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Explore the Paso Robles CAB Collective and its celebrated cabernet sauvignon, uncovering history and winery stories.
The Paso Robles CAB Collective was formed to promote the excellent quality of the area’s cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux, and companion varieties. Let’s explore the history of the CAB Collective and the wineries that make up this organization. We offer a glimpse of some of the CAB Collective wineries, including: Allegretto Wines, Benom Wines, Calcareous Vineyard, Chateau Margene, Copia Vineyards and Winery, Daou Vineyards, Eberle Winery, Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, LXV Wine, McPrice Myers Wines, Robert Hall Winery.
About the Paso Robles CAB Collective
The Paso Robles CAB Collective (cabernet and Bordeaux) was established in 2012 to showcase the full potential of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) in producing excellent-quality, classic, and age-worthy cabernet sauvignon and red Bordeaux wines. This non-profit organization welcomes all Paso Robles wineries that grow superior-quality cabernet sauvignon and red Bordeaux varieties, including cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot, and malbec.
The Paso Robles CAB Collective was the idea of the Daou brothers, Daniel and Georges. Their vision of growing cabernet sauvignon in Paso Robles ignited the efforts to establish the region as a prime growing region.
In addition to Daou Vineyards and Winery, the other founding wineries are J. Lohr Vineyards & Wine, Justin Winery, Eberle Winery, Adelaida Cellars, Halter Ranch Vineyard, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, and Chateau Margene. Today, there are twenty-seven participating wineries.
Daou Vineyards Sculpture with vineyard view. Photo by Cori Solomon
History of Cabernet Sauvignon in Paso Robles
In the 1970s, Dr. Stanley Hoffman planted Paso Roble’s first cabernet sauvignon grapes. He sought the advice of UC Davis enologist André Tchelistcheff, who was considered the guru of winemaking after Prohibition. Following that, several area pioneers set out to make their names with cabernet sauvignon. The first is Gary Eberle, godfather of the Paso Robles Wine Industry. Gary came to Paso Robles in 1973. He was a founding partner in Estrella River Winery & Vineyards. In the late 70s, Gary decided to venture out independently and established Eberle Winery. In 1979, Eberle released his first cabernet sauvignon.
Enamored with Bordeaux, Justin Baldwin, founder of Justin Winery, planted 72 acres of Bordeaux varieties in 1981. His first Bordeaux, Isosceles, was released in 1987.
Jerry Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines planted his cabernet sauvignon vines in 1986. J. Lohr is still family-owned.
These men paved the trail for cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux wine to become mainstays in the Paso Robles region. Today, cabernet sauvignon has become a known grape variety in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles CAB Collective Wineries
On a recent visit to Paso Robles, I had the opportunity to visit many of the CAB Collective member wineries. Each has its take on perfecting cabernet sauvignon and the other Bordeaux wines. In addition, the vineyard location and micro-climate are all factors in the wine style each winery creates.
Allegretto Wines
Allegretto Wines is part of the Tuscan-style Allegretto Resort, owned by Doug Ayres. The resort embodies the theme of a refuge, a place to relax and invigorate the senses through art, wine, and spirituality. The resort features a seven-acre vineyard farmed organically, sustainably, and biodynamically that ultimately produces elegant wines that fit the property’s ambiance. Wine, in essence, personifies the resort’s character.
The Tuscan-styled courtyard at the Allegretto Resort. Photo by Cori Solomon
Ancient Peaks
Ancient Peaks Margarita Vineyards represents the southernmost region in Paso Robles, known as the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA. This vineyard has five different soils and has one of the coolest and longest growing seasons in the region.
At the same time, Santa Margarita Ranch is one of California’s oldest continuously operated cattle ranches, and the Ancient Peaks owners are actively involved in its ranching operations.
The name Ancient Peaks pays tribute to the Santa Lucia Mountains that border Margarita Vineyard. These peaks represent the complex geology and marine climate influencing the vineyard’s terroir. This unique geography is reflected in the wines produced, including those of Bordeaux varieties.
Soils Samples and Rocks from Ancient Peaks Winery. Photo by Cori Solomon
Benom Wines
Paso Robles’ French influence is evident in Benom Wines. Many French expatriates make wine in the area and are connected through family and marriage. The French pronunciation of Benon is binôme, which means a project together. The winery is a venture between two brothers, Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre. Guillaume, the winemaker, is also known for his winery Clos Soléne. Benom is an endeavor to explore the family ties between the brothers, their heritage, and their love.
They focus on utilizing the Bordeaux grapes but adding a modern bent to the wines by adding Rhône and Spanish grapes. The wines deliver balance, elegance, and integrity in a classical yet contemporary style.
Arnaud Fabre with his Benom Wines. Photo by Cori Solomon
Calcareous Vineyard
Calcareous Vineyard is a place with limestone soils. Its wine speaks of the terroir and calcareous soils. Perched atop a plateau in the Adelaide District, the romance with this winery is the views enjoyed over an artisan lunch or wine tasting during a visit.
Not only do the soils influence the wines produced, but the winery’s location, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, is influenced by the diurnal swings—the difference between high and low temperatures—caused by the Templeton Gap and Salinas Valley fogs.
Winemaker Jason Joyce’s influence is also reflected in the wines. He believes in outside tanks and warm fermentation. Although Calcareous is not certified, Joyce believes in dry farming with organic and biodynamic practices.
Calcareous Vineyard Wood Wine Box
Chateau Margene
I first sampled Chateau Margene at a wine-tasting luncheon about ten years ago. I was impressed with their unique yet true-to-Bordeaux blend. Michael Mooney lives and loves Bordeaux. His passion set him on a path that began in 1997 when he purchased his property in what is now the Creston District of Paso Robles.
The Creston District lies on an old erosional plateau at the base of the La Panza Range. Alluvial terraces and fans of Huerhuero Creek produce granite and sedimentary rock soils. Chateau Margene wines are distinct but reflect the district. These wines remind you of Bordeaux, proving that Michael’s love of Bordeaux comes through in each glass.
Chateau Margene Cabernet Franc. Photo by Cori Solomon
Copia Vineyards and Winery
Copia means abundance and plenty in Latin. For Anita and Varinder Sahi, it is sharing the abundance of their wine. They are passionate about sharing the wines they create from their Willow Creek and Adelaide District vineyards. The Sahi love of food and wine, along with their energy, comes through in each bottle of Copia Vineyards and Winery wine.
Copia Wines. Photo by Cori Solomon
Daou Vineyards
The property where Daou sits was known as the Hoffman Mountain Ranch, which is now in the Adelaide District of Paso Robles. Daou Mountain’s steep slopes, situated at 2,200 feet, offer an ideal location for growing Bordeaux varieties, especially cabernet sauvignon. André Tchelistcheff described the area as “a jewel of ecological elements.” One of the highlights of visiting Daou is the magnificent views.
Although Daou produces other varieties, it is known for its cabernet sauvignon. Soul of the Lion is one of my favorites. The wine represents the story of the brothers’ discovery of Daou Mountain, their passion, and the vineyards that are the soul of their wines.
The patio at Daou Vineyard with a rainbow view. Photo by Cori Solomon
Eberle Winery
Gary Eberle takes a very hands-on approach to ingratiating visitors to his wines at Eberle Winery. Barring bad weather, Gary perches himself at the entrance of his Estrella District winery, greeting every visitor with his two Standard Poodles. At the same time, he shares his knowledge of growing grapes in Paso Robles. His vision is what helped make Paso Robles what it is today.
Eberle Winery Cave. Photo by Cori Solomon
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars
The Glunz Family Winery & Cellars story goes back five generations to Chicago during the 1870s when Louis Glunz came to the United States and became a wine, beer, and spirit merchant. He was the original bottler for Schlitz beer. Continuing through Prohibition, Louis made sacramental wine. The Glunz Family is the epitome of the American Dream. Wine has been in their veins.
The winery is in the Geneseo District, where you can see firsthand the passions of brothers Stephan and Matt Glunz.
My Favorite Wine: Petit Verdot. It is an excellent rendition of this variety. The grapes are hand-harvested and crushed by the six family members—the wine ages in French and American oak for 22 months.
Tracing Glunz Family Winery & Cellars history through corks and vintage bottles. Photo by Cori Solomon
LXV Wine
LXV Wine is about bringing out the spice in life and wine. Through spices, one learns a different way of tasting wine. How does one spice affect a wine versus another? For Neeta Mittal, the first Indian woman to own a winery in the United States, it is about flavors and senses.
At LXV, we respect our journey between food and wine, especially through Bordeaux varietals. I found a unique approach to tasting wine.
My Favorite Wine: The Meso Cabernet Sauvignon offers a cashmere-like texture and subtle nuances.
Spice Tasting at LXV. Photo by Cori Solomon
McPrice Myers Wines
Mac Myers’ passion comes through in his wines. His philosophy is to dream big and go after what you want. He is a self-taught winemaker who developed his love of food and wine working at Trader Joe’s. Myers made his first wine in 2002, but his first Paso Robles wine came in 2005, establishing the McPrice Myers and his flagship—the Beautiful Earth Series. In 2014, he moved his winery to the Adelaide District of Paso Robles and later bought the winery’s 84-acre Adelaida District property, where the tasting room now resides.
My Wine Tip: The M Cabernet Sauvignon was an excellent value for the price.
Robert Hall Winery
Although this winery was not on my itinerary during my recent visit, I would be remiss not to share their focus on cabernet sauvignon. I partook in an in-depth tasting luncheon with Robert Hall Winery, a winery in the Estrella District of Paso Robles.
At Robert Hall Winery, cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties are viewed differently. Regenerative viticulture combined with biodynamic and sustainable practices is utilized to find a path to better environmental stewardship. They are amid a three-year project on regenerative viticulture, through biodynamic farming techniques and sustainable practices, to understand the effect of regenerative viticultural practices on the vineyard’s ability to sequester carbon while enhancing soil health and wine quality. Cabernet sauvignon is the focus of this study.
Robert Hall Winery Vineyard. Photo Courtesy of Robert Hall Winery
Paso Robles CAB Collective
Each of these wineries and other Paso Robles Cab Collective members reflects its sense of place, setting them apart through location, soil type, and microclimate. At the same time, they unite to tell the story of Paso Robles wine. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder to learn about our favorite California wines.
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