Niels and Bimmer Udsen started Castoro Cellars Winery on Paso Robles’s Highway 46 west in 1983, making them one of the area’s oldest wineries. With a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, the Udsens built a huge following of people who love their “dam fine wine.” Music and art have always been a big part of what the winery has to offer, with a concert series presented by the San Luis Obispo Folk Music Society since 1996, and the now-famous Whale Rock Music and Arts Festival every September. What began as a 30th birthday party for the winery developed into an annual two-day party, featuring nonstop concerts in the vineyard, eating, drinking, yoga, a silent disco, a mini natural history museum, an art gallery, and lots of kids’ activities. That event is produced by the whole Udsen family, especially Niels’ and Bimmers’ sons Luke and Max. We talked about the Udsens’ Bethel Road Distillery, music, whale bones, Syrah, and more.

Websites:

Castoro Cellars

Instagram:

@castorocellars