Booker Wines: Crafting Impactful Wines with Purpose

At Booker Wines, the mission is clear: to thoughtfully farm and craft world-class wines that leave a small ecological footprint while making a significant impact. Their estate vineyard, which proudly achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) status in 2023, produces a diverse range of wines, with a particular emphasis on Rhône varietals. These wines are produced in limited quantities and often sell out to the winery's wine club upon release, with select offerings from the current vintage available for purchase.

The name "Booker" honors two orphan brothers, Claude and Dick Booker, who acquired the land in the late 1920s. By the turn of the century, the Booker brothers had amassed over 1,200 acres on Paso Robles' Westside, dedicating their lives to exceptional farming and humanitarian efforts. When they passed away—Dick in 1990 and Claude in 2000—they generously left 100% of their estate to charity.

In 2001, Eric and Lisa Jensen purchased 100 acres of the property, aiming to cultivate the best fruit for the region's top wineries. After gaining invaluable experience making wine with renowned winemakers Justin Smith of Saxum and Stephan Asseo of L'Aventure Wines, the Jensens decided to create their own expression with Booker Vineyard. The 2005 vintage marked Booker Vineyard's first release, crafted by founder Eric Jensen. The vineyard achieved organic certification in April 2021, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable practices.

Booker Wines continues to honor its legacy while producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Paso Robles.

women enjoying wine - wine artist Agarta Zaborowski 

After following the challenging road up the mountainside we came to this beautiful home overlooking the valley and their fields. While the view from their home porch was breathtaking, and the active hummingbird feeders captivating, the time spent talking to this husband-wife wine making team was fascinating. A visit to this winery not only includes a tasting of their wonderful Syrahs, but also great conversation about wine making, genetics and theories of growing grapes in Napa Valley. A great stop and we will remember this visit each time we open a bottle at home.

This isn't your usual winery experience--Cline is surrounded by an impressive property, but this location is also rich with historical relevance. The mission on downtown Sonoma used to actually be located where Cline stands today. The vineyard was cute and cosy. IHas picnic tables in the front lawn laid out so you can have your own snacks to accompany your bottle of wine after your tasting.