Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Ep 164: Exploring the Creston District Sub AVA – Featuring Ella’s Vineyard | Defiance Vineyard

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🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam heads east into one of Paso Robles’ most quietly compelling sub-AVAs, the Creston District. It’s a place that doesn’t shout for attention, but once you find it, it sticks with you.

Adam sits down with Erin Faulkner, co-owner of Defiance Vineyard, and Josh Morris, owner and winemaker of Ella’s Vineyard, two producers carving out their own identities in a part of Paso defined by elevation, wind, and independence.

Erin shares the story behind Defiance, a true family-built operation that started from raw land and evolved into a Bordeaux-focused program rooted in intention and individuality. Josh brings a different lens with Ella’s Vineyard, leaning into Italian varietals, concrete fermentation, and a hospitality-driven experience that reflects both precision and personality.

Together, the conversation dives into what makes Creston different, not just in terroir, but in mindset. A place where winemakers aren’t following a template, they’re building their own.

Later in the show, Adam shifts from quiet vineyard hills to center stage, catching up with Manuel Barba from the Vina Robles Amphitheatre. They talk about the upcoming concert season, evolving guest experiences, and why this venue continues to be one of the most unique places to see a show on the Central Coast.

🍷 FEATURED GUESTS & WINERIES

Defiance Vineyard

• Website: https://www.defiancevineyard.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/defiancevineyard/

Ella’s Vineyard

• Website: https://www.ellasvineyard.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellasvineyard

Learn more about the Creston District AVA

• https://pasowine.com/creston-district-2/
• https://paso.guides.winefolly.com/regions/

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE

Opolo Vineyards Releases Second Vintage of Vranac

America’s only varietal bottling of this bold Balkan grape returns with its 2022 vintage, a unique Paso take on a Montenegrin classic.
🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315639

Solterra Strategies & Sensorio Win Visit California Poppy Award

A major win for local storytelling and tourism marketing, highlighting Paso’s growing presence on a statewide stage.
🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315619

Halter Ranch Earns Glyphosate Residue Free Certification

A first for Paso Robles, signaling a deeper push toward transparency and sustainability in the vineyard and in the bottle.
🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315631

🌅 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

Vina Robles Amphitheatre

One of the Central Coast’s premier live music venues, offering an intimate, high-quality concert experience right in the heart of wine country.

  • Website: https://www.vinaroblesamphitheatre.com
    • • IG: https://www.instagram.com/vinaroblesamphitheatre

     

    🎉 PASO WINE FEST WEEKEND MAY 15-17

    Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

    One of the region’s premier events featuring winemakers and chefs, including Adam as a judge
    https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/paired-paso/

    Sparkling Paso

    A must for bubble lovers, showcasing sparkling wines from across the region
    https://pasowine.com/consumer_events/sparkling-paso/

    🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

    🎧 Subscribe & Follow
    Love Where Wine Takes You? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a fellow wine (or Paso) lover.
    🎙️ Credits
    Executive Producer: Joel Peterson + Paso Wine
    Associate Producer: Krista Smith
    Recorded, edited, hosted by Adam Montiel
    Follow Adam: @AdamOnTheAir
    Explore all things Adam: AdamMontiel.com
    Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine & more, travel, culture)
    Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com/connect

    🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

    📱 Download the Paso Wine App
    🍷 Plan your trip at PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine

    🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

    🎧 Subscribe & Follow

    If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine or Paso lover.

     ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

     

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    Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine PodcastBy Adam Montiel
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