Central Coast

Central Coast

Ancient Peaks Winery

Painting by Agata Zaborowski

Ancient Peaks Winery Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked beneath the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, the vines unfold along a rare array of soils amid one of the region’s coolest growing environments. The resulting wines express an unmistakable sense of place, with balanced structure and flavors that are native to Margarita Vineyard.

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Lions Peak Vineyards

cluster of grapes - ai generated - Pixabay

In 1990, it was a road trip that led Jennifer Soni and her family to the Central Coast. At that time the Central Coast was, “horse country to the finest thoroughbreds and vineyards were just coming on board.” Having grown up in the farmlands and horse country of West Texas, country life was not new to Jennifer Soni. The Soni Family kept returning to the Central Coast for the overall lifestyle experience. It was on one of those trips that a vineyard property in the Northern border of the Paso Robles AVA was discovered. As result it was that the 128-acre farm with 40 acres of own rooted Cabernet Sauvignon became the Soni Family Vineyard Home in 1992.

After 30 years Lions Peak has had the legacy of producing award-wining reds and white wines. The Estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon and numerous other Bordeaux and Rhone red and white varietals. Today Jennifer continues wine making and producing award winning wines from her Estate and from grapes that she sources from the Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Monterrey AVA’s.

 

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.

Kunin Wines

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Currently, Kunin Wines makes wines from five different grape varietals: viognier, zinfandel, syrah, grenache and mourvedre. Each varietal requires particular soil and climatic conditions to produce fruit that is of the superior quality that we demand. Therefore, we source our grapes from various vineyards, located throughout the region, to take advantage of the varying conditions and terrain and that each varietal is grown in its optimal environment.

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

Fiddlehead Cellars

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. 

Caparone Winery

wine corks and glass - Pixabay

Celebrating forty years as a small artisan winery, they specialize in high-quality red wines. Their approach involves crafting wines that reflect their own preferences, emphasizing complexity, balance, and the right amount of acidity and tannins to ensure aging potential and meal compatibility. By carefully aligning their vines with their microclimate, they produce wines with vibrant fruit and varietal character at a moderate alcohol level. Their passion lies in classic-style wines—those that can age and enhance over decades, offering multi-dimensional profiles without excessive oak influence. This is the essence of what they strive to create.

Chateau Margene

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Chateau Margene, now celebrating its 26th year, is the realization of a dream brought to life by Michael and Margene Mooney. Back in 1997, they envisioned planting a vineyard, crafting a winery, and establishing their home in the beautiful Paso Robles area. By the summer of 1998, the family settled into their property, where they still reside, and kicked off their adventure by planting the estate vineyard that fall.

With annual production ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 cases—thanks to the whims of Mother Nature—Chateau Margene embraces a "quality over quantity" mantra. The estate boasts two charming vineyard blocks: Stella’s Vineyard, named in honor of Margene's mother and their granddaughter, Jon's daughter, showcases two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, planted in 2014. Meanwhile, the front vineyard, Michael's Vineyard, pays tribute to Michael and Margene's older son and grandson, featuring a delightful mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Sangiovese.

Their farming practices are all about being organic and sustainable, with Michael taking the reins on vineyard management and winemaking alongside his son Jon. Meanwhile, Margene steers the day-to-day operations and works her magic as the winemaker for their exquisite Cabernet Franc. Cheers to this vibrant family legacy in the heart of Paso Robles!

Painting by Wine Artist Agata Zaborowski

Villa Creek Cellars

grape cluster  - ai generated

They were brimming with passion for wine and the industry, arriving with a cellar filled with inspirational wines from around the globe. They launched their Villa Creek label in 2001, gaining a deeper understanding of the environment, the winemaking process, and the interplay between the two. Now, with 22 years of experience, their second label, MAHA, has gracefully come into its own.

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