Swirl a glass of Paso Robles wine, and you’re savoring over two centuries of Latino heritage that first planted the seeds of this renowned wine region
Stroll through downtown Paso Robles today and you’ll hear Spanish spoken in the tasting rooms, smell carne asada grilling at local restaurants and see vibrant cultural celebrations throughout the year. The Latino community isn’t just part of Paso Robles—it’s woven into the fabric of what makes this wine region special.
In Paso Robles, even the land itself speaks Spanish: Paso de Robles—”Pass of the Oaks.” Once a Mexican land grant, these oak-studded hills became the foundation for one of California’s most exciting wine regions. And that Latino heritage? It’s alive in every vineyard you walk, every bottle you open, every sunset you toast.
Today, that Latino influence passes through the hands of winemakers crafting bold reds, generations of family vineyard growers and tasting rooms where Spanish tradition meets Paso sunshine. From sizzling feasts to tantalizing Spanish varietals, Paso Robles invites you to raise a glass to Paso Robles’ rich Latino legacy.
From Spanish Soil to Paso Passion
Latino culture—with roots stretching across Latin America’s Spanish-speaking regions—has shaped Paso Robles from the very beginning. It’s a story 200+ years in the making, and it begins right here, where Spanish missionaries planted the first grapes back in 1797. In fact, if you visit Mission San Miguel Arcángel today, you can still see the old fermentation vats that started it all.
But what continues to grow here today? Many Latino Paso Robles winemakers continue to honor their heritage through growing Spanish and Portuguese varietals like Tempranillo, Albariño and Garnacha—grapes that echo the wines of their ancestors.
These grapes thrive in Paso’s mild climate, creating a beautiful bridge between Old World tradition and new world innovation. Curious to try them for yourself? We’re showing you where to sample the best of these powerful wines throughout Paso Robles. Viva Paso’s Latino heritage!
Latino Owned Tasting Rooms in Paso Robles
Visit these Latino-owned tasting rooms to taste the heritage that made Paso Robles wine country possible—honoring those first vines and the families who continue to blend tradition with innovation in every bottle.
Santellan Vineyards & Inn
When Scott Santellan acquired 112 acres of rolling vineyard land in Paso’s northern countryside in December 2020, he joined a winemaking tradition that stretches back to the Spanish missionaries who first planted vines here centuries ago. With a background in construction and farming in the Central San Joaquin Valley, Scott wasn’t just buying property—he was claiming his place in the region’s deep Latino roots.
Taste: Discover small-lot, single-vineyard wines that capture the distinctive character of Paso’s northern reaches. From estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon to sparkling wines, each bottle reflects the oak-studded landscape visible from their welcoming tasting room.
Open Friday to Monday, this warm, family-owned winery invites you to savor finely crafted reds and bubbles while gazing at picturesque vineyard views.
Want to extend your stay? Their boutique inn also offers the perfect wine country retreat!
Visit: 7750 US-101, Paso Robles | Fri-Mon 11:00 AM-5:00 PM (reservations preferred; walk-ins welcome)
Ulloa Cellars
Nancy Gonzalez Ulloa is manifesting mystical wines into existence—literally. Born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Nancy moved to Paso Robles with a burning desire to learn the alchemical art of winemaking. After years of mentorship from respected local vintners, she launched Ulloa Cellars in 2019, becoming among the early Latina winemakers in San Luis Obispo County. Her mission? To empower women and make wine more accessible through approachable, educational experiences.
Taste: Prepare for something unexpected at Ulloa Cellars. Nancy specializes in obscure white varietals—Grüner Veltliner, Verdejo, Sémillon, Pinot Blanc—sourced from sustainable Central Coast vineyards. But here’s the twist: she infuses each wine with intention using crystal healing, Sanskrit mantras and positive affirmations (in Spanish, naturally). Her signature Wine & Crystal pairing experience invites you into a metaphysical journey where feminine imagery on her labels celebrates her heritage and empowerment message.
Visit: 2915 Union Road, Unit C, Paso Robles | Fri-Sat 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Vinyl Vineyards
Dina and Jeffrey Hevert left Los Angeles with a newborn during COVID, chasing a new dream to spread out in peaceful Paso Robles. What started as restored vintage trailers and a glamping vision evolved into something far bigger: a 120-acre vineyard estate producing award-winning wines. Jeff went back to school for viticulture and enology, becoming a 40-year-old “cellar rat” intern, while Dina orchestrated the groovy hospitality magic that makes Vinyl Vineyards unforgettable.
Taste: Spin the soundtrack to your wine country escape with their signature Sip & Spin experience—pairing award-winning wines with your favorite vinyl records. Don’t miss Vinyl Vineyards’ 2022 Vinyl Rosé, crafted from dry-farmed, organic Mourvèdre and Grenache from Templeton Gap, bursting with ruby red grapefruit, strawberry and lemon zest. You can also stay overnight in vintage Airstreams, meet their alpaca crew and explore 26 acres of vines of breathtaking terrain. This isn’t your mother’s tasting room—though they might be spinning a few of her old LPs.
Visit: 4380 Union Road, Paso Robles | By appointment only
Bodega de Edgar
Edgar Torres is widely regarded as the first Mexican American vintner in Paso Robles, making history in 2005. Born in Buena Vista, Michoacán, Mexico, and raised in the California Central Coast beach town of Cambria, Edgar fell in love with wine while working in the restaurant industry. He threw his college savings into four barrels of Garnacha and never looked back. Today, Bodega de Edgar honors Spanish winemaking traditions with minimal intervention techniques and sustainably farmed fruit.
Taste: Discover Spanish varietals with personality—Albariño, Tempranillo, Garnacha—crafted as naturally as possible. Edgar’s “Homage to Spain” series pays tribute to regions like Jumilla and Montsant, showcasing how Paso’s terroir brings out the best in Iberian grapes. This locals’ favorite and “winemaker’s winery” offers intimate tastings where you might even meet Edgar himself, discussing his philosophy: let the grapes speak for themselves.
Visit: 3550 Combine Street, Paso Robles | Thu-Mon 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (reservations encouraged)
Master Paso Robles with One Guide
Discover the best of Paso Robles wine country with detailed profiles of 27 essential wineries, 5 expertly curated itinerary ideas, and recommendations for every preference (like Best Views, Most Historic, Family-Friendly, etc.).
Expertly planned to minimize driving time, and full of insider tips for the best tasting experiences.
TOP Winery
Stanley Barrios and Elena Martinez epitomize the bootstrap American dream. For seven years, they commuted weekly between Los Angeles and Paso Robles, working full-time jobs while building their dream, TOP Winery. Stanley started in winemaking as an intern at age 30, learning from mentors and working every harvest without a break. Perhaps that’s why their spinning top logo represents balance—the constant motion of life and the equilibrium they strive for in their wines.
Taste: Experience exquisite Rhône varietals crafted with obsessive attention to detail. Tastings happen in their intimate Tin City space, where you’ll sip from elegant Zalto glasses while Stanley or Elena share their remarkable journey. From powerful Syrah to elegant Mourvèdre, each wine embodies the balance and artistry they’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Visit: 2323 Tuley Road, Unit 110, Paso Robles | By appointment only (Thurs–Mon 10:00AM – 4:00PM)
MCV Wines
As a proud third-generation Mexican-American, Matthew Villard built MCV Wines on the foundations that mattered to him most: family and tradition. Growing up in Visalia, California, Matt discovered his passion for wine around the family dinner table—a place where food, conversation and togetherness are cherished. After studying at UC Davis and interning at prestigious wineries like Quintessa and JUSTIN, he and his wife Teresa launched MCV in 2011 with four and a half tons of Paso’s finest petite sirah.
Taste: MCV specializes in what they call “smooth, bold and elegant” petite sirah—a wonderfully dark, rich grape that they feel is all too often underrepresented. Their flagship “1105” blend changes every vintage to showcase the year’s best fruit, like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape on steroids (Matt’s words, not ours). Barrel tastings with Matthew himself offer an exclusive peek into the winemaking process at their Tin City Annex location, where the artisanal, hands-on approach reflects generations of family values.
Visit: 3773 Ruth Way, Ste A, Paso Robles | Open daily 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Diablo Paso Wines
Enrique Torres combines old world meets new world winemaking at Diablo Paso, his family-owned boutique winery in downtown Paso Robles. Starting as a cellar worker at age 23, Enrique worked his way up through the ranks, learning from master winemakers and developing his own distinctive style. His strong connection to his Spanish heritage drew him to Tempranillo and other Iberian varietals—grapes that thrive in Paso’s climate but remain beautifully underrepresented in the region.
Taste: Discover hand-crafted Spanish varietals in the heart of downtown. Sip a refreshing glass of La Chula Albariño or Sin Pecado Rosé on the outdoor patio or pair a deliciously layered Tempranillo with tapas from downtown Paso’s best farm-to-table restaurants. The light, inviting tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating makes Diablo Paso perfect for a casual afternoon or evening visit. As part of California’s small-lot “garagiste” winemaking movement, Enrique produces just 1,200 cases annually—small-batch wines meant for everyday enjoyment with family, friends and good food.
Visit: 1220 Park Street, Paso Robles | Mon-Thu ~4:00-8:00 PM; Fri-Sat ~12:00-9:00 PM; Sun ~12:00-8:00 PM (first-come, first-served)
Latino Cuisine in Paso Robles
After a day of wine tasting, dive into the Latino culinary scene that’s bringing bold flavors and authentic traditions to Paso Robles.
Fish Gaucho
Dive into fresh Mexican fusion paired with an extensive tequila list that celebrates agave spirits from across Mexico. Savor coastal-inspired seafood and bold, vibrant flavors, then sip small-batch tequilas and mezcals that honor Mexico’s distilling heritage.
Sabor & Sazón (meaning “flavor and seasoning” in Spanish)
Journey from handmade Italian pastas and rich ragùs to Honduran pastelitos, then venture through Latin American ceviches, Spanish paellas, and creative fusion dishes that refuse to be boxed into one tradition. Chef Jorge Magdonal and his tight-knit family bring 25 years of kitchen mastery to every plate, embodying their motto “El sabor es nuestra esencia” – where flavor is not just an ingredient, but the very essence of hospitality and heritage shared at every table.
What makes the Paso Robles dining scene different?
Thanks to a long growing season and Mediterranean climate, Paso Robles Wine Country offers up a fertile growing ground for delicious fruits and vegetables, including citrus, heirloom tomatoes and more. Try these incredible farm-to-table dining experiences in Paso Robles Wine Country on your next visit.
Latino Cultural Stops and Events in Paso Robles
After your tasting room tours, dive deeper into Paso Robles’ rich Latino history and culture:
- Step back in time at Mission San Miguel Arcángel – Just 10 miles north of Paso Robles, this National Historic Landmark features original interior frescoes painted by Salinan artists in the 1820s that have never been repainted. Cross the street to explore the Rios-Caledonia Adobe (open Friday-Sunday, 12-3 PM), built in 1835 as a home for the mission overseer and later a stagecoach stop on El Camino Real.
- Dance the night away at the Hispanic Heritage Festival – Join this annual September celebration featuring live mariachi music, folklórico dancers, authentic food vendors and cultural activities.
- Experience Fiesta de Octubre – Catch baile folklórico performances at Georgia Brown Dual Immersion school’s community celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Honor tradition during Día de los Muertos – Discover colorful altars, live music and community gatherings throughout Paso Robles in late October/early November.
- Follow the historic El Camino Real trail – race the route that connected Spanish missions, presidios and pueblos throughout Alta California and ran right through Paso Robles.
Want to dig into the history of Paso Robles?
Read our three part deep dive into the history of Paso Robles. Part one stars here.
