Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Adam Montiel
  • 5.0 (211)
  • Food
  • Updated Semimonthly

Keeping it real with owners, winemakers, growers and personalities as they discuss the places and wines that have shaped the Paso Robles Wine Region

  1. 6d ago

    Ep 173 The Highlands District: Featuring Willow Creek Wine Co. | French Camp Vineyard

    🍇 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 Rococo Wines https://rococowines.com Instagram: @rococowines https://www.instagram.com/rococowines Willow Creek Wine Co. https://willowcreekwineco.com Miller Family Wine Company https://millerfamilywines.com Optik Wines https://optikwines.com Instagram: @optikwines https://www.instagram.com/optikwines Paso Robles Highlands District https://pasowine.com/highlands-district/ Highlands District Guide (Wine Folly) https://paso.guides.winefolly.com/regions/paso-robles-highlands-district/ 🌐 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: https://slocal.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.

    57 min

  2. Jun 12

    Ep 172 Tin City Then & Now: The Builder, The Makers, & The Future

    🍇 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. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS Patrick Brooks — Tin City Distillery 🔗 https://www.tincitydistillery.com 📸 @tincitydistillery Vailia From — Desparada Wines 🔗 https://www.desparadawines.com 📸 @desparadawine Brooke English — Tin City Paso Robles / English Family Legacy 🔗 https://www.tincitypaso.com 📸 @tincity.pasrobles Kimberley Walker — Nomada Hotel Group / Farmhouse Motel 🔗 https://www.farmhousepaso.com 🔗 https://www.nomadahotelgroup.com 📸 @farmhousepaso 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🏆 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 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Farmhouse Motel 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 🎧 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.

    1h 12m

  3. May 22

    Ep 171: Paso Wine Fest & White Wine Obsession

    🍇 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: community, stories, food, wine, legacy, and a whole lot of heart. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS + LINKS Pair With Chef Rachel 🌐 https://www.pairwithchefrachel.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pair_with_chef_rachel Paso Wine 🌐 https://pasowine.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasowine Creekcut Winery 🌐 https://www.creekcut.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/creekcutwines Tobin James Cellars 🌐 https://tobinjames.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tobinjamescellars Tablas Creek Vineyard 🌐 https://tablascreek.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tablascreek Paso Robles Youth Arts 🌐 https://pryoutharts.org/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasoroblesyoutharts/   Pinot & Paella Festival 🌐 https://www.pinotandpaella.com/ Travel Paso 🌐 https://travelpaso.com/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🌱 TABLAS CREEK: “FLOWERING 2026, EARLY BUT NOT QUITE AS MUCH AS WE’D FEARED” Tablas Creek Vineyard shares an inside look at Paso’s 2026 growing season, frost concerns, flowering progression, and what could become one of the most staggered harvests in recent memory. 🔗 https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/05/flowering-2026-early-but-not-quite-as-much-as-wed-feared/ 🎯 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.

    1h 20m

  4. May 15

    Ep 170 Listening to the Land: The Soul of the Soil – Featuring Avanales Ranch | HMR Vineyard

    🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam heads deep into the heart of Paso Robles agriculture with two guys who live the rhythm of the land every single day: Daniel Sinton of Avanales Ranch and Sinton & Sons, alongside Chad Taber, ranch manager for HMR and Viking Vineyards in the Adelaida District. This conversation goes far beyond wine. Adam and the guys dive into the realities of farming in Paso Robles: early budbreak, frost scares, heat spikes, vineyard stress, resilience, and the emotional weight of living at the mercy of nature. From old-vine Chenin Blanc planted in the early ‘70s to the historic limestone vineyards of Hoffman Mountain Ranch, this episode captures the soul of farming on the Central Coast. Daniel shares stories about his family’s deep ranching roots in San Luis Obispo County, how mentorship from respected viticulturist Hilary Graves helped save their old-vine Chenin Blanc program, and how that fruit has gone on to inspire winemakers across California. The conversation also explores the evolution of local food culture through Sinton & Sons, Daniel’s modern continuation of the historic J&R Meats legacy in Templeton. From dry-aged local beef to nutrient-dense “ancestral ground beef,” the episode looks at why consumers are reconnecting with where their food actually comes from and why that matters more than ever. Meanwhile, Chad takes listeners inside one of Paso’s most historic vineyard sites, HMR, where vines planted in the 1960s continue to produce legendary wines from limestone-rich soils at nearly 2,000 feet elevation. The guys talk farming instincts, vineyard intuition, weather anxiety, and the strange calm that comes from spending your life outdoors. Later in the show, Adam heads downtown for the Travel Paso Spotlight with Tony Bennett from The Alchemists’ Garden, one of Paso’s most inventive culinary and cocktail destinations. From globally inspired dishes to theatrical cocktails and the intimate lounge experience at The Remedy, the conversation highlights the creativity and energy transforming downtown Paso Robles into a true food-and-drink destination. 🍇 FEATURED GUESTS + BRANDS Daniel Sinton | Avanales Ranch + Sinton & Sons 🔗 https://sintonandsons.com 📸 IG: @sintonandsons Chad Taber | HMR + Viking Vineyards 🔗 https://adelaida.com The Alchemists’ Garden + The Remedy 🔗 https://www.alchemistsgarden.com 🔗 https://www.theremedyca.com 📸 IG: @alchemistsgardenpaso 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE ⚡ Castoro Cellars Expands “Farming with Light™” Castoro Cellars and Saga Robotics expand autonomous UV-C vineyard technology to over 600 organic acres on the Central Coast, one of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/317749 🍷 J. Lohr Celebrates 25 Years of Hospitality in Paso Robles J. Lohr marks 25 years of its Paso Robles Wine Center while continuing to evolve the guest experience through seated tastings, vineyard education, and elevated hospitality. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/317867 🎉 Paso Wine Fest Is Here One of Paso Robles wine country’s biggest weekends is back. 🔗 https://pasowine.com 🎧 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine-loving humans. 🎉 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.

    1h 9m

  5. May 10

    Ep 169: New Tasting Rooms in Paso – Featuring V1NO JUAN | Hawks Hill Ranch Winery | Boutz Cellars

    🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam hangs with three guests who are helping shape the next wave of Paso Robles wine culture, not just through the wines they make, but through the new spaces and experiences they’re building. First up is Juan M. Contreras, owner and winemaker of V1NO JUAN, whose story might be one of the purest Paso stories out there. Juan came to the United States from Mexico in the early ‘90s, started working in the vineyards, moved into the cellar at Robert Hall, and spent more than two decades learning every side of the business before opening his own tasting room across from the downtown Paso park. Alongside his wife and kids, Juan is now crafting bold Paso reds, rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux blends rooted in hard work, family, and legacy. Then there’s Kit Kuyper of Hawks Hill Ranch, farming some wildly diverse and rugged terrain in the Adelaida District. Massive elevation swings, Rhône varietals, grower-first philosophy, and guidance from winemaker Don Burns of Turtle Rock Vineyard all come together in a project focused on expressing Paso in its own authentic voice. Kit also shares stories about balancing wine life between Paso, Chicago, and Portugal, plus a hilarious detour into bidet culture that absolutely stays in the episode. And returning to the show is James Boutzoukas of Boutz Cellars, who continues pushing the envelope with Greek varietals grown right here in Paso Robles. Inspired by generations of family winemaking traditions in Greece, James and his family are planting and producing wines from grapes like Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, and more, proving Paso’s versatility might be even broader than we thought. One of the coolest parts of this story? Kit and James now share a tasting room space together, a very Paso-style collaboration rooted in community over competition. Later in the show, Adam catches up with Jill Alexander from the Paso Market Walk in this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight. From live music nights and outdoor patios to boutique shopping, incredible food, coffee, wine, and the ultra-modern Lofts at Market Walk, the conversation highlights why this growing hub has become one of the coolest gathering places in Paso Robles. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS + LINKS • V1NO JUAN Official Website • @v1nojuan on Instagram • Hawks Hill Ranch Official Website • @hawkshillranch on Instagram • Boutz Cellars Official Website • @boutz_cellars on Instagram 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT • Paso Market Walk Official Website • @pasomarketwalk on Instagram 🎯 PLAN YOUR NEXT PASO GETAWAY TravelPaso.com PASO WINE WIRE THIS WEEK: 🍷 Le Vigne Winery Named U.S. Winery of the Year at the 2026 London Wine Competition The Paso Robles winery earned four gold medals, including honors for its Acquarello Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. 🔗 Paso Robles Daily News – Le Vigne Winery Wins Top Honors 🌎 Paso Robles Wine Month Launches Nationally Paso takes center stage nationwide with retail partnerships, AI wine pairing tools, restaurant activations, and travel giveaways aimed at introducing the next generation to Paso wine country. 🔗 WineBusiness – Paso Robles Wine Month Launches Nationally 🎉 Paso Wine Fest Weekend Is Here Paired Paso, the Grand Tasting, Sparkling Paso, and a full weekend of events are ready to take over wine country. 🔗 Paso Wine Fest Official Site 🎧 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW If you love Where Wine Takes You, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine-loving humans. 🎉 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.

    1h 31m

  6. Apr 23

    Ep 168: May is Paso Wine Month – Featuring Paso CAB Collective | LXV Wine

    🍇 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. 🍷 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Paso Wine Month 🔗 https://pasowine.com/wine-month/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasorobleswinemonth/ LXV Wine 🔗 https://lxvwine.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/lxvwine/ Paso Robles CAB Collective 🔗 https://pasoroblescab.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasoroblescab/ Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance 🔗 https://pasowine.com 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pasowine/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Paso Wine Meets the Festival Crowd Paso Robles CAB Collective wineries take the stage as the exclusive wine sponsor of Shabang Music and Arts Festival, May 2 to 3, 2026. A major step in bringing Paso wine to a new generation of consumers. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316503 Wine 4 Paws Returns April 25 to 26 More than 75 wineries and local businesses donate proceeds to Woods Humane Society. A feel-good weekend where wine lovers and pet lovers come together. 🔗 https://www.wine4paws.com White Wine Invitational August 1 Paso’s white wines take the spotlight with more than 20 wineries showcasing the diversity and creativity of the region. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/white-wine-invitational-returns-to-paso-robles-aug-1/219760/ 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT FarmsteadED Open Farm Days June 19 to 21 Explore Paso from the ground up. Meet farmers, visit ranches, and experience the agricultural side of the region through tours, tastings, and workshops. Free to attend with registration. 🔗 https://www.farmsteaded.com/openfarmdays 📸 https://www.instagram.com/farmsteaded/   🎉 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.

    1h 11m

  7. Apr 17

    EP 167: ROC – Roots, Responsibility & Future of Farming – Featuring Halter Ranch Vineyard | Booker Vineyard

    🍇 WHERE WINE TAKES YOU – EPISODE 167 🍷 ROC PART 3: ROOTS, RESPONSIBILITY & THE FUTURE OF FARMING 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? How do we support workers better? How do we leave land better than we found it? 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: https://travelpaso.com 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 Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival – May 9 https://pasoroblesdowntown.org/downtown-event/paso-robles-olive-festival-lavender-festival-may-9th/ 🍷 FEATURED GUEST LINKS Booker Vineyard – https://www.bookerwines.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/bookervineyard/ Halter Ranch – https://www.halterranch.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/halterranch/ Paso Main Street / Downtown Paso Robles – https://pasoroblesdowntown.org • IG: https://www.instagram.com/prmainstreet/ Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ – Downtown Paso Robles 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE 🏰 The Anderson Paso Opens Restaurant Doors The “first castle on the right” on Highway 46 West debuts its new restaurant, cocktail bar, and hospitality concept. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316431 🤝 Chefs Helping Chefs Supports Baby Saoirse McCabe A sold-out Central Coast fundraiser rallied chefs, wineries, and hospitality leaders in support of the McCabe family during baby Saoirse’s cancer fight. ❤️ DONATE TO SUPPORT SAOIRSE MCCABE GoFundMe: Support Saoirse’s Journey – Hope & Healing Ahead 🔗 https://gofundme.com/f/support-saoirses-journey-hope-and-healing-ahead Fiscal Sponsor EIN: 77-0206822 🍑 Peachy Canyon Names Paul Sowerby General Manager Paso veteran Paul Sowerby steps into leadership at one of the region’s most iconic family wineries. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316647 🌱 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROC 🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/ 🔗 https://regenorganic.org 🎉 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.

    1h 18m

  8. Apr 10

    Ep 166: Paso Leads in Regenerative Organic Certified – Featuring Robert Hall Winery | Le Cuvier Winery

    🍇 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. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS Le Cuvier Winery 🔗 https://www.lcwine.com/ 📱 https://www.instagram.com/lecuvierwinery/ Robert Hall Winery 🔗 https://www.roberthallwinery.com/ 📱 https://www.instagram.com/roberthallwinery/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Allegretto Vineyard Resort Expansion Approved A major expansion including a spa hotel, restaurant, and conference center signals Paso’s continued rise as a luxury wine destination. 🔗 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/luxury-slo-county-resort-adding-120000653.html Paso Wine Fanatics Event A stacked weekend of winemakers, food, music, and community featuring Caliza, Loma Seca, Alta Colina, Guyomar, and Turtle Rock. 🔗 https://pasorobleswinefanatics.com/pages/events Soup & Syrah Festival (April 12) An afternoon of wine, food, and community benefiting Jack’s Helping Hand. 🎟 Use code VTR for 35% off tickets 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/soup-and-syrah-festival-benefits-programs-for-children-with-special-needs/219172/ 🔗 https://soupnsyrah.wixsite.com/soup Vine Cycle Tours For Sale A Paso favorite e-bike vineyard tour business is looking for its next chapter. Includes bikes, van, and full brand platform. 📩 jeff@vinecycletours.com 🔗 https://www.bizben.com/business-for-sale/paso-robles-electric-bike-vineyard-tour-and-rental-business-7796971 🔗 https://www.vinecycletours.com/about-us 🌴 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT 3rd Wheel Tours A one-of-a-kind guided wine country experience featuring sidecars and tuk-tuks, no driving required. 🔗 https://thirdwheeltours.com 🌱 LEARN MORE ABOUT ROC 🔗 https://pasowine.com/grower_certification/regenerative-organic-certified/ 🔗 https://regenorganic.org 🎉 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.

    1h 12m
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Keeping it real with owners, winemakers, growers and personalities as they discuss the places and wines that have shaped the Paso Robles Wine Region

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