🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 Today: We’re all about Paso’s experiential side, from curated events to ziplines and escape rooms, featuring Shelbi & Molly (Destination Paso), Meghan Ball (Somm’s Kitchen / VinLumia), Barry White (Ancient Peaks, Margarita Adventures), and later, Monica Villicana guiding us through the Paso Robles Distillery Trail Weekend Aug 8-10! 📰 PASO WINE WIRE HIGHLIGHTS • Il Cortile Ristorante earns its 11th consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence...
Jul 05, 2025•1 hr 7 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 Today, we head out to the westside of Paso, to a stretch of Arbor Road that’s waking up in a whole new way. It’s a story about building something from scratch, betting on family, and crafting wines that are deeply personal. This episode features two Paso newcomers turning heads for all the right reasons. Cliff Cate of Zobèto Wines left his old life behind to create soulful Rhône-style blends on Paso’s westside, learning the ropes hands-on with some...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 Today, we uncork a milestone decades in the making. Paso’s own Tablas Creek Vineyard just became the first winery in the U.S. to bottle all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties as single-varietal wines. And we’ve got the full dream team in the room: • Jason Haas, Partner & General Manager • Neil Collins, Director of Winemaking • Chelsea Franchi, Senior Assistant Winemaker They share how this decades-long vision came together, what...
Jun 20, 2025•54 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Christina Turley, the eldest daughter of legendary winemaker Larry Turley, and a powerhouse in her own right. From summers spent working alongside her father to building a serious wine résumé in New York City, Christina’s path has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling. We explore how she’s shaping the next chapter at Turley Wine Cellars, blending h...
Jun 13, 2025•59 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this special episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel takes you behind the scenes of Paso Robles' vibrant tourism industry. Recorded during National Travel and Tourism Week and California Tourism Month, this episode shines a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that make Paso Robles a premier destination. You'll hear from: Richard Verruni, General Manager of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, who shares insights into creating exception...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 There’s Paso… and then there’s Paso during Wine Fest weekend. This episode captures it all — the energy, the people, and the pulse of a region at its most electric. Recorded from the Ponderosa at the Paso Robles Event Center — nestled between In Bloom and Il Cortile — Adam sat down with a lineup of Paso’s most vibrant voices. In three stacked segments, we dive into what makes this festival weekend so special, and why Paso continues to punch above i...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 14 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 This week, we’re diving into the creative current flowing through Downtown Paso’s tasting rooms — and the two distinct winemakers who are helping define the vibe. Joining Adam Montiel in the studio: Jason Bushong, owner & winemaker at Bushong Vintage Company Lauren Lange, winemaker at Sea Shell Cellars We talk tasting room culture, downtown energy, and how wine can be as much about expression as it is terroir. Expect neon. Vinyl. Maybe some bea...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 11 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 Big moves at ONX Wines. This week, we’re talking about the launch of Kiler Canyon Vineyard - a bold new brand carved from one of Paso’s most exciting sites. Joining Adam Montiel in the studio: Jeff Strekas, Director of Operations & Winegrowing Drew Nenow, Winemaker at ONX What makes Kiler Canyon’s wines different? Why give a vineyard its own label? And what happens when you give a legendary site the spotlight it deserves? 🌐 Paso ine Wire A qui...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 17 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 Greek spirit. Paso soil. A father and son chasing a dream that started generations ago, and pouring it into the Adelaida hills today. James and Manoli Boutzoukas of Boutz Cellars are bringing real Greek wine culture to Paso Robles, planting Assyrtiko, Roditis, Agiorgitiko - and betting on tradition in a whole new land. When your roots run deep and your dreams run wild, you don’t follow maps — you draw new ones. 🌐 Paso Wine Wire: • New stewards at ...
Apr 26, 2025•1 hr 9 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this Earth Day-inspired episode, Adam sits down with two leaders shaping the future of Paso from the ground up: Cris Cherry, owner of Villa Creek and the Maha Estate, and Hillary Graves, vineyard manager at Booker Wines. Together, they explore what it means to farm with integrity—from regenerative practices to the emotional reality of tending vines through seasons of change. In honor of Earth Day, we sit down with two Central Coast voices who re...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 This week, Where Wine Takes You welcomes one of the most influential voices in wine - Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, a cornerstone text that’s sold over a million copies worldwide. She’s not only helped define how Americans talk about wine, but she’s spent years spotlighting Paso Robles as one of the world’s most exciting wine regions. In this candid, deep-dive conversation, Karen opens up about her path from dropout to wine authority, wh...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 11 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode, we take a flavorful detour off the vineyard path and into the heart of Paso’s culinary scene with Chef Ricky Odbert—owner of Six Test Kitchen and the first to earn San Luis Obispo County its very first Michelin Star. From cooking in his parents’ garage in Arroyo Grande to building one of the most exclusive dining experiences in California wine country, Ricky shares his journey, his approach to creativity, and what it means to opera...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 6 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 From Everywhere to Here: How Paloma Bilson Found Her Frame in Paso In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Paloma Bilson, owner and winemaker of Dilecta Wines. Her journey—from Angola and Namibia to the film industry in LA, to founding a visa consultancy for extraordinary talent, and finally planting roots in Paso Robles—is nothing short of cinematic. Paloma’s story is rich, layered, and poured into every bottle she creates. In...
Mar 21, 2025•59 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we dive into Cabernet Franc’s moment in the spotlight and how Paso Robles is shaping its future. Once considered just a blending grape, Cab Franc is proving it can stand on its own—with structure, depth, and a signature Paso character. To break it all down, we’re joined by: Neeta Mittal, LXV Wines – A master of food & wine pairings who’s helping elevate Cab Franc’s versatility. Jude Radeski, GM of Adelai...
Mar 14, 2025•49 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we sit down with Matt Villard, owner and winemaker at MCV Wines, to explore his unexpected journey from pre-med at UC Davis to crafting bold, Petite Sirah-driven wines in Paso Robles. Sometimes, the best path is the one you never planned for, and Matt’s story proves that following your passion can lead to extraordinary places. We dive into: How a single UC Davis class changed everything The origin of MCV Win...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 11 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we're pulling back the curtain on something you might not think about—but it’s the first thing you see when you pick up a bottle of wine: the label. A great wine label isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s storytelling, branding, and marketing all wrapped into one, and it can make or break a wine’s success. To explore this, Thomas Reiss, founder of Kraftwerk Design in San Luis Obispo, joins us. Thomas has wor...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 ******* Where Wine Takes You Named by Feedspot.com #3 on Their List of Top 100 Podcasts ******* In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re celebrating a milestone that’s been a century in the making. The Dusi family has been farming Paso Robles vineyards for 100 years, and today, we’re sitting down with Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines and her brother, vineyard manager Matt Dusi, to talk about what that legacy really means. From the early days of Be...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 6 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, we’re exploring new ways to experience Paso Robles beyond the tasting room. Adam sits down with Kristina Horton, owner of Toast Tours, who is redefining how visitors sip and explore Paso with guided wine tours, insider experiences, and now, a Tin City Walking Tour. Joining the conversation is Steffi Terizzi, the force behind Etto Pasta Bar and Giornata Winery, blending authentic Italian flavors with the Paso...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Scott Schramm, owner of Crush Vineyard, and Tyler Russell, his winemaker and a Paso veteran known for his no-nonsense, instinct-driven approach to crafting wines. Scott’s journey is anything but ordinary—coming from a successful career in the fashion industry, he made a bold leap into the world of winegrowing in Paso Robles. From learning the ropes to creating something truly special, Sco...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 5 min
🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Randy and Jenny Heinzen, Paso’s 2024 Wine Industry Persons of the Year. Randy, the mastermind behind Vineyard Professional Services, and Jenny, a leading expert in vineyard real estate, share their journey of building a life and legacy in Paso wine country. From planting agave on their property to winning top honors, this power couple embodies the heart and grit of Paso. Hear the hilariou...
Jan 18, 2025•47 min
🍇 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: Maeve Pesquera, Executive Vice President of the Luxury Division at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com) and Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com). Maeve’s visionary leadership has been ins...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 4 min
🍇 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 P...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 12 min
🍇 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 acclaim...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 14 min
🍇 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 ...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min
🍇 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 som...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 10 min
🍇 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 resear...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min
🍇 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, ...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 14 min
🍇 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 far...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 30 min
🍇 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 P...
Aug 29, 2024•50 min
🍇 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...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 13 min
