Vino Frankel A Taste of Sculpterra

Sculpterra Winery

Join winemaker Paul Frankel of Sculpterra Winery in Paso Robles, California, as he explores the world of winemaking, tasting, and food pairings straight from the heart of the Central Coast. Each episode of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra brings stories from the vineyard and the iconic Sculpterra Sculpture Garden, blending the art, science, and joy of wine. Discover the passion behind Paso Robles wines, meet the people shaping Sculpterra’s legacy, and experience how every sip tells a story — and every visit inspires.

  1. May 21

    Episode #35 – Mixology, Syrah & Paso Robles Hospitality with Ashley Harkey

    In Episode #35 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by special guests Ashley Harkey and Brian Kusko for a conversation covering Paso Robles hospitality, mixology, Syrah winemaking, vineyard growth, Scottsdale adventures, and Sculpterra’s upcoming Taste & Tour event. The episode features a side-by-side tasting of Sculpterra’s 2023 Syrah versus the nearly sold-out 2022 Syrah, with discussions about vertical tastings, reduction in wine, oxygen exposure during fermentation, and why Syrah remains one of Paso Robles’ most underrated varietals. Ashley Harkey shares how she built her career in hospitality and bartending while also working as a tax accountant. She talks about creating craft cocktails at Bella Sera’s Enoteca restaurant, pairing wine with Mediterranean cuisine, building lasting guest relationships, and why sparkling wine has become her favorite style to drink. Brian Kusko returns to the show with stories from the Scottsdale Reptile Show, including his first ride in a self-driving Waymo vehicle. The group also discusses upcoming Sculpterra Shorts and social media videos, internet audiences from around the world, and the growing reach of the podcast online. Paul gives updates from the vineyard and winery, including: Recent bottling operations and PORT bottling challenges Vineyard growth and canopy management Tendrils and how grapevines signal active shoot growth Upcoming vine planting projects at Sculpterra The episode also previews Sculpterra’s upcoming Taste & Tour in the Garden event, featuring detailed food and wine pairings throughout the sculpture garden, including Viognier, Rosé, Figurine, and more. Additional topics include: Wine label laws and “Estate Bottled” requirements Food and wine pairing philosophy Hospitality culture in Paso Robles Bobcats in vineyards Why certain Spanish food names sound “cute” 🍷 Wines Featured 2023 Sculpterra Syrah 2022 Sculpterra Syrah 📍 Featured Guests Ashley Harkey – Bella Sera Hotel / Enoteca Bar Lead Brian Kusko – Media Producer & Brand Manager #VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Syrah #WinePodcast #PasoRobles #CraftCocktails #Hospitality #WineTasting #BellaSera #SculpterraWinery Produced by EZF Media, LLC

    1h 12m

About

Join winemaker Paul Frankel of Sculpterra Winery in Paso Robles, California, as he explores the world of winemaking, tasting, and food pairings straight from the heart of the Central Coast. Each episode of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra brings stories from the vineyard and the iconic Sculpterra Sculpture Garden, blending the art, science, and joy of wine. Discover the passion behind Paso Robles wines, meet the people shaping Sculpterra’s legacy, and experience how every sip tells a story — and every visit inspires.