• Ep 118: Wine Industry Persons of the Year 2024 – Randy & Jenny Heinzen
    Jan 18 2025
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam sits down with Randy and Jenny Heinzen, Paso’s 2024 Wine Industry Persons of the Year. Randy, the mastermind behind Vineyard Professional Services, and Jenny, a leading expert in vineyard real estate, share their journey of building a life and legacy in Paso wine country. From planting agave on their property to winning top honors, this power couple embodies the heart and grit of Paso. Hear the hilarious and heartfelt stories behind their success—including a horse cemetery, award-winning vines, and what it really takes to make dreams come true in wine country. Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam is joined by Kristina Horton of Toast Tours. Kristina shares how Toast Tours is elevating wine country experiences with their new Tin City Walking Tours—a fresh way to explore Paso’s trendiest tasting destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride to top wineries or an immersive walking adventure, Toast Tours has you covered. Links and Resources: Vineyard Professional Services (Randy Heinzen) Jenny Heinzen Real Estate: Toast Tours: toasttours.com Travel Paso: travelpaso.com For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com. Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more. Links & Resources Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com ******** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15! ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    47 mins
  • Ep 117 – Paso’s Movers & Shakers (& Not the Winemakers) Earning National Recognition
    Jan 10 2025
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, recorded at the renowned Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, host Adam Montiel delves into the journeys of three influential figures recently honored as 2024 Wine Industry Leaders by Wine Business Monthly: Maeve Pesquera, Executive Vice President of the Luxury Division at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com) and Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com). Maeve’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in elevating luxury wine brands, including the recent acquisitions of Ram’s Gate Winery and Substance Wines. Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Founder of Full Cup Solutions (fullcupsolutions.com) and the nonprofit Dream Big Darling (dreambigdarling.org). Amanda’s dedication to mentorship, education, and strategic consulting through Full Cup Solutions has empowered countless women in the wine and spirits industry, fostering a community of emerging leaders and creating pathways for innovation and growth. Caine Thompson, Managing Director of Sustainability at Robert Hall Winery (roberthallwinery.com) and O’Neill Vintners & Distillers (oneillwine.com). Caine’s commitment to regenerative farming and sustainability is driving significant advancements in vineyard practices, promoting environmental stewardship within the industry. Later in the episode, the Travel Paso Spotlight features an insightful conversation with Ryan Hopple, General Manager of Sensorio in Paso Robles. Ryan shares the inspiration and impact behind Sensorio’s immersive art installations, including the mesmerizing Field of Light, which has become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. Relevant Links Robert Hall Winery Website: roberthallwinery.com Instagram: @roberthallwinery O’Neill Vintners & Distillers Website: oneillwine.com Instagram: @oneillwines Dream Big Darling Website: dreambigdarling.org Instagram: @dreambigdarling Full Cup Solutions Website: fullcupsolutions.com Instagram: @fullcupsolutions Sensorio Website: sensoriopaso.com Instagram: @sensoriopaso Travel Paso Website: travelpaso.com Instagram: @travelpaso For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com. Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Attention San Luis Obispo County residents! You can take advantage of the exclusive Locals Only tickets at a special price. On sale now through Friday, Feb. 28, locals enjoy discounted General Admission tickets for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 17, for $99. This significant savings is only for SLO County residents. Visit www.pasowine.com/winefest/ to learn more. Links & Resources Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com ******** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15! ©2025 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Ep 116 Bubbles on Bubbles! – Featuring Rava Wines | Paris Valley Road
    Dec 31 2024
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this sparkling New Year’s episode, host Adam Montiel rings in 2025 with two incredible winemakers who bring the bubbles and Bordeaux brilliance to Paso Robles. Sherri Holzer of Rava Wines shares the story behind Paso’s first sparkling wine-focused winery, crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise. We delve into their diverse lineup, sustainable practices, and the magic of bubbles that make every occasion unforgettable. Doug Hidinger of Paris Valley Road Estate Winery brings us a taste of Bordeaux-inspired elegance, blending Old World tradition with the vibrant terroir of Paso Robles. Doug shares his journey from Cal Poly to winemaking stardom, his passion for curated events, and how Paris Valley Road creates wines that embody Paso’s distinctive style. Later, in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam highlights the must-attend New Year’s Eve Bonfire Celebration in downtown Paso Robles. Featuring live music from the Lucky Devils Band, local food and drinks, and a 9:00 pm East Coast countdown, this free, family-friendly event benefits the Paso Robles Professional Firefighters Local 4148 and the Paso Robles Police Officers Association. Adam, the evening’s emcee, gives you an insider’s look at the excitement, charm, and community spirit of this unforgettable celebration. Links from this Show Rava Wines: RavaWines.com | Instagram: @RavaWines Paris Valley Road Estate Winery: ParisValleyRoad.com | Instagram: @ParisValleyRoad NYE PASO BONFIRE: prcity.com For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com. There’s even more exciting news: Where Wine Takes You is going weekly in 2025! That’s right, starting next year, you’ll get a fresh pour of Paso wine stories, insights, and personalities every single week. Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. Links & Resources Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com ******** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep 115: Cruise with Paso Wine in Bordeaux with Paso Legends – Featuring L’Aventure | Booker Vineyard
    Dec 18 2024
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 Get ready for an episode recorded deep in the stunning limestone caves of L’Aventure Winery. This week, Adam Montiel sits down with two Paso icons: Eric Jensen of Booker Wines and Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure. These two winemaking legends share their journey of shaping Paso Robles into a world-class wine region, with Eric’s bold innovations like My Favorite Neighbor and Stephan’s pioneering spirit that brought him from Bordeaux to create his acclaimed L’Aventure. Together, they tease the upcoming Bordeaux cruise with Cork and Cruise, giving you a glimpse of what makes this adventure the ultimate wine lover’s dream. Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam talks with Chef Julien Asseo of Les Petites Canailles (LPC), the French-inspired restaurant in downtown Paso that has become a must-visit culinary destination. Julien teases an exciting new project that could take the LPC experience to the next level— is it another LPC location, or an entirely new concept? Stay tuned for all the juicy details! For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com. There’s even more exciting news: Where Wine Takes You is going weekly in 2025! That’s right, starting next year, you’ll get a fresh pour of Paso wine stories, insights, and personalities every single week. Before we wrap up, don’t miss Adam’s insider info: Tickets are now on sale for Paso Wine Fest (May 15–18, 2025) and BlendFest on the Coast (Feb. 20–23, 2025). These are two can’t-miss events celebrating the very best of Paso wine. Head to pasowine.com for details and tickets. And finally, don’t forget to register for an incredible New Year’s Eve giveaway at adammontiel.com. The package includes a stay at the newly reimagined Paso Robles Inn, dinner at their legendary steakhouse, tickets to Sip, Savor & Sway at Serial Wines, a tasting at Hope on Park, and lunch at the award-winning Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ. It’s the perfect way to ring in 2025 with Paso flair! Links & Resources Cork and Cruise Bordeaux Trip: corkandcruise.com Booker Wines: bookerwines.com | Instagram: @bookerwines L’Aventure Winery: aventurewine.com | Instagram: @laventure_winery Les Petites Canailles (LPC): lpcpaso.com | Instagram: @lespetitescanailles Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance: pasowine.com ******** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15! ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Ep 114: Magic of MICHELIN – Featuring Inn Paradiso | The Restaurant at JUSTIN
    Nov 12 2024
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, Adam Montiel dives into The Magic of Michelin, recorded live at the enchanting Inn Paradiso in Paso Robles. This unique getaway, owned by Steve Werndorf, is unlike any other with its hidden, artistic, and luxurious ambiance. Joining Adam are two stars from Justin Winery—Executive Chef Rachel Hagstrom and Winemaker Scott Shirley. Rachel and her team at The Restaurant at Justin have earned a Michelin star and a green star, highlighting their culinary excellence and commitment to sustainability. Scott shares insights into Justin Winery’s celebrated wines, crafted with the precision to complement Michelin-starred cuisine—a pairing feat that’s no small order. Later in the Travel Paso Spotlight, could limos be going extinct? We will chat with Derek Stafford from Elegant Image, Paso’s premier car service that’s redefining luxury transportation in a shifting market. Discover how Elegant Image is staying fresh while adapting to a world where traditional limousine service is increasingly rare. For more on today’s guests and featured locations: Justin Winery: justinwine.com | Instagram: @justinwine The Restaurant at Justin: justinwine.com/restaurant | Instagram: @justinwine Inn Paradiso: innparadiso.com | Instagram: @innparadiso Elegant Image (Travel Paso Spotlight): elegantimagelimos.com | Instagram: @elegant_image_limo For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com. ******** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast, Up + Adam as well as his other show that's not all Paso, and not all wine, The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15! ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep 113 Wine & Neighbors: Italian Style – Featuring Bella Luna Wines | Clesi Wines
    Oct 25 2024
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 Welcome back, to another lively episode of Where Wine Takes You, the podcast where we uncork the magic of Paso's vineyards and explore the stories behind the wines that define our region. Today, we're coming to you from a very special place: Bella Luna Winery. It's not just any winery; it's a testament to friendship, history, and the passing of the torch. Best friends Sherman Smoot and Kevin Healey started Bella Luna with the vision of creating something lasting, and now that legacy lives on through Nichole Healey-Finn and Lukas Finn. We also introduced our neighbors from across the street—Clesi Winery, founded by Chris and Adrienne Ferrara—who are bringing traditional Italian varietals to the Central Coast with their own unique twist. Chris traveled extensively through Italy, studying the culture, terroir, and winemaking techniques that make Italian wines so distinctive. Adrienne Ferrara contributes her passion for viticulture and ensures every bottle captures the essence of Italy. Together, they bring those influences back to Paso. Later in the show, our Travel Paso Spotlight featured Rich Verruni, the General Manager of Allegretto Vineyard Resort, where luxury and Paso's wine culture beautifully collide. To plan your stay or learn more, visit Allegretto Vineyard Resort. For more on our guests, visit: Bella Luna Winery: bellalunawine.com or follow on Instagram @bellalunawinery. Clesi Winery: clesiwines.com or follow on Instagram @clesiwines. Allegretto Vineyard Resort: allegrettovineyardresort.com or follow on Instagram @allegrettovineyardresort. For planning your next adventure in Paso Robles, check out TravelPaso.com. ******** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. See Moonshiner Collective LIVE IN SLO Nov 15! ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Ep 112: Next Gen of Paso Wine – Featuring Cal Poly’s Wine & Vit Team
    Oct 10 2024
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 LEARN BY DOING In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel takes you inside Cal Poly’s premier JUSTIN and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture. This world-class facility, located in San Luis Obispo, serves as a state-of-the-art educational hub for the next generation of wine industry leaders. Opened in 2021, the Center boasts a 15,600-square-foot winery equipped with a fermentation hall, bottling room, barrel storage, and a research lab—providing an immersive learning environment for Cal Poly students. The facility also includes a 12,000-square-foot E. & J. Gallo Winery & Family Building featuring viticulture and enology labs, lecture areas, and shared offices for students and faculty . During this live-recorded session, Adam sits down with key figures shaping the Cal Poly Wine and Vit program, including Winery Manager Jim Shumate and Department Head Benoît Lecat, Ph.D. Joining the conversation are three current students—Augusta, Gracie, and Caden—who share their experiences learning the ins and outs of the industry through Cal Poly’s signature “Learn by Doing” approach. Together, they discuss the evolution of winemaking education, the importance of research and innovation in the industry, and how the Center is helping students prepare for careers in wine production, viticulture, and wine business. You can learn more about Cal Poly’s Wine and Viticulture Program by visiting their official website . In this episode’s Travel Paso Spotlight, Adam chats with Bryan Yates, founder of the Bovine Classic, a unique gravel bike race happening on October 26th in Paso Robles. Bryan gives an inside look at how this “seriously unserious gravel hoedown” has become a popular event for cycling enthusiasts and highlights its connection to the Paso Robles wine region. For more details on the Bovine Classic and how to register, head to thebovineclassic.com. And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso ***** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep 111: Harvest & Heritage – Featuring Croad Vineyards | Kukkula Wines
    Sep 26 2024
    🍇 Where Wine Takes You - Episode Highlights 🍷 Heritage & Harvest In this episode of Where Wine Takes You, host Adam Montiel sits down with two winemakers whose international roots shape their unique approaches to the Paso Robles wine scene: Martin Croad of Croad Vineyards and Kevin Jussila of Kukkula Wines. Recorded live at Croad Vineyards, this episode dives into their respective journeys, blending heritage and harvest in the heart of wine country. Martin Croad, hailing from New Zealand, shares how his background influences his winemaking style at Croad Vineyards. With a focus on dry farming and bold varietals, Martin’s wines reflect the rugged yet rich landscape of Paso Robles, intertwined with his Kiwi heritage. Kevin Jussila, born in Finland, brings a different perspective with his dedication to Rhône-style blends at Kukkula Wines. His commitment to organic, dry-farmed practices has helped create wines that are a true expression of the land, and he discusses how his Finnish roots guide his craft in the heart of Paso’s Adelaida District. In the Travel Paso Spotlight, we feature Zoo to You, an exotic animal conservation group based in Paso Robles. Lisa Jackson talks about the amazing work they do with wildlife education and their unique offering of overnight stays surrounded by creatures like kangaroos, bald eagles, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings conservation and adventure together. And as always, for all things Paso—where to eat, stay, and explore—head over to Travel Paso website for more information: Travel Paso Guests and Links: Croad Vineyards Website: croadvineyards.com Instagram: @croadvineyards Kukkula Wines Website: kukkulawine.com Instagram: @kukkulawine Zoo to You Website: zootooyou.org Instagram: @conservation.ambassadors.zty ***** Where Wine Takes You (WWTY) is Executive Produced by Paso Wine. WWTY is recorded, edited, produced, and hosted by Adam Montiel. Follow Adam on Instagram @AdamOnTheAir and check out his daily podcast Up + Adam as well as The Pour with Adam Montiel. To connect with Adam, learn more, or for Spotify or other pod links, visit AdamMontiel.com For the latest in Paso Robles Wine Country, check out PasoWine.com and follow on Instagram @PasoWine. Download the free Paso Wine App as your guide to all things wine country. Original music on WWTY, “Good Company,” performed by Moonshiner Collective. Find them on Spotify HERE. ©2024 Where Wine Takes You, All Rights Reserved.
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    1 hr and 14 mins