• Nicole Haisma – In Bloom / Nix Cellars

   

• Anthony Yount – Royal Nonesuch Farm

   

• Madeline Puckette – Wine Folly

   

• Riley Roddick – Hubba Wines

   

• Maggie Tillman – Alta Colina

   

• Maggie Cameron – The Hatch / Della’s

   

• Cris Cherry – Villa Creek / MAHA Estate

   

• Mary Ann Erdos – Cork & Cruise

   

• Kit Kuyper – Hawks Hill Ranch

   

• Don Burns – Turtle Rock Vineyards

   

• Travel Paso

   

• Third Wheel Tours // @thirdwheeltours

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Joining Adam Montiel in the studio:

• Jason Bushong, owner & winemaker at Bushong Vintage Company

• Lauren Lange, winemaker at Sea Shell Cellars

   

We talk tasting room culture, downtown energy, and how wine can be as much about expression as it is terroir. Expect neon. Vinyl. Maybe some beach sand. And plenty of Paso magic.

🌐 Paso Wine Wire
A quick look at what’s buzzing in Paso:
• Hope Family Wines Adds Beekeeping to the Farm
Regenerative farming takes flight — literally — as Hope Family Wines integrates bees into their vineyard ecosystem.
→ Read more

• Paso Wines Support Cystic Fibrosis Gala
Paso producers made a powerful showing at the California Winemasters event, raising millions to fight CF.
→ Read more

• Ridge is Coming to Paso
It hasn’t hit the press yet, but the word is out — Ridge Vineyards is setting up shop in Paso.
After decades sourcing fruit (like Benito Dusi), the iconic California label is finally calling Paso home.

🌴 Travel Paso Spotlight
This week, we check in with Victor Popp, the hospitality powerhouse behind the newly renovated La Quinta Inn in Paso Robles.

With a $3M makeover, award-winning service, and the busiest wine weekend of the year on deck — Victor breaks down why Paso’s accommodations game is as strong as its wine list.

→ Plan your trip now at TravelPaso.com

Also Mentioned:
🍷 Visit Sea Shell Cellars
🎸 Visit Bushong Vintage Co.
🎟️ Wine Fest tickets + lineup → PasoWine.com
🎁 Win passes to Wine Fest → AdamMontiel.com

📢 Housekeeping:
• Want to WIN tickets to Wine Fest? Enter at AdamMontiel.com.
• Shoutout Feedspot for naming Where Wine Takes You a Top 3 Wine Podcast!
• Thanks to Million Podcasts for putting us at #11 on their Wine Podcast list worldwide.

🎟 Paso Wine Fest is coming!
Get your tickets at PasoWine.com and don’t miss the Paso 101 Wine Seminar with Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly—a can’t-miss masterclass to earn your Paso Wine Certificate during Wine Fest weekend.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Big moves at ONX Wines. This week, we’re talking about the launch of Kiler Canyon Vineyard – a bold new brand carved from one of Paso’s most exciting sites.

Joining Adam Montiel in the studio:

• Jeff Strekas, Director of Operations & Winegrowing

• Drew Nenow, Winemaker at ONX

   

What makes Kiler Canyon’s wines different? Why give a vineyard its own label? And what happens when you give a legendary site the spotlight it deserves?

🌐 Paso ine Wire

A quick look at what’s buzzing in Paso:

• Booker Hires Molly Lonborg as Senior Winemaker
Booker just leveled up. Molly Lonborg — known for her Rhône chops and regenerative mindset — steps in to lead winemaking operations.
→ bookerwines.com

• Vina Robles Launches Rookie Club
A new wine club aimed squarely at the next generation — think text-only updates, one-bottle drops, and Swiftie-themed tastings.
→ vinarobles.com

• Halter Ranch Reinvents the Vineyard — with Sheep
Elevated trellising. Year-round grazing. High-wire thinking. Halter Ranch proves you can farm smart, farm clean, and still break the rules.
→ halterranch.com

🌴 Travel Paso Spotlight

Restaurateur Maggie Cameron has reshaped Paso’s dining game — not once, but twice.
At The Hatch, it’s wood-fired everything, killer cocktails, and vibe for days.
At Della’s, it’s Southern Italian with California roots — fresh, fun, and Paso as hell.
The kind of places that make you linger. And make Paso’s food scene impossible to ignore.

→ Plan your next trip at TravelPaso.com

Also Mentioned:
🍷 Explore Kiler Canyon Vineyard
🍇 Visit ONX Wines

🎟️ Paso Wine Fest → PasoWine.com
🎁 Win passes → AdamMontiel.com

📢 Housekeeping:
• Want to WIN tickets to Wine Fest? Enter at AdamMontiel.com.
• Shoutout Feedspot for naming Where Wine Takes You a Top 3 Wine Podcast!
• Thanks to Million Podcasts for putting us at #11 on their Wine Podcast list worldwide.

🎟 Paso Wine Fest is coming!
Get your tickets at PasoWine.com and don’t miss the Paso 101 Wine Seminar with Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly—a can’t-miss masterclass to earn your Paso Wine Certificate during Wine Fest weekend.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Greek spirit. Paso soil. A father and son chasing a dream that started generations ago, and pouring it into the Adelaida hills today.
James and Manoli Boutzoukas of Boutz Cellars are bringing real Greek wine culture to Paso Robles, planting Assyrtiko, Roditis, Agiorgitiko – and betting on tradition in a whole new land.

When your roots run deep and your dreams run wild, you don’t follow maps — you draw new ones.

🌐 Paso Wine Wire:

• New stewards at Écluse Wines — as Thibido’s Gibsey and Josh Beckett bring things full circle. Learn more
• Charlie Palmer bets big on Paso’s food scene — revamping Paso Robles Inn and the Piccolo rooftop bar into the next culinary hotspots. (Credit: SF Chronicle) • American Idol producers auction off their winery — Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe part ways with Villa San Juliette. (Credit: NY Post)

🍷 Travel Paso Spotlight:
This week’s Travel Paso Spotlight honors the AIDS/LifeCycle ride. A seven-day, 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles that has included Paso Robles as a heartfelt stop for 30 years.

2025 marks the final AIDS/LifeCycle ride, and Paso gets to be part of the farewell. Thousands of riders will once again roll through our town and into our hearts before crossing the finish line on the California coast.

More on TravelPaso.com.

📢 Housekeeping:
• Want to WIN tickets to Wine Fest? Enter at AdamMontiel.com.
• Shoutout Feedspot for naming Where Wine Takes You a Top 3 Wine Podcast!
• Thanks to Million Podcasts for putting us at #11 on their Wine Podcast list worldwide.

🎟 Paso Wine Fest is coming!
Get your tickets at PasoWine.com and don’t miss the Paso 101 Wine Seminar with Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly—a can’t-miss masterclass to earn your Paso Wine Certificate during Wine Fest weekend.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this Earth Day-inspired episode, Adam sits down with two leaders shaping the future of Paso from the ground up: Cris Cherry, owner of Villa Creek and the Maha Estate, and Hillary Graves, vineyard manager at Booker Wines. Together, they explore what it means to farm with integrity—from regenerative practices to the emotional reality of tending vines through seasons of change.

In honor of Earth Day, we sit down with two Central Coast voices who remind us that wine starts long before the glass.

Cris Cherry, owner of Villa Creek Cellars and MAHA Estate, reflects on decades of farming and his deepening connection to the land. It’s a conversation about resilience, respect, and the rhythm of nature.

Hillary Graves, vineyard manager at Booker Wines, shares her unique path from library stacks to vineyard rows. She breaks down how sustainability isn’t just about what you do, but why you do it—connecting science, soil, and soul.

🌱 Cris Cherry: Villa Creek Cellars / Maha Estate
🌾 Hillary Graves: Booker Wines

✨ FOSO & Sensorio: Blog at AdamMontiel.com

🎟️ Paso Wine Fest tickets: PasoWine.com
🍇 Learn about the Paso Wine 101 Seminar with Wine Folly: Wine Folly Seminar Info

Paso Wine Wire Links:

• Dream Big Darling Returns to V6 Ranch in Parkfield
  25 scholarships for young women in the wine and spirits industry — mentorship, networking, and deep Paso roots.
  🔗 Read more
• Cal Poly Winemaker Showcase Raises Over $630,000
  Celebrating 30 years of student-led wine excellence and hands-on education.
  🔗 Read more
• Paso Gets National Praise in Forbes
  Liz Thach highlights Paso Robles and the CAB Collective’s growing influence on sustainable Cabernet production.
  🔗 Read more
  

🎟 Paso Wine Fest is coming!
Get your tickets at PasoWine.com and don’t miss the Paso 101 Wine Seminar with Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly—a can’t-miss masterclass to earn your Paso Wine Certificate during Wine Fest weekend.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

This week, Where Wine Takes You welcomes one of the most influential voices in wine – Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, a cornerstone text that’s sold over a million copies worldwide. She’s not only helped define how Americans talk about wine, but she’s spent years spotlighting Paso Robles as one of the world’s most exciting wine regions.

In this candid, deep-dive conversation, Karen opens up about her path from dropout to wine authority, why she believes Paso is one of the most expressive regions in the country, and how the wine world needs to evolve if it wants to survive. It’s passionate, unfiltered, and rich with perspective.

Also in this episode…

Travel Paso Spotlight: We’re joined by Lynette Sonne, Exec Dir of Farmstead Ed and the SLO County Farm Trail. She shares how she’s helping locals and travelers alike connect with the land, and offers a sneak peek at this summer’s Open Farm Days—a celebration of the Central Coast’s agricultural bounty.

In the Paso Wine Wire, we’re talking:

• Paso Wine Country teams up with Strauss Workwear: A fresh partnership aligning style and grit, perfectly matching the energy of Paso’s wine community. Joel Peterson of Paso Wine drops in for a few words on what it means for the region.

   

• CNN covers proposed wine tariffs: CNN’s Natasha Chen reports on how proposed tariffs could impact the American wine industry—particularly small and mid-sized producers like those in Paso. We’ve got a clip from the coverage to break it down.

   

• DAOU Wines joins forces with LIV Golf: A bold move in branding and national visibility—Paso’s own DAOU Family Estates signs on as the official wine sponsor of LIV Golf, expanding Paso’s reach to a whole new crowd.

   

🎟 Paso Wine Fest is coming!
Get your tickets at PasoWine.com and don’t miss the Paso 101 Wine Seminar with Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly—a can’t-miss masterclass to earn your Paso Wine Certificate during Wine Fest weekend.

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Cork & Cruise 2025 – The Ultimate Wine Adventure

This year, imagine sailing through the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux, tasting legendary wines with Paso’s most iconic winemakers, Eric Jensen (Booker Vineyard) & Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure) – Hosted by Cork & Cruise on board with AmaWaterways, this all-inclusive luxury wine cruise is an experience like no other. Spots are filling up fast—visit CorkAndCruise.com for details.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com 

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, we take a flavorful detour off the vineyard path and into the heart of Paso’s culinary scene with Chef Ricky Odbert—owner of Six Test Kitchen and the first to earn San Luis Obispo County its very first Michelin Star. From cooking in his parents’ garage in Arroyo Grande to building one of the most exclusive dining experiences in California wine country, Ricky shares his journey, his approach to creativity, and what it means to operate with discipline and vision.

In the Travel Paso Spotlight, we’re joined by Adri Wells, founder of Central Coasting with Adri, who’s helping Paso businesses thrive with powerful content and creative social media strategies. It’s the third week in a row we’re highlighting women-led businesses for Women’s History Month!

Today’s Guests:

Chef Ricky Odbert – Six Test Kitchen
• Website: sixtestkitchen.com
• MICHELIN Guide Review: Read here
• SFGate Feature – Started in a Garage: Read here

Adri Wells – Central Coasting with Adri
• Website: centralcoastingwithadri.com
• Instagram: @centralcoastingwithadri

Also in this episode’s Paso Wine Wire:

• • Brecon Estate earns “Historic Vineyard” status from the Historic Vineyard Society.

     

  • Indigené Cellars had a nice write up in the Tribune: How founder Raymond Smith is building community, one bottle at a time.

     

• Paso Robles featured in Vogue, in a glowing write-up by Central Coast native Nicole Kliest—who we hope to have on the pod soon.

   

• Grab your Paso Wine Fest tickets at PasoWine.com

• Don’t miss the new Paso Robles 101 Seminar hosted by Wine Folly’s Madeline Puckette.

*******

Cork & Cruise 2025 – The Ultimate Wine Adventure

This year, imagine sailing through the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux, tasting legendary wines with Paso’s most iconic winemakers, Eric Jensen (Booker Vineyard) & Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure) – Hosted by Cork & Cruise on board with AmaWaterways, this all-inclusive luxury wine cruise is an experience like no other. Spots are filling up fast—visit CorkAndCruise.com for details.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com 

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

From Everywhere to Here: How Paloma Bilson Found Her Frame in Paso

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Paloma Bilson, owner and winemaker of Dilecta Wines. Her journey—from Angola and Namibia to the film industry in LA, to founding a visa consultancy for extraordinary talent, and finally planting roots in Paso Robles—is nothing short of cinematic. Paloma’s story is rich, layered, and poured into every bottle she creates.

In the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam catches up with Michelle Barrera, founder of Enjoy SLO, whose platform helps locals and visitors alike discover the best events, bites, and sips in SLO County. She’s a trusted voice in Central Coast culture, and she shares what’s buzzing this season in Paso.

Paso Wine Wire Highlights:

• Paso Cabernet Outpaces California: While statewide Cab sales dropped, Paso’s are up 12%—proving it’s not just a region, it’s a rising force. Read the full story Check it out HERE
• J. Lohr Hits Sustainability Milestone: Their iconic 2022 Seven Oaks Cab now carries the Certified California Sustainable seal—over 20 million bottles strong, and under $20.Check it out HERE
• Rockbound Cellars Opens Downtown: A new tasting room on Railroad Street brings Adelaida fruit, minimal intervention winemaking, and a relaxed vibe to the heart of Paso. Check it out HERE

Featured Guests & Links:

• Dilecta Wines (Paloma Bilson): dilectawines.com
• Enjoy SLO (Michelle Barrera): enjoyslo.com | Instagram @EnjoySLO
• Paso Wine Fest Info: pasowine.com
• Plan Your Trip: travelpaso.com

Cork & Cruise 2025 – The Ultimate Wine Adventure

This year, imagine sailing through the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux, tasting legendary wines with Paso’s most iconic winemakers, Eric Jensen (Booker Vineyard) & Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure) – Hosted by Cork & Cruise on board with AmaWaterways, this all-inclusive luxury wine cruise is an experience like no other. Spots are filling up fast—visit CorkAndCruise.com for details.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com 

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we dive into Cabernet Franc’s moment in the spotlight and how Paso Robles is shaping its future. Once considered just a blending grape, Cab Franc is proving it can stand on its own—with structure, depth, and a signature Paso character.

To break it all down, we’re joined by:

• Neeta Mittal, LXV Wines – A master of food & wine pairings who’s helping elevate Cab Franc’s versatility.
• Jude Radeski, GM of Adelaida Vineyard – A leader in high-elevation winemaking and site-driven Cab Franc expressions.

We also touch on CabFrancMasters, a one-day only event dedicated to celebrating this complex and elegant varietal.

Travel Paso Spotlight: Parchetto Bistro 

We catch up with Carol MacDonal, owner of Parchetto Bistro & Il Cortile, two of Paso’s most celebrated restaurants.

• Parchetto Bistro’s Park Street Jazz Night with WhistlePig
  • A New York-style jazz night featuring WhistlePig whiskey pairings & a four-course dinner.
  • Live jazz, expertly crafted cocktails, and an elevated dining experience in downtown Paso.

Paso Wine Wire – Latest Paso Wine News

• Best of Paso Auction Lot to Honor JoAnn Cherry at T.J. Martell Foundation Event
  Paso’s wine community has created a one-of-a-kind auction lot in memory of JoAnn Cherry (Villa Creek & MAHA Estate).
• Halter Ranch Achieves Regenerative Organic Certification
  Halter Ranch joins Tablas Creek and Robert Hall as one of the only three Paso wineries with Regenerative Organic Certification®.
• Miller Family Wine Co. Named Grower of the Year & Launches AI Sommelier Service
  Miller Family Wine Co. (owners of French Camp Vineyard) was named Grower of the Year at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium.

Cork & Cruise 2025 – The Ultimate Wine Adventure

• Cork & Cruise is back for 2025. This year, we’re sailing through the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux, tasting legendary wines with Paso’s most iconic winemakers, Eric Jensen (Booker Vineyard) & Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure)
• Hosted by Cork & Cruise on board with AmaWaterways, this all-inclusive luxury wine cruise is an experience like no other. Spots are filling up fast—visit CorkAndCruise.com for details.

********

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. He recently dropped an episode from World of Pinot Noir with Louis Latour and Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne fame. More content from WOPN coming soon including a chat with Paso Wine’s Joel Peterson! 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com 

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we sit down with Matt Villard, owner and winemaker at MCV Wines, to explore his unexpected journey from pre-med at UC Davis to crafting bold, Petite Sirah-driven wines in Paso Robles. Sometimes, the best path is the one you never planned for, and Matt’s story proves that following your passion can lead to extraordinary places.

We dive into:

• How a single UC Davis class changed everything
• The origin of MCV Wines and Matt’s obsession with Petite Sirah
• How family, loss, and perseverance continue to shape his winemaking philosophy

Later, in our Travel Paso Spotlight, we celebrate Women’s Week in Paso! We chat with Joeli Yaguda, co-owner of General Store Paso Robles, about the incredible impact of women-led businesses in Paso and how At Her Table is shining a spotlight on the women shaping the region’s food, wine, and hospitality scene.

And of course, we run down the latest in Paso Wine Wire, including:

• Parchetto Bistro’s Park Street Jazz Night – A one-night-only New York-style jazz & WhistlePig whiskey dinner (March 20)
• CabFrancMasters Returns to Paso – A deep dive into Paso’s role as a Cabernet Franc powerhouse (March 16-17)
• Paso Tourism’s $20.9M Economic Impact – Wine country’s boom is fueling local businesses, public services, and job creation

Links from the Show:

• MCV Wines: mcvwines.com
• General Store Paso Robles: generalstorepr.com
• At Her Table: athertable.com
• Travel Paso: travelpaso.com

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. He recently dropped an episode from World of Pinot Noir with Louis Latour and Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne fame. More content from WOPN coming soon including a chat with Paso Wine’s Joel Peterson! 

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com 

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re pulling back the curtain on something you might not think about—but it’s the first thing you see when you pick up a bottle of wine: the label. A great wine label isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s storytelling, branding, and marketing all wrapped into one, and it can make or break a wine’s success.

To explore this, Thomas Reiss, founder of Kraftwerk Design in San Luis Obispo, joins us. Thomas has worked with some of the most respected wineries, designing labels that don’t just catch your eye—they tell the winery’s story in an instant. From bold, modern aesthetics to timeless classics, we break down how wineries decide what face their bottle will wear and why it matters.

We also highlight Paso’s vibrant community with our Travel Paso Spotlight, featuring Candice Custodio from At Her Table and Alexandra from The Alchemists’ Garden. They’re teaming up for a Fashion Show celebrating Women’s History Month—a perfect blend of style, community, and Paso vibes. It’s more than just fashion; it’s about celebrating women-owned businesses and the creativity that fuels Paso.

And, of course, we hit the latest in Paso wine country with the Paso Wine Wire:

• CabFrancMasters is back March 16-17, 2025, celebrating all things Cabernet Franc with tastings, masterclasses, and some of Paso’s top producers.
• Ledge Vineyards welcomes Chris Hammell as their new Vineyard Manager. A perfect fit, considering Chris Hammell’s legendary status from Bien Nacido and Ledge’s commitment to world-class fruit.
• Vina Robles opened a sleek new tasting room off Highway 101, complete with barrel-crafted tables, wood-fired pizzas, and a perfect indoor-outdoor flow for sipping Paso’s finest.

Don’t forget: Where Wine Takes You was recently ranked #3 on Feedspot’s Top 100 Wine Podcasts!  We’re honored, grateful, and setting our sights on that #1 spot—because Paso deserves nothing less.

Links from the Show:

• Kraftwerk Design: kraftwerkdesign.com
• At Her Table: athertable.com
• The Alchemists’ Garden: alchemistsgarden.com

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

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Where Wine Takes You Named by Feedspot.com #3 on Their List of Top 100 Podcasts

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In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re celebrating a milestone that’s been a century in the making. The Dusi family has been farming Paso Robles vineyards for 100 years, and today, we’re sitting down with Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines and her brother, vineyard manager Matt Dusi, to talk about what that legacy really means. From the early days of Benito Dusi planting some of the region’s most iconic Zinfandel vines to the modern innovations that keep the family name thriving, this episode dives deep into what it takes to balance history with forward-thinking winemaking.

The Dusi Family Legacy

Janell and Matt open up about the family dynamics of running a generational business, the inspiration behind their special ‘Cent’Anni’ commemorative Zinfandel, and what makes Paso such a special place to grow and craft wine. And of course, we get into the fun stuff—like what not to do in the Dusi household, who’s the worst at potlucks, and more.

Connect with J Dusi Wines

• Website: jdusiwines.com
• Instagram: @jdusiwines
• Facebook: J Dusi Wines
• Online Store: Shop J Dusi Wines

Pour a glass, settle in, and join us for an unforgettable conversation about legacy, passion, and damn good wine.

Travel Paso Spotlight: S’Aranella

Our Travel Paso Spotlight this episode highlights Paso’s newest dining hotspot—S’Aranella, where we chat with Chef Julien Asseo, the culinary mastermind behind this exciting new venture. Asseo, known for his work at the Michelin-mentioned Les Petites Canailles (LPC), brings a fresh and elevated dining experience to Paso, making waves in the local food scene.

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re exploring new ways to experience Paso Robles beyond the tasting room. Adam sits down with Kristina Horton, owner of Toast Tours, who is redefining how visitors sip and explore Paso with guided wine tours, insider experiences, and now, a Tin City Walking Tour. Joining the conversation is Steffi Terizzi, the force behind Etto Pasta Bar and Giornata Winery, blending authentic Italian flavors with the Paso wine scene. From expertly curated wine adventures to handmade pasta, these two are bringing fresh energy to Paso’s food and wine culture.

In Paso Wine Wire, we highlight two big moments from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Gala—the Dusi Family being honored for 100 years of farming in Paso Robles, and Randy & Jenny Heinzen being named Wine Industry Persons of the Year for their work in sustainable vineyard management. Plus, we take a look at DAOU Vineyards’ new partnership with the Dallas Open, bringing Paso wine to the pro tennis world.

In the Travel Paso Spotlight, we wrap up Part 2 of VineCycle Tours, riding through the vineyards on an eBike, and then we chat with Gillian Beltran of the Paso Robles Inn about the hotel’s rich history and exciting renovations.

Links & Resources:

• Toast Tours: toasttours.com | Instagram
• Giornata Wines: giornatawines.com | Instagram
• Etto Pasta Bar: ettopastabar.net | Instagram
• VineCycle Tours: vinecycletours.com | Instagram
• Paso Robles Inn: pasoroblesinn.com
• Paso Wine Alliance: pasowine.com
• BLEND FEST TIX: pasowine.com
• Travel Paso: travelpaso.com

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Scott Schramm, owner of Crush Vineyard, and Tyler Russell, his winemaker and a Paso veteran known for his no-nonsense, instinct-driven approach to crafting wines. Scott’s journey is anything but ordinary—coming from a successful career in the fashion industry, he made a bold leap into the world of winegrowing in Paso Robles. From learning the ropes to creating something truly special, Scott shares how a podcast episode (yes, this one!) played a role in his path to Crush Vineyard. Meanwhile, Tyler brings his deep knowledge and laid-back style to the conversation, making this a can’t-miss discussion about passion, reinvention, and damn good wine.

Plus, in our Travel Paso Spotlight, we’re jumping on two wheels and exploring Paso’s vineyards like never before with Jeff and Melissa from VineCycle Tours. If you’ve ever wanted to mix outdoor adventure with world-class wine, this is the experience for you.

And don’t miss our Paso Wine Wire segment, where we bring you the latest updates in Paso wine country, including BlendFest on the Coast, a major USDA grant for the Paso CAB Collective, and a legendary Paso winery hitting the market.

Links & Resources:

• Crush Vineyard: crushvineyard.com | Instagram
• VineCycle Tours: vinecycletours.com | Instagram
• BLEND FEST TIX: pasowine.com
• Travel Paso: travelpaso.com

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Randy and Jenny Heinzen, Paso’s 2024 Wine Industry Persons of the Year. Randy, the mastermind behind Vineyard Professional Services, and Jenny, a leading expert in vineyard real estate, share their journey of building a life and legacy in Paso wine country. From planting agave on their property to winning top honors, this power couple embodies the heart and grit of Paso. Hear the hilarious and heartfelt stories behind their success—including a horse cemetery, award-winning vines, and what it really takes to make dreams come true in wine country.

Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam is joined by Kristina Horton of Toast Tours. Kristina shares how Toast Tours is elevating wine country experiences with their new Tin City Walking Tours—a fresh way to explore Paso’s trendiest tasting destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride to top wineries or an immersive walking adventure, Toast Tours has you covered.

Links and Resources:

• Vineyard Professional Services (Randy Heinzen)
• Jenny Heinzen Real Estate:
• Toast Tours: toasttours.com
• Travel Paso: travelpaso.com

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

Links & Resources

• Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, recorded at the renowned Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, host Adam Montiel delves into the journeys of three influential figures recently honored as 2024 Wine Industry Leaders by Wine Business Monthly:

• Maeve Pesquera, Executive Vice President of the Luxury Division at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com) and Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com). Maeve’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in elevating luxury wine brands, including the recent acquisitions of Ram’s Gate Winery and Substance Wines.
• Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Founder of Full Cup Solutions (fullcupsolutions.com) and the nonprofit Dream Big Darling (dreambigdarling.org). Amanda’s dedication to mentorship, education, and strategic consulting through Full Cup Solutions has empowered countless women in the wine and spirits industry, fostering a community of emerging leaders and creating pathways for innovation and growth.
• Caine Thompson, Managing Director of Sustainability at Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com) and O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com). Caine’s commitment to regenerative farming and sustainability is driving significant advancements in vineyard practices, promoting environmental stewardship within the industry.

Later in the episode, the Travel Paso Spotlight features an insightful conversation with Ryan Hopple, General Manager of Sensorio in Paso Robles. Ryan shares the inspiration and impact behind Sensorio’s immersive art installations, including the mesmerizing Field of Light, which has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors.

Relevant Links

• Robert Hall Winery

Website: roberthallwinery.com

Instagram: @roberthallwinery

• O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

Website: oneillwine.com

Instagram: @oneillwines

• Dream Big Darling

Website: dreambigdarling.org

Instagram: @dreambigdarling

• Full Cup Solutions

Website: fullcupsolutions.com

Instagram: @fullcupsolutions

• Sensorio

Website: sensoriopaso.com

Instagram: @sensoriopaso

• Travel Paso

Website: travelpaso.com

Instagram: @travelpaso

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

Links & Resources

• Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this sparkling New Year’s episode, host Adam Montiel rings in 2025 with two incredible winemakers who bring the bubbles and Bordeaux brilliance to Paso Robles. Sherri Holzer of Rava Wines shares the story behind Paso’s first sparkling wine-focused winery, crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise. We delve into their diverse lineup, sustainable practices, and the magic of bubbles that make every occasion unforgettable. Doug Hidinger of Paris Valley Road Estate Winery brings us a taste of Bordeaux-inspired elegance, blending Old World tradition with the vibrant terroir of Paso Robles. Doug shares his journey from Cal Poly to winemaking stardom, his passion for curated events, and how Paris Valley Road creates wines that embody Paso’s distinctive style.

Later, in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam highlights the must-attend New Year’s Eve Bonfire Celebration in downtown Paso Robles. Featuring live music from the Lucky Devils Band, local food and drinks, and a 9:00 pm East Coast countdown, this free, family-friendly event benefits the Paso Robles Professional Firefighters Local 4148 and the Paso Robles Police Officers Association. Adam, the evening’s emcee, gives you an insider’s look at the excitement, charm, and community spirit of this unforgettable celebration.

Links from this Show

• Rava Wines: RavaWines.com | Instagram: @RavaWines
• Paris Valley Road Estate Winery: ParisValleyRoad.com | Instagram: @ParisValleyRoad
• NYE PASO BONFIRE: prcity.com

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

There’s even more exciting news: Where Wine Takes You is going weekly in 2025! That’s right, starting next year, you’ll get a fresh pour of Paso wine stories, insights, and personalities every single week.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Links & Resources

• Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Get ready for an episode recorded deep in the stunning limestone caves of L’Aventure Winery. This week, Adam Montiel sits down with two Paso icons: Eric Jensen of Booker Wines and Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure. These two winemaking legends share their journey of shaping Paso Robles into a world-class wine region, with Eric’s bold innovations like My Favorite Neighbor and Stephan’s pioneering spirit that brought him from Bordeaux to create his acclaimed L’Aventure. Together, they tease the upcoming Bordeaux cruise with Cork and Cruise, giving you a glimpse of what makes this adventure the ultimate wine lover’s dream.

Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam talks with Chef Julien Asseo of Les Petites Canailles (LPC), the French-inspired restaurant in downtown Paso that has become a must-visit culinary destination. Julien teases an exciting new project that could take the LPC experience to the next level— is it another LPC location, or an entirely new concept? Stay tuned for all the juicy details!

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

There’s even more exciting news: Where Wine Takes You is going weekly in 2025! That’s right, starting next year, you’ll get a fresh pour of Paso wine stories, insights, and personalities every single week.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

And finally, don’t forget to register for an incredible New Year’s Eve giveaway at adammontiel.com. The package includes a stay at the newly reimagined Paso Robles Inn, dinner at their legendary steakhouse, tickets to Sip, Savor & Sway at Serial Wines, a tasting at Hope on Park, and lunch at the award-winning Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ. It’s the perfect way to ring in 2025 with Paso flair!

Links & Resources

• Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com
• Booker Wines: bookerwines.com | Instagram: @bookerwines
• L’Aventure Winery: aventurewine.com | Instagram: @laventure_winery
• Les Petites Canailles (LPC): lpcpaso.com | Instagram: @lespetitescanailles
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel dives into The Magic of Michelin, recorded live at the enchanting Inn Paradiso in Paso Robles. This unique getaway, owned by Steve Werndorf, is unlike any other with its hidden, artistic, and luxurious ambiance. Joining Adam are two stars from Justin Winery—Executive Chef Rachel Hagstrom and Winemaker Scott Shirley. Rachel and her team at The Restaurant at Justin have earned a Michelin star and a green star, highlighting their culinary excellence and commitment to sustainability. Scott shares insights into Justin Winery’s celebrated wines, crafted with the precision to complement Michelin-starred cuisine—a pairing feat that’s no small order.

Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, could limos be going extinct?  We will chat with Derek Stafford from Elegant Image, Paso’s premier car service that’s redefining luxury transportation in a shifting market. Discover how Elegant Image is staying fresh while adapting to a world where traditional limousine service is increasingly rare.

For more on today’s guests and featured locations:

• Justin Winery: justinwine.com | Instagram: @justinwine
• The Restaurant at Justin: justinwine.com/restaurant | Instagram: @justinwine
• Inn Paradiso: innparadiso.com | Instagram: @innparadiso
• Elegant Image (Travel Paso Spotlight): elegantimagelimos.com | Instagram: @elegant_image_limo

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast, Up + Adam as well as his other show that’s not all Paso, and not all wine, The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine.

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Welcome back, to another lively episode of Where Wine Takes You, the podcast where we uncork the magic of Paso’s vineyards and explore the stories behind the wines that define our region. Today, we’re coming to you from a very special place: Bella Luna Winery. It’s not just any winery; it’s a testament to friendship, history, and the passing of the torch.

Best friends Sherman Smoot and Kevin Healey started Bella Luna with the vision of creating something lasting, and now that legacy lives on through Nichole Healey-Finn and Lukas Finn. 

We also introduced our neighbors from across the street—Clesi Winery, founded by Chris and Adrienne Ferrara—who are bringing traditional Italian varietals to the Central Coast with their own unique twist. Chris traveled extensively through Italy, studying the culture, terroir, and winemaking techniques that make Italian wines so distinctive. Adrienne Ferrara contributes her passion for viticulture and ensures every bottle captures the essence of Italy. Together, they bring those influences back to Paso.

Later in the show, our Travel Paso Spotlight featured Rich Verruni, the General Manager of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, where luxury and Paso’s wine culture beautifully collide. To plan your stay or learn more, visit Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

For more on our guests, visit:

• Bella Luna Winery: bellalunawine.com or follow on Instagram @bellalunawinery.
• Clesi Winery: clesiwines.com or follow on Instagram @clesiwines.
• Allegretto Vineyard Resort: allegrettovineyardresort.com or follow on Instagram @allegrettovineyardresort.

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

LEARN BY DOING

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel takes you inside Cal Poly’s premier JUSTIN and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture. This world-class facility, located in San Luis Obispo, serves as a state-of-the-art educational hub for the next generation of wine industry leaders. Opened in 2021, the Center boasts a 15,600-square-foot winery equipped with a fermentation hall, bottling room, barrel storage, and a research lab—providing an immersive learning environment for Cal Poly students. The facility also includes a 12,000-square-foot E. & J. Gallo Winery & Family Building featuring viticulture and enology labs, lecture areas, and shared offices for students and faculty .

During this live-recorded session, Adam sits down with key figures shaping the Cal Poly Wine and Vit program, including Winery Manager Jim Shumate and Department Head Benoît Lecat, Ph.D. Joining the conversation are three current students—Augusta, Gracie, and Caden—who share their experiences learning the ins and outs of the industry through Cal Poly’s signature “Learn by Doing” approach. Together, they discuss the evolution of winemaking education, the importance of research and innovation in the industry, and how the Center is helping students prepare for careers in wine production, viticulture, and wine business. You can learn more about Cal Poly’s Wine and Viticulture Program by visiting their official website .

In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam chats with Bryan Yates, founder of the Bovine Classic, a unique gravel bike race happening on October 26th in Paso Robles. Bryan gives an inside look at how this “seriously unserious gravel hoedown” has become a popular event for cycling enthusiasts and highlights its connection to the Paso Robles wine region. For more details on the Bovine Classic and how to register, head to thebovineclassic.com.

And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

*****

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Heritage & Harvest

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel sits down with two winemakers whose international roots shape their unique approaches to the Paso Robles wine scene: Martin Croad of Croad Vineyards and Kevin Jussila of Kukkula Wines. Recorded live at Croad Vineyards, this episode dives into their respective journeys, blending heritage and harvest in the heart of wine country.

Martin Croad, hailing from New Zealand, shares how his background influences his winemaking style at Croad Vineyards. With a focus on dry farming and bold varietals, Martin’s wines reflect the rugged yet rich landscape of Paso Robles, intertwined with his Kiwi heritage.

Kevin Jussila, born in Finland, brings a different perspective with his dedication to Rhône-style blends at Kukkula Wines. His commitment to organic, dry-farmed practices has helped create wines that are a true expression of the land, and he discusses how his Finnish roots guide his craft in the heart of Paso’s Adelaida District.

In the Travel Paso Spotlight, we feature Zoo to You, an exotic animal conservation group based in Paso Robles. Lisa Jackson talks about the amazing work they do with wildlife education and their unique offering of overnight stays surrounded by creatures like kangaroos, bald eagles, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings conservation and adventure together. And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

Guests and Links:

• Croad Vineyards

Website: croadvineyards.com

Instagram: @croadvineyards

• Kukkula Wines

Website: kukkulawine.com

Instagram: @kukkulawine

• Zoo to You

Website: zootooyou.org

Instagram: @conservation.ambassadors.zty

*****

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. Find them on Spotify HERE.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

A Sense of Place

Willow Creek Wine Collective 

This episode takes us to the beautiful Willow Creek Wine Collective, where we recorded live with winemakers Natalie and Brian Brown. They’ve created multiple brands under their umbrella, including Rococo Wines, which focuses on old-vine Chenin Blanc, and In Medias Res, offering small-batch, terroir-driven wines. Nestled in Paso’s Willow Creek District, their story is one of passion for the land they farm, and their unique wines are a true expression of place.

Willow Creek Wine Co. | Rococo Wines

Jason Joyce and Calcareous Vineyard

We are also joined by Jason Joyce, the longtime winemaker at Calcareous Vineyard. Known for his deep connection to the calcareous rock that gives his wines their signature mineral complexity, Jason has spent years perfecting his craft and letting Paso’s unique terroir shine through each bottle. From their steep, sun-drenched slopes, Calcareous consistently produces bold, site-driven wines.

Calcareous Vineyard

Travel Paso Spotlight: The Paderewski Festival

In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, we shine a light on the upcoming Paderewski Festival, happening October 31 to November 3, 2024. This annual event celebrates the life and legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the Polish pianist and statesman who made his mark on Paso Robles by planting Zinfandel grapes here. The festival blends music, history, and wine, with concerts, youth competitions, and tastings from Paso’s top wineries like Epoch Estate Wines.

Travel Paso | Paderewski Festival

And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

*****

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. Connect with Adam and lean more on AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this special episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re bringing you a taste of Paso Robles wine straight from the heart of France! Recorded live aboard the AmaKristina cruise ship as we sail along the Rhône River, with Cork and Cruise. This episode captures the unique experience of blending Paso’s vibrant wine culture with the historic wine regions of France.

Join Adam Montiel and an audience of 50-60 wine enthusiasts as he sits down with some of Paso’s finest to share stories, laughs, and, of course, exceptional wine. In this episode, you’ll hear from Don Burns of Turtle Rock Vineyard, Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, Juan Mercado of Riise Wines, and Joel Peterson, the Executive Director of Paso Wine. 

Links to Guests and Their Wineries:

• Turtle Rock Vineyard: turtlerockvineyards.com
• Hawks Hill Ranch: hawkshillranch.com
• Riise Wines: riisewines.com

About the Cruise:

This unique experience was organized by Cork and Cruise, who specialize in crafting wine-centric travel experiences. We sailed with AmaWaterways, known for their luxurious river cruises that blend comfort with cultural exploration.

• Cork and Cruise: corkandcruise.com
• AmaWaterways: amawaterways.com

On today’s Travel Paso Spotlight, we had the pleasure of chatting with Carole MacDonald, the visionary behind some of Paso Robles’ most beloved dining experiences. Carole is the proprietor, along with her husband and Chef Santos MacDonal, of the iconic Il Cortile, a restaurant that has become a staple in Paso’s culinary scene, offering an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of wine country. But Carole and Santos have another dining hotspot up their sleeve. They recently opened Parchetto, a fresh and exciting new dining spot that promises to bring even more flavor to Paso.

For more about these incredible dining destinations and to plan your next visit to Paso Robles, make sure to check out Il Cortile at ilcortileristorante.com and Parchetto at parchettopaso.com. And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. Connect with Adam and lean more on AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of “Where Wine Takes You,” we return from a vibrant journey through France with Cork and Cruise, and dive into conversations with Paso Robles’ own Bret Urness of Levo Wine and Jacob Toft of Jacob Toft Wines. Both vintners share insights from their Tin City-based operations, blending local terroir with innovative winemaking techniques. Check out Levo Wine and Jacob Toft Wines. We also spotlight Hambly Farms in our Travel Paso segment, exploring their sustainable lavender products and community-focused initiatives. Learn more about local attractions at Travel Paso.

Don’t miss out on staying informed about all things Paso Robles through Paso Wine.

Don’t forget to visit travelpaso.com for everything you need before your next trip to Paso. Want to know what’s happening around town? Looking for pet-friendly places to stay? Curious about Sensorio? TravelPaso.com is your go-to resource. Check it out and plan your perfect Paso getaway.

Visit the Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

*****

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. Connect with Adam and lean more on AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.