TOBIN JAMES CELLARS

In the Tobin James tasting room, award winning wines are poured from behind the antique 1860's bar.

  • About
  • Wines Produced
  • Events
  • Press & Accolades
  • About
    1987 was an important year for a winemaker named Tobin (Toby) James. Six tons of grapes that a winery could not process needed “a home.” Tobin, an assistant winemaker at the time, asked the owner of the winery if he could have the grapes and make the wine for himself. The owner replied, "Sure kid, knock yourself out." A year and a half later, gold medals began pouring in for Toby's first Zinfandel, the 1987 "Blue Moon."
    After making his wines at another local winery for a few years, and tasting and selling them out of a wine shop in town, Toby scraped together a down payment on a historic piece of land out on Hwy 46. He built Tobin James Cellars on the site of a stagecoach stop, opening the small winery and tasting room in 1994. Toby fashioned it as an old West saloon, because that’s where he felt at home. Nothing has really changed much; wine lovers are still treated like they are coming home when they step up to the grand 1860’s Brunswick mahogany bar.
    Lance and Claire Silver met Toby in 1995 during their exploration trip to Paso Robles. Even though there were only 18 or so wineries, they just knew that Paso was a special place for making wines. Toby, Lance and Claire decided to become equal business partners, and
    for almost 25 years it has been a fantastic relationship with each partner contributing to making greater and greater wines. Only the top low yield vineyards, picked at optimal ripeness create their wines of opulence, grace, and distinction.
  • Wines Produced
    Barbera
    Bordeaux-Style Blend
    Cabernet Franc
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Chardonnay
    Cinsault
    Counoise
    Dessert
    Grenache
    Lagrein
    Malbec
    Merlot
    Mourvèdre
    Muscat Canelli
    Nebbiolo
    Other
    Petit Verdot
    Petite Sirah
    Pinot Noir
    Port-Style
    Primitivo
    Red Blend
    Red Rhône-Style Blend
    Riesling
    Rosé
    Sangiovese
    Sauvignon Blanc
    Souzão
    Sparkling
    Syrah
    Tannat
    Tempranillo
    Tinta Cão
    Touriga Nacional
    Zinfandel
  • Events

    SUMMER MOONDANCE

    Sat | Jun 29, 2024
    Dance under the stars, indulge in free-flowing TOBIN JAMES wines and savor local chef prepared cuisine. The talented Tallie and the Troublemakers return to the stage! $159 (plus tax) for active Wine Club... View Event Details >

    CLUB TOBIN

    Sat | Aug 17, 2024
    Club Tobin opens at 7pm and closes at 11pm! August 17, 2024 – DJ Modgirl with saxophonist Kenyon Carter. Join us for a feast prepared by celebrity caterer, Field to Table. Enjoy free flowing Tobin... View Event Details >
  • Press & Accolades

    Press

    • Jan 2020 | 2015 TOBIN JAMES Fat Boy Zinfandel awarded #4 California Zinfandel
    • Jan 2018 | 2013 TOBIN JAMES Fat Boy Zinfandel Awarded #1 California Zinfandel
    • Jul 2014 | 2014 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Persons of the Year, Tobin James, Lance Silver, Claire Silver-Tobin James Cellars

    Accolades

    • 2013 FATBOY Zinfandel, 2018 Vivino Wine Styles Awards, Dec 2017, #1 California Zinfandel (https://www.vivino.com/awards/wine_style_awards_2018_californian_zinfandel)