Perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the historic Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Graveyard Vineyards offers a tasting experience steeped in rich local heritage along the scenic Pleasant Valley Wine Trail in Paso Robles. Founded by Rob and Paula Campbell-Taylor in 2003, this family-owned winery showcases the best of Paso Robles terroir through their award-winning wines, with a name that pays homage to the landmark cemetery that has defined this remarkable property since the 1860s.
The Experience:
Savor thoughtfully curated wine flights in their welcoming tasting room or expansive outdoor seating area offering breathtaking views of the vineyards and Pleasant Valley. The transformed hospitality space provides the perfect setting to enjoy Graveyard Vineyards’ premium Paso Robles wines.
The winery building, constructed in 2011 with large 16-pane red barn doors, retains the character of the original structure while housing modern winemaking facilities. Wine enthusiasts can enhance their visit by attending one of their intimate Winemaker Dinners in the chandeliered barrel room or enjoying live music events throughout the year. For those unable to visit in person, Graveyard Vineyards offers convenient online shopping with delivery directly to your doorstep.
What Makes It Special:
Nestled in the Estrella AVA just east of Paso Robles, Graveyard Vineyards benefits from an ideal combination of deep clay and loam soils coupled with perfect weather conditions for growing world-class wines. Their steep shoulder slopes provide unparalleled water-holding capabilities, essential during Paso Robles’ hot, dry summers. The extreme diurnal temperature variation—with summer days reaching the mid-100s but cooling significantly at night due to Pacific Ocean influences—creates the perfect environment for slow, regulated grape ripening.
The Campbell-Taylors embrace highly hands-on viticulture practices, with 100% of harvesting, pruning, fruit dropping, and canopy management done manually to ensure ultra-low yields and exceptional quality. Their original Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vineyards, planted in 1995, produce rich, complex wines that truly represent the unique character of the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail region. When the wisteria blooms around the outdoor seating area, visitors are treated to a heavenly aroma that enhances the already magnificent Paso Robles wine country experience.
Visitor Tips:
- Check their Paso Events Calendar for scheduled live music and special events
- Both indoor and outdoor seating are available (weather permitting)
- Don’t miss their signature Quatre Cuvee, a blend created with friends on the winery’s front porch
- Reservations are NOT required for parties less than 8 people.
- Please call 805 467 2043 to reserve a place for parties of 8 or more.
- Consider timing your visit during Wisteria bloom for an enhanced experience
- Their Texas tasting room provides an alternative location for those unable to visit Paso Robles
Perfect For:
Wine enthusiasts seeking a family-owned Paso Robles winery with a rich historical connection to the region. Visitors exploring the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail will appreciate both the award-winning wines and the picturesque setting with its panoramic views.
The intimate atmosphere makes Graveyard Vineyards ideal for those looking to learn about hands-on viticulture while enjoying exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel in a relaxed, hospitable environment. Whether you’re planning a special event in their barrel room or simply wanting to experience authentic Paso Robles winemaking, Graveyard Vineyards delivers a memorable wine country experience.
