Central Coast

Central Coast

Bella Luna Estate Winery

Grape cluster - Pixabay - AI Generated

Bella Luna Estate Winery, founded in 1998 by lifelong friends Kevin Healey and Sherman Smoot, has a charming story that traces back to their childhood on the Central Coast of California. The duo first bonded while playing t-ball and later became the quarterback and center of their high school football team in Atascadero. After serving their country in the Vietnam War, their paths diverged, but fate brought them back together years later.

The idea for Bella Luna Winery sprouted during a nostalgic night of reminiscing about their shared past. When morning came, the dream of starting a winery still felt enticing, and at the youthful age of 50, they planted dry-farmed Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Ruby Cabernet grapes on their estate.

Both friends are proud fathers. Sherman has a daughter, Carly, and a son, Jimmy. Interestingly, Carly was the only 8-year-old who didn’t dream of having a pony, so Sherman decided to name the vineyard after her. Kevin’s daughter, Nichole, had her own unique experiences in the family business. Often grounded during her high school years, she was assigned to work with her dad in the vineyard or winery as a form of punishment. However, what started as a chore turned into a passion; Nichole loved the vineyard life and eventually pursued a degree in Enology and Viticulture at Fresno State.

After completing her studies, Nichole took her talents to Australia, where a three-month internship in Margaret River turned into a remarkable 7.5-year adventure. There, she fell in love with both the local wine scene and Lukas, a fellow wine industry professional.

For visitors exploring California’s wineries, Bella Luna Estate Winery offers a delightful glimpse into the intertwined lives of friendship, family, and winemaking. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of its founders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to savor exceptional wines and enjoy the warm camaraderie that defines this unique winery.

Phelan Vineyards

barrel room - Pixabay

Phelan Farm embodies the lessons learned from a life dedicated to wine and the vision of a vineyard deeply connected with nature. Situated at the far edge of the continent, the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean shapes the farm's philosophy and sharpens its purpose. The farm envisions a future where wine is not only a gift to humankind but also to the earth itself. With humility, Phelan Farm strives to inspire, just as it has been inspired. Visitors are invited to be part of this journey.

Tolsa Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch brought Robin Baggett to Edna Valley on the San Luis Obispo Coast. The cold Pacific wind and soils from ancient seabed to limestone made him realize he was on a frontier of a different sort: a microclimate ideal for ripening sensitive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.  

Robin began planting our home ranch in 1988.  In Edna Valley, much as the soil and the climate come together, the passions of vintner Robin Baggett have converged. The revelation of the valley as a remarkable place for Pinot Noir ignited his zeal to build complex, nuanced and balanced wines of distinction.  Over time, his quest has expanded to find other special pockets of terroir throughout California that offer an exceptional environment for these delicate grapes.  

A true believer in terroir and the deepest evocation of place, together with his winemaking team, his mission is to discover the best pockets of soil, and through the art of uniting the right sites, clones, rootstocks and farming practices, create exemplary Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are the purest expressions of the place from whence they came. Tolosa is the expression of his commitment to spare no effort to craft nuanced and balanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of distinctive character to rival any in the world.
 

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.

CaliPaso Winery and Villa

Painting by Agata Zaborowski - woman enjoying a glass of wine on couch

Experience CaliPaso Winery located on California’s Central Coast. CaliPaso is perfect for private events such as weddings or corporate retreats. Amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of Paso Robles, the elegant architecture, soothing colors and attention to detail appeal to the most discriminating tastes will provide a stunning atmosphere for your event. The winery overlooks acres of picturesque hills and vineyards providing a dreamy background to your event.

Stay at The Villa
CaliPaso is a luxurious private inn and winery nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of Paso Robles. Each of the eight guest rooms and suites features exquisite décor that blends luxury and comfort. Amenities include fireplaces and private balconies or patios that overlook the vineyards and surrounding countryside.

Host an Event at CaliPaso
CaliPaso Winery, located in California’s Central Coast, offers a perfect venue for private events such as weddings and corporate retreats. Amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of Paso Robles, the elegant architecture, soothing colors, and meticulous attention to detail create a stunning atmosphere for any occasion. The winery overlooks acres of picturesque hills and vineyards, providing a dreamy backdrop for events.

Brochelle Vineyards

grape clusters

Brochelle Vineyards is located in Paso Robles and has some really nice wines. Their flagship is Zinfandel but their Petite Sirah and Chardonnay speak for themselves as well. The tasting room is very nice, a great find! Two locations for your tasting pleasure:

1. Westside Location: 6996 Peachy Canyon Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446
2. Eastside location: 2323 Tuley Rd #130, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Crazy Woman Cellars

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

The inspiration for the name comes from the winemaker's former mother-in-law, who raised four daughters as a single woman on a homestead in Mendocino County during the 1970s. They lived in a sheep barn without plumbing, windows, or doors, surrounded by pot growers who frequently encroached on their property. Defending her family with a six-shooter, she soon became known as "The Crazy Woman" and was widely respected in the community for her fearlessness. The winery aims to honor the countless women who have changed history while facing the label of being called crazy.

The winery is excited to host tastings in the barrel room, located in the Tin City Annex, where the wine is produced. This immersive experience will include tastings of wines in bottle alongside barrel tastings, allowing guests to see how the wines are made and enjoy an individual tasting experience.

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Peachy Canyon Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

The Peachy Canyon "Old Schoolhouse" tasting room, situated in the heart of Paso Robles' wine country along Highway 46 West, is a landmark attraction. The historic Old Bethel Schoolhouse, dating back to 1886, is a must-visit destination. Guests can enjoy tasting the world-famous Estate Zinfandels, along with over 15 other handcrafted small-batch Rhone and Bordeaux varietals that are exclusive to this location.

The last available guided-tasting session is at 4:00 PM, with a by-the-glass option offered until 4:30 PM.

Please note that while reservations are recommended, they are not required. Walk-ins are welcome as long as a team member is available. There is also a new dog policy: while dogs are beloved, they are not allowed inside the tasting room. Well-behaved and properly socialized dogs on a leash are permitted in the designated "dog area" with their owners. However, dogs that bark, growl, or are off-leash will be asked to leave. Tasting service in the dog area is limited to flight service, or one person from the group can come inside to receive the next wine pour.

McClean Vineyards

glass of red wine - Pixabay

The founder of McClean Vineyards grew up on fourteen picturesque acres of Syrah in Paso Robles, surrounded by everything he cherished: the fragrant grapes, the rolling hillsides, the dogs frolicking through the fields, and the stories shared over a glass of wine. He adored every aspect of vineyard life—except for the conventional wine bottles and their traditional labels. At the time, major winemakers both locally and globally adhered to a formulaic approach, featuring estate images, family crests, fences, and pathways to houses. To him, these labels felt monotonous and trapped in tradition.

Determined to represent wine authentically, McClean envisioned a different narrative.

Artisanal. Impactful. Vibrant. Beautiful. Dynamic. Fresh.

Through a combination of screen printing and introspective exploration, McClean found a way to blend his passion for art with his love of fine wine. Once he embarked on this creative journey, he never looked back.

For wine lovers visiting California's wineries, McClean Vineyards offers an exciting and fresh perspective on wine that goes beyond the bottle, celebrating the artistry and vibrancy of each vintage.

Parrish Family Vineyards

ai - generated cluster of grapes

The Parrish family has deep roots in the Paso Robles area. Earl Henderson is David Parrish’s grandfather and was one of the first people to plant in Atascadero during Prohibition. In fact, he had P.O. Box 1. Today, his home is the site of the Atascadero Historical Museum.

In the 1920s, Henderson planted 540 acres and managed approximately 740 acres of wine grapes including Alicante, Charbon, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel. The Zinfandel cuttings were purchased from the famed Paderewski Ranch.  

Henderson grew grapes through the beginning of Prohibition and then got into the golf course business.

Inspired by his grandfather's stories, David Parrish set out to test his own green thumb. After graduating from U.C. Davis in 1974, he pursued his passion for grape growing by establishing A&P Ag Structures, a vineyard trellising company. His expertise caught the attention of Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi, leading to collaborations on trellising installations for Mondavi's vineyards and other renowned wineries like Beringer.

Nearly two decades later, Parrish returned to California's Central Coast, aiming to carry on his grandfather's legacy of grape growing. In 2004, he produced the first vintage under the Parrish Family label, now managing 70 acres in Paso Robles.

In 2018, marking another milestone, the Parrish family opened a wine and food destination on Adelaida Road. The tasting room offers vineyard walks, winery tours, food and wine pairings, tastings, bottle services, event spaces, and conference facilities. Indoors and outdoors, guests can explore their palate preferences, relax with wine, and find inspiration. The property even features a putting green with complimentary putters and golf balls for those looking to unwind.

Wine Tasting Experience: 
Open Daily 11am-5pm (last reservation at 4:15pm)  
Reservations for Visiting - They try to accommodate walk-ins when we can, but cannot guarantee.

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