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| Featured Wines from our Merlot Wine Club |
Aqua Pumkin
Established in 1996 by Ken Volk. The Aqua Pumpkin label has always
represented quality and value from the Central Coast. The Aqua Pumpkin
label has poked fun at the often pretentious wine industry. It’s silly back
labels associated with the Central Coast and oblique references to
American cultural icons are a hallmark of the Aqua Pumpkin Brand. Aqua
Pumpkin “fun wine from happy grapes.”
Established in 1996 by Ken Volk. The Aqua Pumpkin label has always
represented quality and value from the Central Coast. The Aqua Pumpkin
label has poked fun at the often pretentious wine industry. It’s silly back
labels associated with the Central Coast and oblique references to
American cultural icons are a hallmark of the Aqua Pumpkin Brand. Aqua
Pumpkin “fun wine from happy grapes.”
Chumeia Vineyards
“Chumeia” (pronounced Koo-may-a) is the ancient Greek word for “alchemy”
which involves transforming one thing into something precious. Our goal at
Chumeia is to take the best fruit from the myriad of excellent growing areas
in California and turn it into great wine. Chumeia’s vision of striving to make
great wine from quality fruit started with Lee Nesbitt, who discovered his
passion for wine over ten years ago when he worked in the cellar for J. Lohr
in Paso Robles and later down the road at Meridian Vineyards. It was at
these two respected wineries that Lee was exposed to the many facets of
the alchemic process of winemaking, fueling the fire to start work on
producing his own wines.
“Chumeia” (pronounced Koo-may-a) is the ancient Greek word for “alchemy”
which involves transforming one thing into something precious. Our goal at
Chumeia is to take the best fruit from the myriad of excellent growing areas
in California and turn it into great wine. Chumeia’s vision of striving to make
great wine from quality fruit started with Lee Nesbitt, who discovered his
passion for wine over ten years ago when he worked in the cellar for J. Lohr
in Paso Robles and later down the road at Meridian Vineyards. It was at
these two respected wineries that Lee was exposed to the many facets of
the alchemic process of winemaking, fueling the fire to start work on
producing his own wines.
San Simeon
The seaside town of San Simeon, located in San Luis Obispo County,
embodies the image of California’s majestic coast: rocky shorelines,
morning fog, sunny afternoons, and ocean breezes. In fact, the coast creates
the ideal climate for superior grape growing. California’s Central Coast
appellation is composed of three counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and
Santa Barbara. The Central Coast is the most rapidly growing premium wine
region in California.
The Riboli Family farms estate vineyards in Monterey in order to insure the
ultimate level of grape quality. The Loma Vista Vineyard, located in the
prestigious Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey, embodies our family’s
commitment to estate grown wines. Named for its spectacular view of the
Santa Lucia Foothills, this vineyard site was chosen for its well-drained,
alluvial soils and cool, coastal microclimate.
The seaside town of San Simeon, located in San Luis Obispo County,
embodies the image of California’s majestic coast: rocky shorelines,
morning fog, sunny afternoons, and ocean breezes. In fact, the coast creates
the ideal climate for superior grape growing. California’s Central Coast
appellation is composed of three counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and
Santa Barbara. The Central Coast is the most rapidly growing premium wine
region in California.
The Riboli Family farms estate vineyards in Monterey in order to insure the
ultimate level of grape quality. The Loma Vista Vineyard, located in the
prestigious Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey, embodies our family’s
commitment to estate grown wines. Named for its spectacular view of the
Santa Lucia Foothills, this vineyard site was chosen for its well-drained,
alluvial soils and cool, coastal microclimate.
Santa Barbara Winery
In 1962 Pierre Lafond was the first, since prohibition, to reestablish Santa
Barbara County’s winemaking tradition by founding Santa Barbara Winery.
In the early years Pierre made wine from purchased fruit, but in 1970 he
purchased property in the Santa Ynez Valley and began planting the now 72-
acre vineyard. Winemaker Bruce McGuire believes the quality and integrity of
the wine is inextricably linked to what happens in the field. His wines are
vibrant and fruity, capturing the essence of the grapes, as they taste in the
vineyard.
In 1962 Pierre Lafond was the first, since prohibition, to reestablish Santa
Barbara County’s winemaking tradition by founding Santa Barbara Winery.
In the early years Pierre made wine from purchased fruit, but in 1970 he
purchased property in the Santa Ynez Valley and began planting the now 72-
acre vineyard. Winemaker Bruce McGuire believes the quality and integrity of
the wine is inextricably linked to what happens in the field. His wines are
vibrant and fruity, capturing the essence of the grapes, as they taste in the
vineyard.
Tarrica Wine Cellars
With hard work and great care the first vintage of Tarrica evolved in April of
2003. These hand crafted limited release wines are produced from
selected Paso Robles and Monterey vineyards. The winery also produces
an award winning specialty port under Shandon Port works. Tarrica: Made
for the Connoisseur, priced for everyday.
With hard work and great care the first vintage of Tarrica evolved in April of
2003. These hand crafted limited release wines are produced from
selected Paso Robles and Monterey vineyards. The winery also produces
an award winning specialty port under Shandon Port works. Tarrica: Made
for the Connoisseur, priced for everyday.
Tobin James Cellars
Tobin James Cellars’ first wine, the 1985 Blue Moon Reserve Zinfandel, was
an instant success. Since then, the winery has enjoyed steady growth.
Owners, Tobin (Toby) James and Lance Silver are justifiably proud of the
quality of their wines. Year after year, Tobin James Cellars produces big,
fruit driven wines, which are perfect for early consumption, but have the
structure to age. While the winery is perhaps best known for Zinfandel, a
huge following has developed for all of the Tobin James wines.
Tobin James Cellars’ first wine, the 1985 Blue Moon Reserve Zinfandel, was
an instant success. Since then, the winery has enjoyed steady growth.
Owners, Tobin (Toby) James and Lance Silver are justifiably proud of the
quality of their wines. Year after year, Tobin James Cellars produces big,
fruit driven wines, which are perfect for early consumption, but have the
structure to age. While the winery is perhaps best known for Zinfandel, a
huge following has developed for all of the Tobin James wines.
Bargetto Winery
Two vintners who believed in the Santa Cruz Mountains as a world-class
wine-growing region were brothers Phillip and John Bargetto. Immigrants
from the Piedmont region in Italy, they founded Bargetto Winery on the day
prohibition was repealed, Dec. 5th, 1933. Today Bargetto Winery, with its
nearly seven decades of history has the longest tradition of producing fine
Santa Cruz Mountains wines, and is still owned and operated by the
Bargetto family. In addition to fine premium varietals from vinifera grapes,
Bargetto also makes excellent dessert wines under the Chaucer’s label.
Two vintners who believed in the Santa Cruz Mountains as a world-class
wine-growing region were brothers Phillip and John Bargetto. Immigrants
from the Piedmont region in Italy, they founded Bargetto Winery on the day
prohibition was repealed, Dec. 5th, 1933. Today Bargetto Winery, with its
nearly seven decades of history has the longest tradition of producing fine
Santa Cruz Mountains wines, and is still owned and operated by the
Bargetto family. In addition to fine premium varietals from vinifera grapes,
Bargetto also makes excellent dessert wines under the Chaucer’s label.
Carmody-McKnight Estate Wines
Establishing the winery in 1989 as Silver Canyon, actor, artist Gary Carmody
name in 1995 to Carmody McKnight, bringing an individual vision (Gary
paints all of the label art) to their 100% estate grown and produced Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their
daughter, who produces her own line of one-of-a-kind “Kathleen” dessert
and late harvest wines works closely with Greg Cropper who oversees
vineyard management and wine production. His overall experience from the
soil on up brings versatility to wine making that must start in the vineyard.
Establishing the winery in 1989 as Silver Canyon, actor, artist Gary Carmody
name in 1995 to Carmody McKnight, bringing an individual vision (Gary
paints all of the label art) to their 100% estate grown and produced Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their
daughter, who produces her own line of one-of-a-kind “Kathleen” dessert
and late harvest wines works closely with Greg Cropper who oversees
vineyard management and wine production. His overall experience from the
soil on up brings versatility to wine making that must start in the vineyard.
Harmony Cellars Winery
Nestled in the hills overlooking the quaint, artisan town of Harmony, just off
Highway 1, Harmony Cellars Winery produces award-winning wines and
Mulligan built their winery to reflect the unique country atmosphere of the
surrounding area. A Chardonnay vineyard is planted on the hillside
surrounding the winery.
Nestled in the hills overlooking the quaint, artisan town of Harmony, just off
Highway 1, Harmony Cellars Winery produces award-winning wines and
Mulligan built their winery to reflect the unique country atmosphere of the
surrounding area. A Chardonnay vineyard is planted on the hillside
surrounding the winery.
Midnight Cellars
The Hartenberger family began the Midnight Cellars adventure with one idea
in mind, to create ultra-premium wines of which they can be proud. They
decided to settle in Paso Robles after an extensive search for properties
throughout California. The family planted their first vines in the spring of
1996, and has expanded these plantings each year since. The hillside
vineyard is now approximately 31 acres and planted with Zinfandel, Merlot,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Future plantings will
consist of Cabernet Franc and more Cabernet Sauvignon, with the intention
of bottling a Bordeaux style blend from 100% estate grapes.
The Hartenberger family began the Midnight Cellars adventure with one idea
in mind, to create ultra-premium wines of which they can be proud. They
decided to settle in Paso Robles after an extensive search for properties
throughout California. The family planted their first vines in the spring of
1996, and has expanded these plantings each year since. The hillside
vineyard is now approximately 31 acres and planted with Zinfandel, Merlot,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Future plantings will
consist of Cabernet Franc and more Cabernet Sauvignon, with the intention
of bottling a Bordeaux style blend from 100% estate grapes.
Norman Vineyards
Art and Lei Norman began planting their vineyards in the hills of Adelaida,
west of Paso Robles, in 1971. At first they sold most of the grapes. The
original winery at Norman Vineyards was a tractor shed where Art and a few
friends made some Barbera and Zinfandel for family use. From that humble
beginning the Normans constructed their present day winery. Art’s first love
was the vineyard where he believed the wines are truly made. When asked
about their winemaking style, they say. “Showcase the vineyard!” The wines
from Norman do exactly that.
Art and Lei Norman began planting their vineyards in the hills of Adelaida,
west of Paso Robles, in 1971. At first they sold most of the grapes. The
original winery at Norman Vineyards was a tractor shed where Art and a few
friends made some Barbera and Zinfandel for family use. From that humble
beginning the Normans constructed their present day winery. Art’s first love
was the vineyard where he believed the wines are truly made. When asked
about their winemaking style, they say. “Showcase the vineyard!” The wines
from Norman do exactly that.
Rotta Winery
Rotta Winery, founded in 1908, is the oldest originally family-owned winery in
San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini, Steve Pesenti, and Mark Caporale
have combined their talents to bring back to life the historic and rustic winery
first established by Mike’s grandparents. To longtime fans of this wine
region, the name Rotta Winery might ring a few bells, but only if you were
familiar with Paso Robles’ wines before the rest of the country barely knew
where Paso was. In fact, you have to go back several decades to discover
the beginnings of Rotta Winery, which was one of the first three wineries
established in Paso Robles – the others were York Mountain and Pesenti.
In reviving the Rotta Winery label, Giubbini is also re-establishing a link with
history by working with Winemaker Steve Pesenti, whose grandparents and
parents were neighbors of Giubbini’s. For now the Rotta label is focusing
on red wines such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Black
Monukka – a dessert wine, but white wines will also be appearing on the list
as well. All of the fruit for the label will be sourced from local vineyards,
especially those from the Westside. Both Giubbini and Pesenti are strong
believers in the potential of the Paso area, and particularly the Templeton
region where their ancestors farmed.
Rotta Winery, founded in 1908, is the oldest originally family-owned winery in
San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini, Steve Pesenti, and Mark Caporale
have combined their talents to bring back to life the historic and rustic winery
first established by Mike’s grandparents. To longtime fans of this wine
region, the name Rotta Winery might ring a few bells, but only if you were
familiar with Paso Robles’ wines before the rest of the country barely knew
where Paso was. In fact, you have to go back several decades to discover
the beginnings of Rotta Winery, which was one of the first three wineries
established in Paso Robles – the others were York Mountain and Pesenti.
In reviving the Rotta Winery label, Giubbini is also re-establishing a link with
history by working with Winemaker Steve Pesenti, whose grandparents and
parents were neighbors of Giubbini’s. For now the Rotta label is focusing
on red wines such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Black
Monukka – a dessert wine, but white wines will also be appearing on the list
as well. All of the fruit for the label will be sourced from local vineyards,
especially those from the Westside. Both Giubbini and Pesenti are strong
believers in the potential of the Paso area, and particularly the Templeton
region where their ancestors farmed.
Dark Star Cellars
Dark Star Cellar opened in the spring of 1994. Owner and Winemaker,
Norm Benson, is producing small lots of ultra-premium handcrafted red
wines. The grapes at Dark Star are hand harvested into small half-ton bins,
crushed, and then placed back into the same bins for fermentation. These
small bins provide maximum ‘skin-to-juice” ratio, thereby increasing the
varietal characteristics of the wine. With a total production of only 3000
cases availability is, of course, limited.
Dark Star Cellar opened in the spring of 1994. Owner and Winemaker,
Norm Benson, is producing small lots of ultra-premium handcrafted red
wines. The grapes at Dark Star are hand harvested into small half-ton bins,
crushed, and then placed back into the same bins for fermentation. These
small bins provide maximum ‘skin-to-juice” ratio, thereby increasing the
varietal characteristics of the wine. With a total production of only 3000
cases availability is, of course, limited.
Fratelli Perata
The Perata brothers, Gene and Joe, come from a family with a long
winemaking tradition going back to the hills above Genoa in Italy. Like their
forebears the brothers are particularly fond of wines that are big and red.
Bonded in 1987 and with vines now 20 years old, Fratelli Perata produces
about 2 tons per acre. An average of 100 barrels of wine are produced each
year, yielding about 2300 cases of wine. Most wines are given two years in
the barrel, a year of bottle age. Deep balanced fruit and silky tannins await
those lucky enough to lay their hands on these limited releases.
The Perata brothers, Gene and Joe, come from a family with a long
winemaking tradition going back to the hills above Genoa in Italy. Like their
forebears the brothers are particularly fond of wines that are big and red.
Bonded in 1987 and with vines now 20 years old, Fratelli Perata produces
about 2 tons per acre. An average of 100 barrels of wine are produced each
year, yielding about 2300 cases of wine. Most wines are given two years in
the barrel, a year of bottle age. Deep balanced fruit and silky tannins await
those lucky enough to lay their hands on these limited releases.
Lyeth
Lyeth, now owned by Jean Claude Boisset, is one of the few wineries in
California that composes wines in the style of Bordeaux. The inspiration, the
tradition and the superb modern process all come from France. The
grapes, the Winemaker, and the Lyeth legacy all come straight from Sonoma
County. It is this fascinating duality that creates inspired red and white
Meritage wines. Both past and present vintages have received wonderful
reviews from various trade publications. The L de Lyeth wines were created
to showcase the primary varietals that compose the meritage blend:
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Lyeth, now owned by Jean Claude Boisset, is one of the few wineries in
California that composes wines in the style of Bordeaux. The inspiration, the
tradition and the superb modern process all come from France. The
grapes, the Winemaker, and the Lyeth legacy all come straight from Sonoma
County. It is this fascinating duality that creates inspired red and white
Meritage wines. Both past and present vintages have received wonderful
reviews from various trade publications. The L de Lyeth wines were created
to showcase the primary varietals that compose the meritage blend:
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
elevation, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Dave Nichols and Rick Quinn,
partners in the winery, farm a total of 270 acres of premium vineyards, In
both the rolling hills to the east of Highway 101 and on land surrounding the
winery in the more mountainous areas to the west. Their philosophy is
quality grapes possible. Starting with vineyards planted to hillside of rocky,
chalky soils on low vigor rootstocks, then limiting the vines access to water,
leaf pulling, crop thinning, hand harvesting, you name it., these two are
meticulous farmer, sacrificing yields for quality, and the results speak for
themselves. Most of this fruit is sold to other producers, but small quantities
are reserved for the Opolo Label. What does this fruit yield? Concentration,
This estate is located in the western Paso Robles Hills at 1600 ft of
elevation, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Dave Nichols and Rick Quinn,
partners in the winery, farm a total of 270 acres of premium vineyards, In
both the rolling hills to the east of Highway 101 and on land surrounding the
winery in the more mountainous areas to the west. Their philosophy is
simple: great wine starts with great fruit, and their goal are to grow the finest
quality grapes possible. Starting with vineyards planted to hillside of rocky,
chalky soils on low vigor rootstocks, then limiting the vines access to water,
leaf pulling, crop thinning, hand harvesting, you name it., these two are
meticulous farmer, sacrificing yields for quality, and the results speak for
themselves. Most of this fruit is sold to other producers, but small quantities
are reserved for the Opolo Label. What does this fruit yield? Concentration,
body, intensity and style; in short, wines with an opinion and not for the faint
of heart.
Peachy Canyon Winery
Since 1982, the Becketts have worked hard to establish the Central Coast
as one of the world’s premier winegrape growing regions. Peachy Canyon
Wines are truly the result of a real family effort, led by vintners Doug and
Nancy Beckett, sons Jacob and Joshua, and Joshua’s wife Gibsey. Jake
Beckett manages their 100 acres of family owned vineyards: Peachy Canyon
Estate, Old School House, Snow and Mustard Creek. Their estate grown
varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and
Petite Sirah.
Since 1982, the Becketts have worked hard to establish the Central Coast
as one of the world’s premier winegrape growing regions. Peachy Canyon
Wines are truly the result of a real family effort, led by vintners Doug and
Nancy Beckett, sons Jacob and Joshua, and Joshua’s wife Gibsey. Jake
Beckett manages their 100 acres of family owned vineyards: Peachy Canyon
Estate, Old School House, Snow and Mustard Creek. Their estate grown
varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and
Petite Sirah.
Victor Hugo Vineyards
Victor Hugo Vineyards and Winery is one of Paso Robles’ most exciting and
along with his wife Leslie of the small family operated vineyard and winery.
In 1985 they began planting grapes on the shaly hillsides in Templeton.
With subsequent planting the vineyards now total over 75 acres including
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, 5 Bordeaux reds, and Viognier. Meticulous
care of the vineyard includes vertical shoot positioning, shoot thinning,
cluster thinning, and leaf pulling. Victor Hugo specializes in small hand
crafted lots of wine with intense colors and flavors.
Victor Hugo Vineyards and Winery is one of Paso Robles’ most exciting and
along with his wife Leslie of the small family operated vineyard and winery.
In 1985 they began planting grapes on the shaly hillsides in Templeton.
With subsequent planting the vineyards now total over 75 acres including
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, 5 Bordeaux reds, and Viognier. Meticulous
care of the vineyard includes vertical shoot positioning, shoot thinning,
cluster thinning, and leaf pulling. Victor Hugo specializes in small hand
crafted lots of wine with intense colors and flavors.
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