Central Coast

Central Coast

Cottonwood Canyon

glass of wine

Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery is a boutique winery known for its handcrafted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Established in 1988 by the Beko family, the winery is situated in Santa Maria Valley, on the northern edge of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail within Santa Barbara County's wine country. Visitors are welcome to explore the 78-acre estate and sample the distinctively different, age-worthy wines produced there.

The key to crafting these unique, age-worthy wines lies in both the vineyard and the wine caves. The fruit is hand-harvested when it reaches slight tropical flavors, typically around 24 brix. The naturally high acidity of the fruit allows lees to remain in contact with the wine until bottling, enhancing flavor extraction while maintaining a balanced interplay between fruit, oak, and acidity.

The combination of the fruit's inherent high acidity and the controlled conditions of the wine caves results in wines with exceptional longevity. These wines evolve gradually over many years and achieve near perfection when aged between 8 to 12 years.

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.

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

Bien Nacido Vineyards

Bien Nacido Vineyards Image

The Miller Family planted Bien Nacido Vineyards in 1970's. Togther with Winemaker Trey Fletcher this winery produces approx. 2,000 cases of wine a year. Wines produced are Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vioner, Nebbiolo.

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.

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.

Amond Hill Vineyard

gape cluster - pixabay

Almond Hill Vineyard is a small family owned and operated Estate Vineyard located on a hillside previously planted in almond trees on the West side of the Paso Robles appellation, mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Proprietors Dennis Van Westerhuyzen and his wife Nicole Cavier searched for many years, up and down the California Coast, for some land to plant a small vineyard to keep themselves busy during their retirement years, and also because they both enjoy wine. They bought the property in 1997 The first 2 1/2 acres of Syrah vines were planted in 2000. They were very fortunate to find a buyer for their first harvest in 2002, a great little boutique winery right next door. In 2004 they planted another 4 acres of Syrah and 1 acre of Petite Sirah grafted with budwood from the acclaimed Richard Sauret Vineyard near by.

Robert Hall Winery

vineyard at sundown

We had a very nice host that was pouring us all sorts of wine. She truely made us feel special because her mission was to find us a wine to like. It is a nice big tasting room with the big square bar, beautiful water fountain out front and some tables outside to enjoy the view. I never gave this place a fair chance because I have tried there wine at the grocery store and wasn't pleased. Well now that I have tried all there wines it is very good especially the reds! So give this place a fighting chance and it will not disappoint you.

Clos Solène Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

The Love Story Behind Clos Solène

At the age of five, Guillaume was captivated by winegrowing, following his father around their property in the Languedoc-Roussillon. As he grew older, his interest expanded to the winemaking process itself. After completing his studies in Oenology and Viticulture in Carcassonne, his parents sold the family property and relocated to Bourg, a village near Bordeaux. Disheartened by their move, Guillaume remained in Languedoc, visiting his parents on weekends but hesitant to join them—until he met her.

It was a “coup de foudre”—a bolt of lightning. Nothing could deter them from seeing each other, though it would be several months before they reunited.

Their lives were filled with challenges; she had to travel to Spain, and he headed to California. Despite the distance, their love endured as they faced obstacles together. When Guillaume asked her to move with him to Paso Robles, choosing to develop his own brand rather than take over the family property, she recognized his passion for wine and decided to trust him. This trust laid the foundation for the creation of Clos Solène in 2007. Although the journey has not always been smooth, Guillaume remains driven by the same passion that fuels his work, attributing much of it to the faith and trust his partner has in him.

Guillaume Fabre

Owner & Winemaker

Born and raised in Narbonne, in the Southeast of France, Guillaume hails from a family of grape growers and winemakers. After spending 24 years in Narbonne, he relocated to Bordeaux. While both regions are renowned for their wines, they are distinctly different, presenting unique challenges in grape growing and winemaking, such as variations in climate, soil types, and vine diseases.

Initially unsure about pursuing winemaking in Bordeaux, Guillaume accepted a harvest internship at L’Aventure in Paso Robles. There, he experienced the same spark of inspiration he felt for Solène—he fell in love with the soil and terroir of Paso Robles. What began as a three-month internship evolved into six months, during which he was offered the position of Assistant Winemaker. Throughout his time at L’Aventure, Guillaume dedicated himself to his own project, ultimately leading to the launch of Clos Solène in 2007.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Adelaida Vineyards

people enjoying wine - wine artist Agata Zaborowski

You will find in the picturesque rolling foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains near Paso Robles, California, lies a contemporary gem of a winery owned by the Hoffman family. Operated by Dr. Stanley Hoffman and his two sons, David and Michael, this idyllic winery boasts 12-year-old vineyards perched at elevations of 1,400 to 1,800 feet, all dedicated to producing premium estate-bottled wines.

The story of this remarkable winery dates back to 1964 when Dr. Hoffman first planted French varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. He discovered that the unique climate, terrain, and chalky, lime-rich soil of his Central Coast ranch closely resembled the renowned viticulture regions of France.

In 1973, Dr. and Mrs. Hoffman made the bold move from Southern California to Paso Robles, setting out to create a winery focused solely on estate-bottled premium wines. That same year, they welcomed the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff, the “dean of California Winemasters,” as a consultant. With Andre’s expert guidance, the Hoffman brothers began crafting wines that soon garnered prestigious accolades, including a gold medal at an international wine competition in London in 1975.

Tchelistcheff praised the Hoffmans, noting, “Love, devotion, and self-sacrifice are rare in this day but essential for making great wines,” and he believed the Hoffman brothers embodied these qualities. He also referred to HMR Vineyards as “a jewel of ecological elements,” predicting that some of the best white and red Burgundies would emerge from this exceptional region.

For those who adore California wines, the Hoffman family's commitment to quality and their stunning vineyard is a true treasure waiting to be explored!

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