A family-owned artisan winery located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Their estate-grown line features Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Muscat Blanc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot varieties.
The tasting room is open from 12 to 4 every Thursday through Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome for parties up to 6 people. For same-day requests, please call us to check for openings.
Benessere Vineyards is a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The region's soil is exceptionally well-suited for cultivating these types of grapes. The name "Benessere," an Italian word meaning "well-being" or "living the good life," reflects the vineyard's dedication to producing Italian varietals and its commitment to providing warm, welcoming hospitality.
The property was acquired in 1994 by John and Ellen Benish, who immediately began the restoration of the winery and residence, as well as replanting the vineyards. By 1995, they had produced their first vintage of Sangiovese, realizing their dream. Since that inaugural vintage, Benessere Vineyards has expanded its portfolio to include other sought-after Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Moscato di Canelli, Sagrantino, and Aglianico.
In addition to these varietals, Benessere Vineyards also produces a "Super Tuscan" style blend called Phenomenon, as well as two distinctive Zinfandels. One Zinfandel is sourced from the ‘Black Glass Vineyard,’ while the other comes from the ‘Collins Holystone Vineyard’ adjacent to the estate.
Winemaker Chris Ferrara is deeply influenced by his Sicilian heritage, Chris creates Italian varietals that are old-world, iconic, and elegant. Tucked in between the rolling hills of the Templeton Gap AVA and surrounded by vegetable gardens and roaming chickens, Clesi Winery is open Thursday through Sunday in their Tasting Room at 1873 Templeton Road in Templeton. After more than a decade in San Luis Obispo, Adrienne and Chris Ferrara of Clesi bought 30 acres in 2015 to return to the Templeton AVA.
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.
