Joe and Shirlene Barton dreamed about being involved in the wine industry from the time they had a restaurant in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was there that they became acquainted with premium wines. When they moved back to their native California, they began looking into the wine industry in the Napa area, and then discovered Paso Robles. The warmth and friendliness of the community convinced them this was where they should be. It did not take them long to become a part of the Paso Robles wine industry. According to Joe, "When you love good wine and great people, there's only one place to be - Paso Robles."
Grey Wolf Cellars was established in August 1994. Joe and Shirlene became partners shortly thereafter and purchased full control in January 1996.
Since then, the Bartons have made the winery a family business. They recently renovated a 60-year-old farm house on the west side of Paso Robles for their tasting room, and converted the out building on the property into their winemaking facility. The ability to create a great wine was always a dream to Joe.