When DAOU perches atop its mountain and Austin Hope graces the world’s finest wine lists, they do more than showcase their own excellence – they shine a spotlight on Paso Robles that illuminates every producer in the region. Now, these influential wineries are joining forces with innovative boutique producers like Mid.Point, Brecon, and LXV Wine to celebrate what might be Paso’s most exciting secret: its extraordinary Cabernet Franc.

Welcome to Cab Franc Masters 2025, a two-day immersion into the variety that’s quietly revolutionizing Paso Robles wine.

Why Paso? Why Now?

“Unlike regions bound by tradition, Paso’s winemakers have the freedom to experiment,” explains Kunal Mittal, co-founder of Cab Franc Masters. “This is why Paso isn’t just participating in the global Cab Franc conversation—it’s shaping it.”

That freedom to innovate has created something unique: Cabernet Franc wines that capture both the structured power of Bordeaux and the aromatic elegance of Loire Valley, all while expressing Paso’s distinct terroir. From the high-altitude precision of DAOU to the artisanal innovation of Mid.Point, each producer brings their own interpretation to this noble grape.

A Journey of Discovery

Day One invites wine enthusiasts into this exciting world through three carefully crafted experiences:

Start your morning with renowned wine educator Wes Hagen, whose “World of Franc” seminar will take you on a journey from the variety’s Old World roots to its thrilling future in Paso Robles. Hagen, famous for establishing the Santa Rita Hills AVA, brings decades of expertise to this exploration of how Paso’s diverse terroir is reimagining Cabernet Franc’s possibilities.

Follow this with an extraordinary food and wine pairing seminar led by Justin Vineyards’ Certified Sommelier Jason Santos and Cass Winery’s Executive Chef Charlie Paladin Wayne. They’ll demonstrate why Cabernet Franc might be the most versatile wine for food pairing you’ve never considered.

Cap your day at the Grand Tasting, where you’ll experience Cabernet Francs from over 25 producers, from established names like J. Lohr and Austin Hope to exciting innovators like Mid.Point and Brecon Estate. Each wine tells its own story of Paso’s diverse terroir, and each producer brings their unique vision to this rising star variety.

Mastering the Art of Cab Franc

Day Two, the Masters Forum, offers an extraordinary opportunity for anyone passionate about diving deeper into the world of Cabernet Franc. Whether you’re a curious enthusiast, collector, or industry professional, these sessions will transform your understanding of this noble variety.

Join an intimate morning roundtable where visionary winemakers including Steve Mathiason, John Skupny, and Damian Grindley share their philosophies and approaches to crafting exceptional Cab Franc. Their discussion, moderated by respected wine writer Brianne Cohen, promises to unlock the secrets behind Paso’s most exciting wines.

The sustainability seminar features luminaries like Steve Peck of J. Lohr exploring how Cabernet Franc is helping shape a resilient future for Paso Robles viticulture. This session offers fascinating insights into how farming practices and climate considerations influence the wines in your glass.

The day culminates in a forward-looking discussion led by veteran wine writer Allison Levine, exploring the exciting future of Paso Robles Cabernet Franc. You’ll gain an insider perspective on what makes these wines so special and why they’re capturing the attention of wine lovers worldwide.

A Community United

What makes this event truly special is the unprecedented collaboration between Paso’s large and small producers. When powerhouses like DAOU and Austin Hope share the stage with artisanal producers like Mid.Point and LXV Wine, it demonstrates the community spirit that makes Paso Robles unique in the wine world.

“We saw something incredible here,” says Neeta Mittal, co-founder of both LXV Wine and Cab Franc Masters. “A region with the potential to redefine Cab Franc on its own terms. This event brings together our whole community to explore what’s next for this grape.”

Your Invitation to the Revolution

Whether you’re a serious wine collector, curious enthusiast, or industry professional, Cab Franc Masters offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of something special. From technical tastings to grand celebrations, each session promises to deepen your appreciation for this versatile variety and its promising future in Paso Robles.

Join us March 16-17, 2025, at CASS Event Center and Robert Hall Winery. Become part of the story as Paso Robles writes the next chapter in Cabernet Franc’s history.

Event Details:

• Day 1 (Discovery Forum) – March 16 at Cass Event Center
  • All-Inclusive Day Pass: $185
  • Grand Tasting Only: $115
• Day 2 (Masters Forum) – March 17 at Robert Hall
  • Day Pass: $95
  • Winery Pass: $65

Space is limited. Early registration is recommended to secure your place at this landmark event.

[Register Now] → cabfrancmasters.com

Follow @cabfrancmasters on Instagram for event updates and behind-the-scenes looks at Paso’s Cabernet Franc revolution.