In Episode #33 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel welcomes José Ricardo Ponce of Choco’s Mexican Grill and returning guest Donna Wolfe for a fun conversation covering food, wine, vineyard updates, and stories behind Sculpterra.

The episode begins with a tasting of the brand new 2024 Héroe Primitivo, as Paul breaks down the blend, harvest details, and how Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah help shape the wine’s flavor profile.

José shares the story of starting Choco’s Mexican Grill, his move from Mexico to California, working nearly 30 years at Vons, and how his food truck became a local favorite throughout Paso Robles wine country. The group talks about family influences, the challenges of running a food truck, and why the ribeye tacos have become a customer favorite.

Donna discusses wine clubs, seated tastings, art tours, and life in Santa Margarita while also sharing personal memories and stories about legendary sculptor John Jagger, including his work ethic, musical background, and iconic sculptures throughout Sculpterra.

The episode also includes vineyard and winery updates as Paul discusses the upcoming bottling, planting 10,000 new Cabernet vines, flowering in the vineyard, and preparing for the growing season ahead.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2024 Héroe Primitivo

2023 Héroe Primitivo

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Primitivo #WinePodcast

#FoodTruck #ChocosMexicanGrill #WineTasting #CentralCoastWine #PasoRobles

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

In Episode #32 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Kathleen Bentley and Darren Brown for a deep dive into Cabernet Franc and the incredible legacy of artist John Jagger.

The episode begins with a tasting of a 2025 Cabernet Franc barrel sample, where Paul shares insights into early harvesting decisions, vineyard practices like cane pruning, and how this year’s lighter crop could impact the upcoming harvest. The group discusses flavor characteristics like herbaceous notes, balance, and structure that make Cab Franc a unique and sometimes polarizing varietal.

Kathleen shares her experience working in the tasting room, including what wine clubs are most popular, how guests engage with wine, and what makes a memorable tasting experience at Sculpterra.

Darren dives into wine education, explaining his WSET journey and breaking down the differences between wine education and sommelier paths, while also sharing how he approaches guiding new wine drinkers.

In the World of Wine segment, Kathleen presents an in-depth look at John Jagger, the legendary sculptor behind Sculpterra’s iconic artwork. From his background as an IBM engineer and bodybuilder to his globally recognized sculptures, the conversation highlights how his life experiences shaped the art seen throughout the property.

The episode continues with a Nerd Out on Wine segment focused on Cabernet Franc, exploring its origins, flavor compounds like pyrazines (that signature green note), and its role in blending and winemaking across regions like Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.

The show wraps up with a final tasting of the 2023 Sculpterra Cabernet Franc, comparing it to the barrel sample and highlighting how the wine evolves over time.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2025 Sculpterra Cabernet Franc (Barrel Sample)

2023 Sculpterra Cabernet Franc

📌 Hashtags

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #CabernetFranc #WinePodcast

#WineEducation #Winemaking #CentralCoastWine #JohnJagger #WineTasting

In Episode #31 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Amyl of Synergy Photo Booth and returning co-host Brian Kusko, with a pop-in from Francisco of the Hispanic Business Association.

The episode opens with a tasting of 2025 Sculpterra Viognier. Paul shares vineyard updates on the April rain, playing catch-up in the field, and the upcoming planting of 10,000 new Cabernet vines.

Amyl shares the story behind Synergy Photo Booth and introduces Juniper, her new AI-driven booth. Brian talks about his path as Sculpterra's videographer and the music videos he's made with his kids. Francisco drops in to invite the community to the second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at the downtown Paso Robles Park on Sunday, May 3rd.

In the World of Wine segment, Paul breaks down wine myths from WSET educator Melanie Webber, including sugar content, Champagne and wedding cake, and the difference between "variety" and "varietal." The Nerd Out on Wine segment dives into the twelve Paso Robles sub-AVAs and Sculpterra's home in El Pomar District. https://pasowine.com/paso-robles/ava/

Brian leads a discussion on wild turkeys in the vineyard, and in "Makes Sense in Spanish, Doesn't Make Sense in English," Paul learns the difference between Wheaties and weenies.

The episode wraps with a tasting of 2023 Sculpterra Late Harvest Zinfandel paired with chocolate, celebrating Sculpterra's new Dessert Wine Club.

🍷 Wines Tasted2025 Sculpterra Viognier2023 Sculpterra Late Harvest Zinfandel

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WinePodcast #Winemaking#WineEducation #PasoAVAs #CincoDeMayo #CentralCoastWine

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

In Episode #30 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Rich Tanguay and Bill Saylor for a fun and informative episode covering wine closures, vineyard updates, and a first-ever hot dog pairing on the show.

The episode begins with a tasting of 2023 Sculpterra Figurine, paired with specialty hot dogs from Yabba Dabba Dogs, including a unique mac and cheese creation. Paul shares vineyard updates, including recent rainfall totals, early vine growth, fertilizing strategies, and current work being done by the vineyard crew.

Rich brings decades of wine industry experience and dives into the world of corks and closures, explaining TCA (cork taint), natural vs. synthetic options, and how modern technology is improving consistency and quality in wine packaging.

Bill shares the story behind Yabba Dabba Dogs, from bartering jet skis for a hot dog cart to building a full catering business across Paso Robles and the Central Coast.

In the Nerd Out on Wine segment, the group continues the deep dive into corks, exploring their history, sustainability, and how they became the standard for sealing wine bottles.

The episode wraps with a tasting of a bold second wine, highlighting the structure and depth of Sculpterra’s Cabernet program.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2023 Sculpterra Figurine

2023 Sculpterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WinePodcast #Winemaking

#WineEducation #Corks #WineClosures #CentralCoastWine #FoodAndWine

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

In Episode #29 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Donna Wolfe, Pat Pearson, and Debbie Manville for a conversation that blends music, wine, and life on the Central Coast.

The episode begins with a tasting of 2024 Sculpterra Chardonnay, followed by winery and vineyard updates, including a busy season of shoot thinning, training, and preparing for ideal growing conditions with no frost and minimal rain.

Donna leads a conversation with Pat and Debbie, diving into their musical journey, creative inspiration, and what they hope people feel when they hear their music. Paul then reflects on his own background with music and how it connects to building a brand in the wine industry.

In The World of Wine, Paul breaks down the 75% rule, explaining how varietal labeling works in the U.S. and how winemakers use blending to shape flavor and consistency.

The episode continues with a practical wine tip in the Nerd Out on Wine segment, where Paul shares his method for opening a bottle over multiple days to simulate aging and better understand a wine’s evolution.

The show wraps with a tasting of a second wine, comparing styles and structure from the current tasting room lineup.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2024 Sculpterra Chardonnay

2021 Sculpterra Maquette

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WinePodcast #WineAndMusic

#WineEducation #Winemaking #CentralCoastWine #Chardonnay #WineCulture

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

In Episode #28 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Darren Brown and Paul Ackerman, along with a special guest highlighting indoor golf, for a fun and informative conversation covering wine, bottling, and new experiences at the winery.

The episode begins with a tasting of 2022 Sculpterra Grenache, setting the stage for a deeper dive into this versatile grape. Paul shares winery and vineyard updates, including unpredictable weather, vineyard prep, and getting ready for the upcoming bottling season.

The conversation then shifts into bottling, where Paul Ackerman shares insights, real-world challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories from working on bottling lines. The group discusses everything from sterility and small lot bottling to changes in the industry like alternative packaging and evolving consumer trends.

Darren Brown leads the Nerd Out on Wine segment with a breakdown of Grenache, covering its history, characteristics, and why it continues to thrive in Paso Robles.

The episode also introduces a new guest concept with indoor golf, adding a fresh and interactive element to Paso Robles.

The show wraps with a tasting of a library wine, highlighting how blends evolve over time and offering a contrast to the younger Grenache tasted earlier.

• 2022 Sculpterra Grenache
• 2018 Sculpterra Repoussé

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Grenache #WinePodcast
#Winemaking #WineEducation #Bottling #CentralCoastWine #WineCulture

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

Wines Tasted

In Episode #27 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by musicians Jon Millsap and Brian for a conversation centered around music, creativity, and performing on the Central Coast.

The episode kicks off with a Sauvignon Blanc tasting experiment, comparing how different glassware impacts aroma and flavor. From there, the discussion shifts into the world of live music—how Jon got started, life as a full-time musician, songwriting, and performing at venues across Paso Robles and beyond.

Brian shares his experience playing in bands and leading worship, highlighting how music connects people in different environments—from concerts to church settings.

Paul also gives updates from the vineyard, including rapid vine growth due to early heat, new plantings, and a recent trip to San Diego to showcase Sculpterra wines.

The episode wraps with fun segments covering song intros that hook listeners, behind-the-scenes realities of live performances, and even a snake encounter at the winery.

🍷 Wines Featured

2024 Sculpterra Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir (glassware comparison)

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WinePodcast #LiveMusic

#CentralCoastMusic #Winemaking #WineTasting #MusiciansLife #Podcast

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

In Episode #26 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Eddie Urman and Mike Hedges for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the wine industry, vineyard conditions, and new wine releases.

Paul opens the show with vineyard updates, including early budbreak, record heat, irrigation prep, and a new Cabernet blend being prepared for the bulk market. Eddie Urman shares insight into the wine industry, discussing recent harvest trends, declining production numbers, and what may lie ahead for growers and wineries.

Mike Hedges brings a different perspective, sharing his background in insurance, winemaking experience, and a breakdown of the meaning behind Saint Patrick’s Day.

In the Nerd Out on Wine segment, Paul and Eddie dive into leafhoppers, explaining how they impact vineyards, how to manage them, and why balance—not eradication—is key.

The episode also features Sculpterra updates, upcoming events, and a tasting of new releases, including a sweet Muscat and a Primitivo featured in upcoming wine club shipments.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2024 Sculpterra Muscat

2024 Sculpterra Primitivo

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WinePodcast #WineIndustry

#Winemaking #Leafhoppers #CentralCoastWine #WineEducation #Primitivo

In Episode #25 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Pablo Marlen and Kathleen Bentley for a lively episode covering Paso Robles wine history, vineyard updates, and a tasting of three vintages of Sculpterra Primitivo.

Paul opens with winery and vineyard updates, including frost conditions, early budbreak, vineyard redevelopment, and a special flash sale celebrating Sculpterra’s loyal customers. The conversation also touches on upcoming events like Zin Fest Weekend and what makes Primitivo such a versatile and expressive grape in Paso Robles.

In The World of Wine, Pablo shares the fascinating story of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the world-famous pianist, diplomat, and early champion of Paso Robles viticulture who helped bring attention to the region’s wine potential.

Later in the episode, Paul dives into vineyard soils during the Nerd Out on Wine segment, explaining how soil composition and water retention influence vine health, irrigation strategies, and ultimately wine quality.

The episode also includes fun behind-the-scenes stories about Sculpterra, the legendary craftsmanship of Bob Bentley, and a look ahead at upcoming winery events.

The show concludes with a tasting of three library vintages of Sculpterra Primitivo, exploring how each vintage has aged and how the wines evolve over time.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2021 Sculpterra Primitivo

2020 Sculpterra Primitivo

2019 Sculpterra Primitivo

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Primitivo #WinePodcast

#WineEducation #Winemaking #CentralCoastWine #WineHistory #PasoRobles

Produced by EZF Media, LLC

In Episode #24 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel welcomes Donna Wolfe and Matt Duran for a conversation centered around library wines and how they age over time.

Paul begins the episode with updates from the winery and vineyard, discussing recent warm temperatures, the possibility of early budbreak, and the work happening in the cellar as barrels are topped and prepared for the season ahead.

The conversation then shifts to creativity and craftsmanship as Matt Duran talks about his journey creating jewelry, the inspiration behind his work, and the challenges artists face while building their craft.

Later in the episode, Paul highlights a recent article discussing the state of the wine industry, including signs that the market may be stabilizing despite several challenging years.

In the Nerd Out on Wine segment, Paul explains how to properly store wine for long-term aging, including ideal temperature, humidity levels, bottle positioning, and why consistency is key for protecting wine over time.

The episode wraps with a tasting of two library vintages of Sculpterra’s Figurine, exploring how these wines have evolved with age and whether now might be the perfect time to enjoy them.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2019 Sculpterra Figurine

2018 Sculpterra Figurine

#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #LibraryWine #WinePodcast

#WineEducation #Winemaking #WineAging #CentralCoastWine #WineCulture

Produced by EZF Media, LLC