Central Coast

Central Coast

Herman Story Wines

person standing in front of winery

Russel From releases is limited production wines twice a year in the spring and in the fall. All wines are allocated via a membership list or by dropping in to the tasting room which is open Thursday through Monday.

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars

grape cluster

Stephen Ross's story begins with the "Stephen Ross Dooley wine story" in Minnesota, where in my teenage years curiosity in wine led Stephen to make rhubarb and apple wines in the family basement…

Things progressed on a nice upward trajectory from that point. Curiosity evolved into a passion for winemaking, which led to a degree in Enology from The University of California, Davis;  then 10 years of winemaking (all vinifera from here on out, thankfully) in the Napa Valley, two southern hemisphere harvests, and seven years in the Edna Valley before launching his brand, Stephen Ross.  Paula joined the team soon after Stephen hired their first employee in 2005. A companion brand, Flying Cloud, was launched in 2003. 

Stephen Ross was founded on the principles of working with quality vineyards and hand-crafting the best wines possible from the grapes they yield. 

Venteux Vineyards

 glass of wine - Pixabay

Venteux Vineyards (pronounced "Vin 2") is suitably named as this ten acre estate is nestled in the renowned "windy" Templeton Gap in the heart of Paso Robles Wine Country. Known for hot dry days and cool damp nights this growing region is ideal for dry-farmed, head-trained vines which produce intensely bold and flavorful Rhone varietals. Experience life on a working winery and vineyard with luxurious stays at the winery's Bed & Breakfast inn.

Labyrinth Winery

winer logo

Labyrinth WInery is a premium producer of Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir and Big French / Spanish Reds from Paso Robles. The team at Labyrinth believes that world-class wines need to be accompanied by world-class service. In addition to a comfortable and welcoming environment to taste the wines poured, you will fine a sincere endeavor to make your visit special so that you feel like a long lost friend. At Labyrinth Winery Eddie and Stephanie Schwatz "craft wines that make your palate sing." *

Hours:
Mon      Closed
Tues     Closed
Wed       3:00pm to 8:00pm
Thur      3:00pm to 8:00pm
Fri         3:00pm to 8:00pm
Sat       12:00am to 8:00pm
Sun      12:00am to 6:00pm

Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard

swirling glass of red wine - Saman Teher - Pixabay

Today, James Ontiveros represents the ninth generation of the Alta California Ontiveros family, continuing the tradition of farming in the same valley that his ancestors have cherished for centuries. For wine lovers who enjoy California wines and visit its wineries, the wines crafted here tell a compelling story about the resilience of truth, the people, and the land itself. In the face of a cold, windswept coastal desert, the vines stretch deep into the earth, seeking water and nutrients from the depleted soil. Coupled with intentional farming practices in the cool Mediterranean climate, Santa Maria produces exceptional raw materials for winemaking. The singular goal at Ranchos de Ontiveros is to create wines as complex and rich as the story of their heritage.

Artiste Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

The Inspiration Behind Artiste

For Bion Rice, winemaking was more than a family tradition—it was a way to merge two of his greatest passions: wine and art. Growing up immersed in the craft, Bion’s curiosity for blending wines took root early on, fueled by his creative drive. In 2002, he founded Artiste Winery, where he introduced the concept of “Art Inspired Wines,” blending his love for the arts with winemaking in a unique and innovative way.

Meet Bion Rice – Owner and Winemaker

As a fifth-generation winemaker, Bion Rice carries a rich family legacy. His great-great-grandfather worked as a grape grower for renowned Napa Valley wineries in the late 1800s. Bion grew up hearing stories from his grandfather, who fondly recalled his childhood days spent picking grapes on the family’s vineyard. When Bion’s family planted their own 25-acre vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1990, that legacy continued to flourish.

After years of hands-on experience in the cellar and formal enology training under acclaimed winemaker Daniel Gehrs, Bion was ready to make his mark. In 1997, he produced his first vintage as Head Winemaker at Sunstone Vineyard and Winery in Santa Ynez. But Bion’s vision didn’t stop there—he wanted to blend his artistic side with winemaking. His college background in art and filmmaking inspired him to experiment, and in 1999, he created his first Artiste wine, featuring the artwork of James-Paul Brown on the label. This sparked the idea that would eventually become Artiste Winery.

The Opening of Artiste’s Tasting Studio

In 2003, Artiste’s “Tasting Studio” opened its doors, quickly becoming a favorite among wine lovers with an appreciation for the arts. It wasn’t just a place to taste wine; it was an immersive experience. Visitors could paint on large easels, sketch in art journals, and even take part in wine blending classes. It was where art and wine truly came together.

At the heart of Artiste is Bion’s innovative approach to blending wine. His "Art Inspired Wines" are crafted in response to the emotional and sensory impact of artwork. For Bion, each blend is a translation of a visual experience into a sensory one, creating wines that evoke feelings and memories through their aromas, flavors, and textures. Every wine is treated as a limited-edition masterpiece, never to be replicated, ensuring that each bottle is as unique as the artwork that inspired it.

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Cayucos Cellars

pouring wine - AI Generated Pixabay

Cayucos Cellars is the quintessential small family winery, owned and operated solely by a family of five, without any employees or outside help. Each family member can often be found in the tasting room, pouring wine, interacting with visitors from near and far, and enjoying a good chat.

All wines produced by Cayucos Cellars are fermented using only the natural abilities of wild yeast and are aged for three to six years in neutral oak barrels before bottling. With an annual production of between five hundred and eight hundred cases of premium wine, the family ensures incredible attention to detail in every bottle. The winery itself is located in an old dairy barn in the coastal hills above Cayucos, nestled on a working ranch. To ensure visitors' safety, the tasting room is conveniently located in town, away from the potential hazards of ranch machinery.

Dark Star Cellars

wine and cheese

Dark Star Cellars is a rustic working winery and vineyard just of the West 46 and 5 min from Central Paso Robles. 

Dark Star is a rustic working winery and vineyard, conveniently situated just five minutes from central Paso Robles, off West 46 at Anderson Road and only two miles from the 101. Ample parking is available, and local ride services are just minutes away.

The winery boasts a spacious 3,000-square-foot tasting area featuring an indoor tasting bar with seating, as well as an outdoor covered patio with picnic seating and vineyard views. Visitors can choose between a regular tasting or enjoy wine by the glass to complement their own picnic.

Founded in 1994, Dark Star offers around twenty award-winning wines on any given day, including whites, rosés, creative red blends, and both common and unusual red varietals and ports. In the past four years, under new management, the winery has earned twenty-five awards, including ten gold medals with scores of 90 or above. Dark Star sources only high-quality fruit from the finest local growers and plans to introduce limited-edition estate wines soon. The winemaker selects grapes only when they have reached full maturity and flavor, ensuring that all wines are made, aged, and bottled on-site. With a limited production of approximately 3,500 cases per year, the winery maintains a close relationship with each of its 380 barrels, carefully tracking the maturation of its wines.

Renowned for its laid-back, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere, Dark Star offers tastings that include eight wines of the visitor's choice, or guests can allow the friendly and knowledgeable staff to guide them through the extensive menu. Many couples enjoy sharing side-by-side tastings to compare and contrast the nuances of different varietals or blends. Non-drinking companions can participate in activities like corn hole, observe the bee hive, or relax with the winery's cats and chickens. Depending on the day's activity level, vineyard, crush pad, and winery tours may be offered, and visitors might even have the chance to lend a hand during harvest season.

Dark Star takes pride in its quality-to-price ratio, with retail bottle prices ranging from $24 to $48. Club members receive a 30% discount at all times and enjoy 50% off case specials at least twice a year. The club commitment involves six bottles twice a year, typically costing around $150 per order, plus any applicable tax and shipping. Members can choose from the winery's selections or customize their orders.

Visitors are encouraged to check the winery's website for upcoming events. Spring and fall pick-up parties feature live bands, dancing, and buffets, while live music by local and traveling artists occurs once or twice a month. Additionally, open-mic/karaoke night takes place every Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Dark Star is also available for private parties, small weddings, and charitable fundraisers.

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