The Chronicle
Adam Montiel
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- Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine PodcastHost· podcast
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- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 176 Names We Carry & Stories We Bottle – Featuring Pelletiere Estate | Hubba Wines
🍇 Where Wine Takes You: Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Janis Pelletiere, owner and founder of Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery; Riley Roddick, founder, owner, and winemaker of Hubba Wines; and Morgan Stepp of Pelletiere Estate for a conversation about family names, inheritance, independence, and what we choose to make permanent. Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, the conversation brings together two very different approaches to building a wine legacy. For Janis, that legacy is rooted in place. She took her family name, Italian heritage, and decades of entrepreneurial experience and turned them into Pelletiere Estate, a mother-daughter-owned winery and vineyard in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District. Janis and Morgan share how they restored the property, built the winery from different sides of the Pacific, and created an intimate estate experience centered on Italian varieties, hospitality, and family. For Riley, family shows up right on
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 176 Names We Carry & Stories We Bottle – Featuring Pelletiere Vineyard | Hubba Wines
🍇 Where Wine Takes You: Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Janis Pelletiere, owner and founder of Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery; Riley Roddick, founder, owner, and winemaker of Hubba Wines; and Morgan Stepp of Pelletiere Estate for a conversation about family names, inheritance, independence, and what we choose to make permanent. Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, the conversation brings together two very different approaches to building a wine legacy. For Janis, that legacy is rooted in place. She took her family name, Italian heritage, and decades of entrepreneurial experience and turned them into Pelletiere Estate, a mother-daughter-owned winery and vineyard in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District. Janis and Morgan share how they restored the property, built the winery from different sides of the Pacific, and created an intimate estate experience centered on Italian varieties, hospitality, and family. For Riley, family shows up right on
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 175 Legacy and Lift-Off: OGs & New Blood – Featuring Still Waters Vineyard | Truss Wines
🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode 175 Highlights 🍷 Legacy and Lift-Off: OGs & New Blood In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam brings two generations of Paso Robles wine together for a conversation about roots, risk, reinvention, and what it takes to keep building when the business gets complicated. Paul Hoover , owner and winemaker at Still Waters Vineyards , brings the long view. Paul is a Cal Poly agriculture guy, farmer, former hospitality executive, longtime business leader, home-winemaker-turned-estate-winemaker, fisherman, and one of the most approachable voices in Paso wine. His stories stretch from a formative wine education fueled by an employer’s monthly bottle allowance to buying the vineyard that became Still Waters during an earlier downturn in the grape market. Paul also breaks down the current wine-business correction with refreshing honesty. The COVID years created extraordinary direct-to-consumer demand, wineries increased production to meet it, and then the m
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 175 Legacy and Lift-Off: OGs & New Blood – Featuring Stillwaters Vineyard | Truss Wines
🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode 175 Highlights 🍷 Legacy and Lift-Off: OGs & New Blood In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam brings two generations of Paso Robles wine together for a conversation about roots, risk, reinvention, and what it takes to keep building when the business gets complicated. Paul Hoover , owner and winemaker at Still Waters Vineyards , brings the long view. Paul is a Cal Poly agriculture guy, farmer, former hospitality executive, longtime business leader, home-winemaker-turned-estate-winemaker, fisherman, and one of the most approachable voices in Paso wine. His stories stretch from a formative wine education fueled by an employer’s monthly bottle allowance to buying the vineyard that became Still Waters during an earlier downturn in the grape market. Paul also breaks down the current wine-business correction with refreshing honesty. The COVID years created extraordinary direct-to-consumer demand, wineries increased production to meet it, and then the m
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 174 Small Rooms, Big Souls – Featuring Diablo Paso | Indiginé Cellars
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads downtown, not just to taste wine, but to dig into the people helping shape the downtown Paso Robles tasting room experience. Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, this episode brings together two winemakers and brand owners with very different stories and a beautifully shared hustle: Ray Smith of Indigené Cellars and Enrique Torres of Diablo Paso. Enrique’s journey starts in Guerrero, Mexico, and continues in Paso Robles, where he arrived in 2001 and began working at the former Martin & Weyrich winery. He worked his way up from cellar rat to cellar master to assistant winemaker, eventually creating Diablo Paso, his personal love letter to Spanish varieties, old world style, hard work, and family balance. In this conversation, Enrique also drops some big news: Diablo Paso was named Winery of the Year at the Central Coast Wine Competition, with his El Nico taking Best Red, Double Gold, Best of Cla
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Ep 173 The Highlands District: Featuring Willow Creek Wine Co. | French Camp Vineyard
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 173: THE HIGHLANDS DISTRICT 🍷 Everybody knows Willow Creek. Everybody knows Adelaida. But venture east into Paso Robles and you’ll find one of the region’s most fascinating, and least understood, wine-growing areas: the Highlands District . In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two people uniquely positioned to tell the story of Paso’s highest-elevation sub-AVA. Natalie Brown , owner and winemaker of Rococo Wines and Willow Creek Wine Co., shares her passion for old-vine Chenin Blanc and the remarkable Highlands District vineyard that continues to produce some of California’s most distinctive expressions of the grape. What began as an obsession with forgotten Chenin Blanc vineyards has grown into one of the most compelling Chenin-focused projects in the state. Joining her is Nicholas Miller , fifth-generation California farmer and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Miller Family Wine Company . Nicholas helps steward the leg
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Ep 173 The Highlands District: Featuring Rococo Wines | French Camp Vineyard’s Miller Family Wine
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 173: THE HIGHLANDS DISTRICT 🍷 Everybody knows Willow Creek. Everybody knows Adelaida. But venture east into Paso Robles and you’ll find one of the region’s most fascinating, and least understood, wine-growing areas: the Highlands District . In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two people uniquely positioned to tell the story of Paso’s highest-elevation sub-AVA. Natalie Brown , owner and winemaker of Rococo Wines and Willow Creek Wine Co., shares her passion for old-vine Chenin Blanc and the remarkable Highlands District vineyard that continues to produce some of California’s most distinctive expressions of the grape. What began as an obsession with forgotten Chenin Blanc vineyards has grown into one of the most compelling Chenin-focused projects in the state. Joining her is Nicholas Miller , fifth-generation California farmer and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Miller Family Wine Company . Nicholas helps steward the leg
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 172 Tin City Then & Now: The Builder, The Makers, & The Future
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam explores one of Paso Robles’ most unique success stories: Tin City . What began as a collection of industrial buildings on the edge of town has evolved into one of California wine country’s most creative destinations—home to winemakers, distillers, brewers, chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs who continue to shape Paso’s culture one idea at a time. First, Adam sits down with Patrick Brooks, founder of Tin City Distillery , and Vailia From, founder and winemaker of Desparada Wines . Together they reflect on the early days of Tin City, the evolution of the district, the people who helped build it, and the unique spirit of collaboration that continues to define the neighborhood today. Then the conversation shifts from the makers to the builder. Brooke English joins the show to share the story of her father, Mike English, whose vision, creativity, and willingness to invest in people helped create th
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 172 Tin City Then & Now: The Builder, The Makers, & The Future
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam explores one of Paso Robles’ most unique success stories: Tin City . What began as a collection of industrial buildings on the edge of town has evolved into one of California wine country’s most creative destinations—home to winemakers, distillers, brewers, chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs who continue to shape Paso’s culture one idea at a time. First, Adam sits down with Patrick Brooks, founder of Tin City Distillery , and Vailia From, founder and winemaker of Desparada Wines . Together they reflect on the early days of Tin City, the evolution of the district, the people who helped build it, and the unique spirit of collaboration that continues to define the neighborhood today. Then the conversation shifts from the makers to the builder. Brooke English joins the show to share the story of her father, Mike English, whose vision, creativity, and willingness to invest in people helped create th
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 171: Paso Wine Fest & White Wine Obsession
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 This episode of Where Wine Takes You comes to you LIVE from Paso Wine Fest 2026 , the biggest celebration of Paso Robles wine country and one of the fastest-growing food and wine events in America. Adam hangs out inside the madness of Wine Fest with a lineup that perfectly captures the spirit of Paso: collaboration, creativity, hospitality, and a little beautiful chaos. First up, Chef Rachel Ponce of Pair With Chef Rachel talks food pairings, palate balance, and why the wrong bite can completely wreck a great wine. She also shares details on her upcoming restaurant project, The Staviary , opening this summer with chef’s counter dinners, beer pairings, and immersive culinary experiences. Adam also catches up with Joel Peterson , CEO of Paso Wine , about the continued evolution of Paso Wine Fest, now drawing visitors from across the country for a world-class wine, food, and lifestyle experience. Then there’s the story of Chris Lamoreaux and
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Ep 170 Listening to the Land: The Soul of the Soil – Featuring Avanales Ranch | HMR Vineyard
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads deep into the heart of Paso Robles agriculture with two guys who live the rhythm of the land every single day: Daniel Sinton of Avanales Ranch and Sinton & Sons , alongside Chad Taber , ranch manager for HMR and Viking Vineyards in the Adelaida District. This conversation goes far beyond wine. Adam and the guys dive into the realities of farming in Paso Robles: early budbreak, frost scares, heat spikes, vineyard stress, resilience, and the emotional weight of living at the mercy of nature. From old-vine Chenin Blanc planted in the early ‘70s to the historic limestone vineyards of Hoffman Mountain Ranch, this episode captures the soul of farming on the Central Coast. Daniel shares stories about his family’s deep ranching roots in San Luis Obispo County, how mentorship from respected viticulturist Hilary Graves helped save their old-vine Chenin Blanc program, and how that fruit has gone o
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 170 Listening to the Land: The Soul of the Soil – Featuring Avanales Ranch | HMR & Viking Vineyards
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads deep into the heart of Paso Robles agriculture with two guys who live the rhythm of the land every single day: Daniel Sinton of Avanales Ranch and Sinton & Sons , alongside Chad Taber , ranch manager for HMR and Viking Vineyards in the Adelaida District. This conversation goes far beyond wine. Adam and the guys dive into the realities of farming in Paso Robles: early budbreak, frost scares, heat spikes, vineyard stress, resilience, and the emotional weight of living at the mercy of nature. From old-vine Chenin Blanc planted in the early ‘70s to the historic limestone vineyards of Hoffman Mountain Ranch, this episode captures the soul of farming on the Central Coast. Daniel shares stories about his family’s deep ranching roots in San Luis Obispo County, how mentorship from respected viticulturist Hilary Graves helped save their old-vine Chenin Blanc program, and how that fruit has gone o
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 169: New Tasting Rooms in Paso – Featuring V1NO JUAN | Hawks Hill Ranch Winery | Boutz Cellars
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam hangs with three guests who are helping shape the next wave of Paso Robles wine culture, not just through the wines they make, but through the new spaces and experiences they’re building. First up is Juan M. Contreras, owner and winemaker of V1NO JUAN, whose story might be one of the purest Paso stories out there. Juan came to the United States from Mexico in the early ‘90s, started working in the vineyards, moved into the cellar at Robert Hall, and spent more than two decades learning every side of the business before opening his own tasting room across from the downtown Paso park. Alongside his wife and kids, Juan is now crafting bold Paso reds, rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux blends rooted in hard work, family, and legacy. Then there’s Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, farming some wildly diverse and rugged terrain in the Adelaida District. Massive elevation swings, Rhône varietals, grow
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Ep 169: New Tasting Rooms in Paso – Featuring V1no Juan | Hawks Hill | Boutz Cellars
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam hangs with three guests who are helping shape the next wave of Paso Robles wine culture, not just through the wines they make, but through the new spaces and experiences they’re building. First up is Juan M. Contreras, owner and winemaker of V1NO JUAN, whose story might be one of the purest Paso stories out there. Juan came to the United States from Mexico in the early ‘90s, started working in the vineyards, moved into the cellar at Robert Hall, and spent more than two decades learning every side of the business before opening his own tasting room across from the downtown Paso park. Alongside his wife and kids, Juan is now crafting bold Paso reds, rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux blends rooted in hard work, family, and legacy. Then there’s Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, farming some wildly diverse and rugged terrain in the Adelaida District. Massive elevation swings, Rhône varietals, grow
- podcast· Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast
Ep 168: May is Paso Wine Month – Featuring Paso CAB Collective | LXV Wine
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam Montiel sits down with the driving force behind one of the most ambitious initiatives Paso Robles has ever launched, Paso Wine Month . Leading the charge is Linda Sanpei of the Paso Robles CAB Collective, the architect behind this national campaign set to roll out in May 2026. Joined by Krista Smith of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Neeta Mittal of LXV Wine, the conversation explores how Paso is rethinking the way people discover and connect with wine. Paso Wine Month is a first-of-its-kind, retail-driven movement designed to meet the next generation of wine drinkers where they are. Through food, culture, technology, and storytelling, the campaign brings Paso beyond the tasting room and into everyday life. Think AI-powered taste matching, chef-driven recipes, in-store experiences, and a national sweepstakes that could bring new visitors straight to Paso Robles Wine Country. This ep
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EP 167: ROC – Roots, Responsibility & Future of Farming – Featuring Halter Ranch Vineyard | Booker Vineyard
🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 167 🍷 ROC PART 3: ROOTS, RESPONSIBILITY & THE FUTURE OF FARMING In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam closes out the three-part deep dive into Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming with two powerhouse voices helping lead the movement in Paso Robles . First up is Hilary Graves of Booker Vineyard , grower, educator, vineyard strategist, and one of the most respected minds in California viticulture. Hilary shares why ROC matters, how farmers can help capture carbon, and why consumers hold more power than they realize every time they shop or order wine. Then Adam welcomes Kevin Sass , veteran winemaker of Halter Ranch , whose decades of Paso experience meet one of the region’s most stunning estates. Kevin breaks down what certification means, why transparency matters, how Halter balances multiple vineyards across states, and yes… why planes literally land at the winery. This episode goes beyond buzzwords and into the real questions: How do
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Ep 166: Paso Leads in Regenerative Organic Certified – Featuring Robert Hall Winery | Le Cuvier Winery
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 This episode of Where Wine Takes You is Part Two of our Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) series, diving deeper into one of the most important movements shaping the future of wine. After last week’s conversation with Jason Haas and Chris Cherry, Adam continues the journey with two winemakers leading the charge in Paso Robles. Adam sits down with Clay Selkirk of Le Cuvier Winery and Amanda Gorter of Robert Hall Winery , two voices from very different backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to regenerative farming. Clay reflects on carrying forward the legacy of Paso legend John Munch, while Amanda breaks down how regenerative practices are showing measurable results in the vineyard and in the glass. From soil health and climate resilience to transparency in winemaking, this conversation brings ROC out of theory and into reality. Later in the episode, Adam highlights one of the most unique ways to explore Paso wine country in the Trav
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Ep 165: You Down with ROC, Yeah You Know Me – Featuring Tablas Creek | Maha Estate
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 Today, we’re talking about dirt. Not just any dirt, but living soil. The kind that breathes, holds water, stores carbon, and might just be the difference between surviving the next 50 years or not. Because right now, something big is happening in Paso Robles. If you haven’t heard the term yet, you’re about to hear it a lot more. Regenerative Organic Certified. ROC. And here’s the thing. This isn’t a buzzword. This isn’t marketing. This is a full-on shift in how we farm, how we think, and how we take care of the land. And Paso is leading that charge on a global level. In this episode, Adam sits down with two of Paso Robles’ most forward-thinking minds, Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard and Cris Cherry of Villa Creek and MAHA Estate , to kick off a special series exploring the future of farming and wine. This isn’t just about what’s in your glass. It’s about what’s happening beneath it. Soil health, farmworker fairness, and animal welfare
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Ep 164: Exploring the Creston District Sub AVA – Featuring Ella’s Vineyard | Defiance Vineyard
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads east into one of Paso Robles’ most quietly compelling sub-AVAs, the Creston District. It’s a place that doesn’t shout for attention, but once you find it, it sticks with you. Adam sits down with Erin Faulkner , co-owner of Defiance Vineyard , and Josh Morris , owner and winemaker of Ella’s Vineyard , two producers carving out their own identities in a part of Paso defined by elevation, wind, and independence. Erin shares the story behind Defiance, a true family-built operation that started from raw land and evolved into a Bordeaux-focused program rooted in intention and individuality. Josh brings a different lens with Ella’s Vineyard, leaning into Italian varietals, concrete fermentation, and a hospitality-driven experience that reflects both precision and personality. Together, the conversation dives into what makes Creston different, not just in terroir, but in mindset. A place where
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Ep 163: Atascadero: Paso Wine’s Next Scene – Featuring Marin’s Vineyard | Ruby Cellars
🍇 Where Wine Takes You Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode, Adam heads just south of Paso Robles into Atascadero, a town that is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new pockets of the Central Coast wine scene. Adam sits down with Ryan Kirkpatrick of Ruby Cellars and Marin Wolgamott of Marin’s Vineyard , two winemakers with very different paths but a shared belief in what Atascadero is becoming. Ryan, born and raised in Atascadero, brings a family legacy forward while evolving Ruby Cellars into a more expressive, story-driven brand. His work spans Bordeaux blends, experimental wines, and a growing passion for dessert wines that continues to shape the winery’s future. Marin, a rising winemaker and entrepreneur, is building something uniquely her own. From her aromatic Viognier-based pét-nat to a welcoming tasting room that reflects her personality and perspective, her approach is intentional, fresh, and deeply personal. Together, they represent a new wave of Paso-adjacent energy
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Ep 162: Wine Country for Everyone: Family Friendly Wineries – Featuring Glunz Family Winery | Dark Star Cellars
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam Montiel sits down with Michael Emlie of Dark Star Cellars and brothers Matt and Steve Glunz of Glunz Family Winery & Cellars for a conversation about something Paso Robles does especially well, family-friendly wine country. Recorded at Lobro Studios, the conversation flows the way great wine conversations should, with glasses on the table, stories in the air, and a few laughs along the way. Michael Emlie shares the classic Paso story of how a longtime Los Angeles attorney fell in love with Paso Robles while visiting for Wine Fest and eventually traded courtrooms for barrels when he purchased Dark Star Cellars. Over a decade later, Dark Star remains one of Paso’s most relaxed and welcoming spots, a place where guests can enjoy great wine while kids, dogs, and friends all feel right at home. Adam is also joined by Matt and Steve Glunz, part of a family wine legacy that stretches back to 1888 Ch
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EP 161: Paso AVA Series: The Willow Creek District – Featuring Caliza Winery | Jack Creek Cellars
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🌊🐎 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two Westside Paso farmers who bet on place and trusted the dirt beneath their feet. Carl Bowker of Caliza Winery and John Lemstra of Jack Creek Cellars join the show to talk about the power, elegance and diurnal magic of the Willow Creek District AVA, one of Paso Robles’ most compelling sub appellations. From ripping out 30 acres of Pinot and Chardonnay to replant Rhône varieties. From 4,000 cow dairy mornings in Tulare to cool climate Pinot Noir near York Mountain. This episode is about conviction, farming and crafting wines with both restraint and presence. 🍷 Featured Guests Carl Bowker Caliza Winery Estate driven Rhône varietals rooted in limestone soils. Celebrating 20 harvests and a new estate location on Peachy Canyon Road. https://www.calizawinery.com 2570 Peachy Canyon Rd, Paso Robles End of the Day Tasting Room Tin City, Paso Robles John Lemstra Jack Creek Cellars Fo
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Ep 160: Paso Wine by the Sea – Featuring Absolution Cellars | Hearst Ranch Winery
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🌊🐎 In this coastal-meets-cowboy episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads west, all the way to the waterline, for a conversation about tasting rooms by the ocean and how proximity to the Pacific changes the wine experience. First up, Soren Christensen , winemaker for Hearst Ranch Winery , shares what it is like pouring wine across the street from Hearst Castle in San Simeon. With 25 Paso harvests under his belt, including time at Hope Family Wines and Alta Colina, Soren talks about legacy, instinct, and crafting wines worthy of the Hearst name. From Rhône varieties to Bordeaux blends, and even a run-in with ranch longhorns, Soren brings grounded Paso wisdom with an ocean view. Then meet Dirk Neumann , owner and winemaker of Absolution Cellars in Morro Bay. A second-career winemaker who packed up South Florida and moved west without a master plan, Dirk now produces limited-production, single-vineyard wines from across the Central Coast.
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Ep 159: Paso AVA Series – The Adelaida District – Featuring Kiamie Wine Cellars | Ciento Cellars
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 159 We’re kicking off a brand-new Where Wine Takes You series spotlighting the 11 sub-AVAs of Paso Robles, and first up: the iconic, elevated, ‘limestone’-rich Adelaida District . Host Adam Montiel is joined by: Dave & Antonia Carpenter – Founders of Ciento Cellars , a bold, family-run label rooted in the hills of Adelaida Aram Deirmenjian – Co-owner of Kiamie Wine Cellars , known for killer blends sourced from top westside growers like Halter Ranch and Glunz Together, they talk terroir, winemaking dreams, and what makes this high-elevation zone truly one-of-a-kind. Also in this episode: 📰 Paso Wine Wire 🏆 Brian & Stephy Terrizzi of Giornata Wines + Etto Pastificio named 2025 Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year Read More 📺 Vanderpump Rules films in Paso. Rava Wines was featured this week, and Tobin James Cellars is next. Episode Coverage 🍇 Tablas Creek Vineyard announces new winemaking leadership Read Story 🌴 Travel Paso Spotlight: Paso
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EP 158: Paso Wine Industry Persons of the Year – Brian & Stephy Terrizzi of Giornata & Etto Pastificio
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 158: This episode celebrates two people who define what Paso Robles is all about — Brian and Stephy Terrizzi , this year’s Paso Wine Industry Persons of the Year . Brian and Stephy are the powerhouse duo behind Giornata Wines and Etto Pastificio , both based in Paso’s Tin City . Together, they’ve blended Old World Italian sensibility with the creative pulse of Paso — crafting wines that rival the best of Italy and pasta that’s become a staple from local kitchens to Michelin-level restaurants. We talk about their path from Fresno State to Italy , how they built two thriving brands rooted in authenticity, and how they’ve made community impact part of their business — including thousands of pasta meals donated to local schools. 🍝 FEATURED GUESTS Brian & Stephy Terrizzi — Owners of Giornata Wines & Etto Pastificio Giornata Wines Etto Pastificio 📍 Tin City, Paso Robles, CA 📸 Instagram: @giornatawines | @ettopastificio 🌟 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Our spotlig
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Ep 157 – Part 2 | 20 Years of Torrin Wines: From Helping Others to Holding His Own
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 156: Part 2: 20 Years of Torrin: From Helping Others to Holding His Own In this follow-up to our deep dive with Scott and Viquel Hawley of Torrin , Adam picks up right where we left off. More stories from 20 vintages of balance, grit, and staying true to their winemaking vision and their family. If you loved Part 1, this pour is even deeper. • Torrin Wines: torrinwines.com • IG: @torrinwines 🎯 Travel Paso Spotlight This week’s spotlight takes us to Willow Creek Distillery , located at Opolo Vineyards . Head Distiller Kevin Coulton joins Adam to talk about the art of small-batch spirits, how Opolo’s wines inspired the distillery’s unique approach, and what makes their Paso-grown ingredients so special. They also unveil their brand new gin — a fresh expression of Paso in a bottle. Plan your trip at travelpaso.com 📰 PASO WINE WIRE • Remembering Jake Beckett The Paso Robles wine community is mourning the sudden loss of Jake Beckett, beloved GM of Peachy
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Ep 156: 20 Years of Torrin: From Helping Others to Holding His Own (Part 1)- Featuring Torrin Wines
🍷 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 156: 20 Years of Torrin: From Helping Others to Holding His Own 🍇 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam sits down with one of Paso’s most respected and quietly legendary winemaking couples, Scott and Viquel Hawley of Torrin Wines, as they mark their 20th vintage. From their landlocked beginnings between Booker and L’Aventure to becoming one of Paso’s benchmark brands, the Hawleys share their winemaking philosophy, what balance means to them, and the soulful evolution of their wines. They even open a bottle of their very first vintage — 2006 — and talk about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how Torrin continues to define West Side Paso. In the Paso Wine Wire, Adam reflects on the sudden loss of Jake Beckett of Peachy Canyon, and honors his impact on Paso wine. Plus, a locals-only deal for Paso Wine Fest 2026, and Hope Family Wines takes center stage as the new official wine of Vina Robles Amphitheatre. This episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight feat
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Ep 155 In Good Spirits: The Proof is in Paso – Featuring Donati Family Vineyard | Re:Find Distillery
🍸 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 155: “A Spirited Start to 2026” 🥃 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam kicks off the new year with a deep pour into Paso’s cocktail and distillery scene. He’s joined by Alex and Monica Villicana, founders of Re:Find Distillery, who pioneered Paso’s sustainable spirits movement using free-run wine juice, aka saignée, to create premium vodka, gin, and more. Also in the mix is Briana Heywood, head winemaker and distiller at Donati Family Vineyard, who brings her deep winemaking chops to both wine and spirits production. Together, they talk trends, challenges, and what it means to distill with purpose in a wine-first town. In the Paso Wine Wire, Adam recaps a rain-drenched but spirited New Year’s Eve celebration in Downtown Paso, where he emceed under the stars and met amazing fans of the show (shout out to Angie & Eric from San Jose and Kim & Brett from Redondo Beach). He also pays tribute to the legendary Norma Moye, who recently passed away a
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Ep 154: West of Hell’s Kitchen – Featuring Jada Vineyard & Winery
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam sits down with Nate Hall, head winemaker at Jada Vineyard & Winery in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Nate didn’t grow up in the wine world. He studied ecology and marine biology at Cal Poly, then taught high school and did environmental research before answering the call of the cellar. After learning the ropes at places like Sextant and Kukkula, Nate joined Jada in 2017 and was named Head Winemaker in 2024, bringing a fresh, soil-first focus to their Rhône-style and Bordeaux-inspired program. And while Nate is shaping the future of Jada, the roots go back to one of Paso’s most respected names. Scott Hawley was Jada’s original consulting winemaker, helping launch their estate program and set the tone for what the vineyard would become. Later in the show, Adam makes a spontaneous call to Scott. A real, unfiltered convo that captures what makes Paso tick. Community, mentorship, and th
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Ep 153 – Harvest Wrap Up: The Long Game & The Leap – Featuring Oso Libre Winery | Shadow Run Vineyards
🍇 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 Hil