Ep 154: West of Hell’s Kitchen – Featuring Jada Vineyard & Winery
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Nate Hall, head winemaker at Jada Vineyard & Winery in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Nate didn’t grow up in the wine world. He studied ecology and marine biology at Cal Poly, then taught high school and did environmental research before answering the call of the cellar. After learning the ropes at places like Sextant and Kukkula, Nate joined Jada in 2017 and was named Head Winemaker in 2024, bringing a fresh, soil-first focus to their Rhône-style and Bordeaux-inspired program. And while Nate is shaping the future of Jada, the roots go back to one of Paso’s most respected names. Scott Hawley was Jada’s original consulting winemaker, helping launch their estate program and set the tone for what the vineyard would become. Later in the show, Adam makes a spontaneous call to Scott. A real, unfiltered convo that captures what makes Paso tick. Community, mentorship, and the magic that happens when the right people show up. In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam shines a light on Studios on the Park, the creative heart of downtown Paso Robles. This isn’t just a gallery. It’s a working art space where you can watch painters, sculptors, and makers do their thing in real time. Founded by artist Anne Laddon, Studios is all about access, connection, and community. The perfect artistic pairing to wine country vibes. Jada Vineyard & Winery: jadavineyard.com • IG: @jadawinery • Torrin Wine (Scott Hawley cameo): torrinwine.com Studios on the Park: studiosonthepark.org • IG: @studiospr PASO WINE WIRE: CJ Gormley Named Paso’s 2025 Hospitality Star Hope Family Wines’ national brand ambassador is recognized by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance for his hospitality leadership and ability to light up every room. 🔗 Read More Remembering Winemaker Christian Roguenant (1959–2025) The Central Coast sparkling wine pioneer, mentor, and musician leaves a lasting legacy. Celebration of Life is January 9, 2026. 🔗 Obituary 🔗 Tribute Article Vineyard Team Recaps 2025 Milestones SIP Certified hits 41,000 acres across CA, OR, and MI. Sustainable Ag Expo celebrates 20 years with 479 attendees and 80+ hours of education. 🔗 WineBusiness Story 🔗 Vineyard Team Website New Year’s Eve in Paso — Hosted by Adam Montiel Live music, food trucks, bonfire, and a 9 PM countdown in Downtown Paso’s City Park. 🔗 Event Info 🎉 Win an overnight stay at Paso Robles Inn and NYE dinner — enter now at adammontiel.com 🎯 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 lover. Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel 📱 Download the free Paso Wine App — your ultimate guide to wine country. For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine Follow Adam on IG → @AdamOnTheAir Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! ©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
Ep 153 – Harvest Wrap Up: The Long Game & The Leap – Featuring Oso Libre Winery | Shadow Run Vineyards
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with two winemakers that have stepped into new chapters: Aaron Hunt of Shadow Run Vineyards and Michael Barretto of Oso Libre Winery. The conversation uncorks harvest reflections, the transition from family stewardship to full ownership, and what it means to go from the cellar to the boardroom. Aaron shares how taking over Shadow Run has reshaped his vision, while Michael opens up about becoming a partner at Oso Libre after years of hands-on hustle. Later, we spotlight Allegretto Vineyard Resort and their upcoming 12 Days of Festive Celebration, a magical holiday experience wrapped in wine country luxury. GUEST LINKS • Shadow Run Vineyards: shadowrunvineyards.com • IG: @shadowrunvineyards • Oso Libre Winery: osolibre.com • IG: @osolibrewinery TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT • Allegretto Vineyard Resort: allegrettovineyardresort.com • IG: @allegrettoresort PASO WINE WIRE SOURCES • Thomas Hill Organics / Chef Mike Espy: GoFundMe – Support the Espy Family • Wine Country Christmas Market (Dec 7 @ McPrice Myers): Event Info • Caliza Winery’s New Location: Paso Robles Daily News 🎯 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 lover. Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel 📱 Download the free Paso Wine App — your ultimate guide to wine country. For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine Follow Adam on IG → @AdamOnTheAir Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily) and The Pour (wine, travel, culture) Learn more, connect, or say hey at AdamMontiel.com 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! ©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
Ep 152 Like a Boss: From Reality TV to Reality Check – Featuring Vinyl Vineyards | Wine Boss
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with three bold names shaking up Paso Robles: Tommy Booth of Wine Boss, and Dina & Jeff Hevert of Vinyl Vineyards. From Hollywood reality TV to rockstar collabs, this episode is a journey through reinvention, hustle, and the kind of creativity that makes Paso wine country unlike anywhere else. Recorded live at Lobro, the conversation dives into Tommy’s wild ride from Cal Poly viticulture student to crafting wine for Kevin Hart and Pepper, and how Jeff & Dina turned their passion for vintage trailers and music into a soulful, boutique vineyard experience. Later, we spotlight Tin City with Bri Brighlane, who shares what’s in store for the holidays at Paso’s urban wine collective with 44 creative producers packed into one unforgettable block. GUEST LINKS • Wine Boss: winebosspasorobles.com • IG: @wineboss_pasorobles • Vinyl Vineyards: vinylvin.com • IG: @vinylvineyards TRAVEL PASO SPOTLIGHT • Tin City: tincitypasorobles.com PASO WINE WIRE SOURCES • Jenny Heinzen Real Estate Feature: Paso Market Outlook 2025 • Grey Wolf Earthquake Story: The Tribune – SLO Earthquake 🎯 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 lover. Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel 📱 Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine. Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle) Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! ©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
Ep 151 Sip, Sleep, Repeat: Pondside Trailers & Pillow-Top Suites – Featuring SummerWood Inn & Winery | The Trailer Pond at Alta Colina
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 This week on Where Wine Takes You, we’re exploring what happens when world-class wine meets next-level hospitality. Because in Paso Robles, where you lay your head after that last pour can shape the entire experience. Joining Adam are the dream team from SummerWood Winery & Inn: Winemaker Mauricio Marchant, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager Margaret Shirley, and Inn Manager Angie Vazquez – alongside Maggie Tillman of Alta Colina Winery and the one-of-a-kind Trailer Pond glamping experience. This episode is a deep dive into how you sip and how you feel hospitality, and why the full wine country experience is worth getting right. It’s wine-story, and soulful-stay… straight from the source. 🍷 This episode features: Mauricio Marchant, Winemaker, SummerWood Winery • Margaret Shirley, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager, SummerWood • Angie Vazquez, Inn Manager, SummerWood Inn • Maggie Tillman, HBIC, Alta Colina Winery & The Trailer Pond 🔗 Links SummerWood Winery & Inn • Alta Colina Winery • The Trailer Pond • Paso Robles Vacation Rentals – PasoStay • TravelPaso.com 📲 Follow on Instagram @summerwoodwinery • @altacolina • @thetrailerpond • @pasoroblesvacationrentals • @travelpaso 🧭 Travel Paso Spotlight Later in the episode, we spotlight Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, aka PasoStay.com, a locally owned service helping visitors book thoughtfully curated stays throughout Paso, from vineyard estates to charming downtown hideaways. Adam chats with Sandy Oneal about how the right place to stay can transform your trip. Originally founded by Kathy Bonelli with just a handful of properties over 20 years ago, Paso Robles Vacation Rentals now features more than 100 unique homes. The team partners with local property owners and works closely with community leaders and task forces to support the evolving landscape of vacation rentals in the region. 🎧 Subscribe & Follow If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite wine and travel junkies. Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel 📱 Download the free Paso Wine App 🔗 PasoWine.com 📸 Follow: @PasoWine, @AdamOnTheAir 🎙 Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up+Adam and The Pour 💻 Connect or reach out at AdamMontiel.com – Learn about Adam’s Breaking & Entering Christmas 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective ©2025 Where Wine Takes You. All Rights Reserved.
Ep 150: Wine Life at the Intersection of Collaboration & Community – Featuring Gravesend | Cairjn Wine Cellars
🍇 Where Wine Takes You – Episode Highlights 🍷 Episode 150 turns a new page in Paso Robles. Adam sits down with the founders of Gravesend Paso, Matt Reese and Keith Robinson (also of Saint K Wines) along with Chef Amy Baer and rising winemaker Andy Neja of Cairjn Wine Cellars. We dig into why a name like Gravesend matters, how a kitchen is built entirely by women, how small lot winemaking finds new voice in Paso, and why hospitality is getting reimagined up and down Spring Street. Recorded at LoBro Studios in downtown Paso Robles. This episode features: • Matt Reese, Co-owner, Gravesend and Saint K Wines • Keith Robinson, Co-owner, Gravesend and Saint K Wines • Chef Amy Baer, Founder and Owner of Epicurean Santa Barbara and Executive Chef at Gravesend • Andy Neja, Owner and Winemaker at Cairjn Wine Cellars Links • Gravesend Paso • Saint K Wines • Cairjn Wine Cellars Follow on Instagram: Cairjn Wine Cellars → @cairjnwines Gravesend Wine Merchant & Eatery → @gravesendpaso Saint K Wines → @saintkwines We also spotlight our unique partnership with Engelbert Strauss, the official workwear partner of Paso Robles Wine Country, and why it matters in the vineyard, the cellar, and beyond. I picked up the phone and spoke with Cris Cherry of Villa Creek & MAHA Estate and Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines – two makers who know that craft isn’t just what happens in the glass, but who shows up in the fields, in the hands, in the gear. Their insights on harvest, community, and what it takes to make it count in Paso bring context to a partnership that’s built for the people doing the work. Paso Wine Wire • Garagiste Wine Festival returns Nov 7-8, in Paso Robles for its 15th anniversary → garagistefestival.com • Firestone Walker Brewing Company unveils a new CO2 recovery system in Paso Robles, expected to save four million pounds of emissions annually → firestonewalker.com • Ancient Peaks Winery hosted the 4th Annual Walk for Cancer at Santa Margarita Ranch → pasoroblespress.com Travel Paso Spotlight Later in the show we spotlight Taste! Craft Eatery in downtown Paso Robles, the same concept featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. They offer over 60 mini dishes, sliders, mac and cheese, big flavor, and local wine pairing energy. • tastepasorobles.com 🎯 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 lover. Where Wine Takes You is Executive Produced by Joel Peterson and Paso Wine Associate Producer: Krista Smith Recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel 📱 Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow @PasoWine. Follow Adam on Instagram → @AdamOnTheAir Listen to Adam’s other shows: Up + Adam (daily podcast) and The Pour (wine, spirits, brews, lifestyle) Learn more, reach out, or connect at AdamMontiel.com 🎵 Original music by Moonshiner Collective If you love Where Wine Takes You, subscribe, leave a review, and share it! ©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.