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

Ciento Cellars is a charming boutique winery with an incredibly small yet dedicated team: Dave, Tonia, Jake, and their beloved dog, Oakley! While they may be few in number, the beauty of their wines and the quality of their fruit are the results of a collaborative effort that extends far beyond their small crew.

At the heart of their success are the tireless vineyard crews led by second-generation grape growers Mia and Juan Nevarez, whose hard work nurtures the vines that produce Ciento's exceptional grapes. Equally important are the mentors, teachers, and friends from the vibrant Paso Robles community, whose wisdom and support have shaped their winemaking journey.

And let’s not forget the families and friends whose love and encouragement fuel their passion for winemaking year-round. Ciento Cellars’ estate vineyard spans 14.4 acres, nestled between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level. Here, gently rolling terrain meets steep hillsides, creating a diverse landscape that enhances the complexity of their wines.

The vineyard's soils are rich in calcareous limestone shale, characteristic of Paso Robles' westside terroir. With just the right amount of clay to retain moisture and loamy soils that provide essential nutrients, the ground is perfectly suited for growing premium grapes. Wine lovers are invited to visit the tasting room and check out samples of the limestone shale that contributes to the unique character of their wines!

Most of Ciento's estate vineyard was planted in the spring of 2019, with the Cinsault and Petit Verdot blocks added in 2021. As these blocks come into production in 2024, the team is thrilled to introduce new, intriguing components to their wine portfolio. The Viognier block, situated just below the tasting patio, was planted in 2023, so it will be a couple of years before this block begins to yield fruit.

For those seeking an intimate wine experience filled with passion and community spirit, Ciento Cellars is a must-visit destination in Paso Robles!