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!

Winemaker Denis Hoey released his first commercial vintage at the age of 21. He now blends old-world methods with new-world techniques to create nouveau-style wines. His goal is to produce wines that are rich, textured, and balanced, while respecting both terroir and varietal character. Hoey's success stems from meticulous attention to detail and the purposeful application of each step in the winemaking process, including grape sourcing, fermentation techniques, pressing regimens, barrel selection, and aging programs. The result is a line of clean, focused wines.

A native of Sacramento, Hoey grew up in a family that appreciated fine wines, exposing him to a diverse range of quality selections that helped refine his palate. In 2004, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in Business Management. Shortly after, he met Jeff Emery, the owner and winemaker at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard. This relationship quickly evolved into an Old World apprenticeship for Hoey, who eventually became the production manager at SCMV before founding Odonata Wines in Santa Cruz in 2005.

Hoey honed many of his cellar practices at Bison Organic Brewery in Berkeley, where he worked with a more perishable product. This experience emphasized the importance of careful attention to spoilage organisms. He continues his education by following current trends in winemaking research from major universities and has traveled to Italy and France multiple times to gain a broader perspective on European winemaking techniques and varietal fidelity. His commitment to quality is evident in his practice of tasting frequently to maintain a sharp palate for the nuances of wine. He consistently challenges himself to improve by learning from the successes and missteps of others in the industry.

In 2014, Hoey and his wife, Claire, relocated to the Santa Lucia Highlands, where they are raising their family and operating Odonata Winery. Their property features a 2-acre vineyard, a production facility, a tasting room, and a welcoming patio where visitors can enjoy their unique wines.