🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷   

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, recorded at the renowned Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, host Adam Montiel delves into the journeys of three influential figures recently honored as 2024 Wine Industry Leaders by Wine Business Monthly:

Later in the episode, the Travel Paso Spotlight features an insightful conversation with Ryan Hopple, General Manager of Sensorio in Paso Robles. Ryan shares the inspiration and impact behind Sensorio’s immersive art installations, including the mesmerizing Field of Light, which has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors.

Relevant Links

Website: roberthallwinery.com

Instagram: @roberthallwinery

Website: oneillwine.com

Instagram: @oneillwines

Website: dreambigdarling.org

Instagram: @dreambigdarling

Website: fullcupsolutions.com

Instagram: @fullcupsolutions

Website: sensoriopaso.com

Instagram: @sensoriopaso

Website: travelpaso.com

Instagram: @travelpaso

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more.

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷   

In this sparkling New Year’s episode, host Adam Montiel rings in 2025 with two incredible winemakers who bring the bubbles and Bordeaux brilliance to Paso Robles. Sherri Holzer of Rava Wines shares the story behind Paso’s first sparkling wine-focused winery, crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise. We delve into their diverse lineup, sustainable practices, and the magic of bubbles that make every occasion unforgettable. Doug Hidinger of Paris Valley Road Estate Winery brings us a taste of Bordeaux-inspired elegance, blending Old World tradition with the vibrant terroir of Paso Robles. Doug shares his journey from Cal Poly to winemaking stardom, his passion for curated events, and how Paris Valley Road creates wines that embody Paso’s distinctive style.

Later, in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam highlights the must-attend New Year’s Eve Bonfire Celebration in downtown Paso Robles. Featuring live music from the Lucky Devils Band, local food and drinks, and a 9:00 pm East Coast countdown, this free, family-friendly event benefits the Paso Robles Professional Firefighters Local 4148 and the Paso Robles Police Officers Association. Adam, the evening’s emcee, gives you an insider’s look at the excitement, charm, and community spirit of this unforgettable celebration.

Links from this Show

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

There’s even more exciting news: Where Wine Takes You is going weekly in 2025! That’s right, starting next year, you’ll get a fresh pour of Paso wine stories, insights, and personalities every single week.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷   

Get ready for an episode recorded deep in the stunning limestone caves of L’Aventure Winery. This week, Adam Montiel sits down with two Paso icons: Eric Jensen of Booker Wines and Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure. These two winemaking legends share their journey of shaping Paso Robles into a world-class wine region, with Eric’s bold innovations like My Favorite Neighbor and Stephan’s pioneering spirit that brought him from Bordeaux to create his acclaimed L’Aventure. Together, they tease the upcoming Bordeaux cruise with Cork and Cruise, giving you a glimpse of what makes this adventure the ultimate wine lover’s dream.

Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam talks with Chef Julien Asseo of Les Petites Canailles (LPC), the French-inspired restaurant in downtown Paso that has become a must-visit culinary destination. Julien teases an exciting new project that could take the LPC experience to the next level— is it another LPC location, or an entirely new concept? Stay tuned for all the juicy details!

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

There’s even more exciting news: Where Wine Takes You is going weekly in 2025! That’s right, starting next year, you’ll get a fresh pour of Paso wine stories, insights, and personalities every single week.

Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets.

And finally, don’t forget to register for an incredible New Year’s Eve giveaway at adammontiel.com. The package includes a stay at the newly reimagined Paso Robles Inn, dinner at their legendary steakhouse, tickets to Sip, Savor & Sway at Serial Wines, a tasting at Hope on Park, and lunch at the award-winning Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ. It’s the perfect way to ring in 2025 with Paso flair!

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel dives into The Magic of Michelin, recorded live at the enchanting Inn Paradiso in Paso Robles. This unique getaway, owned by Steve Werndorf, is unlike any other with its hidden, artistic, and luxurious ambiance. Joining Adam are two stars from Justin Winery—Executive Chef Rachel Hagstrom and Winemaker Scott Shirley. Rachel and her team at The Restaurant at Justin have earned a Michelin star and a green star, highlighting their culinary excellence and commitment to sustainability. Scott shares insights into Justin Winery’s celebrated wines, crafted with the precision to complement Michelin-starred cuisine—a pairing feat that’s no small order.

Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, could limos be going extinct?  We will chat with Derek Stafford from Elegant Image, Paso’s premier car service that’s redefining luxury transportation in a shifting market. Discover how Elegant Image is staying fresh while adapting to a world where traditional limousine service is increasingly rare.

For more on today’s guests and featured locations:

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast, Up + Adam as well as his other show that’s not all Paso, and not all wine, The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine.

Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

Welcome back, to another lively episode of Where Wine Takes You, the podcast where we uncork the magic of Paso’s vineyards and explore the stories behind the wines that define our region. Today, we’re coming to you from a very special place: Bella Luna Winery. It’s not just any winery; it’s a testament to friendship, history, and the passing of the torch.

Best friends Sherman Smoot and Kevin Healey started Bella Luna with the vision of creating something lasting, and now that legacy lives on through Nichole Healey-Finn and Lukas Finn. 

We also introduced our neighbors from across the street—Clesi Winery, founded by Chris and Adrienne Ferrara—who are bringing traditional Italian varietals to the Central Coast with their own unique twist. Chris traveled extensively through Italy, studying the culture, terroir, and winemaking techniques that make Italian wines so distinctive. Adrienne Ferrara contributes her passion for viticulture and ensures every bottle captures the essence of Italy. Together, they bring those influences back to Paso.

Later in the show, our Travel Paso Spotlight featured Rich Verruni, the General Manager of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, where luxury and Paso’s wine culture beautifully collide. To plan your stay or learn more, visit Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

For more on our guests, visit:

For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com.

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15!

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

LEARN BY DOING

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel takes you inside Cal Poly’s premier JUSTIN and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture. This world-class facility, located in San Luis Obispo, serves as a state-of-the-art educational hub for the next generation of wine industry leaders. Opened in 2021, the Center boasts a 15,600-square-foot winery equipped with a fermentation hall, bottling room, barrel storage, and a research lab—providing an immersive learning environment for Cal Poly students. The facility also includes a 12,000-square-foot E. & J. Gallo Winery & Family Building featuring viticulture and enology labs, lecture areas, and shared offices for students and faculty .

During this live-recorded session, Adam sits down with key figures shaping the Cal Poly Wine and Vit program, including Winery Manager Jim Shumate and Department Head Benoît Lecat, Ph.D. Joining the conversation are three current students—Augusta, Gracie, and Caden—who share their experiences learning the ins and outs of the industry through Cal Poly’s signature “Learn by Doing” approach. Together, they discuss the evolution of winemaking education, the importance of research and innovation in the industry, and how the Center is helping students prepare for careers in wine production, viticulture, and wine business. You can learn more about Cal Poly’s Wine and Viticulture Program by visiting their official website .

In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam chats with Bryan Yates, founder of the Bovine Classic, a unique gravel bike race happening on October 26th in Paso Robles. Bryan gives an inside look at how this “seriously unserious gravel hoedown” has become a popular event for cycling enthusiasts and highlights its connection to the Paso Robles wine region. For more details on the Bovine Classic and how to register, head to thebovineclassic.com.

And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

Heritage & Harvest

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel sits down with two winemakers whose international roots shape their unique approaches to the Paso Robles wine scene: Martin Croad of Croad Vineyards and Kevin Jussila of Kukkula Wines. Recorded live at Croad Vineyards, this episode dives into their respective journeys, blending heritage and harvest in the heart of wine country.

Martin Croad, hailing from New Zealand, shares how his background influences his winemaking style at Croad Vineyards. With a focus on dry farming and bold varietals, Martin’s wines reflect the rugged yet rich landscape of Paso Robles, intertwined with his Kiwi heritage.

Kevin Jussila, born in Finland, brings a different perspective with his dedication to Rhône-style blends at Kukkula Wines. His commitment to organic, dry-farmed practices has helped create wines that are a true expression of the land, and he discusses how his Finnish roots guide his craft in the heart of Paso’s Adelaida District.

In the Travel Paso Spotlight, we feature Zoo to You, an exotic animal conservation group based in Paso Robles. Lisa Jackson talks about the amazing work they do with wildlife education and their unique offering of overnight stays surrounded by creatures like kangaroos, bald eagles, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings conservation and adventure together. And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

Guests and Links:

Website: croadvineyards.com

Instagram: @croadvineyards

Website: kukkulawine.com

Instagram: @kukkulawine

Website: zootooyou.org

Instagram: @conservation.ambassadors.zty

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. Find them on Spotify HERE.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

A Sense of Place

Willow Creek Wine Collective 

This episode takes us to the beautiful Willow Creek Wine Collective, where we recorded live with winemakers Natalie and Brian Brown. They’ve created multiple brands under their umbrella, including Rococo Wines, which focuses on old-vine Chenin Blanc, and In Medias Res, offering small-batch, terroir-driven wines. Nestled in Paso’s Willow Creek District, their story is one of passion for the land they farm, and their unique wines are a true expression of place.

Willow Creek Wine Co. | Rococo Wines

Jason Joyce and Calcareous Vineyard

We are also joined by Jason Joyce, the longtime winemaker at Calcareous Vineyard. Known for his deep connection to the calcareous rock that gives his wines their signature mineral complexity, Jason has spent years perfecting his craft and letting Paso’s unique terroir shine through each bottle. From their steep, sun-drenched slopes, Calcareous consistently produces bold, site-driven wines.

Calcareous Vineyard

Travel Paso Spotlight: The Paderewski Festival

In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, we shine a light on the upcoming Paderewski Festival, happening October 31 to November 3, 2024. This annual event celebrates the life and legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the Polish pianist and statesman who made his mark on Paso Robles by planting Zinfandel grapes here. The festival blends music, history, and wine, with concerts, youth competitions, and tastings from Paso’s top wineries like Epoch Estate Wines.

Travel Paso | Paderewski Festival

And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. 

WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. Connect with Adam and lean more on AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this special episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re bringing you a taste of Paso Robles wine straight from the heart of France! Recorded live aboard the AmaKristina cruise ship as we sail along the Rhône River, with Cork and Cruise. This episode captures the unique experience of blending Paso’s vibrant wine culture with the historic wine regions of France.

Join Adam Montiel and an audience of 50-60 wine enthusiasts as he sits down with some of Paso’s finest to share stories, laughs, and, of course, exceptional wine. In this episode, you’ll hear from Don Burns of Turtle Rock Vineyard, Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, Juan Mercado of Riise Wines, and Joel Peterson, the Executive Director of Paso Wine. 

Links to Guests and Their Wineries:

About the Cruise:

This unique experience was organized by Cork and Cruise, who specialize in crafting wine-centric travel experiences. We sailed with AmaWaterways, known for their luxurious river cruises that blend comfort with cultural exploration.

On today’s Travel Paso Spotlight, we had the pleasure of chatting with Carole MacDonald, the visionary behind some of Paso Robles’ most beloved dining experiences. Carole is the proprietor, along with her husband and Chef Santos MacDonal, of the iconic Il Cortile, a restaurant that has become a staple in Paso’s culinary scene, offering an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of wine country. But Carole and Santos have another dining hotspot up their sleeve. They recently opened Parchetto, a fresh and exciting new dining spot that promises to bring even more flavor to Paso.

For more about these incredible dining destinations and to plan your next visit to Paso Robles, make sure to check out Il Cortile at ilcortileristorante.com and Parchetto at parchettopaso.com. And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. Connect with Adam and lean more on AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of “Where Wine Takes You,” we return from a vibrant journey through France with Cork and Cruise, and dive into conversations with Paso Robles’ own Bret Urness of Levo Wine and Jacob Toft of Jacob Toft Wines. Both vintners share insights from their Tin City-based operations, blending local terroir with innovative winemaking techniques. Check out Levo Wine and Jacob Toft Wines. We also spotlight Hambly Farms in our Travel Paso segment, exploring their sustainable lavender products and community-focused initiatives. Learn more about local attractions at Travel Paso.

Don’t miss out on staying informed about all things Paso Robles through Paso Wine.

Don’t forget to visit travelpaso.com for everything you need before your next trip to Paso. Want to know what’s happening around town? Looking for pet-friendly places to stay? Curious about Sensorio? TravelPaso.com is your go-to resource. Check it out and plan your perfect Paso getaway.

Visit the Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso

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Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. Connect with Adam and lean more on AdamMontiel.com

For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on

Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things

wine country. 

Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective.

©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.