Tulocay was one of the "new" wineries to start up in the early 1970's, and the owner, Bill Cadman, is still at it and still making great Napa wines, in the traditional style. This means that his wines are very well-balanced and play well with food - they don't dominate, they enhance and compliment, good meals. They also age very well. Another plus is that the Tulocay wines are generally very well-priced compared with your average Napa wine - many if not most of his wines are in the 20 to 30 dollar range.

Top notch experience with top notch wine. Our host for the day started by taking us into a big room with a fully set table. I appreciated that we were each given multiple glasses that were appropriate for the wine were were tasting - Chardonnay, Pinot & Cab. It makes such a difference and that should have been the first clue to the experience we were about to have.

Discover the Heart of Paso Robles: Grey Wolf Cellars

Wine lovers, get ready to embark on a delightful journey to Grey Wolf Cellars, a boutique winery nestled along the iconic Highway 46 corridor in Paso Robles, California. Founded over 20 years ago by Joe Sr. and Shirlene Barton in 1994, Grey Wolf Cellars embodies a dream that blossomed into a thriving family business, dedicated to crafting exceptional wines for generations to come.

As the winery began to take shape, their son, Joe Jr., was right there alongside his parents, balancing his studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with the hands-on experience of launching a winery. Tragically, at just 23, Joe Jr. found himself stepping into his father’s shoes after Joe Sr.’s untimely passing in 1998. Rather than falter, he embraced his mission to carry on the family legacy with passion and determination.

Joe Jr. has made it his life’s work to create wines that reflect the unique character of Paso Robles. He sources grapes from dry-farmed vineyards across the Willow Creek, Templeton Gap, and Adelaida District AVAs, honing in on the distinct microclimates that make this region so special. With a keen focus on hand-crafted wines, Joe has curated a dynamic portfolio that includes heritage varietals like Zinfandel, classic Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, and a selection of both red and white Rhône varietals. Each vineyard contributes its own unique essence, allowing Joe to create wines that truly represent the spirit of Paso Robles.

Fast forward to today, and the Barton family continues to thrive. Joe and his wife, Jenny, run the winery together, with Shirlene still playing a vital role in daily operations. This family-run establishment has modernized while retaining its heart, adding a charming urban farmhouse tasting room to the property. In 2013, they introduced Barton’s Kitchen, serving up delicious farm-to-table cuisine in a relaxed setting. And in 2022, the family expanded their horizons with the launch of Grain+Vine Craft Distillery, bringing even more flavor to the table.

After two decades of winemaking, Joe Jr. remains as captivated as ever by the joys of vineyard life—whether it’s revving up a tractor, witnessing bud break, or transforming luscious fruit into exquisite wine. At Grey Wolf Cellars, every sip tells a story, and every visit is an invitation to be part of their rich legacy. Cheers to family, passion, and, of course, exceptional wine!