< All Blog Posts

Ep 128: Earth Day – Earth First Farming – Featuring MAHA Estate | Villa Creek and Booker Vineyard and Winery

April 19, 2025

Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights  

In this Earth Day-inspired episode, Adam sits down with two leaders shaping the future of Paso from the ground up: Cris Cherry, owner of MAHA Estate | Villa Creek Cellars, and Hilary Graves, vineyard manager at Booker Vineyard and Winery. Together, they explore what it means to farm with integrity—from regenerative practices to the emotional reality of tending vines through seasons of change.

In honor of Earth Day, we sit down with two Central Coast voices who remind us that wine starts long before the glass. Cris Cherry, owner of MAHA Estate | Villa Creek Cellars, reflects on decades of farming and his deepening connection to the land. It’s a conversation about resilience, respect, and the rhythm of nature. Hilary Graves, vineyard manager at Booker Vineyard and Winery, shares her unique path from library stacks to vineyard rows. She breaks down how sustainability isn’t just about what you do, but why you do it—connecting science, soil, and soul.

The Travel Paso spotlight shines on FOSO, or Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra, the latest addition to Sensorio. Dive even deeper into FOSO at AdamMontiel.com.

Paso Wine Wire

  • Dream Big Darling Returns to V6 Ranch in Parkfield
    25 scholarships for young women in the wine and spirits industry — mentorship, networking, and deep Paso roots.
    đź”— Read more
  • Cal Poly Winemaker Showcase Raises Over $630,000
    Celebrating 30 years of student-led wine excellence and hands-on education.
    đź”— Read more
  • Paso Gets National Praise in Forbes
    Liz Thach highlights Paso Robles and the CAB Collective’s growing influence on sustainable Cabernet production.
    đź”— Read more

🎟 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.

********

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

Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025). Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

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 Paso Wine. 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.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.