Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode Highlights 🍷 What happens when the tasting room decides you should probably stay for lunch? This week on Where Wine Takes You , we’re digging into a side of Paso Robles wine country that has been evolving for decades: wineries with real restaurants, real kitchens, and chefs who are thinking about what’s on the plate with the same intention that goes into what’s in the glass. And Paso has some history here. JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery was putting real money and intention behind winery dining decades ago with Deborah’s Room , an early fine-dining experience at the estate that eventually became The Restaurant at JUSTIN , today a MICHELIN-starred restaurant. That early commitment helped establish the idea that a Paso winery could be a destination for dinner, not simply a tasting stop. That tradition keeps getting stronger. In 2026, Wine Enthusiast included Niner Wine Estates Restaurant on its list of the Best Winery Restaurants in the World , giving Paso some very timely international love for just how serious the food side of wine-country hospitality has become. Wine Enthusiast: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/best-winery-restaurants-2026/ Because harvest schedules are harvest schedules, Adam changes up the normal format and sits down for two separate conversations. First, it’s CASS Winery co-owner and co-founder Ted Plemons , whose story includes Paso dirt, a trip to South Africa, a few consequential bottles of Syrah, and an early belief that food, wine, hospitality, and the land could all be part of the same experience. Ted shares stories from more than two decades at CASS, how the property has grown, and why building around good people has remained such a big part of the philosophy. Then we head to Bianchi Winery with winemaker Todd Weiher and Chef Gregg Wangard , who is leading the new Melo Mela Kitchen . The conversation gets into the relationship between chef and winemaker, why acidity matters at the table, Gregg’s belief that his best cooking happens when he’s trusted to take chances, and what changes when a winery stops treating food as an accessory and builds a restaurant people might come back to on its own. For our Travel Paso Spotlight , we turn up the volume for the 13th Annual Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival , returning September 19–20, 2026 at Whale Rock Vineyard at Castoro Cellars. What began as a 30th-anniversary party called Beaverstock has grown into two days of music, art, wine, food, yoga, family fun, and support for Templeton music education. Adam spent several years hosting the festival himself, making this spotlight a particularly personal one. 🔗 GUEST + TRAVEL PASO LINKS CASS Winery https://www.casswines.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cass_winery Bianchi Winery https://www.bianchiwine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BianchiWinery Melo Mela Kitchen https://www.bianchiwine.com/kitchen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MeloMelaKitchen Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival https://www.whalerockmusicfestival.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whalerockmusicfestival 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 📲 Where Wine Takes You now has its own Instagram . Follow us at @wherewinetakesyou for new episodes, behind-the-scenes pours, guest highlights, and more from Paso wine country. 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode Highlights 🍷 Adam may be recording this episode from a lake house on Bear Pond in Hartford, Maine, but we’re headed straight back to Paso Robles wine country for another look at the region’s nested AVAs. This time, we’re going south, to the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA and one remarkable piece of land with a lot of stories buried in it. Adam sits down at SLO CAL Studios with Doug Filipponi , co-owner of Ancient Peaks Winery and Margarita Vineyard , and Mike Sinor , founding winemaker at Ancient Peaks. Doug grew up about a mile from Santa Margarita Ranch, later drilled water wells on the property, and eventually became one of its owners. Mike came to Cal Poly thinking he might become a teacher, found wine instead, and has spent decades learning how to translate the character of Margarita Vineyard into the glass. The conversation digs into the history of Santa Margarita Ranch, its wildly varied geology, the cooler growing conditions of the southernmost Paso Robles nested AVA, and the unusual reality that Margarita Vineyard remains the only vineyard inside the appellation. Doug and Mike also get into water wells, airplanes, old Jeeps, the early days of Ancient Peaks, their commitment to over-delivering on quality and value, and the story behind Oyster Ridge , the wine Mike calls their “best foot forward.” For this week’s Travel Paso Spotlight , Adam checks into River Lodge Paso Robles , the restored mid-century roadside motel from Nomada Hotel Group. The property gives an old Paso motor lodge a second act with 28 rooms, landscaped grounds, a 21+ pool and hot tub, and poolside restaurant and bar Ciao Papi . We also hear from Nomada founder and creative director Kimberly Walker about the vision behind the property. And because the show is literally called Where Wine Takes You, Adam has one more story developing from Maine. Turns out there’s a tiny vineyard practically across the pond from where he’s staying, with a couple, a dream, and one very unexpected obstacle involving a dry town. More on that one next episode. 🍷 GUEST + TRAVEL PASO LINKS Ancient Peaks Winery https://ancientpeaks.com/ Instagram: @ancientpeaks River Lodge Paso Robles https://www.riverlodgepaso.com/ Instagram: @riverlodgepaso 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 2026: An Early Vintage Demands Precision Advanced Viticulture looks at an unusually early 2026 growing season and how soil-moisture probes, plant-stress monitoring, and smart irrigation decisions have become especially important in a compressed vintage. https://advancedvit.com/why-technology-was-essential-in-2026/ Kristen Barnhisel Returns as ASEV President Lohr Winemaker, White Wine Kristen Barnhisel has returned as president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture for the 2026-2027 term, after previously serving as president in 2019-2020. https://www.jlohr.com/latest-news/j-lohr-winemaker-kristen-barnhisel-returns-as-asev-president-for-2026-2027 Winemakers’ Cookoff Announces 2026 Winners California Coast Brewery and Tobin James Winery took the People’s Choice Award, Booker-My Favorite Neighbor and Ava Hotel won the Professional Chef Award, V1no Juan earned the Judges’ Award, and Hoyt Family Vineyards took the Spirit Award at the annual fundraiser supporting local youth scholarships. https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/winemakers-cookoff-announces-this-years-winners-2/222731/ 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT River Lodge Paso Robles https://www.riverlodgepaso.com/ Instagram: @riverlodgepaso 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 📲 Where Wine Takes You now has its own Instagram . Follow us at @wherewinetakesyou for new episodes, behind-the-scenes pours, guest highlights, and more from Paso wine country. 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode Highlights 🍷 Who actually decides what’s next in wine? This episode puts that question in front of two people who see the consumer from very different sides of the table. Alex Wolfe , General Manager at Les Petites Canailles , lives in the moment where a guest actually has to choose a bottle. Andrew Nelson , President and Co-Founder of WarRoom Cellars , is looking at that same consumer from the brand side, acquiring and revitalizing legacy names and figuring out what people still love about them. The conversation gets into the difference between a trend and a fad, orange wine, chilled reds, Riesling, large-format bottles, alternative packaging, value, restaurant wine lists, and the strange alchemy of taking a wine brand with real history and giving it a second act. Andrew also takes us inside WarRoom’s approach to brands like Bonny Doon Vineyard and its newly acquired Pacific Rim , while Alex talks about being the conduit between the enormous world of wine and the actual human sitting at his table. We skip the Paso Wine Wire this episode and go straight into harvest with winemaker Anthony Yount , who takes Adam’s call with barrels being hydrated and Chardonnay arriving in the background. Anthony gives a genuinely working-winemaker review of STRAUSS , the Official Workwear Partner of Paso Robles Wine Country, including how his STRAUSS Chelsea boots have held up against long cellar days, water, concrete and his previous experience with Blundstones. He also gives us a live look at what was shaping up to be a very long 2026 harvest. And for our Travel Paso Spotlight , we head to Studios on the Park , right across from the downtown Paso Robles City Park, with Jordan Hockett , Operations Manager & Curator, and Christy Wilkins , Marketing Coordinator. We talk about the artists working inside the space, exhibitions and events, and the nonprofit mission behind it all, including Kids ArtSmart , which Jordan says serves around 5,000 local elementary school students each year. 🍷 Guests + Links Alex Wolfe | Les Petites Canailles Website: https://www.lpcrestaurant.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lespetitescanailles_/ Andrew Nelson | WarRoom Cellars Website: https://warroomcellars.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warroomcellars/ Bonny Doon Vineyard Website: https://www.bonnydoonvineyard.com Pacific Rim Website: https://www.pacificrimwines.com 🥾 STRAUSS Harvest Check-In STRAUSS is the Official Workwear Partner of Paso Robles Wine Country. Anthony Yount joins Adam from the middle of harvest for a real-world conversation about boots, workwear, long cellar days and the 2026 vintage. STRAUSS continues to identify itself publicly as the Official Workwear Partner of Paso Robles Wine Country. STRAUSS: https://us.strauss.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strauss_america/ 🎨 Travel Paso Spotlight | Studios on the Park Studios on the Park is a nonprofit art center in downtown Paso Robles with working artists, exhibitions, classes and community arts programming. Jordan Hockett is currently listed as Operations Manager & Curator, and Christy Wilkins as Marketing Coordinator. Website: https://studiosonthepark.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiospr/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 📲 Where Wine Takes You now has its own Instagram . Follow us at @wherewinetakesyou for new episodes, behind-the-scenes pours, guest highlights, and more from Paso wine country. 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode Highlights 🍷 This week, we continue our journey through the eleven sub-AVAs of Paso Robles with a stop in the Templeton Gap District , where the Pacific gets a vote, the wind rarely takes the day off, and Paso’s natural power finds a little extra freshness, perfume, and lift. Joining Adam at SLO CAL Studios are two winemakers operating on very different timelines. Vic Roberts, owner, estate grower, and winemaker at Victor Hugo Winery , arrived in Paso Robles in 1982. A UC Davis enology graduate, Vic helped with the original Paso Robles AVA effort, participated in the early growth of the Paso Robles Wine Festival, and planted his Templeton property one section at a time with his wife, Leslie. Sitting beside him is Scott Mathews, owner and winemaker at 915 Lincoln Wines . Scott’s wine journey began when he announced plans to make wine from a kit, and a friend immediately told him absolutely not. Real grapes were picked, an obsession was born, and the project eventually outgrew the garage and basement at 915 Lincoln. Today, Scott is building a small-production label and welcoming guests into his tasting room on Pine Street in Paso Robles. Together, Vic and Scott discuss estate farming versus creative sourcing, Viognier’s long climb toward name recognition, small vineyards, tasting-room realities, shifting consumer habits, the current wine market, and how a winemaker stays flexible without losing the reason they started. Two winemakers. Two completely different clocks. One cool, windy corner of Paso Robles tying their stories together. Later, the Travel Paso Spotlight heads just off the downtown Paso Robles park to Nectar Supply Co. , a modern apothecary and lifestyle shop featuring clean skincare, wellness goods, home fragrance, gifts, and small-batch products. Caleb joins Adam to explain what a modern apothecary actually is, how Nectar curates its shelves, what the shop adds to the downtown Paso experience, and where a first-time visitor should begin. Guests + Featured Brands Victor Hugo Winery victorhugowinery.com Instagram: @victorhugowinery 915 Lincoln Wines 915lincoln.com Instagram: @915lincoln Nectar Supply Co. nectarsupplyco.com Instagram: @nectarsupplyco Travel Paso travelpaso.com 🌐 Paso Wine Wire 🍷 Cab Franc Masters returns to Paso Robles The fourth annual Cab Franc Masters takes place Sunday, December 6, 2026, at Cass Winery . The event includes expert-led seminars, culinary pairings, and a grand tasting featuring more than 25 Paso Robles producers pouring Cabernet Franc. The day begins with a global exploration of the grape led by Sam Schmitt of the Central Coast School of Wine, followed by a food-pairing seminar with winemaker and educator Wes Hagen. 🔗 Read more: WineBusiness announcement 🔗 Tickets and information: CabFrancMasters.com 🍇 Central Coast vineyards running early Central Coast vineyards are reportedly running three to four weeks ahead of schedule, with a lighter 2026 crop also expected. An early harvest can compress labor, trucking, picking schedules, tank space, and winery production while a lighter crop can affect grape availability and the financial outlook for growers and producers. 🔗 Read more: Central Coast harvest report 🏡 Bodega de Edgar moves to Templeton Bodega de Edgar is shifting its tasting-room experience from Paso Robles to Templeton. The new location is at the Lone Madrone property on West Highway 46, alongside Kitchen 46, adding another wine and food stop to the Templeton tasting map. Visitors should confirm the current tasting location and hours before arriving. 🔗 Visit Bodega de Edgar: BodegaDeEdgar.com/visit 🌅 Travel Paso Spotlight This week’s Travel Paso Spotlight features Nectar Supply Co. , located just off the downtown Paso Robles park at 840 11th Street, Suite 102. The modern apothecary and lifestyle shop offers clean skincare, wellness products, home fragrance, gifts, and small-batch goods curated to turn everyday routines into more thoughtful rituals. 🔗 Learn more: NectarSupplyCo.com 📱 Instagram: @nectarsupplyco 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 📲 Where Wine Takes You now has its own Instagram . Follow us at @wherewinetakesyou for new episodes, behind-the-scenes pours, guest highlights, and more from Paso wine country. 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam sits down with two people who represent both sides of the bottle: Janell Dusi , owner and winemaker of J Dusi Wines , and Octavio “Tavo” García Martínez , founder of Martínez Farming . Recorded at SLO CAL Studios , the conversation celebrates Janell being named the 2026 Winemaker of the Year and Tavo being named the 2026 Wine Grape Grower of the Year . The honors recognize two very different journeys. One is rooted in a century of Paso family history. The other was built through decades of vineyard work, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Janell grew up in the Dante Dusi Vineyard , where grapevines surrounded her childhood home and her grandfather Dante taught her old-world Italian winemaking. After making her first Zinfandel as a kid, she launched J Dusi Wines in 2006 and built a winery that carries her family’s legacy forward with her own perspective. This appearance is also a full-circle moment. Janell was the very first guest on Where Wine Takes You . Six years later, she returns with 20 years of J Dusi wine in the bottle and a Winemaker of the Year belt buckle around her waist. Tavo was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, came to the United States as a teenager, and built his career from the ground up in California’s vineyards. He founded Martínez Farming in 2010 and now provides vineyard development, farming, and management services while using social media to show the work, people, and knowledge behind every grape. Janell has seen Tavo’s leadership firsthand, including overnight harvests when he arrives with dozens of Double-Doubles, donuts, ice, and whatever else his crew needs. His style of leadership is built not just on managing vineyards, but on taking care of the people working inside them. They also talk about an extraordinarily early 2026 harvest, Janell’s expanding partnership with Maker Wine , her canned wine headed to United Airlines , Tavo’s enormous online following, and what it feels like when years of quiet work are finally recognized out loud. Later, the Travel Paso Spotlight fires up the grill for the 27th annual Paso Robles Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff , happening Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Paso Robles Event Center. Local wineries serve their wine alongside competition-worthy food while battling for People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice honors. More importantly, the event supports scholarships for local high-school seniors through the Harlow Ford Scholarship Fund. Guests + Featured Brands J Dusi Wines jdusiwines.com Instagram: @jdusiwines Martínez Farming martinez-farming.com Instagram: @martinez_farming Paso Robles Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff winemakerscookoff.com Travel Paso travelpaso.com 🌐 Paso Wine Wire 🏆 Toast Tours earns major national recognition Paso-based Toast Tours was named California’s highest-ranked wine tour company and the number-two wine tour company in the United States in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Founded by Kristina Horton and Lars Bruinink, the company is known for personalized itineraries, local guides, and experiences built around each guest. 🔗 Read more: https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/321273 🥃 Paso Robles Distillery Trail Weekend The annual Distillery Trail Weekend runs August 7 to 9, 2026, with special tastings, tours, demonstrations, live music, food, and experiences at 12 boutique distilleries. Visitors who collect stamps from at least six locations can earn a limited-edition Paso Robles Distillers shot glass. 🔗 Event details: pasodistillerytrail.com 🥂 Paso Robles White Wine Invitational The third annual Paso Robles White Wine Invitational takes place Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rava Winery . More than 20 producers will pour quality-driven white wines in a walk-around tasting designed to show that Paso’s range goes far beyond big reds. Advance tickets are required. 🔗 Event details: pasorobleswhitewineguild.com 🌅 Travel Paso Spotlight The 27th annual Paso Robles Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff takes place Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Paso Robles Event Center. Enjoy wine, food, live music, and friendly competition while supporting scholarships for local students. 🔗 Information and tickets: winemakerscookoff.com 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You: Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Phil Lamontagne, owner and winemaker of IIWII Wines , and Taylor Mathiesen, owner and winemaker of Cutbow Wines , for a conversation about the space between paychecks and passion. Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, the episode brings together two emerging Paso Robles brands from what Phil calls the “good draft class of ’22.” Both launched in 2022. Both are earning serious respect. And both are still being built around full-time jobs, long cellar days, supportive partners, hard-earned relationships, and the belief that a small brand can grow into something much bigger. For Phil, IIWII, pronounced “ee-wee”, grew from his years working with Jennifer and Terry Hoage at TH Estate Wines. When the Hoages retired, Phil and longtime coworker Cyril Pujadas found themselves pushed from the nest. Instead of walking away from what they had built, they created IIWII: short for “It Is What It Is.” But the name is not about giving up. For Phil, it describes the reality of winemaking. It is this vintage, this hillside, this weather, this fruit, and this moment. The winemaker’s job is to capture it honestly, using the raw chemistry of wine as a palette for what he calls abstract art under a cork. Taylor’s Cutbow story started with a happy accident. After five formative years at Booker Vineyard, Taylor joined Bret Urness at Levo. During the 2022 harvest, Bret had an extra ton of Grenache from Jack Creek Vineyard and encouraged Taylor to take it, experiment, and make the wine his own. The name comes from a cutbow trout, a hybrid of a cutthroat and rainbow trout, and Taylor’s childhood fly-fishing trips with his grandfather. For Taylor and his wife, Emma, the fish became a symbol of two individuals coming together to create something distinct, beautiful, and entirely their own. Adam, Phil, and Taylor get into the open-cellar culture that makes Paso different, the mentors who made time for them, the challenge of finding your own voice without rejecting your influences, and what it takes to build a premium wine brand when the day job is still paying the bills. IIWII Wines: https://www.iiwiiwines.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iiwii_wines • Cutbow Wines: https://www.cutbowwine.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutbow_wines 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Third Annual Paso Robles White Wine Invitational The Paso Robles White Wine Invitational returns Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rava Wines. What began as a collaboration among seven like-minded wineries has grown into a major Central Coast celebration featuring more than twenty producers. The participating lineup includes Tablas Creek, Union Sacré, Paix Sur Terre, Monochrome, Kinero, Alta Colina, Thacher, Giornata, Villa Creek, and episode guest IIWII Wines. The walk-around tasting includes live music, food available for purchase, and oysters that can be added when making a reservation. Advance tickets are required. 🔗 Event details: https://pasowine.com/member-event/3rd-annual-white-wine-invitational/ Tablas Creek’s Original Nursery Block Is Still Teaching Lessons at 32 Tablas Creek Vineyard is looking back at the original nursery block that helped seed the modern American Rhône movement. The block began with a small number of Rhône cuttings brought into the United States, quarantined, propagated, and eventually distributed to growers throughout the West Coast. At its peak, Tablas Creek was selling hundreds of thousands of vines annually to roughly 600 vineyards. Jason Haas estimates that around 70 percent of the wineries at a typical Rhône Rangers tasting work, at least partly, with material that originally came through Tablas Creek. More than three decades later, those own-rooted vines remain healthy and productive. Their longevity is now raising new questions about what own-rooted Mourvèdre may be capable of under the right conditions. 🔗 Read the story: https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/07/our-original-nursery-block-source-of-most-of-californias-rhone-cuttings-still-teaching-us-lessons-at-age-32/ 🥃 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Paso Robles Distillery Trail Weekend This episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight trades the corkscrew for the cocktail shaker and explores the Paso Robles Distillery Trail. Distillery Trail Weekend happens August 7–9, 2026, bringing together twelve boutique distilleries for three days of local spirits, special tastings, tours, demonstrations, and build-your-own exploration. No general-admission ticket is required. Visitors can pick up a map at any participating distillery or the Paso Robles Visitor Center, create their own route, and start exploring. Guests who visit at least six distilleries and collect a stamp at each stop earn a limited-edition Paso Robles Distillers shot glass. The 2026 Copper Card adds one complimentary tasting at each participating distillery, access to select private tours, demonstrations and events, plus discounts at certain locations. The cards do not expire, allowing visitors to experience the trail at their own pace. Adam also makes the case for treating Paso’s distillers with the same respect and excitement given to its winemakers. These small producers are making world-class whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, brandy, liqueurs, and other craft spirits—often with tiny teams and major obstacles standing between their bottles and the people who want them. Visit them. Taste what they are making. Ask questions. Buy a bottle. Supporting local producers matters. HELP YOUR LOCAL DISTILLERS HERE Distillery Trail Weekend: https://pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com/distillery-trail-weekend/ • Events and Copper Card information: https://pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com/events/ • Paso Robles Distillery Trail: https://pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com • Craft-distiller shipping story: https://californiaglobe.com/articles/out-of-state-billionaires-vs-california-small-businesses-the-rigged-system-blocking-local-craft-spirits/ HELP YOUR LOCAL DISTILLERS HERE 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You: Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Janis Pelletiere, owner and founder of Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery; Riley Roddick, founder, owner, and winemaker of Hubba Wines; and Morgan Stepp of Pelletiere Estate for a conversation about family names, inheritance, independence, and what we choose to make permanent. Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, the conversation brings together two very different approaches to building a wine legacy. For Janis, that legacy is rooted in place. She took her family name, Italian heritage, and decades of entrepreneurial experience and turned them into Pelletiere Estate, a mother-daughter-owned winery and vineyard in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District. Janis and Morgan share how they restored the property, built the winery from different sides of the Pacific, and created an intimate estate experience centered on Italian varieties, hospitality, and family. For Riley, family shows up right on the label. Hubba comes from her original last name, Hubbard, and her wines are named for relatives, friends, pets, nicknames, and the stories that come with them. The result is less like a traditional wine portfolio and more like a family album you can drink. Riley also gets into her hands-off, but definitely not careless, approach to winemaking. She talks native fermentation, trusting the fruit, choosing vineyards by vibe, and learning from some of Paso’s most respected winemakers. Stephan Asseo gave her control and cellar discipline. Scott Hawley showed her how organization can create the freedom to step back. Vailia From gave her the spreadsheets. Riley added the vibes. And then there’s the barrel of Carignan sitting in Riley’s garage. It may become a ten-year cult wine. It may become the most expensive vinegar in Paso Robles. We’re rooting for it either way. The conversation also catches Riley in a huge personal chapter: new motherhood. Baby Jones has arrived, sleep is negotiable, and Riley is entering Hubba’s tenth year while figuring out how family, freedom, control, and creativity all fit together now. In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam checks in with California Mid-State Fair CEO Colleen Bojorquez in the middle of the fair’s twelve-day run. They talk about the fair’s big concerts, its back-to-the-’80s energy, the first-ever Day Zero show with Chris Stapleton, free stages, the tractor pull, fair food, shuttle tips, and what it takes to convince major artists that Paso Robles belongs on the itinerary. Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery: https://www.pelletiere.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelletiere_estate • Janis Pelletiere: https://www.instagram.com/janis.pelletiere Hubba Wines: https://www.hubbawines.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubbawines California Mid-State Fair: https://www.midstatefair.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiamidstatefair 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 2026 SLO County Wine Industry Award Winners Three major contributors to the local wine community are being honored at the California Mid-State Fair. Octavio García Martínez is the Wine Grape Grower of the Year, Janell Dusi is the Winemaker of the Year, and Andrew Jones is the Wine Industry Person of the Year. The awards recognize three very different—but equally essential—parts of the region: vineyard stewardship, multigenerational winemaking, and the entrepreneurial spirit that helped turn Tin City into a major Paso destination. The ceremony takes place Friday, July 17, at 4 p.m. in Mission Square at the California Mid-State Fair. A ticketed tasting of Central Coast Wine Competition gold-medal wines follows from 5 to 7 p.m., with Diablo Paso Wines also being recognized as Winery of the Year. 🔗 Read the story: https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-wine-country-alliance-announces-2026-award-winners/221973/ Hope Family Wines Takes Over the Fair’s Hospitality Tent Hope Family Wines is the official wine partner of the California Mid-State Fair Hospitality Tent, pouring wines from across the family’s portfolio and bringing some serious Paso personality with them. The display includes a full-sized Troublemaker bull, an Austin Hope welcome backdrop, and a declaration we’re willing to support in the name of research: “Real Cowboys Drink Cabernet.” The partnership builds on a big year for Hope Family Wines, including $167,000 raised for Must! Charities through the Austin Hope Charity Golf Tournament, a new partnership with Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and Austin Hope receiving the Spirit of Paso Award. 🔗 Read the story: https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/hope-family-wines-named-official-wine-partner-of-mid-state-fair-hospitality-tent/221936/ 🎡 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT The California Mid-State Fair is happening now in Paso Robles, bringing twelve days of concerts, livestock, carnival rides, free entertainment, fair food, community traditions, and the kind of joyful chaos that somehow makes perfect sense once you’re inside the gates. See the complete schedule, concert lineup, ticket information, visitor details, and fair updates at: California Mid-State Fair: https://www.midstatefair.com • Travel Paso: https://www.travelpaso.com 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You, Episode 175 Highlights 🍷 Legacy and Lift-Off: OGs & New Blood In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam brings two generations of Paso Robles wine together for a conversation about roots, risk, reinvention, and what it takes to keep building when the business gets complicated. Paul Hoover , owner and winemaker at Still Waters Vineyards , brings the long view. Paul is a Cal Poly agriculture guy, farmer, former hospitality executive, longtime business leader, home-winemaker-turned-estate-winemaker, fisherman, and one of the most approachable voices in Paso wine. His stories stretch from a formative wine education fueled by an employer’s monthly bottle allowance to buying the vineyard that became Still Waters during an earlier downturn in the grape market. Paul also breaks down the current wine-business correction with refreshing honesty. The COVID years created extraordinary direct-to-consumer demand, wineries increased production to meet it, and then the market shifted before all that slow-moving inventory reached the end of the line. Paul calls it an “I Love Lucy” moment. More wine keeps coming down the conveyor belt while the industry tries to figure out where to put it. Across the table is Kyle Jury , founder and winemaker at Truss Wines , representing the next wave. Kyle arrived at Cal Poly thinking architecture might be his future, moved into agribusiness and winemaking, interned at JUSTIN , and spent nearly nine years at Booker Vineyard , where Eric Jensen became both a mentor and a major influence on his winemaking and entrepreneurial outlook. Kyle launched Truss in 2022 with a tiny Chardonnay project, an old high-school drawing of a truss bridge, and a name that came to represent architecture, support, collaboration, and the structure of his growing family. Today, Truss is based at the former TH Estate property in the Willow Creek District , where Kyle is shifting the focus toward estate-grown Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre while continuing to make smaller amounts of coastal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His goal is not to abandon Paso power, but to find balance, elegance, acidity, and, true to the brand, beauty in structure. What makes this conversation special is the handoff happening in real time. Kyle listens to Paul’s stories not as a history lesson, but as fuel. Paul looks at the next generation not as competition, but as proof that the work continues. As Kyle puts it, Truss started on second base with a special Willow Creek property. Now the job is to take the torch and keep it going. This episode was recorded at SLO CAL Studios in San Luis Obispo County, California, where life’s too beautiful to rush. Learn more and plan your next countywide adventure at SLOCAL.com . Featured Guests Still Waters Vineyards Instagram: @stillwatersvineyards Truss Wines Instagram: @trusswines 🌴 Travel Paso Spotlight: Concerts in the Park Later in the episode, Adam shines the Travel Paso Spotlight on one of the city’s best summer traditions: Concerts in the Park . Every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., Downtown Paso Robles City Park turns into one big community backyard, with blankets on the grass, kids dancing, friends sharing food, and live music under the trees. The 2026 season runs through August 20, with a lineup spanning classic rock, reggae, Latin music, R&B, and soul. Lohr wine, Firestone Walker beer, water, and soda are available for purchase. Net beverage proceeds support the Paso Robles REC Foundation , while pass-the-hat donations help fund recreation scholarships and expand access to local programs. The foundation has supported Paso parks, playgrounds, public spaces, and recreation opportunities since 1999. 2026 Concerts in the Park Schedule Paso Robles REC Foundation Travel Paso Instagram: @TravelPaso PASO WINE WIRE Paso’s White Wines Take the Main Stage The Third Annual Paso Robles White Wine Invitational lands at Rava Winery on Saturday, August 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. More than twenty wineries will pour over 100 wines in a walk-around tasting dedicated to the bright, textured, increasingly exciting white-wine side of Paso Robles. Live music and food vendors round out the evening, and advance tickets are required. 🔗 White Wine Invitational Information and Tickets Marin’s Vineyard Puts Gold in the Bubbles Marin’s Vineyard earned a Gold Medal at the 2026 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition for its 2024 Sparkling Viognier. The wine was also voted Best Sparkling Wine in the 2026 Best of the Central Coast Awards. Winemaker Marin Wolgamott produces the wine in the pét-nat style, finishing fermentation inside the bottle before every bottle is disgorged by hand. The winery celebrates two years in Downtown Atascadero on August 22 and plans to release the 2025 Sparkling Viognier that weekend. 🔗 Read the Paso Robles Daily News story 🔗 Marin’s Vineyard Instagram: @marinsvineyard Pink Drank Returns Poolside Pink Drank Pool Social (Adam’s Rosé/Pink Event) returns Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge. VIP entry begins at 2 p.m., general admission starts at 3, and the pink runs until 6. More than 30 producers will pour wine, beer, cider, spirits, and cocktails alongside food, music, raffles, a wine pull, a silent auction, and actual pool time. Proceeds support Woods Humane Society and Elks charitable, scholarship, and youth programs. The event is 21 and over. 🔗 Pink Drank Tickets and Details Instagram: @pinkdrank_poolsocial 🔗 Woods Humane Society 🎡 Summer in Paso The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15 through July 26, 2026, at the Paso Robles Event Center, bringing twelve days of concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, livestock, food, and classic Paso fair energy. 🔗 California Mid-State Fair And a friendly wine-country reminder: do not buy beautiful bottles and leave them cooking in the car. Bring a cooler, ask the winery to hold your purchase, or drop the wine at your hotel before the fair, dinner, or your next tasting stop. 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at Adam’s SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads downtown, not just to taste wine, but to dig into the people helping shape the downtown Paso Robles tasting room experience. Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, this episode brings together two winemakers and brand owners with very different stories and a beautifully shared hustle: Ray Smith of Indigené Cellars and Enrique Torres of Diablo Paso. Enrique’s journey starts in Guerrero, Mexico, and continues in Paso Robles, where he arrived in 2001 and began working at the former Martin & Weyrich winery. He worked his way up from cellar rat to cellar master to assistant winemaker, eventually creating Diablo Paso, his personal love letter to Spanish varieties, old world style, hard work, and family balance. In this conversation, Enrique also drops some big news: Diablo Paso was named Winery of the Year at the Central Coast Wine Competition, with his El Nico taking Best Red, Double Gold, Best of Class, and 97 points. Not bad for a brand that started as a dream, a little troublemaker energy, and two barrels. Ray Smith of Indigené Cellars brings a different but equally Paso story. Born and raised in Oakland, Ray came to Paso in the late 1980s and spent years behind the scenes in production, including building and operating mobile bottling lines. After years of bottling other people’s dreams, he created Indigené Cellars, a brand built around origin, terroir, evolution, and wines that speak clearly of place. Ray also shares the personal story behind the Indigené label, which started with his young daughter saying all Dad thinks about is grapes and wine. Somehow, that became one of the most memorable label stories in Paso. Together, Ray and Enrique represent something special happening downtown: small rooms, big soul, and wines that don’t feel like copies of each other. Diablo Paso and Indigené Cellars are only about 50 feet apart, but each offers a completely different experience: Spanish varieties and devilish charm at Diablo Paso, terroir-driven wines and deep conversation at Indigené. Later in the show, Adam spotlights Fourth of July in Paso Robles at Barney Schwartz Park, a free, family-friendly celebration with food, live entertainment, a FunZone for kids, and one of the region’s favorite fireworks shows. Guest Links: Diablo Paso Wines: https://diablopasowines.com/ • Diablo Paso Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diablopaso/ Indigené Cellars: https://www.indigenecellars.com/ • Indigené Cellars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenecellarsofficial/ SLO CAL: https://www.slocal.com/ Travel Paso Spotlight: Fourth of July in Paso Robles at Barney Schwartz Park The City of Paso Robles and Travel Paso host this free, family-friendly celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, family activities, a FunZone, and fireworks over Paso. Travel Paso July 4th Info: https://www.travelpaso.com/events/annual-events-and-festivals/4th-of-july-in-paso/ • City of Paso Robles July 4th Info: https://www.prcity.com/1168/July-4th-Paso • Plan your Paso getaway: https://www.travelpaso.com/ Paso Wine Wire: Austin Hope Charity Golf Tournament Raises $167,000 for Must! Charities The 2026 Austin Hope Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by Austin Hope and Hope Family Wines at Hunter Ranch Golf Course, raised $167,000 for Must! Charities. Since being reestablished in 2015, the event has raised $960,000 to support children, families, and nonprofit programs throughout San Luis Obispo County. 🔗 Read More: https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/golf-tournament-raises-167000-for-local-nonprofit/221466/ 🔗 Must! Charities: https://www.mustcharities.org/ Paris Valley Road Launches “Sip & Sparkle” Paris Valley Road Estate Winery has introduced Sip & Sparkle, a customizable sparkling spritz experience featuring three pours of sparkling wine and seasonal fruit and botanical mixers. The new summer experience invites guests to create their own sparkling combinations with flavors like strawberry, dragonfruit and key lime; orange, vanilla and rose; and pineapple, ube and yuzu. 🔗 Paris Valley Road: https://parisvalleyroad.com/ Pleasant Valley Wine Trail Presents Under the Estrella Sky Winemakers’ Dinner The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail hosts its Under the Estrella Sky Winemakers’ Dinner on August 15, 2026 at Hartley Farms in San Miguel wine country. The evening includes wine tasting, dinner, music, dancing, auctions, and proceeds benefiting the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail Scholarship Fund. 🔗 Event Info: https://www.pleasantvalleywinetrail.com/pages/upcoming-events 🔗 Travel Paso Event Listing: https://www.travelpaso.com/event/under-the-estrella-sky-winemakers-dinner/5962/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 173: THE HIGHLANDS DISTRICT 🍷 Everybody knows Willow Creek. Everybody knows Adelaida. But venture east into Paso Robles and you’ll find one of the region’s most fascinating, and least understood, wine-growing areas: the Highlands District . In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two people uniquely positioned to tell the story of Paso’s highest-elevation sub-AVA. Natalie Brown , owner and winemaker of Rococo Wines and Willow Creek Wine Co., shares her passion for old-vine Chenin Blanc and the remarkable Highlands District vineyard that continues to produce some of California’s most distinctive expressions of the grape. What began as an obsession with forgotten Chenin Blanc vineyards has grown into one of the most compelling Chenin-focused projects in the state. Joining her is Nicholas Miller , fifth-generation California farmer and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Miller Family Wine Company . Nicholas helps steward the legendary French Camp Vineyard, one of Paso Robles’ most important vineyard properties and a cornerstone of the Highlands District. Together, the conversation explores massive diurnal shifts, old vines, farming challenges, climate, terroir, Wild West history, Basque shepherds, and why this rugged, remote region deserves far more attention than it gets. Along the way, Adam discovers that the Highlands District may be one of Paso’s best-kept secrets, a place where triple-digit summer days collide with chilly nights, where old vines continue to thrive, and where some of California’s most respected wines quietly begin. Later in the show, Adam recaps the 2026 Travel Paso Tourism Round Up, celebrating the people who help make Paso Robles one of California’s most welcoming destinations. The event featured presentations from Wine Institute’s Honore Comfort , branding strategist Mark Barden of EatBigFish, and travel expert Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel, alongside recognition of local hospitality leaders who continue to elevate the visitor experience throughout Paso Wine Country. 🥂 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Rococo Wines https://rococowines.com Instagram: @rococowines https://www.instagram.com/rococowines Willow Creek Wine Co. https://willowcreekwineco.com Miller Family Wine Company https://millerfamilywines.com Optik Wines https://optikwines.com Instagram: @optikwines https://www.instagram.com/optikwines Paso Robles Highlands District https://pasowine.com/highlands-district/ Highlands District Guide (Wine Folly) https://paso.guides.winefolly.com/regions/paso-robles-highlands-district/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🍷 Gretchen Roddick Elected Chair of the Wine Institute Hope Family Wines Executive Vice President Gretchen Roddick has been elected Chair of the Wine Institute, becoming one of California wine’s most influential voices during a critical time for the industry. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-wine-executive-elected-wine-institute-chair/221294/ 🌱 ONX Wines Expands Leadership Team and Organic Farming Efforts ONX appoints Tucker Robertson as Vineyard Manager and promotes Drew Nenow as Head of Winegrowing and Winemaker as the winery continues expanding organic farming practices across its estate vineyards. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/local-vineyard-names-new-vineyard-manager-expands-leadership-team/221134/ 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Travel Paso Tourism Round Up 2026 Celebrating the hospitality professionals, winery ambassadors, restaurant teams, lodging leaders, and tourism advocates who continue to make Paso Robles a world-class destination. 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California. SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush. For turns well taken: https://slocal.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam explores one of Paso Robles’ most unique success stories: Tin City . What began as a collection of industrial buildings on the edge of town has evolved into one of California wine country’s most creative destinations—home to winemakers, distillers, brewers, chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs who continue to shape Paso’s culture one idea at a time. First, Adam sits down with Patrick Brooks, founder of Tin City Distillery , and Vailia From, founder and winemaker of Desparada Wines . Together they reflect on the early days of Tin City, the evolution of the district, the people who helped build it, and the unique spirit of collaboration that continues to define the neighborhood today. Then the conversation shifts from the makers to the builder. Brooke English joins the show to share the story of her father, Mike English, whose vision, creativity, and willingness to invest in people helped create the foundation for what Tin City would become. Brooke reflects on growing up around a lifelong builder, the organic growth of Tin City, and the legacy her father leaves behind in the people, businesses, and community spaces that continue to thrive today. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, community, and the people who leave fingerprints on a place long after they’re gone. Later in the show, Adam’s Travel Paso Spotlight heads downtown to visit Farmhouse Motel , one of Paso Robles’ most charming boutique properties. Adam catches up with Kimberley Walker of Nomada Hotel Group to talk about family-friendly hospitality, monthly pottery workshops, pet-friendly travel, and why Farmhouse continues to be one of Paso’s favorite places to stay. Along the way, we also tip our hat to sister property Stables Inn, another standout stop in Paso’s growing hospitality scene. And somewhere between the conversations about builders, dreamers, fathers, daughters, and legacy, Adam finds himself reflecting on his own dad—and the realization that the people who shape us never really leave us. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS Patrick Brooks — Tin City Distillery 🔗 https://www.tincitydistillery.com 📸 @tincitydistillery Vailia From — Desparada Wines 🔗 https://www.desparadawines.com 📸 @desparadawine Brooke English — Tin City Paso Robles / English Family Legacy 🔗 https://www.tincitypaso.com 📸 @tincity.pasrobles Kimberley Walker — Nomada Hotel Group / Farmhouse Motel 🔗 https://www.farmhousepaso.com 🔗 https://www.nomadahotelgroup.com 📸 @farmhousepaso 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🏆 Castoro Cellars’ Whale Rock Disc Golf Course Named World’s Best Winery Disc Golf Course The Templeton winery’s 18-hole vineyard course continues to attract players from around the globe and has become one of the most unique wine-country experiences anywhere. 🔗 https://www.sanluisobispo.com/living/food-drink/wine-beer/article316078861.html ❤️ JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Awards More Than $350,000 In Community Grants The program brings JUSTIN’s total community investment to more than $2.5 million since 2013, supporting local education, healthcare, recreation, mental health programs, and nonprofit organizations throughout North County. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/link/319104 🍇 Peachy Canyon Launches New Locals Program SLO County residents—and visiting Cal Poly graduation families—can enjoy discounted wine tastings this June at one of Paso’s most beloved family-owned wineries. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/318997 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Farmhouse Motel A boutique Paso Robles stay blending wine country charm, family-friendly experiences, pet-friendly hospitality, monthly pottery workshops, and creative community programming. 🔗 https://www.farmhousepaso.com 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 This episode of Where Wine Takes You comes to you LIVE from Paso Wine Fest 2026 , the biggest celebration of Paso Robles wine country and one of the fastest-growing food and wine events in America. Adam hangs out inside the madness of Wine Fest with a lineup that perfectly captures the spirit of Paso: collaboration, creativity, hospitality, and a little beautiful chaos. First up, Chef Rachel Ponce of Pair With Chef Rachel talks food pairings, palate balance, and why the wrong bite can completely wreck a great wine. She also shares details on her upcoming restaurant project, The Staviary , opening this summer with chef’s counter dinners, beer pairings, and immersive culinary experiences. Adam also catches up with Joel Peterson , CEO of Paso Wine , about the continued evolution of Paso Wine Fest, now drawing visitors from across the country for a world-class wine, food, and lifestyle experience. Then there’s the story of Chris Lamoreaux and Creekcut Winery , a dream decades in the making. Chris shares how she and her husband found their Willow Creek District property on their 30th wedding anniversary and built a Rhône-focused winery rooted in hospitality, community, and Paso spirit. Later in the episode, Adam sits down with Paso legend Tobin James , who reflects on the early days of Paso wine country, when Wine Fest fit inside a corner of the park, barrels were rolled in from pickup trucks, and the afterparty happened at Buckley’s over tequila shots. Joining the conversation is Ian Cansoli of Tablas Creek Vineyard , discussing regenerative farming, Rhône varietals, Paso’s global wine influence, and the region’s deep connection between wine and food culture. In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight , Adam chats with Barby Wunsch , Executive Director of Paso Robles Youth Arts , about the return of the beloved Pinot & Paella Festival on June 7, 2026, at Templeton Community Park. The event supports arts education for local youth while bringing together Pinot Noir, paella, live music, and community under the oaks. We also talk to Natalie of Rococo , Ryan from Paix Sur Terre , and Dave from Monochrome about the White Wine Invitational – Get your Tickets Here This episode is Paso in a glass: community, stories, food, wine, legacy, and a whole lot of heart. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS + LINKS Pair With Chef Rachel 🌐 https://www.pairwithchefrachel.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pair_with_chef_rachel Paso Wine 🌐 https://pasowine.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasowine Creekcut Winery 🌐 https://www.creekcut.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/creekcutwines Tobin James Cellars 🌐 https://tobinjames.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tobinjamescellars Tablas Creek Vineyard 🌐 https://tablascreek.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tablascreek Paso Robles Youth Arts 🌐 https://pryoutharts.org/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasoroblesyoutharts/ Pinot & Paella Festival 🌐 https://www.pinotandpaella.com/ Travel Paso 🌐 https://travelpaso.com/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🌱 TABLAS CREEK: “FLOWERING 2026, EARLY BUT NOT QUITE AS MUCH AS WE’D FEARED” Tablas Creek Vineyard shares an inside look at Paso’s 2026 growing season, frost concerns, flowering progression, and what could become one of the most staggered harvests in recent memory. 🔗 https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/05/flowering-2026-early-but-not-quite-as-much-as-wed-feared/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads deep into the heart of Paso Robles agriculture with two guys who live the rhythm of the land every single day: Daniel Sinton of Avanales Ranch and Sinton & Sons , alongside Chad Taber , ranch manager for HMR and Viking Vineyards in the Adelaida District. This conversation goes far beyond wine. Adam and the guys dive into the realities of farming in Paso Robles: early budbreak, frost scares, heat spikes, vineyard stress, resilience, and the emotional weight of living at the mercy of nature. From old-vine Chenin Blanc planted in the early ‘70s to the historic limestone vineyards of Hoffman Mountain Ranch, this episode captures the soul of farming on the Central Coast. Daniel shares stories about his family’s deep ranching roots in San Luis Obispo County, how mentorship from respected viticulturist Hilary Graves helped save their old-vine Chenin Blanc program, and how that fruit has gone on to inspire winemakers across California. The conversation also explores the evolution of local food culture through Sinton & Sons , Daniel’s modern continuation of the historic J&R Meats legacy in Templeton. From dry-aged local beef to nutrient-dense “ancestral ground beef,” the episode looks at why consumers are reconnecting with where their food actually comes from and why that matters more than ever. Meanwhile, Chad takes listeners inside one of Paso’s most historic vineyard sites, HMR, where vines planted in the 1960s continue to produce legendary wines from limestone-rich soils at nearly 2,000 feet elevation. The guys talk farming instincts, vineyard intuition, weather anxiety, and the strange calm that comes from spending your life outdoors. Later in the show, Adam heads downtown for the Travel Paso Spotlight with Tony Bennett from The Alchemists’ Garden , one of Paso’s most inventive culinary and cocktail destinations. From globally inspired dishes to theatrical cocktails and the intimate lounge experience at The Remedy , the conversation highlights the creativity and energy transforming downtown Paso Robles into a true food-and-drink destination. 🍇 FEATURED GUESTS + BRANDS Daniel Sinton | Avanales Ranch + Sinton & Sons 🔗 https://sintonandsons.com 📸 IG: @sintonandsons Chad Taber | HMR + Viking Vineyards 🔗 https://adelaida.com The Alchemists’ Garden + The Remedy 🔗 https://www.alchemistsgarden.com 🔗 https://www.theremedyca.com 📸 IG: @alchemistsgardenpaso 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE ⚡ Castoro Cellars Expands “Farming with Light™” Castoro Cellars and Saga Robotics expand autonomous UV-C vineyard technology to over 600 organic acres on the Central Coast, one of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/317749 🍷 J. Lohr Celebrates 25 Years of Hospitality in Paso Robles J. Lohr marks 25 years of its Paso Robles Wine Center while continuing to evolve the guest experience through seated tastings, vineyard education, and elevated hospitality. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/317867 🎉 Paso Wine Fest Is Here One of Paso Robles wine country’s biggest weekends is back. 🔗 https://pasowine.com 🎧 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine-loving humans. 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam hangs with three guests who are helping shape the next wave of Paso Robles wine culture, not just through the wines they make, but through the new spaces and experiences they’re building. First up is Juan M. Contreras, owner and winemaker of V1NO JUAN, whose story might be one of the purest Paso stories out there. Juan came to the United States from Mexico in the early ‘90s, started working in the vineyards, moved into the cellar at Robert Hall, and spent more than two decades learning every side of the business before opening his own tasting room across from the downtown Paso park. Alongside his wife and kids, Juan is now crafting bold Paso reds, rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux blends rooted in hard work, family, and legacy. Then there’s Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, farming some wildly diverse and rugged terrain in the Adelaida District. Massive elevation swings, Rhône varietals, grower-first philosophy, and guidance from winemaker Don Burns of Turtle Rock Vineyard all come together in a project focused on expressing Paso in its own authentic voice. Kit also shares stories about balancing wine life between Paso, Chicago, and Portugal, plus a hilarious detour into bidet culture that absolutely stays in the episode. And returning to the show is James Boutzoukas of Boutz Cellars, who continues pushing the envelope with Greek varietals grown right here in Paso Robles. Inspired by generations of family winemaking traditions in Greece, James and his family are planting and producing wines from grapes like Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, and more, proving Paso’s versatility might be even broader than we thought. One of the coolest parts of this story? Kit and James now share a tasting room space together, a very Paso-style collaboration rooted in community over competition. Later in the show, Adam catches up with Jill Alexander from the Paso Market Walk in this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight. From live music nights and outdoor patios to boutique shopping, incredible food, coffee, wine, and the ultra-modern Lofts at Market Walk, the conversation highlights why this growing hub has become one of the coolest gathering places in Paso Robles. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS + LINKS • V1NO JUAN Official Website • @v1nojuan on Instagram • Hawks Hill Ranch Official Website • @hawkshillranch on Instagram • Boutz Cellars Official Website • @boutz_cellars on Instagram 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT • Paso Market Walk Official Website • @pasomarketwalk on Instagram 🎯 PLAN YOUR NEXT PASO GETAWAY TravelPaso.com PASO WINE WIRE THIS WEEK: 🍷 Le Vigne Winery Named U.S. Winery of the Year at the 2026 London Wine Competition The Paso Robles winery earned four gold medals, including honors for its Acquarello Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. 🔗 Paso Robles Daily News – Le Vigne Winery Wins Top Honors 🌎 Paso Robles Wine Month Launches Nationally Paso takes center stage nationwide with retail partnerships, AI wine pairing tools, restaurant activations, and travel giveaways aimed at introducing the next generation to Paso wine country. 🔗 WineBusiness – Paso Robles Wine Month Launches Nationally 🎉 Paso Wine Fest Weekend Is Here Paired Paso, the Grand Tasting, Sparkling Paso, and a full weekend of events are ready to take over wine country. 🔗 Paso Wine Fest Official Site 🎧 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine-loving humans. 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam Montiel sits down with the driving force behind one of the most ambitious initiatives Paso Robles has ever launched, Paso Wine Month . Leading the charge is Linda Sanpei of the Paso Robles CAB Collective, the architect behind this national campaign set to roll out in May 2026. Joined by Krista Smith of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Neeta Mittal of LXV Wine, the conversation explores how Paso is rethinking the way people discover and connect with wine. Paso Wine Month is a first-of-its-kind, retail-driven movement designed to meet the next generation of wine drinkers where they are. Through food, culture, technology, and storytelling, the campaign brings Paso beyond the tasting room and into everyday life. Think AI-powered taste matching, chef-driven recipes, in-store experiences, and a national sweepstakes that could bring new visitors straight to Paso Robles Wine Country. This episode is about more than wine. It is about connection over consumption. Discovery over intimidation. And a region that is not waiting for the future, but building it. In the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam connects with Lynette Sonne of FarmsteadED to highlight Open Farm Days, a hands-on experience that takes you beyond the tasting room and into the farms, ranches, and roots of Paso. 🍷 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Paso Wine Month 🔗 https://pasowine.com/wine-month/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasorobleswinemonth/ LXV Wine 🔗 https://lxvwine.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/lxvwine/ Paso Robles CAB Collective 🔗 https://pasoroblescab.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasoroblescab/ Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance 🔗 https://pasowine.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasowine/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Paso Wine Meets the Festival Crowd Paso Robles CAB Collective wineries take the stage as the exclusive wine sponsor of Shabang Music and Arts Festival, May 2 to 3, 2026. A major step in bringing Paso wine to a new generation of consumers. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316503 Wine 4 Paws Returns April 25 to 26 More than 75 wineries and local businesses donate proceeds to Woods Humane Society. A feel-good weekend where wine lovers and pet lovers come together. 🔗 https://www.wine4paws.com White Wine Invitational August 1 Paso’s white wines take the spotlight with more than 20 wineries showcasing the diversity and creativity of the region. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/white-wine-invitational-returns-to-paso-robles-aug-1/219760/ 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT FarmsteadED Open Farm Days June 19 to 21 Explore Paso from the ground up. Meet farmers, visit ranches, and experience the agricultural side of the region through tours, tastings, and workshops. Free to attend with registration. 🔗 https://www.farmsteaded.com/openfarmdays 📸 https://www.instagram.com/farmsteaded/ 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 167 🍷 ROC PART 3: ROOTS, RESPONSIBILITY & THE FUTURE OF FARMING In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam closes out the three-part deep dive into Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming with two powerhouse voices helping lead the movement in Paso Robles . First up is Hilary Graves of Booker Vineyard , grower, educator, vineyard strategist, and one of the most respected minds in California viticulture. Hilary shares why ROC matters, how farmers can help capture carbon, and why consumers hold more power than they realize every time they shop or order wine. Then Adam welcomes Kevin Sass , veteran winemaker of Halter Ranch , whose decades of Paso experience meet one of the region’s most stunning estates. Kevin breaks down what certification means, why transparency matters, how Halter balances multiple vineyards across states, and yes… why planes literally land at the winery. This episode goes beyond buzzwords and into the real questions: How do we farm better? How do we support workers better? How do we leave land better than we found it? And if Paso Robles is going to lead the wine world in something… this feels like a damn good place to start. 🌿 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Before your next Paso getaway, start here: https://travelpaso.com Later in the show, Adam checks in with Jeffry Weisinger , Interim Executive Director of Paso Main Street , and owner of local favorite Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ . They talk about the upcoming Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival on May 9th , a downtown celebration of local olive oils, lavender goods, shopping specials, food, cocktails, and community spirit. The event also serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Paso Main Street , helping support treasured traditions like Santa in the Park, Teddy Bear Tea, Elegant Evening, and more. 🎉 EVENT LINKS Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival – May 9 https://pasoroblesdowntown.org/downtown-event/paso-robles-olive-festival-lavender-festival-may-9th/ 🍷 FEATURED GUEST LINKS Booker Vineyard – https://www.bookerwines.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookervineyard/ Halter Ranch – https://www.halterranch.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/halterranch/ Paso Main Street / Downtown Paso Robles – https://pasoroblesdowntown.org • IG: https://www.instagram.com/prmainstreet/ Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ – Downtown Paso Robles 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🏰 The Anderson Paso Opens Restaurant Doors The “first castle on the right” on Highway 46 West debuts its new restaurant, cocktail bar, and hospitality concept. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316431 🤝 Chefs Helping Chefs Supports Baby Saoirse McCabe A sold-out Central Coast fundraiser rallied chefs, wineries, and hospitality leaders in support of the McCabe family during baby Saoirse’s cancer fight. ❤️ DONATE TO SUPPORT SAOIRSE MCCABE GoFundMe: Support Saoirse’s Journey – Hope & Healing Ahead 🔗 https://gofundme.com/f/support-saoirses-journey-hope-and-healing-ahead Fiscal Sponsor EIN: 77-0206822 🍑 Peachy Canyon Names Paul Sowerby General Manager Paso veteran Paul Sowerby steps into leadership at one of the region’s most iconic family wineries. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316647 🌱 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROC 🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/ 🔗 https://regenorganic.org 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 This episode of Where Wine Takes You is Part Two of our Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) series, diving deeper into one of the most important movements shaping the future of wine. After last week’s conversation with Jason Haas and Chris Cherry, Adam continues the journey with two winemakers leading the charge in Paso Robles. Adam sits down with Clay Selkirk of Le Cuvier Winery and Amanda Gorter of Robert Hall Winery , two voices from very different backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to regenerative farming. Clay reflects on carrying forward the legacy of Paso legend John Munch, while Amanda breaks down how regenerative practices are showing measurable results in the vineyard and in the glass. From soil health and climate resilience to transparency in winemaking, this conversation brings ROC out of theory and into reality. Later in the episode, Adam highlights one of the most unique ways to explore Paso wine country in the Travel Paso Spotlight, 3rd Wheel Tours . Think sidecars, tuk-tuks, and a fully guided experience where you don’t have to drive, just sit back and enjoy the ride through vineyards and boutique wineries. And in Paso Wine Wire, there’s no shortage of local buzz, from a major expansion at Allegretto Vineyard Resort, to community-driven events like Paso Wine Fanatics and Soup & Syrah, and a meaningful moment as Vine Cycle Tours looks for its next owner after building a beloved local experience. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS Le Cuvier Winery 🔗 https://www.lcwine.com/ 📱 https://www.instagram.com/lecuvierwinery/ Robert Hall Winery 🔗 https://www.roberthallwinery.com/ 📱 https://www.instagram.com/roberthallwinery/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Allegretto Vineyard Resort Expansion Approved A major expansion including a spa hotel, restaurant, and conference center signals Paso’s continued rise as a luxury wine destination. 🔗 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/luxury-slo-county-resort-adding-120000653.html Paso Wine Fanatics Event A stacked weekend of winemakers, food, music, and community featuring Caliza, Loma Seca, Alta Colina, Guyomar, and Turtle Rock. 🔗 https://pasorobleswinefanatics.com/pages/events Soup & Syrah Festival (April 12) An afternoon of wine, food, and community benefiting Jack’s Helping Hand. 🎟 Use code VTR for 35% off tickets 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/soup-and-syrah-festival-benefits-programs-for-children-with-special-needs/219172/ 🔗 https://soupnsyrah.wixsite.com/soup Vine Cycle Tours For Sale A Paso favorite e-bike vineyard tour business is looking for its next chapter. Includes bikes, van, and full brand platform. 📩 jeff@vinecycletours.com 🔗 https://www.bizben.com/business-for-sale/paso-robles-electric-bike-vineyard-tour-and-rental-business-7796971 🔗 https://www.vinecycletours.com/about-us 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT 3rd Wheel Tours A one-of-a-kind guided wine country experience featuring sidecars and tuk-tuks, no driving required. 🔗 https://thirdwheeltours.com 🌱 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROC 🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/ 🔗 https://regenorganic.org 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 Today, we’re talking about dirt. Not just any dirt, but living soil. The kind that breathes, holds water, stores carbon, and might just be the difference between surviving the next 50 years or not. Because right now, something big is happening in Paso Robles. If you haven’t heard the term yet, you’re about to hear it a lot more. Regenerative Organic Certified. ROC. And here’s the thing. This isn’t a buzzword. This isn’t marketing. This is a full-on shift in how we farm, how we think, and how we take care of the land. And Paso is leading that charge on a global level. In this episode, Adam sits down with two of Paso Robles’ most forward-thinking minds, Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard and Cris Cherry of Villa Creek and MAHA Estate , to kick off a special series exploring the future of farming and wine. This isn’t just about what’s in your glass. It’s about what’s happening beneath it. Soil health, farmworker fairness, and animal welfare, the pillars of ROC, are reshaping how wine is grown. Jason breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense, farming not just to sustain, but to improve the land and community. Cris brings the real-world perspective, sharing what it looks like to live this every day at MAHA Estate, from sheep in the vineyard to the economics of doing things the right way. Together, they unpack why this matters now more than ever, and how regenerative farming could be a key piece in the future of agriculture. You’ll also hear how Paso has quietly become a global epicenter for regenerative viticulture, with wineries like Tablas Creek, MAHA Estate, Booker, Halter Ranch, and others helping push the industry forward. Later in the show, Adam heads just off Highway 101 for a Travel Paso Spotlight on Firestone Walker Brewing Company , where beer, food, and community collide. With the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest celebrating 30 years, plus a can’t-miss block party open to the public, it’s a perfect reminder that Paso is more than just wine, it’s an experience. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS Tablas Creek Vineyard (Jason Haas) 🌐 https://tablascreek.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tablascreek/ MAHA Estate / Villa Creek (Cris Cherry) 🌐 https://www.villacreekwine.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/villacreekcellars/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Paso Wine Fanatics Annual Tasting at Caliza Winery One of the most passionate wine communities in the country is bringing the heat this spring. Owner-poured wines, gourmet food, live music, and Adam co-hosting. 🔗 https://pasorobleswinefanatics.com/pages/events Soup & Syrah Festival (April 12, Templeton) Comfort food meets Rhône magic, all benefiting Jack’s Helping Hand. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/soup-and-syrah-festival-benefits-programs-for-children-with-special-needs/219172/ Robert Hall Launches ROC Wines at Whole Foods A major milestone. Regenerative organic wines are hitting national retail shelves, and Paso’s impact just went mainstream. 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Firestone Walker Brewing Company 🌐 https://www.firestonewalker.com Plan your trip → https://travelpaso.com 🌱 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROC 🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/ 🔗 https://regenorganic.org 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You , Adam heads east into one of Paso Robles’ most quietly compelling sub-AVAs, the Creston District. It’s a place that doesn’t shout for attention, but once you find it, it sticks with you. Adam sits down with Erin Faulkner , co-owner of Defiance Vineyard , and Josh Morris , owner and winemaker of Ella’s Vineyard , two producers carving out their own identities in a part of Paso defined by elevation, wind, and independence. Erin shares the story behind Defiance, a true family-built operation that started from raw land and evolved into a Bordeaux-focused program rooted in intention and individuality. Josh brings a different lens with Ella’s Vineyard, leaning into Italian varietals, concrete fermentation, and a hospitality-driven experience that reflects both precision and personality. Together, the conversation dives into what makes Creston different, not just in terroir, but in mindset. A place where winemakers aren’t following a template, they’re building their own. Later in the show, Adam shifts from quiet vineyard hills to center stage, catching up with Manuel Barba from the Vina Robles Amphitheatre . They talk about the upcoming concert season, evolving guest experiences, and why this venue continues to be one of the most unique places to see a show on the Central Coast. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS & WINERIES Defiance Vineyard • Website: https://www.defiancevineyard.com/ • IG: https://www.instagram.com/defiancevineyard/ Ella’s Vineyard • Website: https://www.ellasvineyard.com/ • IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellasvineyard Learn more about the Creston District AVA • https://pasowine.com/creston-district-2/ • https://paso.guides.winefolly.com/regions/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Opolo Vineyards Releases Second Vintage of Vranac America’s only varietal bottling of this bold Balkan grape returns with its 2022 vintage, a unique Paso take on a Montenegrin classic. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315639 Solterra Strategies & Sensorio Win Visit California Poppy Award A major win for local storytelling and tourism marketing, highlighting Paso’s growing presence on a statewide stage. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315619 Halter Ranch Earns Glyphosate Residue Free Certification A first for Paso Robles, signaling a deeper push toward transparency and sustainability in the vineyard and in the bottle. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315631 🌅 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Vina Robles Amphitheatre One of the Central Coast’s premier live music venues, offering an intimate, high-quality concert experience right in the heart of wine country. Website: https://www.vinaroblesamphitheatre.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/vinaroblesamphitheatre 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode, Adam heads just south of Paso Robles into Atascadero, a town that is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new pockets of the Central Coast wine scene. Adam sits down with Ryan Kirkpatrick of Ruby Cellars and Marin Wolgamott of Marin’s Vineyard , two winemakers with very different paths but a shared belief in what Atascadero is becoming. Ryan, born and raised in Atascadero, brings a family legacy forward while evolving Ruby Cellars into a more expressive, story-driven brand. His work spans Bordeaux blends, experimental wines, and a growing passion for dessert wines that continues to shape the winery’s future. Marin, a rising winemaker and entrepreneur, is building something uniquely her own. From her aromatic Viognier-based pét-nat to a welcoming tasting room that reflects her personality and perspective, her approach is intentional, fresh, and deeply personal. Together, they represent a new wave of Paso-adjacent energy rooted in community, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Later in the show, Adam connects with David Morneau of Paso Robles Inn , diving into the transformation of this historic property. The conversation explores the reopening of Cattlemen’s Bar , the upcoming rooftop concept Salina, and a new restaurant called The Pass created in collaboration with Chef Charlie Palmer. 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE (WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW) Calcareous Vineyard celebrates 25 years A major milestone for one of Paso’s iconic estates. The winery is marking the occasion with a renovated tasting room, elevated hospitality, and a full calendar of events throughout the year. It’s a reminder that Paso’s early visionaries are still pushing forward. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/winery-celebrates-25-years-with-tasting-room-renovation/218561/ Firestone Walker releases Sunglider Golden Lager This new seasonal beer is more than just a crisp, easy drinker. It highlights California-grown ingredients and the brewery’s sustainability efforts, from solar energy to water recycling. A look at how Central Coast producers are thinking long-term. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/firestone-walker-releases-new-sunglider-golden-lager-brewed-with-california-barley/218546/ Lohr refreshes its Seven Oaks Cabernet One of the most recognizable Paso wines gets a label update that puts Paso Robles front and center. It reflects how far the region has come, from a growing area to a nationally recognized Cabernet destination. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315407 🍷 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Ruby Cellars https://rubycellars.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rubycellars/ Marin’s Vineyard https://www.marinsvineyard.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marinsvineyard/ 🏨 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Paso Robles Inn A historic property in the heart of downtown Paso undergoing a major transformation, including new culinary concepts and refreshed guest experiences. https://pasoroblesinn.com/ Cattlemen’s Bar A revived local institution rooted in Paso’s ranching history. Think strong drinks, community energy, and a true Central Coast vibe. https://www.cattlemenspaso.com/ 🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17 Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/ Sparkling Paso A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/ 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover. 🎙️ Credits Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective 📱 Download the Paso Wine App 🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine 🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You , make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover. ©2026 Where Wine Takes You , All Rights Reserved.