This winery has about 25 options to taste - 6 or so bubbly selections (delicious), 8 Pinot selections (delicious), 6 white selections (delicious) and some other reds (are you noticing a theme here)? It is a $10 tasting fee for 5 wines but you should probably buy two tastings and at least go through the bubbly and some of the pinots. The tasting room does get pretty crowded but there are some nice chairs and umbrellas outside where you can picnic.
Pinot Noir, Gruner Veltliner & Sauvignon Blanc nurtured in the vineyard, respected in the winery and aged to distinction. Admiration for tradition and Old World style married with New World sensibilities. Browse around this site to share my love, my passion & ultimate satisfaction captured in the bottle.
Meet Niels and Bimmer Udsen, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Castoro Cellars, a fun and inviting winery that has been making waves in Paso Robles since 1983. Their journey began with a simple dream: to create world-class wines from the beautiful grapes of the Paso Robles appellation.
Niels, a Ventura native, first dipped his toes into the wine business while studying Agribusiness at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. His passion for winemaking, combined with Bimmer’s unwavering support, led them to establish their very own winery in the heart of this thriving wine region.
But the path to success wasn’t conventional. The Udsens embraced what they fondly call the “backwards approach”: they started by making and selling wine, then acquired their own equipment, and finally built their winery and tasting room. Talk about an adventure!
You can visit Castoro’s charming tasting room in Templeton, right off scenic Highway 46 West, while their winemaking facility is located in San Miguel on the East Side of Paso Robles—both opened their doors in 1990. With the mentorship of Tom Myers, Castoro Cellars’ talented winemaker, the Udsen family has transformed from crafting a few barrels for friends and family into a thriving business.
Today, Castoro boasts over 1,400 acres of estate vineyards, all certified organic and SIP certified. Niels and Bimmer have built a brand that reflects their values, focusing on approachability and environmental consciousness. Niels' father, a Danish immigrant and successful businessman, instilled in him a deep appreciation for agriculture and entrepreneurship, which shaped their winery’s foundation.
Niels discovered his love for the wine industry during a senior marketing project for a local winery at Cal Poly. After marrying Bimmer in 1981, he honed his winemaking skills in the cellar of Estrella River Winery, learning every aspect of the craft for five years under the guidance of Tom Myers.
In 1983, armed with experience and a sense of humor, Niels and Bimmer launched Castoro Cellars, named after the Italian word for “beaver” (Niels’ long-time nickname). Their motto, “Dam Fine Wine,” perfectly captures their playful spirit!
Castoro Cellars isn’t just about great wine; it’s about family values, too. Their welcoming tasting room is family-friendly, even offering alcohol-free Zinfandel grape juice for the little ones. Plus, the Udsens prioritize a work environment that understands the importance of family flexibility for their employees. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey, Castoro Cellars promises a delightful experience filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, exceptional wine!
In 1997 began the pursuit of a dream; it started with 75 acres on Jack Creek Road in Templeton, CA. Before the first vine was planted Jack Creek Cellars made the commitment to farm the finest fruit possible, even if it meant a longer period of time before the vineyard became financially viable. The first priority with the fruit produced from the vineyard has always been excellence, believing strongly that without remarkable fruit you cannot make a world-class wine.
Pinot Noir is the driving passion of Marc Goldberg and Maggie D'Ambrosia, the husband and wife team who own Windward Vineyard. This vineyard is exclusively devoted to producing Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, reflecting the couple's deep commitment to creating a "Great American Pinot Noir" that can rival those from Burgundy.
Marc and Maggie acquired and planted the vineyard in 1989, drawn by the terroir and microclimate of Paso Robles' Westside. The unique combination of cooling Pacific breezes, calcareous soil, and a significant daily temperature drop of 50 degrees contributes to the production of exceptional Pinot Noir.
Embracing the Burgundian French concept of "Monopole," which signifies total control over both the vineyard and the winemaking process, the 15-acre property is planted with four notable French clones.
Windward Vineyard aims to re-establish Paso Robles' reputation for Pinot Noir, following in the footsteps of two influential figures in California wine history. In the late 1960s, consultant André Tchelistcheff managed the Paso Robles Hoffman Mountain Ranch property for Dr. Stanley Hoffman. During the 1970s, Hoffman's Pinot Noirs gained international acclaim and continued to impress even after 20 years.
Since their debut in 1995, each vintage from Windward Vineyard has been sold out and received significant acclaim, particularly from wine enthusiasts who value the layered complexity of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. Marc notes, "The vineyard consistently produces formidable fruit. It is meeting our expectations as it matures and develops its intricate complexity."
AronHill Estate vineyard is nurtured on this beautiful hillside where there is the perfect blend of sun, climate, and soil, resulting in excellent fruit. Judy Aron pride herself on her personal hands-on attention to every detail in the finest winemaking tradition. Judy works hand in hand and with deep gratitude to my dedicated vineyard manager, Richard Sauret, and winemaker, Mikel Olsten, to achieve excellent and premium wines. The dry farmed, low yield, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon is estate grown and touted by Cab lovers as smooth and full bodied with a pepper kick. “Unbridled Passion” is how Judy describes AronHill's Vinho Doce port.
Boutz Cellars and Boutzoukas Family Vineyards tell the story of a father and son who share a deep passion for the outdoors, farming, and fine wine. Their journey began in Florida, where growing wine grapes proved challenging. When the chance arose to acquire two premium vineyard sites in Paso Robles' Adelaida District, they seized the opportunity.
Today, with over 52 acres of planted vines and 12 different varietals, they have laid the groundwork to achieve their vision. Their commitment to hard work, sustainable farming practices, and a focus on quality over quantity is reflected in their wines, forming the foundation of the legacy they are building.
Painting by Agata Zaborowski
In 1989, well ahead of the Paso Robles vineyard boom Bob and Jan decided to plant a small vineyard. Pebble Smith, wine and vineyard expert and the father of world-famous winemaker Justin Smith, owner of Saxum, selected an entirely south-facing rocky hillside situated 1800 feet above sea level. Ten acres were ripped to four feet, yielding large calcareous rocks laden with whalebones and other marine mammal fossils – thus the origin of the vineyard and winery's name. The calcareous treasures trapped in the vineyard's broken shale and limestone were left behind after the underwater canyons and basins retreated, and when the earth shifted and folded during the Miocene some six million years ago. On this hillside reminiscent of a moonscape, the Simpson Family planted this distinctive property exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon. Our friend, noted cattleman Rex Swan, has an entire baby whale thorax and vertebrae intact in a rock now centered over his fireplace. The graphic on the back label was produced from that specimen. It became apparent to the Simpson’s that they had a very special vineyard. For over a decade, grape buyers have raved about the vineyard and its fruit. The terrain and coastal influence create a synergy that yields fruit that is crafted into rich and substantial wine. This distinctive area is no longer a secret, as evidenced by the purchase of an adjacent ranch by the Perrin Brothers of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Hass, after two years of combing California for the perfect spot to grow Rhone varietals.
Way out along the Adelaida Road stands a little red farmhouse, home to Tolo Cellars. Josh Gibson, proprietor and winemaker, offers a sumptuous array of wines including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Barbera, and exotic Rhone Blends all sourced from vineyards tucked away in the rustic hills, where once frolicked the pioneers of the Adelaide Township.
This historically adventures area, marked by rugged terrain, offers ideal hillside conditions for vines bearing hardy and distinctive wine grapes.
Josh's goals in winemaking is to allow these vineyards, each with its own "flora and fauna" to express themselves in a glorious harmony. Thus, all his wines are fermented on native yeast, allowing the robust and wild flavors of the vines to exude in the wines. The results are libations of uncommon depth and mysterious character - much like the surrounding hillsides.
Josh opened his tasting room in 2005, though he was well-versed in the Far Out lifestyle long before that. As assistant winemaker at Le Cuvier for several years, Josh learned the tricks of crafting high quality wines in small lots, limiting production to just around 1,200 cases.
As a Small Boutique Winery that offers Ultra-premium hand-made wines produced in small lots from their family-owned winery and vineyard. A uniquely rustic tasting room. Experience some serious wine, talk with the owner-winemaker and enjoy the relaxing family atmosphere. Stay in the private accomodations and enjoy the awesome views and country quiet.
