Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast Podcast By Adam Montiel cover art

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

Where Wine Takes You - A Paso Wine Podcast

By: Adam Montiel
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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© 2020 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Art Food & Wine Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Ep 164: Exploring the Creston District Sub AVA – Featuring Ella’s Vineyard | Defiance Vineyard

    Ep 164: Exploring the Creston District Sub AVA – Featuring Ella’s Vineyard | Defiance Vineyard
    Mar 27 2026
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam heads east into one of Paso Robles’ most quietly compelling sub-AVAs, the Creston District. It’s a place that doesn’t shout for attention, but once you find it, it sticks with you. Adam sits down with Erin Faulkner, co-owner of Defiance Vineyard, and Josh Morris, owner and winemaker of Ella’s Vineyard, two producers carving out their own identities in a part of Paso defined by elevation, wind, and independence. Erin shares the story behind Defiance, a true family-built operation that started from raw land and evolved into a Bordeaux-focused program rooted in intention and individuality. Josh brings a different lens with Ella’s Vineyard, leaning into Italian varietals, concrete fermentation, and a hospitality-driven experience that reflects both precision and personality. Together, the conversation dives into what makes Creston different, not just in terroir, but in mindset. A place where winemakers aren’t following a template, they’re building their own. Later in the show, Adam shifts from quiet vineyard hills to center stage, catching up with Manuel Barba from the Vina Robles Amphitheatre. They talk about the upcoming concert season, evolving guest experiences, and why this venue continues to be one of the most unique places to see a show on the Central Coast. 🍷 FEATURED GUESTS & WINERIES Defiance Vineyard • Website: https://www.defiancevineyard.com/ • IG: https://www.instagram.com/defiancevineyard/ Ella’s Vineyard • Website: https://www.ellasvineyard.com/ • IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellasvineyard Learn more about the Creston District AVA • https://pasowine.com/creston-district-2/ • https://paso.guides.winefolly.com/regions/ 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE Opolo Vineyards Releases Second Vintage of Vranac America’s only varietal bottling of this bold Balkan grape returns with its 2022 vintage, a unique Paso take on a Montenegrin classic. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315639 Solterra Strategies & Sensorio Win Visit California Poppy Award A major win for local storytelling and tourism marketing, highlighting Paso’s growing presence on a statewide stage. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315619 Halter Ranch Earns Glyphosate Residue Free Certification A first for Paso Robles, signaling a deeper push toward transparency and sustainability in the vineyard and in the bottle. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315631 🌅 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Vina Robles Amphitheatre One of the Central Coast’s premier live music venues, offering an intimate, high-quality concert experience right in the heart of wine country. Website: https://www.vinaroblesamphitheatre.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/vinaroblesamphitheatre 🎉 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.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Ep 163: Atascadero: Paso Wine’s Next Scene – Featuring Marin’s Vineyard | Ruby Cellars

    Ep 163: Atascadero: Paso Wine’s Next Scene – Featuring Marin’s Vineyard | Ruby Cellars
    Mar 20 2026
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode, Adam heads just south of Paso Robles into Atascadero, a town that is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new pockets of the Central Coast wine scene. Adam sits down with Ryan Kirkpatrick of Ruby Cellars and Marin Wolgamott of Marin’s Vineyard, two winemakers with very different paths but a shared belief in what Atascadero is becoming. Ryan, born and raised in Atascadero, brings a family legacy forward while evolving Ruby Cellars into a more expressive, story-driven brand. His work spans Bordeaux blends, experimental wines, and a growing passion for dessert wines that continues to shape the winery’s future. Marin, a rising winemaker and entrepreneur, is building something uniquely her own. From her aromatic Viognier-based pét-nat to a welcoming tasting room that reflects her personality and perspective, her approach is intentional, fresh, and deeply personal. Together, they represent a new wave of Paso-adjacent energy rooted in community, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Later in the show, Adam connects with David Morneau of Paso Robles Inn, diving into the transformation of this historic property. The conversation explores the reopening of Cattlemen’s Bar, the upcoming rooftop concept Salina, and a new restaurant called The Pass created in collaboration with Chef Charlie Palmer. 🌐 PASO WINE WIRE (WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW) Calcareous Vineyard celebrates 25 years A major milestone for one of Paso’s iconic estates. The winery is marking the occasion with a renovated tasting room, elevated hospitality, and a full calendar of events throughout the year. It’s a reminder that Paso’s early visionaries are still pushing forward. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/winery-celebrates-25-years-with-tasting-room-renovation/218561/ Firestone Walker releases Sunglider Golden Lager This new seasonal beer is more than just a crisp, easy drinker. It highlights California-grown ingredients and the brewery’s sustainability efforts, from solar energy to water recycling. A look at how Central Coast producers are thinking long-term. 🔗 https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/firestone-walker-releases-new-sunglider-golden-lager-brewed-with-california-barley/218546/ Lohr refreshes its Seven Oaks Cabernet One of the most recognizable Paso wines gets a label update that puts Paso Robles front and center. It reflects how far the region has come, from a growing area to a nationally recognized Cabernet destination. 🔗 https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315407 🍷 FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE Ruby Cellars https://rubycellars.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rubycellars/ Marin’s Vineyard https://www.marinsvineyard.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marinsvineyard/ 🏨 TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT Paso Robles Inn A historic property in the heart of downtown Paso undergoing a major transformation, including new culinary concepts and refreshed guest experiences. https://pasoroblesinn.com/ Cattlemen’s Bar A revived local institution rooted in Paso’s ranching history. Think strong drinks, community energy, and a true Central Coast vibe. https://www.cattlemenspaso.com/ 🎉 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.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Ep 162: Wine Country for Everyone: Family Friendly Wineries – Featuring Glunz Family Winery | Dark Star Cellars

    Ep 162: Wine Country for Everyone: Family Friendly Wineries – Featuring Glunz Family Winery | Dark Star Cellars
    Mar 12 2026
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel sits down with Michael Emlie of Dark Star Cellars and brothers Matt and Steve Glunz of Glunz Family Winery & Cellars for a conversation about something Paso Robles does especially well, family-friendly wine country. Recorded at Lobro Studios, the conversation flows the way great wine conversations should, with glasses on the table, stories in the air, and a few laughs along the way. Michael Emlie shares the classic Paso story of how a longtime Los Angeles attorney fell in love with Paso Robles while visiting for Wine Fest and eventually traded courtrooms for barrels when he purchased Dark Star Cellars. Over a decade later, Dark Star remains one of Paso’s most relaxed and welcoming spots, a place where guests can enjoy great wine while kids, dogs, and friends all feel right at home. Adam is also joined by Matt and Steve Glunz, part of a family wine legacy that stretches back to 1888 Chicago, when their ancestor Louis Glunz opened a wine and spirits shop that would eventually grow into one of the country’s longest-running family wine businesses. Today the brothers continue that legacy in Paso Robles, producing wines at Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, located along Highway 46 East just outside town. Together, the group explores the idea that Paso Robles wine country can be both world-class and welcoming, where incredible wines, heritage vineyards, and family-owned wineries coexist with picnic tables, dogs underfoot, and kids running around the property. Later in the show, Adam connects with Corey Jordan, founder of Libretto, an intimate live music venue in downtown Paso Robles that has quickly become a cultural gem in wine country. Corey shares the story behind Libretto’s incredible Steinway concert grand piano, the world-class musicians performing in the space, and the upcoming inaugural Paso Robles Jazz Festival, a three-day event that will bring Grammy-winning jazz artists to Paso and culminate with a spectacular performance at Sensorio’s Field of Lights. 🍷 Featured Guests • Dark Star Cellars – Paso Robles https://www.darkstarcellars.com/ Instagram: @darkstarcellars • Glunz Family Winery & Cellars – Paso Robles https://www.glunzfamilywinery.com/ Instagram: @glunzfamilywinery 🌴 Travel Paso Spotlight • Libretto – Live Music Venue https://www.librettopaso.com/ Instagram: @librettopaso • Paso Robles Jazz Festival (Inaugural 2026) https://www.pasoroblesjazzfest.com/ 🌐 Paso Wine Wire 46 West Revives Paso Zinfandel Festival The wineries of 46 West are bringing back Zinfest Weekend, celebrating Paso’s heritage grape with a grand tasting at Castoro Cellars and events throughout the weekend. Tickets & Info: https://my805tix.com/e/zinfest-weekend-2026 https://46west.wine/ McPrice Myers Wines Launches Student Tasting Program College students 21+ can now enjoy a $10 tasting flight — helping open the door for the next generation of wine lovers and industry professionals. Read more: https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-winery-launches-discounted-tastings-for-college-students/218705/ California Mid-State Fair Opens Home Brewing & Winemaking Competitions Local makers can enter beer, cider, perry, and wine for judging as part of the fair’s long-running traditions. Details: https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/california-mid-state-fair-opens-entries-for-home-brewing-competitions/218482/ Remembering Jake Beckett of Peachy Canyon Winery A moving tribute from writer R.H. Drexel honoring the life and legacy of Jake Beckett. Read the piece: https://jebdunnuck.com/2026/03/r-h-drexel-a-wise-man-makes-his-own-luck-remembering-jake-beckett-of-peachy-canyon-winery/ 🎯 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.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
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