Pioneering Paso Roblans cherish the past, embrace the present and look towards a bright future.

Daniel Sinton, Avenales Ranch

When did your family homestead in Paso Robles and how many Paso Robles generations are here?

We were not homesteaders, however my great-great grandfather had a store in San Luis Obispo, the Sinsheimer Brothers store on Monterey (where Giuseppe’s is now) in 1875 that served many of the homesteaders and we eventually purchased many homesteads out in the Pozo and Shandon areas around those same dates. My children are the 6^th generation in San Luis Obispo County.

 Where’s your ‘happy place’?

The solitude that you can find out here is pretty special. It is getting harder to find and I am pretty thankful every day that my family has preserved that for my generation, my kids generation, and others who enjoy it.

What are your fondest memories growing up on your ranch as a 5th generation Paso Roblan?

Where do I start?! Star filled nights, BBQ’s at the ranch reservoir, picking pears, blackberries, figs, and other ranch items throughout summer, horseback riding and brandings around Thanksgiving and coming home to smoked turkey by my grandfather and home made pies by my mom, harvest time riding the machines and “helping” out.

Is there a Sinton folklore ?

I would say that most of the family folklore lies with my cousin Jack. He’ll kill me for saying that, but anyone who knows him will agree.  I’ll leave it at that.

When did you start growing grapes? What was your first vintage?

We first planted grapes in 1972. My grandfather Jim, mother (Jane), father (Steve), and cousin (Tom) made that decision to diversify from cattle and my mom and dad ran it for 45 years and built a name for quality and relationships.

Our first vintage of wine was 2007. My mom and dad decided to make a small amount of Old Vine Petite Sirah at the urging of a cousin of ours.  We now make an Old Vine Chenin Blanc and a Rose’ of Valdiguie as well.

How is your family history incorporated into your wine labels?

Our label is called Avenales Ranch, which is the ranch that my great-great grandfather purchased near Pozo in 1875 and has been in the family ever since. The label incorporates all of the elements of the family in a circle encompassing the name of the ranch as well as our cattle brand an SS; it has the family name at the top, sustainably farmed, sixth generation, small lot, reserve, Paso Robles Highlands (the sub AVA) , and established in 1875.

As Paso Robles has changed over time, what are your fondest memories of the past and changes you love?

My fondest memories of the past were the old car shows that used to roll into town, going to events and knowing all the old timers and watching them talk to my dad and grandfather. I really enjoy the good food and wine that has come to town.

What role do you see future generations playing in the family business?

That is obviously the eternal question. I want the world for my kids, like any parent. There are a million paths out there to choose and I hope they’ll find the one they enjoy most.  If it happens to be here then I know there will be a horse waiting for them.

Cindy Steinbeck, Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery

When did your family homestead in Paso Robles and how many Paso Robles generations are here?

The Steinbeck Family (Ernst family) settled in the Geneseo area of Paso Robles in 1884 and named the area after their home in Geneseo, IL. We are 7 generations.

What do you love most about your ranch?

There are 3 places on my ranch that touch me: 1st my home built in 1921 by my father’s grand parents, 2nd the top of “Grandma’s Hill” overlooking the entire Paso AVA, 3rd the site of an old horse-drawn plow which was parked around 1930 – an oak tree has grown through the middle of the plow.

What are your fondest memories growing up on your ranch as a 5th generation Paso Roblan?

I’m a 5th generation Paso Roblan. Learning to drive our Jeep, tractors and motorcycles at a very early age are some my favorite memories. Additionally, “working” with my dad on equipment is also a fond memory that carries with me today as we still work together.

Is there a Steinbeck folklore?

There are many Steinbeck and Ernst family stories that have been passed down through the generations. Our tasting room is filled with photos and pieces from our family story. One of our favorite stories is the 1956 military B-26 plane crash on our property. We’ve named the CRASH wine to commemorate that event.

When did you start growing grapes? What was your first vintage?

The Ernst family began growing grapes and making wine in 1884 (through about 1950) on their ranch in the Geneseo area of Paso Robles. Howie and Bev Steinbeck began growing grapes in 1982 on our current family property. We launched the Steinbeck label in 2006.

How is your family history incorporated into your wine labels and business?

Our wine labels express our 7 generation family heritage in Paso Robles on both the front and back label. Our tasting room is our family museum, filled with storied pieces — a wedding gown from the 1860s, a wine press from the 1870s, a cradle from 1909, musical instruments from 1880s to 1950s, and many family photos of our seven generations.

As Paso Robles has changed over time, what are your fondest memories of the past and changes you love?

Watching the Ernst family members drive tractors and my Grandmother Hazel (Ernst) Steinbeck as Queen in the Pioneer Day Parade and attending Paso Robles High School Bearcat football games are my favorite childhood memories of Paso Robles. I love downtown Paso Robles – the shops, restaurants and hotels! I love watching people relax on vacation in our beautiful community.

What role do you see future generations playing in the family business? My son Ryan manages our vineyards with his Grandpa Howie Steinbeck, my daughter-in-law Caitlin operates our guest house and my son-in-law Bryan assists in wine making and wine sales. We look forward to a bright future with the team we have in place!