Paso Robles has been called free-spirited and unpretentious with a sense of cowboy informality, and that’s so true! Paso’s heritage is rooted in cattle ranches and agriculture with a rich cowboy culture. With the California Mid-State Fair in town, we thought we’d ask a few of wine country’s personalities to share their background on the exciting action-packed sport of rodeo.

Vice President of Operations, Ancient Peaks Winery

How long have you been riding horses; how did you get involved in riding and rodeo? I have been riding horses since I was “knee-high to a grasshopper” or as long as I can remember!  I grew up on the northern side of Paso Robles and we have always had horses and cattle.  My father has always loved to rope and so its something we grew up doing.

What competitive rodeo events do you take part in?  Nowadays my rodeo time is somewhat limited as kids and job take a front seat.  However, my favorite rodeo of the year has always been the California Mid-State Fair.  I have competed in this fair for over 30 consecutive years.

What’s your horse’s name, any special meaning behind it? My horse’s name is Maverick.  I was lucky enough to buy him from a friend a couple of years ago.

If your horse was a grape variety, what would it be and why? Great question!  If Maverick was a grape variety he would probably be definitely a Cabernet Sauvignon.  He’s big, beautiful, dark, handsome, dependable, kind, talented, gets better every year, and everyone LOVES him!

After a competition what’s your go-to wine to celebrate with? Ice cold Rosé is the drink of choice.

What’s your favorite place on the Central Coast to ride Maverick for leisure? My favorite place to ride Maverick is on the ranch around my house on  Highway 46 West.  The views are amazing and I love smelling the sage and citrus orchards, it is good for the soul!

Co-Owner, Margarita Vineyard

How long have you been riding horses; how did you get involved in riding and rodeo? I’ve been riding horses since I was 5 years old and been participating in rodeos since the late 80’s.

What competitive rodeo events do you take part in? Team roping, calf branding, team sorting, and team penning.

What’s your horse’s name, any special meaning behind it? Ruby, it’s the color of her hair.

If Ruby was a grape variety, what would it be and why? Ruby would definitely be Merlot!  Ruby is a slender red mare with a simple blazed face. She isn’t extremely flashy and sometimes mares aren’t preferred. To the untrained eye her talents, quiet manner, and watchful eye could be easily overlooked. But to me she’s is the perfect all-around horse AND just like Merlot is extraordinary when cared for correctly.

After you compete what’s your go-to wine to celebrate with? Truthfully, you won’t find me drinking wine after a rodeo! I always enjoy 805 from our friends at Firestone Walker.

What’s your favorite place on the Central Coast to ride Ruby? Santa Margarita Ranch, the beautiful views never get old.

What’s your favorite rodeo? The Mid State Fair is my favorite rodeo of the year. What makes this rodeo special is the fact that we compete with our friends and neighbors. It’s a tip of the hat to the strong traditions in this community.

We’ve heard that you are full of great jokes, what’s your best horse joke?  So, this horse walks into the bar one day, and the bartender asks… so why the long face?

Senior Wealth Manager, The Rice Partnership

How long have you been riding horses; how did you get involved in riding and rodeo? I have been riding horses since before I can remember. I grew up on a cattle ranch in Hawaii, so I was riding horses every day that I wasn’t in school. Instead of summer camp, we worked on the ranch with my grandpa. I started entering barrel racing competitions when I was 12.

What competitive rodeo events do you take part in? Will you be competing in the CA Mid-State Fair rodeo? In college (at Cal Poly SLO) I competed in barrel racing and goat tying, but these days I only team rope. My whole family ropes so it’s always a family affair, which makes it fun. My husband (C.R.) is roping in the Match Team Roping on Thursday and I am planning on jackpot team roping Thursday as well….as long as it is not too hot.

What’s your horse’s name, any special meaning behind it? I have a gelding named “W” because he has a W branded on his hip.

If “W” personality was a grape variety, what would it be and why? Cabernet? The go-to pick when you know you want something tried and true. He is strong and reliable – he makes my job easy.

After you compete what’s your go-to wine to celebrate with? When the weather is this hot – definitely Rosé!

What’s your favorite place on the Central Coast to ride “W” for leisure? My husband and I have a herd of Corriente cattle – so my favorite place to ride is the ranch they are turned out on in Indian Valley.

Owner, Wittstrom Vineyards

How long have you been riding horses; how did you get involved in riding and rodeo?  I’ve been riding horses since I can remember and got involved with rodeo when an old cowboy named Elden Tucker from Parkfield took me under his wing. 

What competitive rodeo events do you take part in? Now that I am in the “Sunset Days” of my rodeo career you will find me mostly in the grandstands of BIG rodeos!  However, I still regularly compete in team roping and calf brandings.

You have been on the board of directors and actively involved in the Mid-State Fair for several years, what your most special memory?  Well, it’s probably not what you might think.  When my 3 kids were little the highlight of the year was the California Mid State Fair Junior Gymkhana (kids rodeo).  We would ALL practice the entire year for this special event.  My best rope horse (named Sunday) was the best at all the events and my daughter Heidi always rode her.  Except for one year I decided to enter all the events for fun in the Senior division.  I think I was the only dad out there, but I didn’t care.  Anyhow, my daughter Heidi and I both won the ALL-AROUND jackets that year on the same horse.

What’s your favorite horse’s name? Wrangler.

If Wrangler was a grape variety, what would it be and why? He would be a Petite Sirah and Syrah blend.  High powered, big, bold, fast, strong and tends to take a few years to mature.

After you compete what’s your go-to wine to celebrate with?  It would probably be the same as my go-to wine all the time!!!  Chardonnay.

What’s your favorite part of the Mid State Fair Rodeo?  I really love the western tradition and all that it stands for.  Every year at the Country Rodeo there is an incredible tribute to the military where a skydiver comes in with a gigantic American Flag and lands in the arena, a group of military personnel grabs the flag before it touches the ground.  It gives me chills every time!

We’ve heard you love cowboy poetry, what’s your favorite poem and why?  My favorite cowboy poem is called “The Fence that me and Shorty Built” by Red Steagall.  This poem is special because it’s about having pride in your craft and helping others to be their best.

Owner, Rava Wines + Events

How long have you been riding horses; how did you get involved in riding and rodeo? I have been riding horses since I was 3 or 4 years old. My mom and dad were involved in rodeo and cutting which is what introduced it into my life.

What competitive rodeo events do you take part in? Will you be competing in the CA Mid-State Fair rodeo?  I’m not entered this year. I’ve been a professional PRCA contestant for 25 years many of those years were spent competing at the CA Mid-State Fair. My main event is calf roping but I’ve competed in team roping, ribbon roping, team pinning double mugging, etc. 

What’s your horse’s name, any special meaning behind it? My current calf horse is named Zoey, after Andrew Dice Clay film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane character. In fact, Andrew Dice Clay is doing a show at our winery on August 24th.

If Zoey personality was a grape variety, what would it be and why? Grenache, she could be a light rosé or a dark Grenache Noir

After you compete what’s your go-to wine to celebrate with? Rava Sparkling Blanc de Noir

What’s your favorite place on the Central Coast to ride Zoey for leisure? Our home ranches.