Central Coast

Central Coast

River Star Vineyards

Riverstar Logo

River Star Vineyards consist of approximately 80 acres, family owned and operated. River Star is dedicated and committed to providing top wineries throughout California that purchase their superlative fruit. In the late 1990’s, the decision was made to transform the River Star facility and begin producing wines in addition to growing their top-quality vineyards. The 2001 Syrah was their debut red. Additional production of Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals completes the portfolio of initial offerings for the River Star family of wines. At River Star not only realize that it takes great fruit to make great wine, they grow those winegrapes themselves.

Hours:

Mon      11:00am to 5:00pm
Tues     CLOSED
Wed      CLOSED
Thur     11:00am to 5:00pm
Fri        11:00am to 5:00pm
Sat       11:00am to 5:00pm
Sun      11:00am to 5:00pm
Mon     11:00am to 5:00pm

Barton Family Estate

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - woman with wine

The Barton Family Estate is the only site on the 46 West corridor in Paso Robles that offers Wine, Food, and Spirits all in one location. What more could you ask for when looking for a genuine Paso Robles tasting experience like no other. 

Today, Barton and his wife Jenny run the family business as a husband and wife-team. Joe’s mom, Shirlene, is also an integral part of the day-to-day operations still and they are a completely owned and operated family business to this day. Together they have modernized their family brand and added a beautiful urban farmhouse tasting room to the property. They added Barton’s Kitchen in 2013, offering farm-to-table, casual cuisine, and in 2022, Grain+Vine Craft Distillery was born. 

Starr-Ranch Winery

grape cluster

Starr Ranch is a family owned and operated ranch located in the central coast of California specializing in altar, premium wine, group, production. 

Starr Ranch is a family-owned and operated ranch situated on the Central Coast of California, specializing in ultra-premium wine grape production. In addition to wine grapes, the ranch also cultivates walnuts, a variety of fresh fruits, and persimmons.

After an extensive search throughout California, the owners discovered the hills of Adelaida, where they found a ranch with the potential to produce exceptional ultra-premium wine grapes. Like others before them, including Tablas Creek and L'Aventure, they conducted a thorough investigation before choosing Paso Robles as their vineyard home in 2000.

Absoluton Cellars

woman enjoying wine while seaside

Absolution Cellars specializes in limited-production, handcrafted, single-vineyard wines from select vineyards all throughout the beautiful Central Coast. With over 20 different varieties and wines made each year, you’ll find something to please every palate. Each wine that we make is the best version of itself – a unique portrait of place and time, an honest expression of where and when the grapes were grown. Made for you to savor, enjoy, and share with your family and friends, as well as strangers, who may become one or both.
 

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Black Hand Cellars

glass of wine

We have enjoyed visiting Black Hand Cellars tasting room on several occasions and while communicating with Tom Banish the owner and winemaker we have yet to actual talk face to face.  The name Black Hand Cellars, evolved through many stories of the owners great Grandmother on the banished-side of the family would tell about the great wines her husband would make and how the Black Hand Mafia found a liking to his wine and would seek him out for it. With such an intriguing history the name for the winery was chosen and the roaring 20's theme set in motion along with hands stained from the harvest of their rich red wine varietals. Tom and his wife have done a great job with their wines and make it a fun experience all at the same time. Tom and his wife are very much into the entire experience and they have been known to stay a little longer even while closing to share the fruits of their labor and the Black Hand Cellar experience.~

Hours:

Mon-Sun - 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard

Clusters of Chardonnay by photographer Randy Caparoso

Craddled in the breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a true hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. This charming spot began its journey with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, nurturing a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the earth. It all started with horses, then blossomed into an organic vegetable farm, and finally evolved into a flourishing vineyard.

Today, Buttonwood boasts a sun-kissed 42-acre vineyard on the eastern side of its 107-acre property. Since planting its first vines in 1983, the farm has lovingly tended to 38,000 vines—small in the vast wine world but monumental to their passionate team. The tasting room, surrounded by the vibrant bounty of their working farm, is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, vegetables, and, of course, their beloved peaches!

Over the years, Buttonwood has embraced change and innovation, grafting some of their original vines to introduce exciting new varietals. Among the standout additions are the Rhône varieties of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Grenache Blanc, alongside the rich Malbec that complements their red Bordeaux lineup. They’ve also enhanced their white offerings with the Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, adding layers of complexity and aromatic charm. And in 2017, they planted a bit of Chenin Blanc—because let’s face it, outside of the Loire Valley, Santa Barbara County is simply the best place to grow this delightful grape.

For those looking for a unique wine experience, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a must-visit, where sustainable farming meets exceptional wines in the heart of California's wine country. Cheers to the adventures waiting at Buttonwood!

Bianchi Winery

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Bianchi Winery represents the culmination of three generations dedicated to the art of winemaking in Central California. The journey began in 1974 when Joseph Bianchi made his first foray into California’s vibrant wine industry, investing in a winery and vineyard along the banks of the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley. Under his guidance, Bianchi Wine quickly emerged as an industry leader, crafting award-winning wines through the use of advanced farming and production technologies.

Continuing this rich legacy, his son Glenn Bianchi pursued his own ambition of creating ultra-premium wines. He traveled throughout California in search of the finest terroir, ultimately finding the perfect 40 acres in the picturesque region of Paso Robles in 2000. Here, the Bianchi family continues to cultivate their passion for exceptional winemaking, inviting wine lovers to experience the fruits of their dedication and expertise.

Circle B Wines

Painting by Agata Zaborowski women enjoying wine

Clara and Steve’s journey into winemaking began after retiring from their long careers in construction management and law enforcement. Eager to leave the hustle and bustle of Southern California behind, they set their sights on Paso Robles, seeking a slower pace where they could enjoy each other’s company. In 2012, they moved into a beautiful home on a 5-acre property, an ideal setting for a peaceful vineyard with breathtaking views.

Their first half-acre of 600 head-trained Grenache vines was planted in June 2012, marking the beginning of their adventure. With 3 ½ acres still untouched, they expanded in 2014, planting Tempranillo, Grenache, Carignane, and Tannat vines to complete their vision. Initially, they believed they would sell most of the grapes, make a small amount of wine, and enjoy the country life. However, they soon realized they had "retired" to an even more demanding job—farming! Managing four acres with 3,900 vines required patience, stamina, scientific know-how, and instinct.

The next logical step was to learn how to make wine and communicate with potential grape buyers. They quickly sourced grapes from friends, producing Circle B’s first wines, which went on to win home winemaking awards. In 2016, Circle B Vineyards & Cellars officially entered the market with their first releases: the 2013 Petite Sirah, 2013 Syrah, and 2015 Rosé de Garnacha, officially becoming a licensed vineyard and winery.

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