News flash: Many wineries have unique names, and Paso Robles is no exception! From fancy-sounding French monikers to total tongue-twisters that leave us puzzled, winery founders can come up with unusual names that can leave us wondering, “hmm, what’s the story behind this name?”.
In Paso Robles, tasting room attendants are friendly and open—so go ahead and ask what that winery name means! (If anything, this’ll make for a great conversation starter with the taster next to you). In the spirit of deepening our winery knowledge, we’re revealing the stories behind five favorites below. You might be surprised to learn all that goes into the name game!
Sextant Wines
Pop goes the science: “Sextant” sounds—well—sexy, right? This sophisticated and beloved Paso Robles winery is actually named for something a little less scintillating. Read: “an instrument with a graduated arc of 60 degrees and a sighting mechanism, used for measuring the angular distances between objects and especially for taking altitudes in navigation.” But wait! Before your eyes totally glaze over, read on, dear adventurer. This Old World tool marrying mathematics, science and the stars is a fitting moniker for the winery, which is dedicated to expanding the horizon of Central Coast wines. Always with a sense of discovery and passion, Sextant Winery navigates this hefty task by bringing together unparalleled terroir, mindful farming practices and artisanal varietal selections. What can we say—some winery names are simply written in the stars!
The man, the myth: While some wineries might be named after a beloved family pet or quirky vineyard feature, Michael Gill Cellars keeps it simple, sweet, and close to home. Yes, you guessed it: this winemaker named his winery after Number One. If this sounds a little pompous to you, why don’t you go and open your own winery dedicated to crafting the finest syrah in all the land? That job, as it turns out, is very hard work, culminating in decades of tireless experimentation and breakthroughs. Set within a rolling landscape of oak trees and ultra-rocky terrain, Gill has dedicated his days to working “small, potent, and exquisite” vines perched atop the Westside’s most mountainous vineyards. The result? Luxurious syrah of unmatched quality. Oh, and major bragging rights!
Apart from the pack: Sometimes winery names just have a nice ring to them and that’s good enough for us. “Lone Madrone” fits that description, but if you’ve ever wanted to know what the heck a “madrone” is, we’ve got you. It is “an evergreen tree of the heath family with white flowers, red berries, and glossy leaves, native to western North America.” Lore has it that 30+ year winemaker Neil Collins came up with the unusual name after seeing a single, majestic Madrone tree on a hilltop overlooking the property in Paso Robles where the winery was to be built. Known for blending outside the lines and focusing on singular vineyard sites in very specific Westside districts, you could say that this iconic winery is proud of its unique point of view and lone reputation. Sometimes it pays to go your own way!
France, Italy and Paso: While Pelletiere Estate Winery is well known for its high-scoring Italian varietals, the name, itself, seems extremely French! If you only just realized this, no worries—it just occurred to us, too. The French surname doubles as an old timey occupational moniker for a fur trader, from the Old French “pelletier” (a derivative of pellet, diminutive of pel ‘skin’, ‘hide’). Founder Janis Pelletiere Denner and the entire Pelletiere Family actually do have origins in Italy where French and Italians blended. They all share a massive love for drinkable Italian wines that can be enjoyed with weeknight meals or a fancy multi-course feast. Plus, what could be more Italian than opening up their original farmhouse to guests? Nestled on an estate dating back to the 1890s in the heart of the Willow Creek district, this family-owned operation is all about preserving winemaking traditions and caring for the land. Safe to say that the “Pelletiere” means more than a single bloodline. It represents a legacy for generations to savor!
Let freedom roar: Directly translated from Spanish to English as “free bear,” this rugged-yet-elegant Paso Robles winery and ranch isn’t afraid to go big: big on flavor, big on blends and big on beef. Oso Libre owners Linda and Chris Behr named the 90 acres of raw ranch land in honor of their “blended family names and the spirit of the early California pioneers.” Day by day, the dreamers achieved a uniquely western goal, developing what was once wilderness into a sustainable, modern working ranch that now hosts over 25,000 annual visitors! Known for crafting exciting, flavorful wines and juicy estate-raised Angus beef, the couple touts both a love for the land and love for the lifestyle as the true secret to success. As it turns out, modern day pioneers do exist, and they aren’t sitting around gnawing on hardtack (hardtack: a biscuit used for sustenance in the absence of perishable foods, commonly during long sea voyages, and land migrations).
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally-owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full-service restaurant.
Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.
Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.
Hoyt Family Vineyard RetreatsTwo very cool, tiny houses, designed using fertile imagination and repurposing of materials are located on Hoyt Family Vineyard.
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at chic, sparkling clean Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR
Oxford Suites Paso Robles You’ll find that from our lobby, our on-site restaurant, to our meeting spaces, to our 101 spacious suites, every space is beautiful + functional as well as comfortable + chic.
Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.
