🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam heads downtown, not just to taste wine, but to dig into the people helping shape the downtown Paso Robles tasting room experience.

Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, this episode brings together two winemakers and brand owners with very different stories and a beautifully shared hustle: Ray Smith of Indigené Cellars and Enrique Torres of Diablo Paso.

Enrique’s journey starts in Guerrero, Mexico, and continues in Paso Robles, where he arrived in 2001 and began working at the former Martin & Weyrich winery. He worked his way up from cellar rat to cellar master to assistant winemaker, eventually creating Diablo Paso, his personal love letter to Spanish varieties, old world style, hard work, and family balance.

In this conversation, Enrique also drops some big news: Diablo Paso was named Winery of the Year at the Central Coast Wine Competition, with his El Nico taking Best Red, Double Gold, Best of Class, and 97 points. Not bad for a brand that started as a dream, a little troublemaker energy, and two barrels.

Ray Smith of Indigené Cellars brings a different but equally Paso story. Born and raised in Oakland, Ray came to Paso in the late 1980s and spent years behind the scenes in production, including building and operating mobile bottling lines. After years of bottling other people’s dreams, he created Indigené Cellars, a brand built around origin, terroir, evolution, and wines that speak clearly of place.

Ray also shares the personal story behind the Indigené label, which started with his young daughter saying all Dad thinks about is grapes and wine. Somehow, that became one of the most memorable label stories in Paso.

Together, Ray and Enrique represent something special happening downtown: small rooms, big soul, and wines that don’t feel like copies of each other. Diablo Paso and Indigené Cellars are only about 50 feet apart, but each offers a completely different experience: Spanish varieties and devilish charm at Diablo Paso, terroir-driven wines and deep conversation at Indigené.

Later in the show, Adam spotlights Fourth of July in Paso Robles at Barney Schwartz Park, a free, family-friendly celebration with food, live entertainment, a FunZone for kids, and one of the region’s favorite fireworks shows.

Guest Links:

Travel Paso Spotlight:

Fourth of July in Paso Robles at Barney Schwartz Park

The City of Paso Robles and Travel Paso host this free, family-friendly celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, family activities, a FunZone, and fireworks over Paso.

Paso Wine Wire:

Austin Hope Charity Golf Tournament Raises $167,000 for Must! Charities

Paris Valley Road Launches “Sip & Sparkle”

Pleasant Valley Wine Trail Presents Under the Estrella Sky Winemakers’ Dinner

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS

Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California.

SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush.

For turns well taken:

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 173: THE HIGHLANDS DISTRICT 🍷

Everybody knows Willow Creek. Everybody knows Adelaida. But venture east into Paso Robles and you’ll find one of the region’s most fascinating, and least understood, wine-growing areas: the Highlands District.

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two people uniquely positioned to tell the story of Paso’s highest-elevation sub-AVA.

Natalie Brown, owner and winemaker of Rococo Wines and Willow Creek Wine Co., shares her passion for old-vine Chenin Blanc and the remarkable Highlands District vineyard that continues to produce some of California’s most distinctive expressions of the grape. What began as an obsession with forgotten Chenin Blanc vineyards has grown into one of the most compelling Chenin-focused projects in the state.

Joining her is Nicholas Miller, fifth-generation California farmer and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Miller Family Wine Company. Nicholas helps steward the legendary French Camp Vineyard, one of Paso Robles’ most important vineyard properties and a cornerstone of the Highlands District. Together, the conversation explores massive diurnal shifts, old vines, farming challenges, climate, terroir, Wild West history, Basque shepherds, and why this rugged, remote region deserves far more attention than it gets.

Along the way, Adam discovers that the Highlands District may be one of Paso’s best-kept secrets, a place where triple-digit summer days collide with chilly nights, where old vines continue to thrive, and where some of California’s most respected wines quietly begin.

Later in the show, Adam recaps the 2026 Travel Paso Tourism Round Up, celebrating the people who help make Paso Robles one of California’s most welcoming destinations. The event featured presentations from Wine Institute’s Honore Comfort, branding strategist Mark Barden of EatBigFish, and travel expert Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind Travel, alongside recognition of local hospitality leaders who continue to elevate the visitor experience throughout Paso Wine Country.

🥂 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE

🍷 Gretchen Roddick Elected Chair of the Wine Institute

Hope Family Wines Executive Vice President Gretchen Roddick has been elected Chair of the Wine Institute, becoming one of California wine’s most influential voices during a critical time for the industry.

🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-wine-executive-elected-wine-institute-chair/221294/

🌱 ONX Wines Expands Leadership Team and Organic Farming Efforts

ONX appoints Tucker Robertson as Vineyard Manager and promotes Drew Nenow as Head of Winegrowing and Winemaker as the winery continues expanding organic farming practices across its estate vineyards.

🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/local-vineyard-names-new-vineyard-manager-expands-leadership-team/221134/

🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

Travel Paso Tourism Round Up 2026

Celebrating the hospitality professionals, winery ambassadors, restaurant teams, lodging leaders, and tourism advocates who continue to make Paso Robles a world-class destination.

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎙️ RECORDED AT SLO CAL STUDIOS

Recorded at SLO CAL Studios, San Luis Obispo County, California.

SLO CAL — where the wine is world-class, the people are real, and life is too beautiful to rush.

For turns well taken:

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

🎧 Subscribe & Follow

 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam explores one of Paso Robles’ most unique success stories: Tin City.

What began as a collection of industrial buildings on the edge of town has evolved into one of California wine country’s most creative destinations—home to winemakers, distillers, brewers, chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs who continue to shape Paso’s culture one idea at a time.

First, Adam sits down with Patrick Brooks, founder of Tin City Distillery, and Vailia From, founder and winemaker of Desparada Wines. Together they reflect on the early days of Tin City, the evolution of the district, the people who helped build it, and the unique spirit of collaboration that continues to define the neighborhood today.

Then the conversation shifts from the makers to the builder.

Brooke English joins the show to share the story of her father, Mike English, whose vision, creativity, and willingness to invest in people helped create the foundation for what Tin City would become. Brooke reflects on growing up around a lifelong builder, the organic growth of Tin City, and the legacy her father leaves behind in the people, businesses, and community spaces that continue to thrive today.

It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, community, and the people who leave fingerprints on a place long after they’re gone.

Later in the show, Adam’s Travel Paso Spotlight heads downtown to visit Farmhouse Motel, one of Paso Robles’ most charming boutique properties. Adam catches up with Kimberley Walker of Nomada Hotel Group to talk about family-friendly hospitality, monthly pottery workshops, pet-friendly travel, and why Farmhouse continues to be one of Paso’s favorite places to stay. Along the way, we also tip our hat to sister property Stables Inn, another standout stop in Paso’s growing hospitality scene.

And somewhere between the conversations about builders, dreamers, fathers, daughters, and legacy, Adam finds himself reflecting on his own dad—and the realization that the people who shape us never really leave us.

Patrick Brooks — Tin City Distillery

Vailia From — Desparada Wines

Brooke English — Tin City Paso Robles / English Family Legacy

Kimberley Walker — Nomada Hotel Group / Farmhouse Motel

🏆 Castoro Cellars’ Whale Rock Disc Golf Course Named World’s Best Winery Disc Golf Course

The Templeton winery’s 18-hole vineyard course continues to attract players from around the globe and has become one of the most unique wine-country experiences anywhere.

🔗 https://www.sanluisobispo.com/living/food-drink/wine-beer/article316078861.html

❤️ JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Awards More Than $350,000 In Community Grants

The program brings JUSTIN’s total community investment to more than $2.5 million since 2013, supporting local education, healthcare, recreation, mental health programs, and nonprofit organizations throughout North County.

🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/link/319104

🍇 Peachy Canyon Launches New Locals Program

SLO County residents—and visiting Cal Poly graduation families—can enjoy discounted wine tastings this June at one of Paso’s most beloved family-owned wineries.

🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/318997

A boutique Paso Robles stay blending wine country charm, family-friendly experiences, pet-friendly hospitality, monthly pottery workshops, and creative community programming.

🔗 https://www.farmhousepaso.com

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷

This episode of Where Wine Takes You comes to you LIVE from Paso Wine Fest 2026, the biggest celebration of Paso Robles wine country and one of the fastest-growing food and wine events in America.

Adam hangs out inside the madness of Wine Fest with a lineup that perfectly captures the spirit of Paso: collaboration, creativity, hospitality, and a little beautiful chaos.

First up, Chef Rachel Ponce of Pair With Chef Rachel talks food pairings, palate balance, and why the wrong bite can completely wreck a great wine. She also shares details on her upcoming restaurant project, The Staviary, opening this summer with chef’s counter dinners, beer pairings, and immersive culinary experiences.

Adam also catches up with Joel Peterson, CEO of Paso Wine, about the continued evolution of Paso Wine Fest, now drawing visitors from across the country for a world-class wine, food, and lifestyle experience.

Then there’s the story of Chris Lamoreaux and Creekcut Winery, a dream decades in the making. Chris shares how she and her husband found their Willow Creek District property on their 30th wedding anniversary and built a Rhône-focused winery rooted in hospitality, community, and Paso spirit.

Later in the episode, Adam sits down with Paso legend Tobin James, who reflects on the early days of Paso wine country, when Wine Fest fit inside a corner of the park, barrels were rolled in from pickup trucks, and the afterparty happened at Buckley’s over tequila shots.

Joining the conversation is Ian Cansoli of Tablas Creek Vineyard, discussing regenerative farming, Rhône varietals, Paso’s global wine influence, and the region’s deep connection between wine and food culture.

In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam chats with Barby Wunsch, Executive Director of Paso Robles Youth Arts, about the return of the beloved Pinot & Paella Festival on June 7, 2026, at Templeton Community Park. The event supports arts education for local youth while bringing together Pinot Noir, paella, live music, and community under the oaks.

We also talk to Natalie of Rococo, Ryan from Paix Sur Terre, and Dave from Monochrome about the White Wine Invitational – Get your Tickets Here

This episode is Paso in a glass:

🍷 FEATURED GUESTS + LINKS

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE

🌱 TABLAS CREEK: “FLOWERING 2026, EARLY BUT NOT QUITE AS MUCH AS WE’D FEARED”

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

Sparkling Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

Sparkling Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel sits down with the driving force behind one of the most ambitious initiatives Paso Robles has ever launched, Paso Wine Month.

Leading the charge is Linda Sanpei of the Paso Robles CAB Collective, the architect behind this national campaign set to roll out in May 2026. Joined by Krista Smith of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Neeta Mittal of LXV Wine, the conversation explores how Paso is rethinking the way people discover and connect with wine.

Paso Wine Month is a first-of-its-kind, retail-driven movement designed to meet the next generation of wine drinkers where they are. Through food, culture, technology, and storytelling, the campaign brings Paso beyond the tasting room and into everyday life. Think AI-powered taste matching, chef-driven recipes, in-store experiences, and a national sweepstakes that could bring new visitors straight to Paso Robles Wine Country.

This episode is about more than wine. It is about connection over consumption. Discovery over intimidation. And a region that is not waiting for the future, but building it.

In the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam connects with Lynette Sonne of FarmsteadED to highlight Open Farm Days, a hands-on experience that takes you beyond the tasting room and into the farms, ranches, and roots of Paso.

Paso Wine Month

LXV Wine

Paso Robles CAB Collective

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance

Paso Wine Meets the Festival Crowd

Wine 4 Paws Returns April 25 to 26

White Wine Invitational August 1

FarmsteadED Open Farm Days June 19 to 21

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

Sparkling Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 167 🍷

In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam closes out the three-part deep dive into Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming with two powerhouse voices helping lead the movement in Paso Robles.

First up is Hilary Graves of Booker Vineyard, grower, educator, vineyard strategist, and one of the most respected minds in California viticulture. Hilary shares why ROC matters, how farmers can help capture carbon, and why consumers hold more power than they realize every time they shop or order wine.

Then Adam welcomes Kevin Sass, veteran winemaker of Halter Ranch, whose decades of Paso experience meet one of the region’s most stunning estates. Kevin breaks down what certification means, why transparency matters, how Halter balances multiple vineyards across states, and yes… why planes literally land at the winery.

This episode goes beyond buzzwords and into the real questions:

How do we farm better?

And if Paso Robles is going to lead the wine world in something… this feels like a damn good place to start.

🌿 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT

Before your next Paso getaway, start here:

Later in the show, Adam checks in with Jeffry Weisinger, Interim Executive Director of Paso Main Street, and owner of local favorite Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ.

They talk about the upcoming Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival on May 9th, a downtown celebration of local olive oils, lavender goods, shopping specials, food, cocktails, and community spirit.

The event also serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Paso Main Street, helping support treasured traditions like Santa in the Park, Teddy Bear Tea, Elegant Evening, and more.

🎉 EVENT LINKS

🍷 FEATURED GUEST LINKS

🌐 PASO WINE WIRE

🏰 The Anderson Paso Opens Restaurant Doors

🤝 Chefs Helping Chefs Supports Baby Saoirse McCabe

GoFundMe: Support Saoirse’s Journey – Hope & Healing Ahead

Fiscal Sponsor EIN: 77-0206822

🍑 Peachy Canyon Names Paul Sowerby General Manager

🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

Sparkling Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

This episode of Where Wine Takes You is Part Two of our Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) series, diving deeper into one of the most important movements shaping the future of wine. After last week’s conversation with Jason Haas and Chris Cherry, Adam continues the journey with two winemakers leading the charge in Paso Robles.

Adam sits down with Clay Selkirk of Le Cuvier Winery and Amanda Gorter of Robert Hall Winery, two voices from very different backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to regenerative farming. Clay reflects on carrying forward the legacy of Paso legend John Munch, while Amanda breaks down how regenerative practices are showing measurable results in the vineyard and in the glass. From soil health and climate resilience to transparency in winemaking, this conversation brings ROC out of theory and into reality.

Later in the episode, Adam highlights one of the most unique ways to explore Paso wine country in the Travel Paso Spotlight, 3rd Wheel Tours. Think sidecars, tuk-tuks, and a fully guided experience where you don’t have to drive, just sit back and enjoy the ride through vineyards and boutique wineries.

And in Paso Wine Wire, there’s no shortage of local buzz, from a major expansion at Allegretto Vineyard Resort, to community-driven events like Paso Wine Fanatics and Soup & Syrah, and a meaningful moment as Vine Cycle Tours looks for its next owner after building a beloved local experience.

🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

Sparkling Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.

🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷

Today, we’re talking about dirt.

Not just any dirt, but living soil. The kind that breathes, holds water, stores carbon, and might just be the difference between surviving the next 50 years or not.

Because right now, something big is happening in Paso Robles. If you haven’t heard the term yet, you’re about to hear it a lot more. Regenerative Organic Certified. ROC.

And here’s the thing. This isn’t a buzzword. This isn’t marketing. This is a full-on shift in how we farm, how we think, and how we take care of the land. And Paso is leading that charge on a global level.

In this episode, Adam sits down with two of Paso Robles’ most forward-thinking minds, Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard and Cris Cherry of Villa Creek and MAHA Estate, to kick off a special series exploring the future of farming and wine.

This isn’t just about what’s in your glass. It’s about what’s happening beneath it. Soil health, farmworker fairness, and animal welfare, the pillars of ROC, are reshaping how wine is grown.

Jason breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense, farming not just to sustain, but to improve the land and community. Cris brings the real-world perspective, sharing what it looks like to live this every day at MAHA Estate, from sheep in the vineyard to the economics of doing things the right way.

Together, they unpack why this matters now more than ever, and how regenerative farming could be a key piece in the future of agriculture.

You’ll also hear how Paso has quietly become a global epicenter for regenerative viticulture, with wineries like Tablas Creek, MAHA Estate, Booker, Halter Ranch, and others helping push the industry forward.

Later in the show, Adam heads just off Highway 101 for a Travel Paso Spotlight on Firestone Walker Brewing Company, where beer, food, and community collide. With the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest celebrating 30 years, plus a can’t-miss block party open to the public, it’s a perfect reminder that Paso is more than just wine, it’s an experience.

Tablas Creek Vineyard (Jason Haas)

MAHA Estate / Villa Creek (Cris Cherry)

Paso Wine Fanatics Annual Tasting at Caliza Winery

Soup & Syrah Festival (April 12, Templeton)

Robert Hall Launches ROC Wines at Whole Foods

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Plan your trip → https://travelpaso.com

🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/

Paso Wine Fest and Paired Paso

Sparkling Paso

🎯 Plan your next Paso Robles getaway at travelpaso.com

🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective

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 ©2026 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.