Friday, April 10: Cellar Talk – What’s happening in the cellar?

Tyler Russell, Cordant | Nelle

Anthony Yount, Denner Vineyards | Royal Nonesuch Farm

Russell From, Herman Story Wines

Friday, April 17: Sustainability – Organic farming, biodynamic farming, why is it important

Cris Cherry, Villa Creek Cellars | MAHA Estate

Neil Collins, Lone Madrone | Tablas Creek Vineyard

Niels Udsen, Castoro Cellars | Bethel Rd. Distillery & Winery 

Wednesday, April 22: Cellar Mates – How winemakers can work under the same roof

Eric Ogorsolka, Zenaida Cellars

Dorothy Schuler, Bodegas Paso Robles

Jeff Strekas, ONX Wines

Friday, April 24: Food Pairings – What would you pair with the wine you’re drinking?

Aaron Jackson, Aaron

Clay Selkirk, Le Cuvier

Jeffry Wiesinger, Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ

Wednesday, April 29:  Tin City Happenings

Brian Terrizzi, ETTO Pastificio | Giornata

Andrew Jones, Field Recordings.

Curt Schalchlin, Tin City Cider | Sans Liege Wines

Friday, May 1: History of the region, we grew up here together

Janell Dusi, J Dusi Wines

Austin Hope, Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar

Joe Barton,  Grey Wolf Cellars & Barton Family Wines

Wednesday, May 6: The Heightened Guest Experience

Maggie Tillman, Alta Colina

Glenn Mitton, Booker Vineyard

Leanne Kudla, L’Aventure

Friday, May 8: What’s happening in the vineyard

Molly Scott, JUSTIN

Guillaume Fabre, Clos Solène

Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Santa Margarita Ranch

Wednesday, May 13: Sangiovese and other Italian varieties in Paso Robles

Chris Eberle, Eberle Winery

Jimmy Zanoli, Bella Luna Vineyard

Amy Butler, Pelletiere Vineyard / Ranchero Cellars

Friday, May 15: Experimental Vessels

Manu Fiorentini, ITEK Wine

Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch Estate Wine

Vailia From, Desparada Wines

Wednesday, May 20: How does the art/sport of surfing influence the art/science of winemaking

Josh Beckett, Peachy Canyon Winery

Philipp Pfunder, Law Estate Wines

Patrick Muran, Niner Wine Estates

Friday, May 22: ABV- Why Does it Matter?

Gary Eberle, Eberle Winery

Wes Hagen, J. Wilkes / MIller Family Wines

Wednesday, May 27 – Barrel of Choice

Sterling Kragten, Cass Winery

Brenden Wood, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Jason Joyce, Calcareous Vineyard

Friday, May 29 –  From Service to this Country, to Serving the Country (some great wine!)

Hal Schmitt, Volatus

Leon Tackitt, Tackitt Family Winery

John Pianetta, Pianetta Winery

Wednesday, June 3 – A Bunch of Cork Dorks

Adam Montiel, The Cork Dorks radio program

Jeremy West, The Corks Dorks radio program

Rich Hartenberger, Midnight Cellars

Martin Croad, Croad Vineyards

Friday, June 5 – Rosé All Day

Chelsea Franchi, Tablas Creek Vineyard

Rebecca McMahon, Fulldraw Vineyard

Dan Smith, Villa San-Juliette Vineyards & Winery

Thursday, June 11 – 3 p.m. – The Musicality of Wine

Mark Adams, Ledge Vineyards

Paul Lopez, Denner Vineyards

Daniel Callan, Thacher Winery

Wednesday, June 17 – 4 p.m. – Wine On Earth Taste-A-Thon

This special Zoom Hangout (note day and time) has been organized to coordinate with the Wine Origins Alliance’s international Wine On Earth Taste-A-Thon

Thirteen regions from seven countries will be participating in this one-day Taste-A-Thon. The Paso Robles contribution will feature three iconic brands showcasing the viticultural diversity of our region.

Janell Dusi, J Dusi Wines

Daniel Daou, DAOU Vineyards & Winery

Neil Collins, Tablas Creek Vineyard

Thursday, June 25 – 3 p.m. – Downtown Happenings

Paso Robles’ downtown is a must visit when coming to Paso Robles wine country. The combination of great restaurants, unique boutiques, and winery tasting rooms give the visitor another reason to spend some time in Paso Robles wine country. At this Zoom Hangout we visit with three wineries whose tasting rooms are in the downtown area.

Anita Kothari, Copia Vineyards and Winery

Philip Krumal, Asuncion Ridge Vineyards

Raymond Smith, Indigene Cellars

Thursday, July 2 – 3 p.m. – What’s Happening in the Vineyard? Summer Update.

Now that we are past spring and at the beginning of summer, lets learn where we are with the 2020 vintage. Fruit has set and is now showing some sign on what the yield could be. We will hear from a few brands whose vineyards are in the Adelaida District, Willow Creek District, Estrella District, and more.

Soren Christensen, Hearst Ranch Winery

Kevin Jussila, kukkula

Terry Hoage, TH Estate Wines

Thursday, July 9 – 3 p.m. – Paso Wine Video Vault

Before these Zoom Hangouts, Paso Wine had a run with a successful series of videos that featured the Paso Wine Man. The first of the series about Zinfandel won a best video of the year award from Wine Spectator. The year prior, this prestigious award with to a video called Wine Is, also from Paso Robles. At this Zoom Hangout we meet the people behind these videos.

Click here for Paso Wine Man – Zinfandel.
Click here for Wine Is.

Casey Biggs, Actor – Paso Wine Man

Joel Peterson, Executive Director at the PRWCA – producer of Wine Is

Dina Mande, Director, Filmmaker – Paso Wine Man videos and Wine Is

Christopher Taranto, Communication Director at the PRWCA (moderator) – producer of Paso Wine Man videos

Thursday, July 16 – 3 p.m. – The Mentor Show

You’re not just born a winemaker. Whether you have a formal education in wine making or not, one way or another you learn from others. Typically someone in your career serves as a mentor, someone you taught you best practices from years of doing. Someone who inspired you and still serves as a benchmark to success. Today we hangout with three winemakers who have a common mentor in Kenneth Volk.

Terry Culton, Le Vigne Winery

Matt Trevisan, Linne Calodo

Karl Wicka, Turley Wine Cellars

Ken Volk, Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Thursday, July 23 – 3 p.m. – From the Millennial Winemaker Point of View

Experience in wine making is earned over many vintages, and yet in a short amount of time in their craft, these wine makers have been making exceptional wines. Today we meet a few millennial wine makers and get to know the industry from their point of view. We’ll talk about education, their personal growth, and how they came to be in the Paso Robles AVA.

Amanda Gorter, Robert Hall Winery

Alex Frost, Sextant Wines

Drew Nenow, ONX Wines

Thursday, July 30 – 3 p.m. – Technology in the Vineyard, Crush Pad, and Lab

Winemaking is part science and part art. The science part doesn’t live up to the romantic thoughts of what wine and wine country represent, but ultimately it is what helps winemakers progress. These tools can be found in the vineyard, on the crush pad, or in the winery lab and today we will talk with a few winemakers about technology and how they leverage it to make the best wines they can.

Ryan Bosc, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery

Carl Bowker, Caliza Winery

Josh Harp, Jada Vineyard & Winery

Thursday, August 6 – Becoming an Iconic Vineyard, The Paper Street Vineyard Story

Today we hangout with three winemakers who source fruit from the iconic Paper Street Vineyard. At only seven years old, this incredible property is home to 11 different varieties, all farmed by the Dusi family. Developing this vineyard was a daunting task. It was a true Paso Robles feat to complete and the end result is fruit that is widely revered.

Mac Myers, McPrice Myers Wine Company

Matt Glunz, Glunz Family Winery & Cellars

Edgar Torres, Bodega de Edgar

Thursday, August 20 – PR and Journalism in the Wine Industry

In this new landscape of marketing, everyone had to “pivot” in order to still continue to cultivate a relationship with an audience. These Zoom Hangouts are an example. The world of wine PR has also had to adjust as wine marketing is a very personal relationship. There is no other product out there quite like it where the traditional model involves sampling, traveling, meeting, dining, and the development of interpersonal relationships. Today we discuss wine and wine country PR and journalism with a few professionals who know a thing or two about it.

Patrick Comiskey, Wine and Spirits Magazine

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Stephanie Teuwen, Teuwen Communications

Thursday, August 27 – Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles

Sparkling wine is often identified with special occasions. Milestone celebrations of all sorts, with memories attached that warm the heart. Sparkling wine is also an everyday sipper while enjoying summertime fun in the backyard. Today we discuss sparkling wine’s rise in the Paso Robles region and how one brand is helping many achieve their goals with the bubbly.

Lauren Rava and John Clark, Rava Wines & Events

Steve Gleason, Four Lanterns Winery

Paul Hoover, Still Waters Vineyards

Thursday, September 3 – We’re in Good Spirits – The Distillery Show

Paso Robles is like a stellar nursery for craft beverage stars. Along with the great wines we produce, the region was one of the first to begin distilling saignee into spirits. Which kicked off the movement into Paso Robles distilling with other base fruits and grains. Today’s show focuses on the distilling movement in Paso Robles, showcasing only three of the many brands lifting people’s spirits who live, work, and visit Paso Robles.

Alex Villicana, Re:Find Handcrafted Spirits

Aaron Bergh, CalWise Spirits Co.

Max Udsen, Bethel Rd. Distillery

Thursday, September 10 – So You Want to Plant a Vineyard?

Ah the wine industry. Many believe it is quite glamorous. A life of leisure among the vines. One of the misconceptions about this biz is that people forget it is agriculture. There is farming involved and when planting a vineyard, there are a lot of factors that go into it. Today we talk with a couple experts on planning, planting, and managing vineyards in the Paso Robles region.

Sean Geoghegan, Derby Wine Estates

Steve Vierra, Certified Professional Soil Scientist (Derby Wine Estates)

Matt Merrill, Mesa Vineyard Management

Thursday, September 17 – Road Warriors

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make wine, but it takes equal, if not more to sell wine. How does that bottle of wine get on a wine list or on a store shelf? We may think a good bottle of wine sells itself, but with the competition of over 5,000+ domestic wineries and an unfathomable array of international brands out there, it takes a special individual to get on the road to take on the competition. Today we delve into the three-tier system and hear the stories, trials, and tribulations that come with it from three Road Warriors.

Justin Tooley, Broken Earth Winery

Cary Thrasher, Opolo Vineyards

Steve Lister, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery

Thursday, September 24 – There Ain’t Nothin’ Petite about Petite Sirah

This bold and expressive variety is one to be admired. Its history comes with an interesting story being born in a French greenhouse in the late 1800s to find itself more widely planted in California and Isreal than its birthplace. Laden with blueberry, ripe plum, chocolate, and pepper, this grape can stand alone or lend itself as a great blending varietal. Paso Robles’ warm weather and diverse soils makes it a fantastic place to grow Petite Sirah and we talk to a few winemakers and growers who create impressive variations of this wine.

Matt Villard, MCV Wines

Vic Roberts, Victor Hugo Winery

Aaron Jackson, Aaron Wines

Thursday, October 1 – The Wine Competition

Wine is such a subjective thing, right? You either like what is in that particular bottle, or you don’t. Many equate wine as art and it is the interpretation of that specific year by that individual wine maker. So how do wines earn Best Cabernet, or Best in Show? What goes into a wine competition and how is judging universal with so many different palates? Today we sit down with four wine judges to learn more about the world of wine competitions.

These four guests are sommeliers, authors, bloggers, wine educators, speakers, and long time wine industry professionals. If anyone knows the wine industry, its this illustrious quartet.

Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier, The Sommelier Files
Jeff Kralik, Author, The Drunken Cyclist
Tim McDonald, Founder, Wine Spoken Here
Sarah Tracey, Sommelier, The Lush Life

Thursday, October 8 – Behind the Label

Ever wonder what goes into creating a label for a wine? It’s not as easy as it sounds. Do you create a piece of art that showcases the wine’s personality? Do you make it perfectly legible and exact to attract the more finicky buyer? Bright colors to stand out or subdued text to emote the seriousness of the wine? Let’s talk to a couple brands whose labels stand out on the shelves and learn what goes into the design and the wine.

Jeremy Leffert, Tooth and Nail Winery
Jason Bushong, Bushong Vintage Company
Dirk Neumann, Absolution Cellars

Thursday, October 23 – 3 p.m. – The Tour of Paso (in support of the Cancer Support Community)

The Tour of Paso is a bike ride through the winding roads of Paso Robles that serves as a fundraiser for the Cancer Support Community. Today we will hang out with our friends at the Cancer Support Community and some of the wineries and businesses in town that support them. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’ll talk about cancer awareness, wine, cycling in wine country, and how all these things tie into each other within the Paso Robles wine community.

Shannon D’Aquisto – Cancer Support Community
Andy Niner – Niner Wine Estates
Joeli Yaguda – The General Store
Jake Beckett – Peachy Canyon Winery

Thursday, October 29 – 3 p.m. – The Award Goes To

The San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards recognizes the dedication, stewardship, innovation, and leadership demonstrated in the San Luis Obispo County wine community. The 2020 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards go to – Winegrape Grower of the Year, William and Derryal (posthumously) John, John Vineyard Applications; Winemaker of the Year, Joe Barton, Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines; Wine Industry Person of the Year, Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Ancient Peaks Winery. What is really interesting about this year’s awards is the relationship that all three awardees have together. They are multi-generational in the region and their families have been working with one another in different capacities over the years. We will delve into these stories and more at this Paso Wine Zoom Hangout.

Will John, John Vineyard Applications
Joe Barton, Grey Wolf Cellars and Barton Family Wines
Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Ancient Peaks Winery

Thursday, November 5 at 3 p.m. – Behind the Label Stories

So many people in the Paso Robles wine community have come from another vocation. Their passion for wine begins early and is only fully realized after time spent developing another career that helps fund what is often a hobby gone crazy. These stories of how second career winemakers get their start all have a common theme, yet are so different. Today we talk to three winemakers who, with their spouses, made the leap into creating a wine brand as a second career. We will get their backstories and learn the trials and tribulations of what it takes to make a successful brand.

Victor Abascal, Vines on the Marycrest

Greg Martin, Seven Angels Cellars

Pedro Vargas, Vino Vargas

Thursday, November 12 at 3 p.m. – Vintage 2020

Now that harvest has wrapped up in what is an unprecedented year in many respects, we check in with some growers to learn how 2020 fared as a vintage. What were the challenges this year and what do we have to look forward to in the bottle. These three exceptionally smart and experienced individuals will share their thoughts and observations from the year.

Randy Heinzen, Vineyard Professional Services

Molly Scott, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Aron Nevarez, Denner Vineyards

Thursday, November 19 – 3 p.m. – The Geneseo District

Positioned front and center in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the Geneseo District. At approximately 17,300 acres, this region of the Paso Robles AVA comes with an interesting history of agriculture that originates in the Midwest in the late 1800s and continues today with the growth of exceptional wine grapes that express the land that they are grown in. Today we visit with three brands who make wine from this region and hear their thoughts on what make the Geneseo District unique and so well suited for growing winegrapes.

Cindy Steinbeck, Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery
Steve Cass, Cass Winery
Jared Lee, Pear Valley Winery

Thursday, December 10 @ 3 p.m. – The Tasting Kit and Beyond

With a new shut down order in California, wineries will again focus on virtual experiences for their fans through the near future. Today we visit with three brands that have some unique ways that they continue the wine tasting experience. One focuses on unique and customized corporate tastings, another brings a tasting kit into the home, and a third gets gutsy by sharing the wine blending experience at home.

Angela Mitchell, Mitchella Vineyards & Winery

Jessica Kollhoff, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

Carl Bowker, Caliza Winery

Thursday, December 17 @ 3 p.m. – Sweet Wine O’ Mine

It has been said that we begin our wine-drinking adventure in life with sweet wines. Then, at some point, we move on to dry wines, but as we mature, we return to our appreciation for the sweet. We think it apropos to highlight sweet wines as we enter into the holiday season where confections are as abundant as cheery lights and cold nights. Lets have a look at three different styles of sweet wines and meet the makers.

Lola Glossner, Paso Port Wine Company

Randy Phillips, Red Soles Winery

Kevin Willenborg, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery

Thursday, January 7  – 3 p.m. – What Can the Score Do?

A wine score is a powerful tool that can be used to help sell wine not only to a wine enthusiast, but also a restaurant or retailer. To some brands it is a part of their marketing plan, and to others it can serve as a barometer to which their wines can be compared and contrasted to. Today we discuss the score with three brands that have their own views and appreciation of what a score can do.

Cris Cherry, Villa Creek Cellars / MAHA Estate

Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch Estate Wines

Don Burns, Turtle Rock Vineyards

Thursday, January 14  – 3 p.m. – The Beckett Family

Just announced on January 12, the  Paso Robles Wine Industry Persons of the Year is the Beckett Family! This annual honor is voted on by the Paso Robles wine community for a Paso Robles wine community member. This year we honor a long-time Paso Robles wine family who has been a great part of this region’s history and has helped spread the brand awareness of Paso Robles Wine Country. Doug and Nancy Beckett will be joined by their sons, Josh and Jake Beckett to talk about their history in the region and what is next for this iconic Paso Robles wine community family.

Thursday, January 21 – 3 p.m. – The Highlands District

The Paso Robles Highlands District lies at 60,300 acres, making it the second-largest in Paso. It’s also the one district that has the most consistent high elevation. Although the area has been sparsely settled, with no formal town or settlement, historically it has been known as a vast cattle ranching area. The name, “Highlands” is a name that residents of this area have traditionally referred to it since at least the late 1800s. Today we talk about what makes the Highlands District unique from three different perspectives. Guests include:
Wes Hagen, Miller Family Wines
Stephy Terrizzi, Giornata Wines
Daniel Sinton, Shell Creek Vineyards / Avenales Ranch

Thursday, January 28 – 3 p.m. – The Winter Vineyard

Although winter may not be as showy as the other three spectacular seasons in Paso, it plays an important role in the winemaking and growing cycle. While the vines are dormant and resting their roots to prepare for another vintage, the cellar is busier than ever. Winemakers are hustling to taste through barrels of past vintages, creating standout blends, and bottling wines to be released in the spring and fall. Vineyard crews work to prune the vines before spring arrives and winter rains help revitalize the soils of moisture and nutrients. Winter also tends to be a good time to get any major work done in the vineyard, such as prepping for new plantings or other infrastructure work.

Today we talk to three different winemakers and vineyard managers about what is happening in their vineyards over the winter season.

Anthony La Duca, Winemaker, Ecluse Wines

Anthony Riboli, Winemaker, Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery

Brennan Stover, Vineyard Manager, Turley Wine Cellars

Thursday, February 4 @ 3 p.m. – Paso Downtown Dining

The Downtown Paso dining scene complements wine country like a glass of wine to a meal. Today we talk with three restauranteurs about the challenges they have faced during the pandemic, about being open again, albeit at limited capacity, and the long-term effects of the shutdown. We will also spend some time on each individual’s history in getting into the business, their food programs, how things have evolved over time, and of course wine and food. Joining us for this conversation is:

Maggie Cameron, The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar

Debbie Thomas, Thomas Hill Organics

Jeffry Weisinger, Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ

There is a curious connection between the city of Chicago and Paso Robles Wine Country. There are a few many producers that hail from the Windy City and today we will chat with two of them, Rich Hartenberger from Midnight Cellars and the Glunz brothers from Glunz Family Cellars, as well as Joe Spellman, Master Sommelier and wine educator for JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery, who happens to reside in Chicago. This midwestern metropolitan is home to some of the USA’s most iconic food styles, like ribs, pizza, and hotdogs, but also home to some of the best restaurants in the country. With great restaurants comes great wine programs and in this city so full of culinary offerings, it’s no wonder it inspired its own to get into the wine biz. We will learn more about their stories and inspiration, as well as listen along as Master Sommelier Joe Spellman tastes through today’s wine lineup with our Chicago born winemakers.

Rich Hartenberger, Midnight Cellars

Matt and Stephen Glunz, Glunz Family Winery and Cellars

Joe Spellman, MS, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Thursday, February 18 @ 3 p.m. – Tasting with an American Wine Legend – Gary Eberle

This special Paso Wine Hour is dedicated to recognizing Mr. Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery. He was recently awarded the 2020 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for American Wine Legend. Paso Wine’s Christopher Taranto will moderate this tasting as Gary shares his story and wines. Please note that Eberle is promoting this event as a special tasting where you can join in by ordering four wines ahead. Visit www.EberleWinery.com to learn more.

Thursday, February 25 @ 3 p.m. – Late Ripening Varieties

The Paso Robles AVA has very diverse meso-climates that allow us to grow over 60 varieties of wine grapes. Some of these varieties are considered late ripening and with the long growing season that Paso enjoys, we’re able to see these grapes through to their potential. Today we talk to three winemakers about late-ripening varieties and the complexities of making wines from these grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, and Picpoul Blanc.

Molly Lonborg, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery

Damian Grindley, Brecon Estate

Ryan Pease, Paix Sur Terre

Thursday, March 4 @ 3 p.m. – San Luis Obispo County Wine – A World-Class History

The first and most comprehensive and collective wine history of the entire county of San Luis Obispo (Paso to SLO) book is just being released. Featuring great stories from the early days of cultivation in the 1700s to the present day, Libbie Agran, with the help of Heather Muran, authored and compiled this impressive book that captures the history of winegrowing and making in San Luis Obispo County. Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines and Tom Myers of Castoro Cellars join in the conversation as we will delve into some of the history of our wine region and whose time spent individually and through family have helped shape Paso Robles Wine Country today.

Libbie Agran – The Wine History Project of SLO County

Janell Dusi – J Dusi Wines

Tom Myers – Castoro Cellars

Thursday, March 11 @ 3 p.m. – Paso’s Heritage Varietal: Zinfandel

Much of Paso’s history is rooted in Zinfandel with much of the first vines planted by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. Wine is a defining beverage to the Italian culture and Zinfandel was much like their native Primitivo. As Paso’s trajectory as a wine region continued to rise, much of the world came to associate the region with Zinfandel, especially because many producers in the late 80s and early 90s specialized in Zinfandel. Today we talk everything Zin with three producers who have come to be known as specialists in the world of Zinfandel at different times over Paso’s rise in popularity.

Chris Rougeot – Opolo Vineyards

Kip Lorenzetti – Chronic Cellars

Chuck Mulligan – Harmony Cellars

Thursday, March 18 @ 3 p.m. – SIP Certification

Sustainability in Practice is a program that certifies wineries and vineyards as being sustainable. Certification addresses the 3 P’s of Sustainability which includes People, Planet, Prosperity. This ensures that both natural and human resources are protected. Standards are pretty strict, which require a measurable, holistic set of practices addressing habitat, water, energy, soil, recycling, air quality, packaging, pest management, social equity, and business management. Today we speak to Beth Vukmanic Lopez, the Program Director for Sip Certified, along with a couple of wineries who are shining examples of SIP Certification.

Beth Vukmanic Lopez, Vineyard Team

Michael Barreto, Oso Libre Winery

Katie Bruce, Niner Wine Estates

Thursday, March 25 @ 3 p.m. – The El Pomar District

At the center of the greater Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the El Pomar District. As is the story with much of California’s central coast, agriculture has everything to do with its namesake. Derived from the Latin word “pomum”, or edible fruit, it has commonly come to mean Orchard in Spanish. Nut orchards, mostly Almond, were long the primary fruit in the El Pomar area. Many orchards were planted as early as 1886 and by 1968, El Pomar had 1,375 acres of almonds and 36 acres of walnuts. The El Pomar District viticultural area encompasses approximately 21,300 acres with a little over 2,000 acres under vine. Vineyards in the region are not new, nor just replace former orchards as they have been recorded as early as the late 1800s. We will meet three producers whose vineyards are at the center of the El Pomar District and who collectively farm over 100 acres.

Steve Anglim, Bovino Vineyards

Matt Merrill, Pomar Junction Vineyards & Winery

Soren Christensen, Hearst Ranch Winery

Thursday, April 1 @ 3 p.m. – Community Supporting Community – must! charities

must! charities is an innovative crossroads of philanthropy born out of the local wine industry. They partner with donors to strengthen our community by connecting visionary leadership to strategic philanthropic investments. In 2020, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance committed to raising funds in a partnership with must! charities to kick-start a homeless prevention program in partnership with ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization). This program’s initiative is to minimize the increase of homelessness among North County individuals and families. partnering with must! Today we talk to must! charities about all the good work they do for our community with two supporters, including Carole MacDonal from Il Cortile Ristorante and Jim Moroney from SIXMILEBRIDGE winery.

Becky Gray, must! charities

Carole MacDonal, Il Cortile Ristorante

Jim Moroney, SIXMILEBRIDGE

Thursday, April 15 @ 3 p.m. – Paso’s Place in the Florida Wine Scene

Continuing along with interviewing friends of Paso Robles wine from near and far, this week we have two journalists from Florida on to talk about Paso wine. One from the east coast of Florida, one from the west coast. We will talk about the wine scene in their respective cities and how Paso wines are perceived. We will also have each journalist talk about their views on Paso wines as they sip on some of their favorites. Each journalist has been asked to pick their own wine(s), so we’ll see what they like without any influence from us!

Jaqueline Coleman, Freelance Writer and History & Wine

Gina Birch, Freelance Writer and Grape Minds

Thursday, April 22 @ 3 p.m. – Paso Pét-nat

By popular demand, from our own industry, we have been asked to dedicate a Paso Wine Hour to Pét-nat. This fun and effervescent wine is essentially a sparkler made in a different way than traditional Champagne. Roughly translating to “naturally sparkling”  pétillant naturel, or Pét-nat, has become quite popular among some of the wineries in Paso and definitely with wine fans who want something a little different. Today we talk about Pét-nat with three winemakers in town who are producing some delicious versions of this fun bubbly.

Jordan Collins, Lone Madrone

Sherman Thacher, Thacher Winery

Drew Phillips, Peachy Canyon Winery

Thursday, April 29 @ 3 p.m. – Women in Paso Wine

As a topic, it goes without saying that this is consistently a running narrative in the world as we all strive for inclusiveness, fairness, and parity. In this industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, we are seeing increased diversity within leadership, ownership, and support positions across the board. Today we talk to three women who are in leadership positions in the industry who are completely different from one another and get their take on how this industry, as a whole, is progressing. We will talk about their track into the wine world and discuss challenges along the way.

Janis Denner, Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery

Maeve Pesquera, DAOU Vineyards & Winery

Cynthia Bowser, Toneleria Gangutia USA

Thursday, May 6 @ 3 p.m. – Going Once, Going Twice, Sold

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance launches their inaugural Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction from May 10 to 16. The auction features a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences not available out of any retail channel, as well as rare wines, vertical collections, and large format bottles. Proceeds will benefit the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation, a 501c3 organization that gives back to the community primarily through educational scholarships for aspiring young adults from the Paso Robles region, who are headed off to college or trade schools.

Today we talk to three wineries that have offered up some unique lots. We’ll chat about the experiences and what makes them so special. We will also catch up with each of these fun personalities to talk about the state of our industry, the virtual landscape, the re-opening of business, and how things are shaping up for the coming busy season.

Austin Hope, Hope Family Wines

Maggie Tillman, Alta Colina Vineyards & Winery

Tyler Russell, Cordant | Nelle

Thursday, May 13 @ 3 p.m. – What’s Happening For Wine Fest?

The 38^th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival is only one week away! This annual festival which celebrates everything Paso Robles wine is set for May 20-23, 2021. This year, the festival will look a little different without a large marquee event in Paso Robles’ Downtown City Park. Wine Festival Weekend activities will continue with small-scale experiences across the region that cater to guests who desire a more personal experience. Today we talk to three wineries who have some fun plans for Wine Fest weekend as well as get to know these small brands who each have different stories to tell.

Ron Wannagat, Locatelli Vineyards & Winery

Jackie Gleason, Four Lanterns Winery

Victoria Schmitt, Volatus

Thursday, May 20 @ 3 p.m. – What the Blanc?

Summertime weather calls for some crisp white wines, so we delve into the blancs in this Paso Wine Hour. Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc. We visit with three producers who know what the blanc they are doing. Grab a glass of something chilled and join us for a fun conversation about three distinctly different, yet so similar white grape varieties.

Amy Butler, Ranchero Cellars
Terry Culton, Le Vigne Winery
Joe Barton, Barton Family Wines

The Adelaida District, which is the most northwestern of the 11 Paso Robles districts, is well defined by its mountainous topography. Nestled within the southern end of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, many slopes are covered with coastal Live Oaks and chaparral, as well as a few many vineyards. Today we talk to a few vintners who are exceptionally articulate at talking about the Adelaida District and what makes it unique for growing high-quality wine grapes.
Jason Haas, Tablas Creek Vineyard
David Parrish, Parrish Family Vineyard
Laird Foshay, Rangeland Wines

Thursday, June 10 @ 3 p.m. – What’s Happening in the Vineyard

We are currently in the flowering stage in the vineyard. Things are looking good, albeit a bit cool and breezy, but there is good cane and canopy development underway. Today we chat with three growers who have their pulse on what is happening out in the vineyard at this stage in the growing cycle.

Hilary Graves, Booker Vineyard

Molly Scott, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Linnea Smith, Vineyard Professional Services

Thursday, June 17 @ 3 p.m. – Wine On Earth Taste-a-Thon

Wine has long brought people – and nations – together. The past year has taught us just how special the simple act of coming together over a bottle of wine can be, either in person or online. The second annual “Wine On Earth Taste-A-Thon” is a series of virtual tastings from the world’s most renowned wine regions all occurring on a single day: June 17, 2021. This is an initiative by the Wine Origins Alliance, a coalition of 31 organizations from 10 countries that collectively work to protect wine region names globally.

Grape growers and wine producers from around the world will taste wines from their unique regions. Everyone is welcomed to join in – at any time, from any time zone, and from the comfort of your home. Today we bring together some Paso Robles winemakers, brands, and personalities that have their own international origin stories that ultimately bring them to Paso Robles.

Chloe Asseo-Fabre, L’Aventure

Philipp Pfunder, Law Estate Wines

Damian Grindley, Brecon Estate

Thursday, June 24 @ 3 p.m. – Classic Paso Robles

Established as an AVA in 1983, Paso Robles went from 17 wineries then to over 200 today. Along the way plenty of brands were established that today represent some of the classic wineries of Paso Robles who continue to produce outstanding wines synonymous with Paso Robles. In this Paso Wine Hour, we visit three brands that are very much at the heart of the Paso Robles AVA. They will share their origin stories and talk about the growth of the region as well as what they think is the future of the AVA.

Cathy Rock-Perata, Fratelli Perata Winery
Dave Caparone, Caparone Winery
Steve Anglim, Anglim Winery

Thursday, July 1 @ 3 p.m. – The BBQ Show

The July 4, Independence Day holiday is upon us. This anniversary commemorates our signing of the Declaration of Independence and is most often celebrated by something so very American – barbecue. There are many styles of barbecue across our great nation and all that smoked, charred, crisped, sauced, rubbed, and falling off the bone goodness goes oh so well with wine. Being that this is a wine show, today we showcase the all-American BBQ with three people who know A LOT about the Q. Brigit Binns is a celebrated cookbook author with more than 30 books published and a wealth of knowledge about everything culinary, not just BBQ. Chefry Jeffry established his restaurant in 2018 and has quickly become a locals favorite hang out and a top choice destination for visitors, offering some of the best in wood fire smoked, scratch-made cuisine. Tyler Russell is a winemaker’s winemaker who makes delicious wines and is really known by his colleagues as being an exceptional grill master.

Brigit Binns, Celebrated Cookbook Author

Jeffry Weisinger, Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ

Tyler Russell, Cordant | Nelle

Thursday, July 8 @ 3 p.m. – The Unsung Hero, The Master Marketer, The Good Neighbor

Each year the Paso Robles wine community enjoys celebrating some of the behind-the-scenes personalities that help make this community a better place to live and work. These awards are nominated by the industry and voted on by their peers. This is a fun way to recognize people’s efforts when they are not looking for recognition or praise. In this series of awards, we recognize The Unsung Hero, The Master Marketer, and The Good Neighbor. These three individuals are well known in our wine community as simply great people, but we go the extra mile to recognize them officially in the Paso Robles Community Wine Awards.

The Good Neighbor Award – Sarah Tomasetti, J Dusi Wines
The Master Marketer Award – Chanda Brown, Cass Winery
The Unsung Hero Award – Ricky Lugo, Nenow Family Wines

Thursday, July 15 @ 3 p.m. – Decant This

Decanting wine typically means pouring wine from its bottle into a different vessel. Why? Mostly to allow the wine to come in contact with more oxygen thus allowing the wine to “breathe”. Aeration enhances the aromatics of a wine and allows the wine’s flavor to come alive by softening the tannins. Is it a bougie thing? Not necessarily. Does every wine need to be decanted? Definitely not. But in Paso Robles we are known for having some wines with big personalities that do well with a little air. Today we discuss methods of decanting, when to decant, the purpose, the vessels, and more. Our guests include two sommeliers who know a thing or two about decanting wine.

Meghan Ball, Linne Calodo

Carrie Lynn Strong, Strong Wine Consulting

Jeff Strekas, ONX Wines

Thursday, July 29 – SLO County Wine Awards

The San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards recognizes the dedication, stewardship, innovation, and leadership demonstrated in the San Luis Obispo County wine community. The 2021 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards go to – Winegrape Grower of the Year, Lucas Pope, Coastal Vineyard Services; Winemaker of the Year, Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch Estate Wines; Wine Industry Person of the Year, Lorriane Alban, J&L Wines. True to the wine community we live in, the camaraderie between these three awardees is more than just knowing each other as fellow industry folks. They have all worked together in their own capacities and in turn elevating the brand awareness of not only the Paso Robles AVA but also the greater San Luis Obispo County wine region.

Lucas Pope, Coastal Vineyard Services

Jordan Fiorentini, Epoch Estate Wines

Lorraine Alban, J&L Wines

Thursday, August 12 – Here Comes Harvest 2021!!

Harvest 2021 is not far away. Veraison is everywhere and the clock is ticking. Many wineries are starting to get the crush pad ready and vineyard managers are beginning to forecast for when things will get busy. Today we talk about the upcoming harvest and some of the things the region is doing to prepare.

Mindy Allen, Custom Vineyard Application and Martinez Farming

Jordy Lonborg, Tablas Creek Vineyard

Curtis Hascall, Shale Oak Winery

Thursday, September 2 @ 3 p.m. – Entrepreneurial Perseverance

On the Paso Wine Hour, we talk to three entrepreneurs who opened their businesses during the pandemic. It’s a challenge in itself to be an entrepreneur with a new business endeavor, let alone doing it during an unprecedented time when all businesses and commerce was shut down. Today we talk to Russell Baker of The Backyard on Thirteenth Street, Corey Jordan of Amstrdm Coffee House and Piano Lounge, and Maggie Cameron of Della’s Woodfired Pizzas.  All downtown Paso Robles businesses with an interesting story of perseverance to tell.

Thursday, September 16 – The 46 East

One of the first major thoroughfares, or wine trails, in the Paso Robles region, was Highway 46 East. This main highway was the primary route for travelers coming from all inland locations to the coast. Paso was, for a time, just a rest/fueling point for people headed to the lakes, the beaches, or up and down to the coastal towns of Highway 101. This was also prime real estate for wineries to not only plant in the Estrella and Geneseo regions but also to establish tasting rooms ready to sell wine to these travelers. Today we talk to three brands located on Highway 46 East and learn about them, their wines, and how the 46 East works for them.

Paris Valley Road Estate Winery – Chris Blake

Tobin James Cellars – Lance Silver

Robert Hall Winery – Houston Smith

Paso Wine Hour – Thursday, December 1 @ 3 p.m. – That’s a Wrap! Harvest 2021

In all, 2021 stands out from 2020 because it wasn’t 2020. It began with a cool yet dry winter. Spring rainstorms helped meet an average rain year in a short window of time and remained relatively cool. Summer acted like us humans after stay-at-home orders were lifted and made sure everyone knew it was out to play. Heat spikes riddled July and August but then moderated to a more sensible summer as September came to an end. Then harvest began. Today we talk to three brands to see how harvest 2021 went for them.