Pinot Noir is the driving passion of Marc Goldberg and Maggie D'Ambrosia, the husband and wife team who own Windward Vineyard. This vineyard is exclusively devoted to producing Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, reflecting the couple's deep commitment to creating a "Great American Pinot Noir" that can rival those from Burgundy.
Marc and Maggie acquired and planted the vineyard in 1989, drawn by the terroir and microclimate of Paso Robles' Westside. The unique combination of cooling Pacific breezes, calcareous soil, and a significant daily temperature drop of 50 degrees contributes to the production of exceptional Pinot Noir.
Embracing the Burgundian French concept of "Monopole," which signifies total control over both the vineyard and the winemaking process, the 15-acre property is planted with four notable French clones.
Windward Vineyard aims to re-establish Paso Robles' reputation for Pinot Noir, following in the footsteps of two influential figures in California wine history. In the late 1960s, consultant André Tchelistcheff managed the Paso Robles Hoffman Mountain Ranch property for Dr. Stanley Hoffman. During the 1970s, Hoffman's Pinot Noirs gained international acclaim and continued to impress even after 20 years.
Since their debut in 1995, each vintage from Windward Vineyard has been sold out and received significant acclaim, particularly from wine enthusiasts who value the layered complexity of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. Marc notes, "The vineyard consistently produces formidable fruit. It is meeting our expectations as it matures and develops its intricate complexity."