Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

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Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Adam Montiel

150 episodes

13 hours ago

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Episodes (20/150)

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 150: Wine Life at the Intersection of Collaboration & Community – Featuring Gravesend | Cairjn Wine Cellars

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights

Episode 150 turns a new page in Paso Robles. Adam sits down with the founders of Gravesend Paso, Matt Reese and Keith Robinson (also of Saint K Wines) along with Chef Amy Baer and rising winemaker Andy Neja of Cairjn Wine Cellars. We dig into why a name like Gravesend matters, how a kitchen is built entirely by women, how small lot winemaking finds new voice in Paso, and why hospitality is getting reimagined up and down Spring Street. Recorded at LoBro Studios in downtown Paso Robles.

This episode features:
• Matt Reese, Co-owner, Gravesend and Saint K Wines
• Keith Robinson, Co-owner, Gravesend and Saint K Wines
• Chef Amy Baer, Founder and Owner of Epicurean Santa Barbara and Executive Chef at Gravesend
• Andy Neja, Owner and Winemaker at Cairjn Wine Cellars

Links
• Gravesend Paso
• Saint K Wines
• Cairjn Wine Cellars

Follow on Instagram:

Cairjn Wine Cellars → @cairjnwines
Gravesend Wine Merchant & Eatery → @gravesendpaso
Saint K Wines → @saintkwines

We also spotlight our unique partnership with Engelbert Strauss, the official workwear partner of Paso Robles Wine Country, and why it matters in the vineyard, the cellar, and beyond. I picked up the phone and spoke with Cris Cherry of Villa Creek & MAHA Estate and Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines - two makers who know that craft isn’t just what happens in the glass, but who shows up in the fields, in the hands, in the gear. Their insights on harvest, community, and what it takes to make it count in Paso bring context to a partnership that’s built for the people doing the work.

Paso Wine Wire
• Garagiste Wine Festival returns Nov 7-8, in Paso Robles for its 15th anniversary → garagistefestival.com
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company unveils a new CO2 recovery system in Paso Robles, expected to save four million pounds of emissions annually → firestonewalker.com
• Ancient Peaks Winery hosted the 4th Annual Walk for Cancer at Santa Margarita Ranch → pasoroblespress.com

Travel Paso Spotlight
Later in the show we spotlight Taste! Craft Eatery in downtown Paso Robles, the same concept featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. They offer over 60 mini dishes, sliders, mac and cheese, big flavor, and local wine pairing energy.
• tastepasorobles.com

Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com
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5 days ago

1 hour 32 minutes 44 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 149: Before the Buzz: Paso’s Tried and True Tasting Better than Ever – Featuring Caparone | RN Estate

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Two Paso originals, zero gimmicks. This week Adam sits down with Marc Caparone of Caparone Winery (owner/winemaker, founded 1979) and Roger Nicolas of RN Estate (owner/winemaker, launched 2000) to talk patience, classic craft, and why less can taste like more. We dig into moderate alcohols, neutral oak, and Italian/Bordeaux varieties that age into real conversations. Plus, a Travel Paso Spotlight on the Garagiste Wine Festival turning 15.

Recorded at Timbre LoBro Studios, this episode features:
• Marc Caparone — Owner/Winemaker, Caparone Winery
• Roger Nicolas — Owner/Winemaker, RN Estate Vineyard & Winery

We explore Caparone’s father-and-son “simple winery, complex wines” ethos and their pioneering work with Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Aglianico. Then we head to RN Estate’s hilltop lens on Paso: Bordeaux-inspired reds, finesse-first blending, and SRH Pinot Noir when the coast calls. If you’re chasing origin stories in the glass, start here.
Paso Wine Wire

* Dream Big Darling opens 2026 FLOurish leadership track — six months of coaching, peer mentoring, and skill-building → https://dreambigdarling.org/flourish
• Cambria Hotel Templeton–Paso Robles is now open at 1000 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton → https://www.choicehotels.com/cambria
• National love for locals: Yes Cocktail Co. named #1 Best Craft Mixer Brand in USA TODAY 10Best; Allegretto Vineyard Resort ranked #3 Best Wine Country Hotel → https://www.yescocktailco.com • https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com

Travel Paso Spotlight
We check in with Stewart McLennan, co-founder of the Garagiste Wine Festival, celebrating 15 years of discovery in Paso — small-lot producers, first-name energy, and the best place to stumble into your new favorite label.
• Festival info & schedule → https://www.garagistefestival.com/paso-robles
• Plan your trip → https://travelpaso.com

Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com
Links & Follow
Wineries
• Cparone Winery (est. 1979) → https://www.caparone.com
• RN Estate Vineyard & Winery (est. 2000) → https://www.rnestate.com

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out,

1 week ago

1 hour 18 minutes 45 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 148: Canopy Cowboys: Riding Ripeness & Harvest Hunches from Vintage 2025

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights

This week we saddle up with the Canopy Cowboys of Alterra Solutions — a vineyard management supergroup shaping some of the most coveted sites in Paso. We’re talking legacy, precision farming, and how to ride ripeness like a pro, and what Paso is learning from Harvest 2025, from the brightest minds farming it.

Recorded at LoBro Studios in Paso Robles, this ep features:
• Kevin Wilkinson (the thinker), founder & vineyard strategist
• Lucas Pope (the kind & sensitive one), VP, sparkling evangelist, and co-founder of Haliotide Wines
• Chris Hammell (token bad boy), vineyard whisperer (formerly Bien Nacido)

We dig into Alterra’s 2025 rebrand from Coastal Vineyard Services and why it signals more than just a name change. It’s a full-circle moment for founder Kevin Wilkinson, who has spent decades shaping the region from behind the scenes. Lucas Pope shares his wild entry into farming, managing vineyards for Silicon Valley’s elite in the hills of Santa Cruz, and how that path eventually led to launching Haliotide, a sparkling wine project with his wife Nicole. Chris Hammell reflects on his years managing Bien Nacido Vineyard, and why his quiet, humble demeanor masks one of the most accomplished vineyard résumés on the West Coast.

Paso Wine Wire
• New Decemil Wine Lounge brings micro-estate Rhône energy to downtown Paso inside the 1888 Grangers Union Building → decemilwines.com
• Garagiste Wine Festival turns 15 — Nov 7–8 at Paso Robles Event Center → garagistefestival.com
• Opolo’s Harvest Grape Stomp Dinner is back Oct 17 — lamb roast, Balkan beats, and stomping galore → opolo.com

Travel Paso Spotlight
This week we check in to Hotel Cheval, the boutique gem of downtown Paso. GM Jayne Christman joins us to talk about warm service, world-class comfort, and what makes Cheval one of Paso’s most beloved places to stay.
• Learn more: hotelcheval.com
• Plan your trip: TravelPaso.com

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

3 weeks ago

1 hour 24 minutes 11 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 147: First Castle on the Right: The Drawbridge Between Craft & Collaboration – Featuring Fortress Custom Crush | The Anderson | Serial Wines

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
This week we go inside the new life breathed into Paso’s ‘first castle on the right’, the newest hospitality power duo: Fortress Custom Crush (production, collaboration, small-lot craft) and The Anderson Paso (flexible hospitality and events next door). I’m joined by Jeremy Leffert (Fortress), Azurae Shults (The Anderson Paso), and Jeff Kandarian of Serial Wines to talk about harvest 2025, how resident winemakers sharpen each other, and all what we can expect when all the curtains are pulled back. We taste through Serial’s current lineup and dig into the drawbridge between craft and collaboration.
Paso Wine Wire

* Linne Calodo stays “all in on Zin,” highlighting heritage sites and Willow Creek spice with 2023 releases Problem Child and Cherry Red. → linnecalodo.com
* Booker achieves CCOF organic certification in the winery, completing vine-to-bottle organic status. → Read: Paso Robles Daily News • Visit: bookerwines.com
* Robb Report spotlights Libretto as a downtown Paso jazz magnet built around a rare 2012 Steinway Model D. → Read: Robb Report • Visit: librettopaso.com

Travel Paso Spotlight
We’re shining the light on the Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles, November 6–9, 2025, a multi-day celebration of music and legacy. Build your weekend around the concerts, the wine, and the vibe.
• Learn more: paderewskifest.com
• Plan your trip: TravelPaso.com
Special Mini-Segment
A quick recognition of our partnership with Strauss, including a short chat with Henning Strauss on why supporting local storytelling matters to makers and travelers alike.

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

1 month ago

1 hour 6 minutes 1 second

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 146: Where the Wild Wines Are – Featuring Paix Sur Terre | Brecon | Cordant

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
This week on Where Wine Takes You, we’re going Where the Wild Wines Are with three winemakers who represent the energy and evolution of Paso: Ryan Pease of Paix Sur Terre, Alex Kemp of Brecon Estate, and Ryker Wall of Cordant Winery.

Ryan has carved out a cult following with Paix Sur Terre, crafting Rhône-driven wines that overdeliver in character and soul. Alex is leading the charge at Brecon, one of Paso’s most acclaimed tasting rooms, while also exploring his Grenache obsession through Terranean Wines. And Ryker is steering winemaking at Cordant, continuing its legacy of thoughtful, vineyard-driven blends, while building his personal project Idola Wines into something truly exciting.

Together, we dig into what it means to make wine in Paso right now — the harvest surprises, the challenges, the camaraderie, and the creativity. You’ll hear stories that connect the dots between established brands and the next generation of labels that are quietly rising up in Paso.
Paso Wine Wire

Paso featured in Forbes: “Outstanding Cabernet Year” for 2025 — cooler weather + drought conditions could deliver one of Paso’s most exciting vintages yet.
Sensorio issues global open call for new immersive art installations — artists, designers, and creators invited to light up Paso in new ways.
California Wine Month — celebrating the $2.8 billion impact of wine and tourism on Paso and the many events happening across the state wrapping up September.

Travel Paso Spotlight
This week we’re shining the light on The Bovine Classic, Paso’s gravel cycling adventure happening October 25, 2025, that mixes endurance with pure SLO CAL beauty. Riders take on rugged vineyard trails, rolling hills, and backcountry routes that show off Paso in a whole new way. Last year I even got to call riders across the finish line, and the vibe was unreal, more a fun and memorable community festival than race.

This year promises the same: world-class cycling, live music, food, and plenty of Paso wine and beer to keep the celebration rolling. Whether you’re a cyclist or just want to be part of the scene, it’s a can’t-miss weekend.

Learn more and register: The Bovine Classic
Featured Wineries this episode:

Paix Sur Terre
Brecon Estate
Cordant Winery
Terranean Wines
Idola Wines

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

1 month ago

1 hour 39 minutes 17 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 145: Still Pouring, Still Roaring: Opolo at 25, Still Making History

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
This week we’re celebrating a Paso institution: Opolo Vineyards. Co-founder Rick Quinn joins me for a one-on-one conversation about 25 years of Opolo, how Paso has grown alongside them, and the historic debut of Vranac — a Balkan grape now officially recognized and bottled in the U.S. for the first time.

We also check in with the latest Paso Wine Wire headlines, and in our Travel Paso Spotlight we turn the love toward Thomas Hill Organics, a restaurant and community hub that needs our support right now.
Paso Wine Wire

Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction is live Sept. 15–20, with proceeds funding local student scholarships. Join the auction
Alterra Solutions rebrands and expands: Kevin Wilkinson’s vineyard management firm takes on a new name and new horizons. Read more
ONX Wines launches Sunprint, their first mentorship-driven chillable red. Learn more

Travel Paso Spotlight
This week we shine the light on Thomas Hill Organics, owned by Chefs Lisa and Mike. Mike is in the fight of his life against cancer, and Lisa is back in the kitchen while still holding everything together. Paso takes care of its own, so if you know them, love them, or just love good food, please show them support with a visit, a kind message, or by sharing their story. Visit Thomas Hill Organics
Links + Resources

Opolo Vineyards
Paso Wine Virtual Auction
Thomas Hill Organics

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

1 month ago

51 minutes 11 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 144: Rooted & Rising: Winemaker of the Year Molly Bohlman + Wine Grape Grower of the Year Aron Nevarez

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
In this episode, Adam sits down with two of Paso's freshest big winners — Winemaker of the Year and Wine Grape Grower of the Year — for a deep, soulful convo about hustle, heartbreak, harvest, and hope.

Molly Bohlman, longtime winemaker at Niner Wine Estates, shares her journey from Midwest roots to SLO Coast Pinot royalty.

Aron Nevarez, a fourth-generation land steward and head of viticulture at McPrice Myers, reflects on arriving in California at 15, learning English while working the vines, and becoming one of the most respected growers in Paso.

This conversation, recorded at LoBro Studios in downtown Paso, honors legacy, labor, and the beautiful alchemy that happens between vine and wine.
PASO WINE WIRE — This Week’s Headlines:
1⃣ JUSTIN Winery Powers Youth Basketball with 3Ball Academy
JUSTIN Vineyards sponsors a free multi-week basketball training program for local youth athletes, led by Cal Poly Hall of Famer Mike Wozniak.
Full Story »

2⃣ Hope Family Wines Launches Game-Changing One-Liter Bottle
Austin Hope’s flagship Cabernet is now in an innovative 1L format — perfect for restaurant pours and built for value.
Read More »

3⃣ Serial Wines Celebrates Fall with a National Sweepstakes + Harvest Events
Big scores, big flavors, and their iconic Masquerade returns November 8.
Explore Events & Sweepstakes »

4⃣ Paso Wine Tasting Tour Heads to Fresno & Bakersfield
Taste Paso from 50+ producers at two upcoming Central Valley events:

Sept 5 – Bakersfield Tasting Tour »

Sept 19 – Fresno Tasting Tour »

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT:
Meet Kimberly Walker, the vision behind two of Paso’s most stylish boutique stays — The Farmhouse and River Lodge. From curated design to next-level vibes, she’s redefining what it means to stay in Paso.

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

2 months ago

1 hour 13 minutes 57 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 143: Paso Wine’s ‘Future 40’ from Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Four women. One region. A future uncorked.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with four trailblazing Central Coast women named to Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious Future 40 list for 2025:

* Nancy Ulloa, the spiritual force behind Ulloa Cellars, whose winemaking blends energy, heritage, and healing intention
• Neeta Mittal, co-founder of LXV Wine, redefining elegance through the sensual pairing of wine and spice
• Katy Rogers & Tamara Bingham, the brand architects of Likely Story Strategies, helping wineries craft their voice and stand out in a crowded market

Together in the studio, these innovators talk entrepreneurship, representation, identity, and what it means to shape the wine world on their own terms with Paso Robles as both canvas and catalyst.

Paso Wine Wire Stories:

Martinelli Vineyard Hits the Market
Read the article
McPrice Myers Opens New Estate Tasting Room in Adelaida
Read more at mcpricemyers.com
Autumn Soirée at Hotel SLO Set for October 12
More details here

Travel Paso Spotlight:
Discover the elevated charm of Hotel Ava, Paso’s newest luxury boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. With rooftop views, a saltwater pool, and culinary experiences led by Chef Julien Asseo and Beverage Director Lannon Rust, this is Paso from the top.
hotelava.com

Other Mentions:
• LXV Wine – lxvwine.com
• Ulloa Cellars – ullloacellars.com
• Likely Story Strategies – likelystorystrategies.com

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

2 months ago

1 hour 17 minutes 16 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 142: From Paso Robles Wine Fanatics to Family Legacies – Featuring Thibido and Ecluse

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel brings together two voices that showcase the heart and soul of Paso Robles wine country in very different ways.

First, Mike Adams, the founder of the Facebook group Paso Robles Wine Fanatics, joins the conversation. What started as a small place to swap tasting notes has grown into a digital community of nearly 25,000 members who share their Paso bottles, adventures, and recommendations every day.

Also in studio is Josh Beckett, a name synonymous with Paso. His family launched Peachy Canyon back in the 1980s, he and his brother created Chronic Cellars, and now with his wife Gibsey, Josh is crafting estate wines at Thibido. Most recently, the couple took over one of Paso’s heritage brands, Ecluse Winery, continuing a story of legacy and reinvention that reflects Paso itself.

Later in the show, our Travel Paso Spotlight shines on the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival. Adam chats with Luke Udsen of Castoro Cellars about how this annual September celebration has grown into one of Paso’s most beloved events, blending music, art, food, wine, and community in a way only Paso can.

In this week’s Paso Wine Wire, Adam shares some of the latest headlines from around the region:

Tobin James Cellars – 30th Annual James Gang Festival
March 20–21, 2026 — a milestone weekend of live music, dancing, Tobin James wines, barrel samples, and food from more than 20 chefs, all under 30,000 square feet of tented space.
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation Awards $18,000 in Scholarships
Twelve local high school seniors received scholarships funded through the Paso Wine Virtual Auction, which returns September 15–20, 2025.
LXV Wine + Ulloa Cellars Named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40
Neeta & Kunal Mittal of LXV and Nancy Gonzales of Ulloa Cellars were recognized among innovators shaping the future of wine in America. Stay tuned for a full episode featuring these Paso tastemakers.

Whether it’s online communities, family wineries, or festivals that bring thousands together, this episode is all about connection — and how Paso keeps finding new ways to share its story.

Links from this episode:

Paso Robles Wine Fanatics (Facebook Group)
Thibido Wines
Ecluse Winery
Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival
Travel Paso

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.

2 months ago

1 hour 4 minutes 49 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 141: From Bordeaux to Paso & Back – Featuring Stephan Asseo (L’Aventure) + Eric Jensen (Booker) Live with Audience in Bordeaux

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
This one’s not recorded in studio… or even in Paso. It’s recorded on a riverboat in Bordeaux, France - but don’t let the setting fool you. The soul of this episode is 100% Paso Robles.

I sat down with two of the most influential winemakers in our region: Eric Jensen of Booker Wines and Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery. Stephan left Bordeaux to escape the rules. Eric? He never followed them to begin with. Together, they’ve shaped not just vineyards, but a movement, redefining what’s possible in Paso and proving you don’t need permission to make great wine, just vision.

We talk legacy, freedom, and what it feels like to sip wine in the place one of them left, and both outgrew.

Plus: I catch up with Stacie Jacob of Travel Paso on how Paso wine is showing up in a major way in LA this summer, turning casual sippers into true believers. Let’s go. This… is Where Wine Takes You.
GUESTS:

Eric Jensen, Founder – Booker Wines
Stephan Asseo, Founder – L’Aventure Winery
Stacie Jacob, Executive Director – Travel Paso

RESOURCES & MENTIONS:

Cork & Cruise – Paso River Cruise Info
https://www.corkandcruise.com
Paso in LA – Farmers Market Pop-up Series
https://www.travelpaso.com/articles/post/paso-robles-invites-you-to-experience-a-taste-of-wine-country-in-the-heart-of-los-angeles/
Hope Family Wines acquires Tufera Farms
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/hope-family-wines-adds-vineyard-and-truffle-orchard-in-paso-robles/213536/
Gifford Fire + Ancient Peaks community response
https://www.sfgate.com/centralcalifornia/article/megafire-san-luis-obispo-county-20813014.php

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

2 months ago

1 hour 21 minutes 33 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 140: Preserving the Past, Shaping the Story – Featuring SLO County Wine Award Recipients Chris Taranto & Libbie Agran

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
What happens when the voice of Paso’s future sits down with the keeper of its past?

In this episode, Adam welcomes two legends who’ve shaped how Paso Robles is seen, celebrated, and remembered:

* Chris Taranto, Communications Director for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance – recently named the 2025 Wine Industry Person of the Year.
• Libbie Agran, Director of the SLO County Wine History Project – this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Together, they dive into the roots of SLO County’s wine culture led by Paso, from early French plantings and Gold Rush refugees to modern multi-generational legacies and the new wave of young winemakers taking over historic vineyards.
LINKS & RESOURCES

* Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance → www.pasowine.com
• SLO County Wine History Project → www.winehistoryproject.org
• Libbie Agran’s Lifetime Achievement Award → Read more
• 2025 Industry Honorees via Paso Wine → View Full List
• Paso Robles Daily News Coverage → Industry Awards Article
• Wine Business Feature → Read Here

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

3 months ago

1 hour 8 minutes 25 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 139: In Good Company: When Unlikely Paths Share Ground, Become Neighbors – Featuring Mid•Point Cellars | Rockbound Cellars

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Today’s episode explores The Bottle Shop, Paso Robles’ newest shared tasting room space that’s shaking up downtown with wine, food, and community all under one roof.
Adam sits down with two fresh faces to the Paso wine scene: Bill Lap, co-founder of mid•point, and Fiorella “Fio” DeRodeff, the founder and winemaker at Rockbound Cellars. They each bring a distinct voice, a different path, and a shared passion for building something meaningful.

This episode digs into the journey behind the wines, the rebirth of the historic Rotta property, and the importance of making wine that reflects who you are.

Stick around to the end for something wild, Bill opens the oldest bottle Adam has ever tasted / seen in his life. You won’t believe the vintage.
PASO WINE WIRE

* Hope Family Wines Golf Invitational Raises $160K for must! Charities
• 26th Annual Winemakers’ Cookoff Raises Over $1.1M for Scholarships
• Alternative Tastes Wine Festival Returns Aug. 1–2

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT
This week’s spotlight takes you to The Lofts at the Market — a boutique stay right above the bustling Paso Market Walk.
Learn more at:
• The Lofts at the Market
• Paso Market Walk
• TravelPaso.com
TODAY’S GUESTS
Bill Lap — Co-Founder, mid•point Winery
Fiorella DeRodeff — Winemaker/Owner, Rockbound Cellars

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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir

Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle)
Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com

Original music by Moonshiner Collective

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

3 months ago

1 hour 30 minutes 45 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 138 Small Lot, Big Soul – Featuring Red Door Ranch | Royal Nonesuch Farm | Lopai

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Episode Title: Small Lot, Big Soul: Paso’s Newest, Best-Kept Secrets

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on three Paso winemakers and vineyard owners who are putting everything into the bottle — and nothing into the hype. These are the small-lot producers who quietly shape what makes Paso Robles such a powerful, soulful, and personal wine region.

You’ll meet:

* Eric Morley of Red Door Ranch Vineyards — alongside his wife Holly, Eric is building a boutique estate in the Templeton Gap focused on organic farming and site-driven wines with purpose.
• Anthony Yount of Royal Nonesuch Farm and Kinero Cellars — Anthony and his wife Hillary farm their York Mountain estate by hand, crafting Rhône-style blends and crisp whites with depth and soul.
• Paul “P‑Lo” Lopez of Lopai Cellars — a sixth-generation Paso farmer who makes powerful estate wines from Willow Creek fruit with his son Brian.

They’re not chasing trends. They’re making wine on their own terms — with heart, hustle, and heritage.
This is small-lot winemaking with big soul.
This is Paso at its most personal.
PASO WINE WIRE HIGHLIGHTS

* Paso Robles Named Among World's Smartest Wine Regions
Tech, climate, and culture converge in this feature from The Buyer that puts Paso on a global innovation map.
→ Read the story
* J. Lohr Launches “Share The Lohr” Podcast
A new behind-the-scenes podcast from one of Paso’s most iconic wine families.
→ Read the story
* Templeton Feed & Grain Silos Lost to Fireworks Fire
An accidental blaze takes down a piece of the Templeton skyline — and part of its history.
→ Read the story

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT
This episode's Travel Paso Spotlight features Becky Gray, Executive Director of Must! Charities. Becky joins us to talk about long-term community investment and how Must! helps Paso grow with purpose — one story, one family, and one partnership at a time.

Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at TravelPaso.com
LINKS & RESOURCES
Guests & Wineries
• Red Door Ranch Vineyards
• Royal Nonesuch Farm
• Kinero Cellars
• Lopai Cellars

Featured Organization
• Must! Charities

More from Travel Paso
• 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 lover.

Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine
Associate Producer: Krista Smith
Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and followShow more...

3 months ago

1 hour 33 minutes 20 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 137: Paso Beyond the Bottle – Curated Experiences Uncorked

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Today: We’re all about Paso’s experiential side, from curated events to ziplines and escape rooms, featuring Shelbi & Molly (Destination Paso), Meghan Ball (Somm’s Kitchen / VinLumia), Barry White (Ancient Peaks, Margarita Adventures), and later, Monica Villicana guiding us through the Paso Robles Distillery Trail Weekend Aug 8-10!

PASO WINE WIRE HIGHLIGHTS
• Il Cortile Ristorante earns its 11th consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Sister-spot Parchetto wins its first. Four Paso favorites land on the 2025 list including Les Petites Canailles and The Pony Club at Hotel Cheval
→ Read about it HERE

* Vina Robles opens The Eatery in its new Ramada Drive tasting room, led by Chef Nicola Allegretta (Mama’s Meatball, Mistura)
→ Vina Robles
* Paso Wine Country Alliance honors 2025 industry standouts

Aron Nevarez – Grape Grower of the Year
Molly Bohlman (Niner Wine Estates) – Winemaker of the Year
Christopher Taranto – Wine Industry Person of the Year
Libbie Agran – Lifetime Achievement Award
→ Paso Robles Daily News

TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT
Featuring Monica Villicana of Re:Find Distillery and the Paso Robles Distillery Trail, including the Copper Card and the Distillery Trail Weekend this August.

Plan your next Paso getaway at TravelPaso.com

LINKS & RESOURCES

Destination Paso
Somm’s Kitchen
VinLumia
Ancient Peaks
Margarita Adventures
Paso Robles Distillery Trail
Re:Find Distillery

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.
Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel.
Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour.

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more about reaching our audience, visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.

4 months ago

1 hour 7 minutes 29 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 136: Arbor Road Reboot: New Names, New Energy – Featuring Zobèto Wines | Truss Wines

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Today, we head out to the westside of Paso, to a stretch of Arbor Road that’s waking up in a whole new way. It’s a story about building something from scratch, betting on family, and crafting wines that are deeply personal.

This episode features two Paso newcomers turning heads for all the right reasons. Cliff Cate of Zobèto Wines left his old life behind to create soulful Rhône-style blends on Paso’s westside, learning the ropes hands-on with some of the region’s most respected winemakers. Kyle Jury of Truss Wines brings an architect’s eye to his minimalist, design-forward wines, building his brand with intention, family, and structure at the core. Both are doing it their way on Arbor Road, and both are names to watch.

Paso Wine Wire Highlights
• Community Wine Awards – 2025 Winners Announced

Master Marketer: Justin Rapolas (Aaron Wines)
Unsung Hero: Ryan Kemp (Adelaida Cellars)
Good Neighbors: Lars & Kristina (Toast Tours)

* Le Vigne Winery wins big — TWICE in a week!

Central Coast Wine Comp + New York Int’l Wine Comp
Double Golds, 96-pt Cab, and Paso pride

* ONX “Mad Crush” & Pear Valley Albariño sweep the OC Wine Comp

Best in Show (ONX) + Best White (Pear Valley)

Travel Paso Spotlight:
Freda Berman from the City of Paso shares details on Paso’s legendary Fourth of July celebration - where to park, what to bring, and why it’s a can’t-miss.

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! Thank you.

LINKS + RESOURCES:
• Zobèto Wines
• Truss Wines
• Travel Paso – Plan Your Trip
• Paso Wine – Latest Happenings
• Le Vigne Winery
• ONX + Pear Valley in New Times SLO
• MoonshinerCollective.com

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.
Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel.
Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour.

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more about reaching our audience, visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com.

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine.
Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country.

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,

4 months ago

1 hour 10 minutes 11 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 135: A First for Any U.S Winery and a Celebration of CDP – Featuring Tablas Creek

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
Today, we uncork a milestone decades in the making.
Paso’s own Tablas Creek Vineyard just became the first winery in the U.S. to bottle all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties as single-varietal wines. And we’ve got the full dream team in the room:
• Jason Haas, Partner & General Manager
• Neil Collins, Director of Winemaking
• Chelsea Franchi, Senior Assistant Winemaker
They share how this decades-long vision came together, what each grape reveals on its own, and how their work continues to shape the Rhône movement in California.
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
• Paso Wine Wire:

JUSTIN Vineyards Awards $350K to Local Nonprofits & Classrooms

Paso Wine Industry Generates $2.8 Billion in Economic Impact

Tablas Creek Completes All 14 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Varietals

• Travel Paso Spotlight: Angela McGee of the Best Western Plus Black Oak shares the family’s history and hospitality legacy

LINKS + RESOURCES:
• Tablas Creek Vineyard
• Decanter Coverage on Tablas' 14-Grape Milestone
• JUSTIN Community Grants Program
• Travel Paso – Plan Your Trip
• Best Western Plus Black Oak
• The Pour – White Wine Invitational Episode

Paso Wine Wire Highlights
• RIDGE Vineyards Opens New Tasting Room in Paso Robles
One of California’s most iconic producers has officially landed in Paso. RIDGE opens its brand-new tasting room on Ramada Drive, deepening its historic ties to the region and giving Zin lovers a fresh reason to visit.
• Tablas Creek Completes Full Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lineup
A first for any U.S. winery—Tablas Creek has now bottled all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape varietals. A decades-long project paying off with limited releases, Rhône passion, and Paso pride.
• White Wine Invitational – Tickets via ExploreTock
It’s back! The 2nd Annual White Wine Invitational returns to Rava Wines on June 20. Expect crisp whites, summertime bubbles, and community vibes—all to support Must! Charities.
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For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

4 months ago

54 minutes 2 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 134: Zins of the Father, Now Told in Her Voice – Featuring Christina Turley of Turley Wine Cellars

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Christina Turley, the eldest daughter of legendary winemaker Larry Turley, and a powerhouse in her own right. From summers spent working alongside her father to building a serious wine résumé in New York City, Christina’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling.
We explore how she’s shaping the next chapter at Turley Wine Cellars, blending heritage with her own sharp perspective. From becoming a Certified Sommelier to leading the voice of one of California’s most iconic Zinfandel producers, Christina shares what it means to carry a legacy—and still make it her own. This is a conversation about voice, values, and vineyards… and yes, we get into why Paso Robles plays a vital role in Turley’s story.
Plus, in our Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam chats with John Arnold, GM of the Holiday Inn Express Paso Robles and local community leader, about the return of Paso’s official 4th of July celebration and how the lodging scene is evolving with the town’s growth.
Links from the Show
Christina Turley & Turley Wine Cellars
Website: turleywinecellars.com
Instagram: @turleywine
John Arnold – Travel Paso Spotlight
Holiday Inn Express Paso Robles: hotel website
Paso Wine Wire Highlights
• RIDGE Vineyards Opens New Tasting Room in Paso Robles
One of California’s most iconic producers has officially landed in Paso. RIDGE opens its brand-new tasting room on Ramada Drive, deepening its historic ties to the region and giving Zin lovers a fresh reason to visit.
• Tablas Creek Completes Full Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lineup
A first for any U.S. winery—Tablas Creek has now bottled all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape varietals. A decades-long project paying off with limited releases, Rhône passion, and Paso pride.
• White Wine Invitational – Tickets via ExploreTock
It’s back! The 2nd Annual White Wine Invitational returns to Rava Wines on June 20. Expect crisp whites, summertime bubbles, and community vibes—all to support Must! Charities.
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For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel.

To connect with Adam, ask a question, or learn more how you or your business can reach our audience on WWTY visit AdamMontiel.com or PasoWine.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.

4 months ago

59 minutes 11 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 133: Why Tourism Matters – Where Hospitality Meets Heritage – Featuring Travel Paso

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
In this special episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel takes you behind the scenes of Paso Robles' vibrant tourism industry. Recorded during National Travel and Tourism Week and California Tourism Month, this episode shines a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that make Paso Robles a premier destination.
You'll hear from:

Richard Verruni, General Manager of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, who shares insights into creating exceptional lodging experiences.

Carole MacDonal, proprietor of Il Cortile Ristorante and Parchetto, discussing the art of fine dining in Paso Robles.

Dr. Chris Thornberg, a leading economist from Beacon Economics, providing a data-driven perspective on the economic impact of tourism in the region.

Jo Armstrong, recognized for her work at Hope Family Wines and her role in delivering top-tier wine experiences.

Pati Coelho, co-founder of Criú Hospitality, spotlighting excellence in Paso’s hospitality sector.

Stacie Jacob, President & CEO of Travel Paso, offering a heartfelt message about the people who make Paso Robles special.

This episode is a celebration of the passion, dedication, and community spirit that drive Paso Robles' tourism industry.
Links & Resources

Allegretto Vineyard Resort: Website | Instagram

Il Cortile Ristorante: Website | Instagram

Parchetto: Website | Instagram

Jo Armstrong – Hope Family Wines: Website | Instagram

Pati Coelho – Criú Hospitality: Website | Instagram

Travel Paso: Website | Instagram

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For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

********

Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour wit...

5 months ago

1 hour 8 minutes 34 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 132: Live from Paso Wine Fest 2025

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights

There’s Paso… and then there’s Paso during Wine Fest weekend. This episode captures it all — the energy, the people, and the pulse of a region at its most electric.
Recorded from the Ponderosa at the Paso Robles Event Center — nestled between In Bloom and Il Cortile — Adam sat down with a lineup of Paso’s most vibrant voices. In three stacked segments, we dive into what makes this festival weekend so special, and why Paso continues to punch above its weight in wine, food, and soul.
Segment 1 brings us Nicole Haisma of In Bloom and Nix Cellars, Anthony Yount of Royal Nonesuch Farm, and a surprise drop-in from Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly, fresh off leading her Paso 101 seminar.
Segment 2 turns up the heat with Riley Roddick of Hubba Wines, Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina, and Maggie Cameron — the firestarter behind both The Hatch and Della’s.
Segment 3 brings the closer with Cris Cherry of Villa Creek / MAHA Estate, Mary Ann Erdos of Cork & Cruise, Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, and Don Burns of Turtle Rock Vineyards — as they talk about their upcoming wine cruise to Portugal and Bordeaux (with two cabins left!).
Travel Paso Spotlight
We also meet Jaydy Gonzales, co-owner of Third Wheel Tours, offering one-of-a-kind motorcycle sidecar wine tours through the backroads of Paso — easily one of the coolest ways to sip, cruise, and experience wine country.
Looking to explore Paso Wine Country?
Plan your trip, book your stay, and start your story at TravelPaso.com
Featured Guests + Links

Nicole Haisma – In Bloom / Nix Cellars

Anthony Yount – Royal Nonesuch Farm

Madeline Puckette – Wine Folly

Riley Roddick – Hubba Wines

Maggie Tillman – Alta Colina

Maggie Cameron – The Hatch / Della’s

Cris Cherry – Villa Creek / MAHA Estate

Mary Ann Erdos – Cork & Cruise

Kit Kuyper – Hawks Hill Ranch

Don Burns – Turtle Rock Vineyards

Travel Paso

Third Wheel Tours // @thirdwheeltours

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For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head toShow more...

5 months ago

1 hour 13 minutes 35 seconds

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 131: Downtown & Dialed In – Featuring Bushong Vintage Co. & Sea Shell Cellars

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights
This week, we’re diving into the creative current flowing through Downtown Paso’s tasting rooms — and the two distinct winemakers who are helping define the vibe.
Joining Adam Montiel in the studio:

Jason Bushong, owner & winemaker at Bushong Vintage Company

Lauren Lange, winemaker at Sea Shell Cellars

We talk tasting room culture, downtown energy, and how wine can be as much about expression as it is terroir. Expect neon. Vinyl. Maybe some beach sand. And plenty of Paso magic.
Paso Wine Wire
A quick look at what’s buzzing in Paso:
• Hope Family Wines Adds Beekeeping to the Farm
Regenerative farming takes flight — literally — as Hope Family Wines integrates bees into their vineyard ecosystem.
→ Read more
• Paso Wines Support Cystic Fibrosis Gala
Paso producers made a powerful showing at the California Winemasters event, raising millions to fight CF.
→ Read more
• Ridge is Coming to Paso
It hasn’t hit the press yet, but the word is out — Ridge Vineyards is setting up shop in Paso.
After decades sourcing fruit (like Benito Dusi), the iconic California label is finally calling Paso home.
Travel Paso Spotlight
This week, we check in with Victor Popp, the hospitality powerhouse behind the newly renovated La Quinta Inn in Paso Robles.
With a $3M makeover, award-winning service, and the busiest wine weekend of the year on deck — Victor breaks down why Paso’s accommodations game is as strong as its wine list.
→ Plan your trip now at TravelPaso.com
Also Mentioned:
Visit Sea Shell Cellars
Visit Bushong Vintage Co.
Wine Fest tickets + lineup → PasoWine.com
Win passes to Wine Fest → AdamMontiel.com
Housekeeping:
• Want to WIN tickets to Wine Fest? Enter at AdamMontiel.com.
• Shoutout Feedspot for naming Where Wine Takes You a Top 3 Wine Podcast!
• Thanks to Million Podcasts for putting us at #11 on their Wine Podcast list worldwide.

Paso Wine Fest is coming!
Get your tickets at PasoWine.com and don’t miss the Paso 101 Wine Seminar with Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly—a can’t-miss masterclass to earn your Paso Wine Certificate during Wine Fest weekend.
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For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Tickets on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Use Promo Code ADAM and save $20 per ticket!

If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, please leave a review, and share it! Thank you!

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine.

Associate Producer: Krista Smith

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced,

6 months ago

1 hour 11 minutes 23 seconds