Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

🍇 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 abo...

🍇 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 gr...

🍇 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, entrepren...

🍇 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 so...

🍇 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 Pellet...

🍇 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...

🍇 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 cel...

🍇 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. W...

🍇 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...

🍇 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 restaura...

🍇 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 B...

🍇 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 dec...

🍇 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...

🍇 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, vetera...

🍇 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 legen...

🍇 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 lan...

🍇 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...

🍇 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 dess...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel sits down with Michael Emlie of Dark Star Cellars and brothers Matt and Steve Glunz of Glunz Family Winery & Cellars for a conversation about something Paso Robles does especially well, family-friendly wine country. Recorded at Lobro Studios, the conversation flows the way great wine conversations should, with glasses on the table, stories in the air, and a few laughs along the way. Michael Emlie shares the classic Paso story of how a longtime Los Angeles attorney fell in love with Paso Robles while visiting for Wine...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🌊🐎 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two Westside Paso farmers who bet on place and trusted the dirt beneath their feet.  Carl Bowker of Caliza Winery and John Lemstra of Jack Creek Cellars join the show to talk about the power, elegance and diurnal magic of the Willow Creek District AVA, one of Paso Robles’ most compelling sub appellations. From ripping out 30 acres of Pinot and Chardonnay to replant Rhône varieties. From 4,000 cow dairy mornings in Tulare to cool climate Pinot Noir near York Mountain. This episode is about convic...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🌊🐎 In this coastal-meets-cowboy episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam heads west, all the way to the waterline, for a conversation about tasting rooms by the ocean and how proximity to the Pacific changes the wine experience. First up, Soren Christensen, winemaker for Hearst Ranch Winery, shares what it is like pouring wine across the street from Hearst Castle in San Simeon. With 25 Paso harvests under his belt, including time at Hope Family Wines and Alta Colina, Soren talks about legacy, instinct, and crafting wines worthy of the Hearst name. From Rhône varieties to Bordeaux...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 159  We’re kicking off a brand-new Where Wine Takes You series spotlighting the 11 sub-AVAs of Paso Robles, and first up: the iconic, elevated, ‘limestone’-rich Adelaida District. Host Adam Montiel is joined by: Dave & Antonia Carpenter – Founders of Ciento Cellars, a bold, family-run label rooted in the hills of Adelaida Aram Deirmenjian – Co-owner of Kiamie Wine Cellars, known for killer blends sourced from top westside growers like Halter Ranch and Glunz Together, they talk terroir, winemaking dreams, and what makes this high-elevation zone truly one-of-a-kind. Also in this episode: 📰 Paso Wine Wire 🏆 Brian & Stephy Terrizzi of Giornata Wines + Et...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 158:  This episode celebrates two people who define what Paso Robles is all about — Brian and Stephy Terrizzi, this year’s Paso Wine Industry Persons of the Year. Brian and Stephy are the powerhouse duo behind Giornata Wines and Etto Pastificio, both based in Paso’s Tin City. Together, they’ve blended Old World Italian sensibility with the creative pulse of Paso — crafting wines that rival the best of Italy and pasta that’s become a staple from local kitchens to Michelin-level restaurants. We talk about their path from Fresno State to Italy, how they built two thriving brand...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 156:  Part 2: 20 Years of Torrin: From Helping Others to Holding His Own  In this follow-up to our deep dive with Scott and Viquel Hawley of Torrin, Adam picks up right where we left off. More stories from 20 vintages of balance, grit, and staying true to their winemaking vision and their family. If you loved Part 1, this pour is even deeper. • Torrin Wines: torrinwines.com • IG: @torrinwines 🎯 Travel Paso Spotlight This week’s spotlight takes us to Willow Creek Distillery, located at Opolo Vineyards. Head Distiller Kevin Coulton joins Adam to talk about the art of small-batch spirits, how Opo...

🍷 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 156:  20 Years of Torrin: From Helping Others to Holding His Own 🍇 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with one of Paso’s most respected and quietly legendary winemaking couples, Scott and Viquel Hawley of Torrin Wines, as they mark their 20th vintage. From their landlocked beginnings between Booker and L’Aventure to becoming one of Paso’s benchmark brands, the Hawleys share their winemaking philosophy, what balance means to them, and the soulful evolution of their wines. They even open a bottle of their very first vintage — 2006 — and talk about what’s changed, what hasn’...

🍸 Where Wine Takes You – Episode 155: “A Spirited Start to 2026” 🥃 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam kicks off the new year with a deep pour into Paso’s cocktail and distillery scene. He’s joined by Alex and Monica Villicana, founders of Re:Find Distillery, who pioneered Paso’s sustainable spirits movement using free-run wine juice, aka saignée, to create premium vodka, gin, and more. Also in the mix is Briana Heywood, head winemaker and distiller at Donati Family Vineyard, who brings her deep winemaking chops to both wine and spirits production. Together, they talk trends, challenges, and what it means t...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Nate Hall, head winemaker at Jada Vineyard & Winery in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Nate didn’t grow up in the wine world. He studied ecology and marine biology at Cal Poly, then taught high school and did environmental research before answering the call of the cellar. After learning the ropes at places like Sextant and Kukkula, Nate joined Jada in 2017 and was named Head Winemaker in 2024, bringing a fresh, soil-first focus to their Rhône-style and Bordeaux-inspired program. And while Nate...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two winemakers that have stepped into new chapters: Aaron Hunt of Shadow Run Vineyards and Michael Barretto of Oso Libre Winery. The conversation uncorks harvest reflections, the transition from family stewardship to full ownership, and what it means to go from the cellar to the boardroom. Aaron shares how taking over Shadow Run has reshaped his vision, while Michael opens up about becoming a partner at Oso Libre after years of hands-on hustle. Later, we spotlight Allegretto Vineyard Resort and their upcoming 12 Days of...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with three bold names shaking up Paso Robles: Tommy Booth of Wine Boss, and Dina & Jeff Hevert of Vinyl Vineyards. From Hollywood reality TV to rockstar collabs, this episode is a journey through reinvention, hustle, and the kind of creativity that makes Paso wine country unlike anywhere else. Recorded live at Lobro, the conversation dives into Tommy’s wild ride from Cal Poly viticulture student to crafting wine for Kevin Hart and Pepper, and how Jeff & Dina turned their passion for vintage trailers and music...

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 This week on Where Wine Takes You, we’re exploring what happens when world-class wine meets next-level hospitality. Because in Paso Robles, where you lay your head after that last pour can shape the entire experience. Joining Adam are the dream team from SummerWood Winery & Inn: Winemaker Mauricio Marchant, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager Margaret Shirley, and Inn Manager Angie Vazquez - alongside Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina Winery and the one-of-a-kind Trailer Pond glamping experience. This episode is a deep dive into how you sip and how you feel hospitality, and why the full wine...

🍇 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 Win...