The story of Bella Luna begins with a friendship and a shared vision. In 1998, Kevin Healey and Sherman Smoot planted the vineyard that would become the foundation of their winery. As the tale goes, it was during a long night of reminiscing (and perhaps a few bottles of wine) that these two friends decided to embark on this adventure together. Kevin would plant the vineyard and make the wine, while Sherman would handle the business and marketing side of the company.
Their first vintage came in 2001, marking the beginning of a journey that would span generations. Today, the legacy continues with the next generation at the helm. Nichole Healey-Finn serves as the General Manager, Lukas Finn as the Winemaker, and Laurie Smoot has taken over as president following Sherman’s passing in 2022. Kevin Healey, one of the original founders, still tends to the vineyard with meticulous care.
Italian Varieties in Paso Robles
What sets Bella Luna apart is its focus on Italian varieties, a choice that was somewhat revolutionary when Sherman made it back in the 1990s. At a time when few were growing Italian grapes in Paso Robles, Sherman recognized that the climate was perfect for these varieties.
The estate vineyard, named after Sherman’s daughter Carly, is primarily planted with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination was inspired by the Super Tuscans of Italy, which had just been designated under the IGT classification at the time. It was a rebellious move, fitting perfectly with Sherman’s personality.
A Family Affair
Visiting Bella Luna is an invitation into the family. The tasting room, housed in the same building since 2003, has evolved from a “man cave” to a more relaxed, welcoming space with Tuscan-inspired touches. During harvest, tastings move to the courtyard, offering beautiful views of the vineyard.
What truly sets the experience apart is the personal connection. As Nichole explains, “We engage with people, we connect with our customers not just on a business level, but on a personal level as well. We have so many long-term customers that it is like a big family.”
For those looking to dive deeper, Bella Luna offers vineyard walks and barrel tastings led by winemaker Lukas. During harvest, they even offer a unique experience where visitors can participate in winemaking activities, from sorting grapes to pressing fruit.
We engage with people, we connect with our customers not just on a business level, but on a personal level as well. We have so many long-term customers that it is like a big family.
Sustainable Practices and Minimal Intervention
At Bella Luna, respect for the land isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a way of life. The The Bella Luna family’s commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of their operation, from their dry-farmed, organically managed vineyard to their minimalist winemaking approach.
“We live on the property, and our kids play in the vineyard daily,” Nichole explains, “So we’re incredibly mindful of what happens here.” This deep connection to the land translates into wines that truly reflect their origins.
Kevin, the vineyard’s caretaker, sums up their winemaking philosophy succinctly: “Less is more. Mother Nature is the recipe, and the wine is made in the vineyard.” It’s an approach that allows each vintage to tell its own story, capturing the unique essence of each growing season in every bottle.
But Bella Luna’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at the vineyard’s edge. Solar panels power the winery, while eco-friendly choices—like removing foils from bottles and using greener shipping materials—showcase their dedication to treading lightly on the earth. They’re even exploring lighter glass options for bottling, always looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
As locals who’ve grown up in Paso Robles, the Bella Luna team’s roots run deep in the community. You’ll often find them partnering with local businesses or donating wine to community auctions. It’s this spirit of collaboration and giving back that embodies the close-knit nature of Paso’s wine community—a spirit that Bella Luna helps keep alive, one bottle at a time.
Signature Wines
Among Bella Luna’s impressive lineup, two wines stand out as their flagships: the Estate Riserva and the Fighter Pilot Red.
The Estate Riserva, a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from their dry-farmed vineyard, spends an impressive 30 months aging to perfection in neutral French oak barrels. This wine has garnered significant acclaim, including back-to-back Wine of the Year awards for the 2018 and 2019 vintages from the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.
The Fighter Pilot Red, made from Zinfandel grown by Dave Bailey, pays homage to Sherman’s background as a fighter pilot. This wine spends 18 months aging in barrel, resulting in a bold, characterful red that embodies the spirit of its namesake.
Recognition and Future Plans
While Bella Luna has received numerous accolades over the years, they’re particularly proud of their recent recognition as Small Producer of the Year from the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. This award, along with three platinum medals for their 2023 Chardonnay, 2022 Tempranillo, and 2020 Estate Riserva, is a testament to their commitment to quality across their entire portfolio.
Looking to the future, Bella Luna’s goal is simple yet profound: to carry on the legacy that Sherman and Kevin started. With their 23rd harvest approaching and the vineyard now 26 years old, they have much to be grateful for and excited about.
A Labor of Love
When asked what sets Bella Luna apart, Nichole humbly responds, “I don’t think we are special in any way, maybe that’s what makes us special… we are not pretentious. Just a multigenerational farming family that loves good wine and a good time.”
But it’s precisely this unpretentious approach, combined with their dedication to quality and family values, that makes Bella Luna a standout in Paso Robles’ wine scene. Each bottle, numbered and special, represents countless hours of care in the vineyard and winery.
I don’t think we are special in any way, maybe that’s what makes us special… we are not pretentious. Just a multigenerational farming family that loves good wine and a good time.
As Nichole beautifully puts it, “Our wines are our livelihood, and we love what we do and hope that when you open them with family or friends or colleagues that you love them as much as we do.”
For wine lovers visiting Paso Robles, Bella Luna offers a unique opportunity to experience Italian-inspired wines crafted with passion, skill, and a deep respect for the land. It’s a taste of family heritage in every glass, and a testament to the diverse and exciting wine scene that Paso Robles has to offer.
Photography by Lisa Percy
